The chief executive officer of a “fast-casual restaurant” that focuses on serving tacos has retired after being with the company for nearly four years.
G.J. Hart became the CEO of Torchy’s Tacos on Jan. 29, 2018, a company blog said. His retirement was effective on Nov. 5.
The CEO position at the time of Hart’s appointment was a newly created one that officials had hoped would help the “company through its next phase of growth,” the blog said. Former corporate chef Michael Rypka founded Torchy’s Tacos in 2006 in Austin and will be interim CEO. Under Hart, Torchy’s grew from 45 units to 96, Nation’s Restaurant News said.
“Torchy’s is by far one of the hottest brands in the industry today and I am so proud of the passionate team we have built,” Hart said in a statement. “I have thoroughly enjoyed my time leading the organization to this point, and I am grateful to our employees and investors for their support and partnership as we have grown the business.”
Hart, who retired to “spend more time with family” will be a consultant to Torchy’s.
Before he came to Torchy’s, Hart was president, CEO and executive chairman of California Pizza Kitchen. He also was CEO and president of Texas Roadhouse, Inc.
Hart gave “tremendous value to Trochy’s,” Rypka said, according to Nation’s Restaurant News.
“He has contributed significantly to the growth and success of the brand, and his leadership has enabled us to attract some of the finest talent in the restaurant industry,” Rypka said. “We are incredibly proud of the Torchy’s team and excited about the many opportunities ahead of us. We thank GJ for all he has helped us achieve, and we wish him the very best as he embarks on his retirement.”