Fast casual Mediterranean chain Luna Grill has bolstered its top leadership with the addition of the company’s first chief brand officer, 21-year Taco Bell veteran Rich Pinnella.
He joins another Taco Bell veteran Bob Bartlett, who earlier this year took on the role of chief financial officer. Bartlett, who also worked at CKE Restaurants, the parent company of quick-service chains Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, replaced John Schroeder who retired earlier this year.
Pinnella, who worked under Taco Bell leaders Greg Creed and Liz Williams, comes on board as the 50-unit San Diego-based brand prepares to grow outside its core Southern California market. Pinnella said he plans to use his broad experience to help tell the brand’s story, which includes marketing the concept’s clean ingredients and scratch cooking.
“I am energized to work with the teams, making the brand more accessible, contemporary and telling the story about our ingredient quality and scratch kitchens,” Pinnella said in a statement.
CEO Sean Pourteymour said Pinnella, who started in July, is an incredible asset as Luna Grill steps up its growth. “His collaborative leadership style is a perfect fit for our culture," he said in a statement.
Before moving to Luna Grill earlier this year, Bartlett previously held senior finance positions at CKE Restaurants and Taco Bell. He most recently served as the CFO at BLD Brands and vice president of finance at Real Mex Restaurants, now known as Xperience Restaurant Group. The Cypress, Calif.-based company is the parent of El Torito and Chevys.
Luna Grill, founded in 2004, has 50 locations in Southern California and the Dallas Fort Worth area. It’s menu features kabobs, falafels, salads, hummus, and wraps.
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