News

Costa Vida appoints new director of Franchise Development

April 25, 2014

With more than 60 restaurant locations spread across the U.S. and several new markets opening this year, Costa Vida is on a growth spurt. To augment that growth, the chain has hired Terry Jennings as the new director of Franchise Development.

Jennings' role will focus on strategic growth in existing markets and select development of new territories for Costa Vida, according to a company press release. Primary objectives include recruiting operators to be part of the Costa Vida family, strategically targeting growth markets across the U.S., and increasing average unit sales by positioning new locations in the strongest retail space possible.

With more than 30 years of restaurant experience, Jennings helped introduce McDonald's into Mexico, living in Mexico City and working with joint venture partners and franchisees. He also formed relationships with WalMart and oil companies like Exxon, Chevron, and Amoco for restaurant development, and headed corporate initiatives in franchising, marketing, supply chain, restaurant design, and quality management while working at McDonald's headquarters in Oak Brook, Ill.

Most recently, Jennings' was responsible for Strategic Development for Five Guys Burgers & Fries in Canada, where they opened the chain's first international location followed by another 40 restaurants including the highest sales locations for the past four years.