Moe’s Southwest Grill, the fast-casual burrito chain, has named Jason Dowd executive chef, replacing Pat Peterson, the operator said Tuesday.
Most recently, Dowd was corporate executive chef and director of culinary for private-equity firm Consumer Capital Partners, where he oversaw food and beverage menu development at Smashburger, Tom’s Urban and Live Basil Pizza. Before that, he was research and development managing chef at Darden Restaurants Inc., where he was responsible for new menu items at Olive Garden.
“Jason is no stranger to diversifying brands and deepening the menu offerings of beloved family restaurants,” Moe’s president Bruce Schroeder said in a press release. “We look forward to the positive impact his vast knowledge and experience will bring to Moe’s menu to help take the brand to new heights in the industry.”
Dowd said: “I’m thrilled at the opportunity to join the Moe’s family and bring fresh culinary concepts to both new and longtime fans of the brand. My experience in evolving culinary menus lends itself perfectly to this role and I look forward to being part of the next chapter of Moe’s Southwest Grill.”
Moe’s recent menu additions include a Smokin’ Chicken Burrito Bowl introduced in the fall and available through early January 2016. The limited-time offer features smoked jalapeño, honey-glazed chicken breast, and rice seasoned with tomatoes and Southwestern spices, along with black beans, pico de gallo, shredded cheese, sour cream and guacamole.
Moe’s Southwest Grill has more than 600 units and is owned by Atlanta-based Focus Brands.
Contact Bret Thorn at [email protected].
Follow him on Twitter: @foodwriterdiary