Category: Chicken Restaurant

Bernard Acoca is a passionate marketer, executive, and Entrepreneur who succeeded in publishing, food service, and technology. Bernard was previously the Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of Technoserve, Inc., the world’s most successful rural development organization. Acoco, as Zaxby’s CEO, will lead Zaxby’s Restaurants to continued success during the brand’s next growth phase.

1. About Bernard Acoca

He is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and Chairman of TechnoServe, Inc., the first rural development organization dedicated to creating opportunities for Peace Corps Volunteers. He also founded and served as Chairman of Visions International, a management consulting firm that worked with small businesses across the United States. Acoca also founded and served as Chairman of Visions International’s Western Region Subsidiary, a leading U.S. franchise development firm.

2. About Zaxby’s Restaurants

Zaxby’s is an American fast-casual restaurant chain offering chicken wings, burgers, and veggies. The company was founded in Nashville, initially operating under Zaxby’s Chicken limited to the Nashville area. They opened their first franchise in Starkville, MS. Since opening their first franchise location, the company has grown more, operating coast-to-coast under the brand name Zaxby’s.

3. Acoca’s Achievements

The Zaxby’s CEO has been recognized as the Entrepreneur of the Year 2015 Mid-Atlantic Region, the highest honor for small business entrepreneurs. He is also a two-time Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award National Finalist for his successful turnaround of TechnoServe. It is the only social enterprise in the world to have earned this prestigious award three times.

4. Zaxby’s Future Plans

Zaxby’s is positioned for continued growth and success, with plans to triple its locations over the next several years. Bernard Acoca will lead the team responsible for seizing these opportunities while maintaining an unwavering commitment to its customers, franchisees, employees, and suppliers. The company’s commitment to the communities they serve will remain a high priority, focusing on strengthening its long-standing partnerships with local schools and organizations.

The Zaxby’s company recognized Acoca’s work as a leader in global development and his expertise in the nonprofit sector, which will be instrumental in furthering the brand’s mission to provide comfort to people through food. Acoca will also lend his experience as an entrepreneur and highly successful franchise executive to Zaxby’s future growth plans. Read this article for additional information.

 

More about Acoca on https://medium.com/@bernardacoca

 

Zaxby’s Chicken, a popular fast-food chain known for its chicken-based menu items, has recently announced the appointment of Bernard Acoca as its new CEO, taking over from co-founder Zach McLeroy, who will now serve as the company’s Chairman. This move comes as part of a leadership transition plan that has been in the works for several months. Acoca’s appointment has been met with excitement and optimism from the company’s employees and investors.

Bernard Acoca brings a wealth of experience in the food industry, having previously worked for several other major restaurant chains, such as Starbucks and Yum! Brands. In his most recent role as President of the IHOP brand, he oversaw the successful turnaround of the struggling restaurant chain, implementing new menu items and marketing strategies that helped to boost sales and increase customer engagement.

At Zaxby’s, Acoca has expressed his commitment to continuing the company’s strong track record of growth and innovation. He is excited to work alongside McLeroy and the rest of the leadership team to build upon the brand’s existing strengths and expand its reach even further.

One of Acoca’s main priorities as CEO will be to build upon Zaxby’s reputation as a customer-focused brand that delivers high-quality food and exceptional service. He plans to do this by investing in new technologies and operational efficiencies that will allow the company to serve its customers better in-store and online.

The Zaxby’s CEO is also passionate about promoting a culture of inclusion and diversity within the company, stating that he believes in creating an environment where employees feel valued and supported. He plans to work closely with the company’s HR team to implement new policies and initiatives that will help to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels of the organization.

Overall, Bernard Acoca’s appointment as Zaxby’s new CEO represents an exciting new chapter for the company as it continues to grow and evolve. With his extensive experience and proven track record of success in the food industry, Acoca is well-positioned to lead the company to even greater heights. See this page for related information.

 

Learn more about Acoca on https://www.restaurantbusinessonline.com/leadership/zaxbys-hires-bernard-acoca-ceo

 

The appointment of any CEO to lead any company is never an easy thing or an easy decision to make. The whole process is normally well thought out with the view of adding great value to the company for the days to come. This decision is one of the most consequential decisions any company can ever make owing to the potential of its great consequences.  Mr. Bernard Acoca became the first Zaxby’s CEO history to earn a “Great” rating on Glassdoor.com for his overall work performance and for working well with others. For instance, if a company appoints the wrong CEO then chances are the company will pay with its fortunes and profits derailing its growth eventually.

