Former Church’s Chicken Exec Joins Tijuana Flats as CEO

Joe Christina Tijuana Flats 1200x800 1
Joe Christina steps into the CEO role at Tijuana Flats, succeeding Brian Wright, who left the 124-unit brand this summer to lead Bar Louie as CEO. Courtesy of Tijuana Flats.

Restaurant industry veteran Joe Christina has been appointed CEO of Florida-based Tijuana Flats, the company announced on Oct. 31.

Christina, who also will serve on the board of directors, will be responsible for accelerating growth and expanding franchise development for the 124-unit Tex-Mex brand.

The new CEO joins Tijuana Flats from Church’s Texas Chicken, where he served as CEO for six years. He began with the over 1,700-unit chain in 2013 as executive vice president of U.S. operations. Before joining Church’s, he spent 28 years with Burger King, most recently as senior vice president responsible for a division with $2 billion in sales and 2,000 restaurants in 19 states.

“Joe is a talented and experienced restaurant veteran who is well-positioned to take this beloved brand with a loyal and passionate following to the next level. His focus on delivering an exceptional guest experience coupled with his extensive franchising knowledge make him the ideal person for the CEO role,” says John Caron, board chairman, in a press release.

Christina succeeds Brian Wright, who left the brand this summer to lead Dallas-based Bar Louie as CEO.

Founded in 1995, Tijuana Flats has locations in Florida, Indiana, Virginia and North Carolina.

RELATED CONTENT

Publisher’s Note: Taking Inventory

From summer to fall, the industry seems busier than ever, but there’s lots to look forward to.

CFESA Nathan Headshot

5 Questions with Nathan Miller

The vice president of Florida-based Coastline Cooling shares his business philosophy, thoughts on volunteering and why ice machines are cool.

- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

TRENDING NOW

- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -

- Advertisement -