El Pollo Loco Hired Two New Executives
The restaurant chain has appointed a new chief operating officer and chief development officer to guide its national growth.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in People
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El Pollo Loco has appointed Damon Thomas as its new chief operating officer and Tara Hinkle as its chief development officer. The hires come as the chain aims to expand its footprint with 15 new restaurants planned for New York over the next five years.
Why it matters
These leadership appointments are part of a broader strategy to support the company's recent expansion efforts, which include entering Idaho earlier in 2026 and sustaining growth across its existing 500-location network.
The company operates over 500 restaurants and recently reported three consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth. Tara Hinkle brings 20 years of industry experience to her new role as chief development officer.
The players
Damon Thomas
He is the newly appointed chief operating officer at El Pollo Loco.
Tara Hinkle
She serves as the new chief development officer and has 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry.
El Pollo Loco
This fast-casual restaurant chain specializes in fire-grilled chicken and operates more than 500 locations.
The details
El Pollo Loco signed three separate development agreements involving one existing franchisee and two new partners to facilitate its entry into the New York market. The new leadership team will focus on driving operational excellence and overseeing site selection for the expansion.
Timeline
Tara Hinkle started her new role in July 2026.
The executive hires were announced on September 29, 2026.
The first New York location in Queens is expected to open in mid-2027.
The company plans to open 15 restaurants in New York over the next five years.
Market Landscape
The company's expansion into New York positions it to compete more aggressively in the crowded fast-casual sector of the Northeast. These leadership changes build upon the momentum of the company's Q2 2026 earnings report on same-store sales growth.
Customers in New York can expect new dining locations to begin appearing starting in mid-2027. The expansion may increase accessibility to the chain's menu for regional consumers.
The takeaway
The addition of seasoned executives suggests a shift toward more formalized national growth rather than regional scaling. Consistent sales growth indicates that the brand is attempting to leverage strong performance to justify significant capital investment in new markets.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership changes, visit People.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Restaurant Dive.
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