Rick Pepper

Rick Pepper, PMP has extensive work experience in the restaurant industry. Rick started their career at Jack in the Box where they held various restaurant level positions before moving up to become a New Restaurant Opening Coordinator. Rick then transitioned into project management roles, serving as a Project Manager and later as a Principal Project Manager, focusing on operations support. Rick then became a Sr. Project Manager and eventually a Sr. Manager of Operations Services. Rick'sresponsibilities included implementing operational initiatives and overseeing large-scale projects.

Rick then joined Whataburger, where they held several leadership roles, including Director of Restaurant Solutions & Alignment Leader, Director of Restaurant Services, and Sr. Director of Restaurant Services and Innovation. In these roles, they focused on optimizing restaurant performance, implementing operational processes, and enhancing the guest experience. Rick also represented restaurant operations in strategic planning and cross-functional initiatives.

Currently, Rick is the Vice President of Operations Services & Training at El Pollo Loco, Inc. In this role, they are responsible for leading operations services and training initiatives to optimize restaurant performance.

Rick Pepper, PMP holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Business from the University of Phoenix, obtained between 2000 and 2002. Rick had previously earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Business from the same institution, completing their studies between 1991 and 1999. In addition to their educational background, Rick has obtained the Project Management Professional (PMP) certification from the Project Management Institute in 2011.