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Maria Hollandsworth is departing El Pollo Loco, effective Dec. 26. She has been with the quick-service chain since 2022, serving as president and chief operating officer. She also served as interim chief executive officer for about four months after the departure of Larry Roberts in November 2023.
According to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission, Hollandsworth will receive accrued benefits under the company’s plan. All restricted stock awards and stock options held by Hollandsworth that would have otherwise vested between Dec. 26 and May 31, 2026, will be deemed to be vested as of her departure date.
Hollandsworth has deep restaurant industry experience, joining El Pollo Loco after serving as regional vice president of operations at Dunkin’. Prior, she spent more than 20 years at Jack in the Box, most recently serving as vice president of strategic initiatives and operations services from 2013 to 2018. Hollandsworth held leadership roles in both company and franchise operations at Jack in the Box.
Her departure comes as El Pollo Loco enters year three of a turnaround plan led by chief executive officer Liz Williams, who was named to that role in February 2024. The plan includes a focus on operational efficiencies, including leveraging customer feedback and using artificial intelligence to get that data into the hands of general managers. During a recent interview, Williams also said the company is simplifying some cooking processes, doubling down on standards and procedures training, and deploying a learning management system.
Contact Alicia Kelso at [email protected]
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