Torchy’s Tacos has a new CEO.
The Austin, Texas-based fast-casual chain on Tuesday announced that Paul Macaluso will take the helm, effective Monday.
Most recently the president and CEO of Another Broken Egg Café since 2019, Macaluso will succeed Torchy’s founder Mike Rypka in the role. Rypka, meanwhile, will transition to chief innovation officer for the more-than 130-unit chain.
“After an in-depth search, we are thrilled to welcome Paul to Torchy’s. His long track record of delivering growth across iconic large-scale and up-and-coming restaurant brands makes him uniquely suited to lead Torchy’s through its next chapter,” said a statement attributed to Torchy’s board of directors.
Paul Macaluso. | Photo courtesy of Torchy's Tacos.
Before working with Another Broken Egg, Macaluso held leadership roles with GoTo Foods as president of McAlister’s Deli, as well as a senior vice president leading the marketing strategy for Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, McAlister’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill and Schlotzsky’s. He also worked as a marketer for Sonic Drive-In and Burger King.
It’s not the first time Rypka has stepped down as CEO. He led the concept from 2006 to 2018, when GJ Hart was named CEO of the brand. Hart left in 2021, and Rypka picked up the CEO title again.
Rypka, in a statement, said, “Since founding Torchy’s in 2006, we have always strived to deliver the best of the best. As we look ahead to our next phase of development, Paul is an enthusiastic, results-driven leader who shares our commitment to originality and guest experience. I am excited to work alongside him to grow the Torchy’s brand and continue building our ever-growing base of Taco Junkies.”
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