On the other hand, if a company appoints the best CEO chances are high that the company will be able to achieve great headway progress immediately. Thus, the decision to appoint a CEO by any company should be well considered considering all the important factors surrounding this process. This is the case with Zaxby’s, which recently appointed Mr. Bernard as their new CEO. This decision is thought to be one of the best decisions the company has ever made, given the expertise and experience of Bernard Acoca in this industry.

He has a reputation for growing restaurant brands through e-commerce and other avenues available to him at the companies he leads. At Zaxby’s, Bernard has his eyes well set on one thing alone: the progress of this restaurant. From the outlook, Mr. Acoca looks like a man equal to the task and it shall wait to be seen how he will go about his new job as the Zaxby’s CEO.

With Zaxby’s being over 30 years old, the company needed someone who could move them to the next level and the thinking around the company luminaries is that Bernard Acoca is the right man for the job. His wide and long experience in marketing and executive leadership in the restaurant business makes him one of the best leaders in this industry. His reputation in leading driving companies in the right direction is one of the many attributes of Bernard Acoca. Learn more about Bernard Acoca with this page.

Additional information about Bernard Acoca on: https://www.fastcasual.com/news/el-pollo-loco-president-taking-ceo-title-at-zaxbys/

 

Zaxby’s, Inc. has announced that its founder and CEO, Zach McLeroy, will transition to chairman and that Bernard Acoca will become the company’s new chief executive officer (CEO).

“This transition is part of a larger plan to ensure Zaxby’s is positioned for future success as it continues to grow,” said company chairman and CEO Bernard Acoca. “We believe Zach’s leadership in the restaurant industry, coupled with his background as a co-founder, makes him the best person to helm Zaxby’s, Inc. We are fortunate that he is willing to continue serving in his current role for us during this transitional period.

Bernard Acoca will be responsible for the direction and growth of Zaxby’s, one of the nation’s largest chicken finger restaurant chains with more than 850 locations in 16 states. He will also continue to lead the company’s franchise division as senior vice president. Despite the transition, McLeroy plans to remain heavily involved with Zaxby’s and its day-to-day operations.

Zaxby’s is one of the nation’s most prominent chicken finger restaurants, with over 700 locations in 20 states. In addition to its special chicken fingers menu, Zaxby’s offers a variety of sandwiches, wings, and salads.

Acoca, who has served as Zaxby’s CEO, said the company strives to “stand out in the casual quick-serve restaurant industry.” He added that he is confident that McLeroy’s “experience and passion” for this business will serve him and the company well in future endeavors, including continued expansion.

McLeroy expressed his appreciation to Acoca for agreeing to fill his shoes and said he is excited about the company’s future. “I’m confident Bernard and I will work together effectively and in a spirit of mutual respect, to ensure Zaxby’s continues to grow,” McLeroy stated. “Bernard has proven himself as an industry leader and a great friend who shares my vision for Zaxby’s.

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Learn more about the Zaxby’s CEO on https://www.zaxbys.com/news-media/zaxby-s-ceo-and-co-founder-zach-mcleroy-to-transition-to-chairman-bernard-acoca-appointed-as-new-chief-executive-officer

 

Bernard Acoca, the co-founder and CEO of Zaxby’s, is a man of many hats. After starting his career in real estate and saving up enough money to make his first start-up offer at age 25, Acoca has built an empire in the food industry. He has more than 8,000 locations worldwide that grossed $1 billion in revenue last year alone. Zaxby’s started as a two-person operation with Acoca as one of its founders.

1. Early Life

Bernard Acoca was born in Covington, Georgia, on September 26, 1970. He graduated from the University of Georgia with a degree in economics and business administration in 1996. After graduation, Acoca began working at Smith Barney Harris Upham & Co, where he held management positions that helped him gain the experience he would need later in his career. Bernard Acoca then received an offer from the Atlanta branch of NBD Bancorp to work as a broker in its credit division. The position was lucrative, with a starting salary of $46,000. Acoca held this job for four years and simultaneously learned much about business management.

2. Career

Acoca and his partner, Sherwood Hardin, opened their first Zaxby’s in a downtown Atlanta office building. The restaurant, which was intended as a gift to the employees Acoca had worked with at Smith Barney Harris Upham & Co., featured chicken finger sandwiches and other sandwiches on grilled biscuits. The two operated the restaurant for nearly three years until Acoca felt that he and Hardin were no longer making any new hires. At that point, Acoca began looking for a replacement to take over operations at the location.

