Cafe Rio Names Adam Klaers New Operating Chief
The Salt Lake City-based restaurant chain also promoted Julie Boyster to chief brand officer.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in People
Cafe Rio has appointed Adam Klaers as its new chief operating officer. The company also announced the promotion of Julie Boyster to the role of chief brand officer.
Why it matters
These leadership appointments signal a shift in the executive team at the Salt Lake City-based restaurant company. The moves bring new oversight to the operational and branding strategies of the business.
Adam Klaers brings 25 years of restaurant industry experience to his new role. Cafe Rio, which operates out of Salt Lake City, was originally founded in 1997.
The players
Adam Klaers
He is the newly appointed chief operating officer of Cafe Rio who previously held leadership roles at CAVA, Chipotle, and Roy Rogers.
Julie Boyster
She is the chief brand officer of Cafe Rio who formerly served as the chief marketing officer for LifeVantage.
Mike Burns
He is the chief executive officer of Cafe Rio who has been with the company since 2026.
The details
Adam Klaers joins the leadership team with past experience in executive roles at CAVA, Chipotle, and Roy Rogers. Julie Boyster, who previously served as chief marketing officer at LifeVantage, moves into her new branding position alongside CEO Mike Burns.
Timeline
Cafe Rio was founded in 1997.
Mike Burns joined Cafe Rio as CEO in 2026.
The executive updates were announced on October 26, 2026.
Market Landscape
The transition marks a change in management for the Salt Lake City restaurant chain nearly three decades after the 1997 founding of Cafe Rio. These appointments position the company to compete for market share by leveraging executive experience from other major national chains.
While these executive changes are unlikely to immediately alter current menu pricing or local service, they signal a new direction for the brand's long-term identity. Customers may eventually notice shifts in marketing campaigns or operational efficiency at their local locations.
The takeaway
Bringing in experienced leadership from national chains like CAVA and Chipotle suggests a focus on scaling operations and refining the brand. Investors and patrons should look for potential changes in the company's regional growth strategy in the coming months.
Further reading
For more on industry leadership changes, visit People.
