News

Former Pei Wei CMO named president of Velvet Taco

March 27, 2017

Dallas-based Velvet Taco has named Clay Dover president, according to Front Burner, the chain’s parent company led by CEO Randy DeWitt.

Dover, who most recently served as chief marketing officer for Pei Wei Asian Diner, said he had no intention of leaving Pei Wei but couldn't pass up the opportunity to join Dewitt and the Velvet Taco team.

"I've been a big fan of Velvet Taco and the unique niche it has carved out in the fast casual space since its inception," he said in a company press release. "It has tremendous upside and a cult-like following, and I'm honored to be chosen to steer the brand going forward."

Dover’s previous executive roles include stints with Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, where he helped grow the brand from 60 to 220 restaurants during his six years and established the Plano-based Restaurant Support Office. He also served as CEO of Metromedia Restaurant Group and VP of marketing at Apex Restaurant Group.

"Clay is one of the most talented individuals in the restaurant industry and we couldn't be more pleased that he will be leading the Velvet Taco brand as it embarks on a path of significant growth across new and existing markets," DeWitt said. "I've known Clay for a long time and his track record of brand development and strategic thinking are exactly what we were looking for when we began the search for new leadership."

Velvet Taco, which received a significant growth investment from L Catterton last year, opened its first restaurant in Dallas in 2011, and later expanded to Chicago, Houston and Fort Worth. Its fifth location is scheduled to open in Austin next month.