REGO Restaurant Group, a prominent fast-casual restaurant platform, has officially appointed Neel Patel as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). In this role, Patel will lead the company’s two flagship brands: Quiznos, the renowned quick-service sandwich chain, and Taco del Mar, a fast-casual restaurant concept specializing in coastal Mexican cuisine. His appointment signals a strategic push toward expansion, operational enhancement, and overall brand growth.
Patel joins REGO Restaurant Group with extensive experience in business transformation, strategic growth, and commercial excellence. Prior to stepping into this new leadership role, he served as the Senior Vice President of Strategy & Growth at Church’s Texas Chicken. During his tenure at Church’s, Patel played a pivotal role in the brand’s evolution, spearheading commercial strategy, revenue management, and global expansion initiatives. His leadership was instrumental in driving transactional growth and strengthening the brand’s market position both domestically and internationally.
With an impressive background in the restaurant and hospitality industry, Patel is well-positioned to drive the continued development of Quiznos and Taco del Mar. His expertise lies in optimizing business operations, driving profitability, and leveraging data-driven strategies to enhance customer experiences. His arrival at REGO Restaurant Group marks a new chapter in the company’s mission to reinvigorate and expand its portfolio of fast-casual brands.
“Both Quiznos and Taco del Mar are well-positioned for expansion and accelerated growth, and we are confident that Neel is the ideal leader to drive that momentum,” said Coady Smith, a Board Member of REGO Restaurant Group and Principal at High Bluff Capital Partners. “His deep expertise in driving unit-level profitability, optimizing operations, and delivering data-driven business transformations will be instrumental as we continue to expand our brands and deliver exceptional value to our customers and franchisee partners.”
Patel expressed enthusiasm about his new position, acknowledging the rich history and potential of the brands he is set to lead. “I’m thrilled to join REGO and lead both Quiznos and Taco del Mar into their exciting next chapter of growth,” Patel stated. “Both brands possess powerful legacies and immense untapped potential. I’m eager to collaborate closely with our dedicated team and valued franchisees to innovate, grow, and deliver exceptional experiences for our guests and communities globally.”
Patel’s strategic leadership at Church’s Texas Chicken demonstrated his ability to transform businesses by implementing revenue optimization strategies, operational efficiencies, and franchise growth plans. His approach to business combines data analytics with a keen understanding of consumer behavior, allowing brands to tailor their offerings and improve overall profitability. This skill set will be especially valuable as he steps into his new role overseeing Quiznos and Taco del Mar.
Prior to his tenure at Church’s, Patel was a key figure at McKinsey & Company, where he provided advisory services to businesses across multiple industries. His expertise spanned enterprise strategy, commercial optimization, data & analytics, and value creation. His time at McKinsey helped him develop a keen ability to assess market conditions, identify growth opportunities, and implement effective strategies that drive sustainable success.
Under Patel’s leadership, REGO Restaurant Group aims to revitalize Quiznos and Taco del Mar by focusing on several core areas: enhancing operational efficiency, expanding franchise opportunities, leveraging digital transformation, and refreshing brand positioning. These initiatives are expected to drive customer engagement, improve profitability, and solidify the brands’ presence in an increasingly competitive restaurant industry.
One of the primary challenges facing legacy brands such as Quiznos is adapting to evolving consumer preferences. Over the years, Quiznos has faced significant competition from fast-casual sandwich chains that have prioritized convenience, quality, and digital integration. With Patel at the helm, the brand is expected to refine its menu offerings, streamline its operations, and strengthen its digital footprint to better compete in today’s market.
Similarly, Taco del Mar, known for its fresh and coastal-inspired Mexican cuisine, has a unique opportunity to expand its footprint in the fast-casual dining sector. Patel’s experience in global brand expansion and franchise development is expected to accelerate Taco del Mar’s growth in both existing and new markets. By leveraging data-driven insights and consumer trends, Patel is likely to introduce new menu innovations, enhance customer service, and optimize store operations to align with modern dining expectations.
REGO Restaurant Group has already made strides in reinvigorating its brands, and Patel’s appointment is a testament to the company’s commitment to strategic leadership and sustainable growth. As the restaurant industry continues to evolve, successful brands must adapt to changing consumer behaviors, technological advancements, and operational efficiencies. Patel’s leadership is expected to play a crucial role in steering Quiznos and Taco del Mar through these dynamic industry shifts.
Looking ahead, Patel’s focus will be on working closely with franchisees, corporate leadership, and operational teams to implement forward-thinking strategies that drive growth. By fostering strong relationships with franchise partners, he aims to create a business model that is both scalable and sustainable. Additionally, Patel will emphasize digital transformation initiatives, including mobile ordering, loyalty programs, and third-party delivery integrations, to enhance customer accessibility and convenience.
With Patel’s extensive experience and track record of success in business transformation, his appointment as CEO of REGO Restaurant Group marks a significant step forward for both Quiznos and Taco del Mar. As he embarks on this new journey, the industry will be watching closely to see how he navigates the competitive landscape, revitalizes these iconic brands, and delivers long-term success for franchise partners and customers alike.
As Patel takes the reins, REGO Restaurant Group is poised to enter a new era of growth, innovation, and customer-centric strategies. With a strong foundation and a clear vision for the future, the company is set to make a lasting impact in the fast-casual dining sector under his leadership
