Bernard Acoca

Bernard joined Zaxby’s in January 2022 as the company’s first incoming CEO. Bernard brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the QSR industry. He most recently served as CEO and President of El Pollo Loco and led the brand through a transformation that included digital e-commerce and streamlining drive-thru and back-of-the-house operations. He also successfully doubled down on brand positioning with a new contemporary restaurant design in preparation for aggressive franchise expansion domestically.

Prior to becoming the CEO and President of El Pollo Loco, he spent seven years at Starbucks as a member of its leadership team, as the Senior Vice President, Marketing & Category for the Americas and as President of Teavana. He also served as Chief Marketing Officer for the Americas for L’Oréal and spent ten years at Yum! Brands.

He values and is committed to servant leadership, culture, as well as creativity and innovation when it comes to leading brands towards sustainable growth.