News

Interim El Pollo Loco CEO gets permanent nod

January 18, 2011

El Pollo Loco Inc. has named Steve Sather as its president and CEO. He has been serving in both roles on an interim basis since September, when his predecessor Steve Carley resigned to join Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc.

Sather joined El Pollo Loco in 2006 to lead both company and franchise operations, bringing more than 30 years of restaurant industry and executive management experience to the company. Sather worked as senior vice president of operations before being appointed acting president/CEO.

Prior to joining El Pollo Loco, Sather was senior vice president of retail operations for Great Circle Family Foods LLC; franchise operator of Krispy Kreme Doughnuts in Southern California; chief operating officer for Rubio’s Restaurants Inc.; and senior management positions with Rally’s Hamburgers, La Salsa Holding Company and Taco Bell.

Sather earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

“Steve brings a wealth of experience, passion for the brand and proven leadership to his new role as president and CEO, and we are confident that he is the right executive to execute strategic initiatives and expand the El Pollo Loco platform,” said Dean Kehler, managing partner of Trimaran Capital Partners LLC.

El Pollo Loco also announced the appointment of Samuel N. Borgese to executive chairmen of the board. In this role, he will be actively involved in helping El Pollo Loco execute its strategy.

Prior to joining El Pollo Loco, Borgese served as president and CEO of CB Holding Corp., a New Jersey-based restaurant company with 86 locations. Earlier, he served as president and CEO of Catalina Restaurant Group, a Carlsbad, Cali.-based restaurant company with more than 220 locations in the southwestern United States.

Headquartered in Costa Mesa, Calif., El Pollo Loco Inc. is a privately held company owned by Trimaran Pollo Partners LLC and management.