Brand vs. Buzz: How to Evolve Without Losing Your Brand Soul

4 Min Read 8.4.2025 By Kevin Flaherty The pressure to reinvent is constant. Scroll through your feed, and it’s clear: brands are launching flashy LTOs, creating meme-worthy menu hacks, and building entire campaigns around the trend of the moment. There’s nothing inherently wrong with this approach, as attention is indeed a form of currency. However, when buzz becomes … Read more Brand vs. Buzz: How to Evolve Without Losing Your Brand Soul

Taco John’s Franchise Welcomes Tom Perella as Technology VP

Perella Leverages 20-Plus Years of Experience with Franchisors Including GoTo Foods and Duck Donuts Taco John’s, a leading Mexican quick-service restaurant franchise, has named Tom Perella vice president of technology. Perella’s 20-plus years of experience includes leading technology initiatives for GoTo Foods and Duck Donuts. Perella got his start in franchising as a college student rolling pretzels … Read more Taco John’s Franchise Welcomes Tom Perella as Technology VP

Taco John’s new COO bets on technology and standards to drive franchisee success

Jackie Secor joined the St. Louis Park, Minn.-based quick-service brand as chief operating officer in June Taco John’s is focusing on operational standards moving forward. s St. Louis Park, Minn.-based quick-service brand Taco John’s looks to grow its portfolio within the company’s core Western region, new COO Jackie Secor believes that focusing on the basics … Read more Taco John’s new COO bets on technology and standards to drive franchisee success

QSRs Face headwinds, but Taco John’s finds its flavor formula

With mounting pressure from fast casuals and rising costs causing consumers to rethink their dining plans, QSRs are struggling like never before. Taco John’s, a West-Mex brand, is leading the charge in bringing new ideas and flavors to life. The man behind that task is Brad Bergaus, corporate chef and director of menu innovation for Taco John’s, who … Read more QSRs Face headwinds, but Taco John’s finds its flavor formula

Taco John’s Appoints Jackie Secor as chief operating officer

Taco John’s — the St. Louis Park, Minn.-based quick-service brand — has announced the appointment of Jackie Secor as the company’s new chief operating officer. Secor joins the taco brand from GoTo Foods, where she had a 25-year career, starting as a shift manager and franchisee for Auntie Anne’s and most recently as senior vice … Read more Taco John’s Appoints Jackie Secor as chief operating officer

Taco John’s Strengthens its Leadership Team

Taco John’s, a leading Mexican quick-service restaurant, enhances its leadership team with an internal promotion and new hires. Taco John’s welcomes Tom Perella as VP/Technology and Damian Hanft as VP/Human Resources and promotes Kristin Nuss to General Counsel and Corporate Secretary.   Executive Moves  “We are confident in Kristin, Tom, and Damian’s leadership as we drive … Read more Taco John’s Strengthens its Leadership Team

Taco John’s Signs Agreement to Grow in Indiana

Taco John’s, a leading Mexican quick-service restaurant, announces a signed agreement to expand in Indiana, a key development state for the brand. Seasoned multi-unit and multi-brand franchisees Kush Patel and Bobby Patel will spearhead Taco John’s Midwest growth. With site selection already underway, the new LaPorte location is projected to open in Q4 of 2025, … Read more Taco John’s Signs Agreement to Grow in Indiana

How a Sharp Focus on Quality is Reshaping What Consumers Want in Restaurant Experiences

The food and beverage industry is ultimately controlled by consumer demand. Today’s dining trends continue to shift due to a number of outside factors, but there is one buzzword that continues to reign supreme when looking at what drives demand: value.  The three qualities that have always driven value in restaurants are the customer experience, … Read more How a Sharp Focus on Quality is Reshaping What Consumers Want in Restaurant Experiences

Embracing legacy, driving innovation: Taco John’s approach to modern restaurant leadership

As the restaurant industry becomes increasingly crowded, legacy brands face an interesting predicament: how to honor their rich history while remaining relevant in a constantly evolving market. At Taco John’s, we see this challenge as an opportunity to redefine what it means to be a legacy brand in the 21st century. With over 50 years … Read more Embracing legacy, driving innovation: Taco John’s approach to modern restaurant leadership

With Fresh Leadership, Taco John’s Eyes New Era of Expansion

Since joining Taco John’s in March 2024, CEO Heather Neary has focused on fostering a “people-first” culture while driving operational efficiency and franchisee success. Now, she’s leading the 56-year-old brand into its next phase, with a focus on expanding in the Upper Midwest and Rocky Mountain regions. Under Neary’s leadership, Taco John’s has embraced modernization, … Read more With Fresh Leadership, Taco John’s Eyes New Era of Expansion