3. Achievements

Acoca opened his second Zaxby’s in 1994 in Columbus, Georgia. The restaurant was located just a few blocks from the Sanderson Centre, making Zaxby’s an immediate sensation. This second restaurant quickly prompted Acoca to open his third Zaxby’s in 1995 in Athens, Georgia. This location proved timely because it offered some of the first hot chicken available to the public.

Acoca and then-sidekick Sherwood Hardin eventually parted ways, and Acoca continued as CEO at Zaxby’s alone. He then took on additional roles as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Zaxby’s CEO before becoming board chairman in January 2007. Click here for more information.

Additional information about Bernard Acoca on https://medium.com/@bernardacoca

Bernard Acoca is a graduate of UNC-Charlotte’s MBA program. Before joining Zaxby’s, he was with Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and owned a marketing company. He has been part of Zaxby’s team for more than ten years and has served in various high-end positions. Some of those positions include regional director and chief operating officer.

He is also the president of Acoca Enterprises LLC and a partner at GEO Resources LLC. Zaxby’s announced the appointment of Bernard Acoca as its new chief executive officer. Acoca, former president of AT&T Mobility, will lead Zaxby’s 2-year turnaround plan, which includes store improvements and a digital growth strategy.

Acoca earned a B.S. degree in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he played football and captained the team in his senior year. He resides in Charlotte, NC, with his wife and children.

As CEO, Bernard Acoca led his team to rejuvenate Zaxby’s – a highly successful restaurant chain based in Winston-Salem, NC. After merging with rival Raxco, Acoca was appointed CEO in 2009. The company expanded from 20 stores to a fast-growing 400 stores and was growing at a rate of 19% each year.

Bernard will speak at the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s Young Entrepreneur Awards. This program aims to recognize and honor small business owners and entrepreneurs and their contributions to the U.S. Hispanic economy. The YEA! awards are an initiative that seeks to motivate young entrepreneurs through knowledge sharing and success stories.

Zaxby’s CEO, Bernard Acoca has been responsible for the successful turnaround in the restaurant chain. During this time as CEO, Acoca has invested $1 billion in the growth and development of its business. As part of his strategy, he implemented a 5-year plan for the company. The project included introducing new menu items, more efficient and effective customer service, new restaurants and renovations, and an in-store social media program to improve their relationship with consumers.

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Learn more about Acoca on https://medium.com/@bernardacoca

Bernard Acoca is a professional chef. He is the founder of the Bernard Acoca Culinary Academy; he’s been featured in high-profile projects such as “The Figgie Awards” and “ABC’s Rachael Ray Show,” and made appearances on Food Network, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and The Martha Stewart Show.

He has a passion for teaching people all about cooking and creating recipes that are delicious, savory, or downright addictive. One way to learn from his expertise is to understand how food changes colors when you cook.

Bernard Acoca is the co-founder of Acoca & Associates, a famous culinary consulting firm with clients like Disney, Fuddruckers, and P.F Chang’s China Bistro, which uses technology to help establish a positive change in the food service industry.

He founded Acoca Publishing, a publishing firm that helps chefs, bakers, and mixologists publish their cookbooks worldwide. The firm also publishes “Culinary Classics” and “Culinary Dish,” two instructional cookbooks with world-renowned chefs. Over 100 titles have been sold throughout North America and Asia.

The Acoca & Associates website presents information about consulting, teaching, and promoting healthy eating principles through sourcing ingredients for people in the food business and consumers.

Zaxby’s CEO Roger Engle recently won the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® Award in the Southeast and has worked with Acoca to improve Zaxby’s products and operations.

Acoca is a member of an elite group of chefs called Les Toques Blanches. It is an organization that includes people from all over the world who are recognized for their exceptional culinary skills and have demonstrated that they have what it takes to earn membership in Les Toques Blanches.

Acoca does not believe in blindly following recipes; however, he encourages readers to understand how ingredients change from raw state to cooked state. His book “Bernard Acoca’s Food Bible: A Culinary Awakening” is a phenomenon. It has sold over 60,000 copies yearly for over three years and is one of the most popular titles on the Cooking Channel’s website. Refer to this page for additional information.

 

More about Acoca on https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zaxby%27s