On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina has named industry veteran Monte Batson as its new chief operating officer, the company said Tuesday.
Batson was most recently regional vice president of operations for Tampa, Fla.-based Bloomin’ Brands Inc., parent to the Bonefish Grill, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar and Outback Steakhouse brands.
Batson succeeds Tony Wehner at Dallas-based On The Border. He departed the COO position more than year ago.
Ward Whitworth, president and CEO of On The Border, said in a statement that Batson “has proven his expertise in the industry and his commitment to putting in the necessary work and dedication to accomplish his and the brands goals.”
Batson said in a statement: "I am honored to be joining such a skilled and motivated team. … I will have the ideal foundation to focus on our best-possible opportunities for growth and expansion."
On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina, owned by Border Holdings LLC, has 154 restaurants in 32 states, Puerto Rico and Asia.
In Nation’s Restaurant News’ most recent Top 200 census, On The Border had U.S. systemwide sales of $361.2 million, placing it No. 109 among the 200 chains.
The company reported annual unit volumes of $2.5 million in the latest year, rising 0.2 percent from the preceding year.
Alan Liddle, NRN data and event content director, contributed to this report.
Correction: Sept. 21, 2016 An earlier version of this story included the incorrect unit volumes for On The Border. The chain has $2.5 million in unit volumes in the Latest Year, not $2.15 million.
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