(Seattle)–Jan. 19, 2006–Citing steady growth and rapid expansion plans of more than 150 new restaurants to come this year and the opening of new markets the Midwest, Southeast and across Canada, Taco Del Mar, a Seattle-based quick service Mexican restaurant chain, announced today it has appointed Paul Curhan as the company’s Vice President of Marketing and Advertising.
Curhan brings the company a solid, proven background in restaurant expansion and brand development, retailing and advertising. He will spearhead Taco Del Mar’s image and product advertising as the company moves into new markets, driving innovative promotions, bolstering brand recognition and stimulating consumer trial.
Mr. Curhan was most recently VP of Marketing and Merchandising for Pyramid Breweries and for Tully’s Coffee. He spent five years with Starbucks as Director of Marketing and Brand Development for the U.S. and Canada, with a strong emphasis on restaurant sales growth and product introductions. His early career includes brand management at Proctor & Gamble, The Kellogg Company and Haagen-Dazs.
Neal Hollingsworth, who handled both marketing and franchise sales for the company since 2002, has earned a dedicated post as Vice President of Franchise Sales. He will manage the chain’s sale of franchises for approximately 300 new restaurants this year. Neal brings extensive experience in the fast food, beverage and hospitality industries. Prior to joining Taco Del Mar, Hollingsworth was Director of Regional Planning with the Burger King Corporation in Seattle. He is a past Director of Franchise Operations for Burger King in Los Angeles, and has served as Burger King's Regional Marketing Manager in Seattle.
Taco Del Mar, with 186 units throughout the Western and Midwest U.S., British Columbia and Puerto Rico, serves fast, fresh and filling Baja inspired food in a lively, surf shack setting. The restaurant offers 24-ounce mondo pork and chicken burritos, fish tacos, kids meals, salads, vegetarian and vegan offerings. Learn more at http://www.tacodelmar.com.
