Staffing

Former Hopdoddy COO takes lead at Rusty Taco

Photo: Rusty Taco

June 5, 2024

Rusty Taco has hired Daniel Smith, the former COO at Hopdoddy Burger Bar, as its president.

"I am thrilled to be part of a concept like Rusty Taco. With a casual atmosphere, delicious menu and full bar experience, there is so much to leverage," Smith said in a company press release. "Right now, we're focused on catching consumers' attention by building off the brand's strengths and continuing to improve. There is room in the taco segment for a category leader, and our goal is to gain momentum and catapult to the top. And, we want to support our franchisees at a level they've never experienced before while attracting new operators to join us."

Smith's journey in the restaurant industry began with Claim Jumper Restaurants, where he ascended through various roles over his 26 years with the brand, culminating as VP of operations. He also held positions at Sammy's Woodfired Pizza and Bonefish Grill and was a multi-unit Pieology franchisee. Most recently, he spent six years at Hopdoddy.

In 2022, Rusty Taco was acquired by Gala Capital Partners, a California-based private investment firm, the parent company of Mooyah Burgers, Fries & Shakes and Dunn Brothers Coffee.

"It's an exciting time for Rusty Taco, and with the addition of Daniel, we are looking forward to growing," Anand Gala, founder and managing partner of GCP, said in the release. "This strategic move will guide Rusty Taco to becoming a leading fast-casual brand in the taco category, and we are confident that Daniel has the vision and experience needed to take it there. We can't wait to see how Rusty Taco develops in the year ahead and beyond."

Rusty Taco was created by founder Rusty Fenton, who with his wife, Denise Fenton, opened the first Rusty Taco location in Dallas, Texas in 2010. It has over 30 locations across 13 states and is franchising in available markets throughout the U.S.