Real Mex Restaurants Inc. has named former Tavistock Restaurants LLC president and chief executive Bryan Lockwood CEO, effective immediately, the company said Monday.
Lockwood replaces former CEO Charly Robinson, who stepped down in July 2014 after 18 months at the helm of Real Mex, parent to the Acapulco, Chevys Fresh Mex and El Torito brands.
At the time, Robinson replaced Dave Goronkin, who was CEO when Real Mex emerged from bankruptcy in 2012 with new private-equity owners Z Capital Partners LLC and Tennenbaum Capital Partners LLC.
James Zenni, chairman of Real Mex and president and CEO of Z Capital Partners, said in a statement: “I am pleased to have someone of Bryan’s caliber lead Real Mex during this exciting phase of growth for the company. Bryan brings extensive industry knowledge and valuable operational experience, as well as a proven track record of overseeing the successful turnaround and growth of various restaurant brands.
“Under Bryan’s leadership, I am confident that the company will continue to successfully build out our premier brands and further execute on our transformational strategy to drive growth and profitability.”
Prior to joining Real Mex, Lockwood was president and CEO of Tavistock Restaurants, which he co-founded in 2003. Over his decade with Tavistock, the company grew to include 13 restaurant concepts, including Abe & Louie’s, Atlantic Fish, Aquaknox, Blackhawk Grille, Café del Rey, California Café, Canonita, Coach Grill, Joe’s American Bar & Grill, Napa Valley Grille, Sapporo and ZED451, as well as the fast-casual Freebirds World Burrito brand.
Lockwood led Tavistock’s acquisition of the Back Bay Restaurant Group and E-Brands Restaurants, both in 2011, and Freebirds in 2007.
Lockwood stepped down from Tavistock in 2013. Most recently, he founded a personal restaurant investment company called Rare One LLC.
The various CEOs at Real Mex have been working to turn around the Cypress, Calif.-based operator for several years. Last year the company relaunched Who Song and Larry’s as a Mexican gastropub. Chevys has also staged a brand refresh. Officials were also working on upgrades for the El Torito and Acapulco brands.
Real Mex operates 112 casual-dining restaurants and franchises another 13 units of the Chevys brand.
In addition to the three core brands, Real Mex also includes Las Brisas Restaurant in Laguna Beach, Calif.; Sinigual Restaurant in New York City; and El Paso Cantina in Torrance, Calif.
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