Torchy’s Tacos Appoints Paul Macaluso as Chief Executive Officer
Restaurant industry leader brings more than three decades of experience driving results at respected brands
Torchy’s founder Mike Rypka to transition to Chief Innovation Officer
Austin, TX (RestaurantNews.com) Torchy’s Tacos (“Torchy’s”), a fast-casual restaurant known for their award-winning queso and “Damn Good” tacos, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Paul Macaluso as Chief Executive Officer, effective February 24, 2025. He succeeds founder Mike Rypka, who will transition into a new role as Chief Innovation Officer.
Mr. Macaluso has more than 30 years of experience building respected brands and driving business success across the restaurant industry. Most recently, he served as President and CEO of Another Broken Egg Cafe, a high-growth daytime-only restaurant concept, overseeing significant business and footprint expansion. He also previously held progressive marketing and leadership roles at GoTo Foods (formerly FOCUS Brands), a developer of global multi-channel foodservice brands, including President of McAlister’s Deli, as well as Senior Vice President leading brand marketing strategy for Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and Schlotzsky’s. Mr. Macaluso has also served in senior brand and marketing positions at SONIC Drive-In and Burger King Corporation.
The Torchy’s Board of Directors commented, “After an in-depth search, we are thrilled to welcome Paul to Torchy’s. His long track record of delivering growth across iconic large-scale and up-and-coming restaurant brands makes him uniquely suited to lead Torchy’s through its next chapter.”
“We are also grateful to Mike for his dedicated leadership over the years and look forward to his continued contributions.”
Mr. Macaluso said, “I have long admired Torchy’s for its authentic culture and differentiated concept. I believe the business has significant potential for growth, and I look forward to partnering with the talented Torchy’s team to bring continued excitement and innovation to our guests.”
Mr. Rypka stated, “Since founding Torchy’s in 2006, we have always strived to deliver the best of the best. As we look ahead to our next phase of development, Paul is an enthusiastic, results-driven leader who shares our commitment to originality and guest experience. I am excited to work alongside him to grow the Torchy’s brand and continue building our ever-growing base of Taco Junkies.”
About Paul Macaluso
Paul Macaluso is a restaurant industry leader with more than three decades of experience driving results at large, national brands and high-growth regional brands. He most recently served as President and CEO of Another Broken Egg Cafe from 2019 to 2025, overseeing significant unit footprint expansion and sales growth. He also held a variety of senior leadership, progressive marketing, and brand strategy positions at GoTo Foods (formerly FOCUS Brands) from 2011 to 2018, where he led sales and guest relevance initiatives for a portfolio that included McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Schlotzsky’s, Carvel, Auntie Anne’s, and Cinnabon. Mr. Macaluso has also held senior brand strategy, menu development, and product marketing positions at SONIC Drive-In and Burger King Corporation. He began his career as a Restaurant General Manager with the Taco Bell Corporation in 1992 and went on to serve in various operations and marketing roles within the company over 10 years. Mr. Macaluso holds a BS and MBA from Florida State University.
About Torchy’s Tacos
Torchy’s Tacos is an innovative fast-casual restaurant known for their award-winning queso and “Damn Good” tacos. Founded out of an Austin, Texas food truck in 2006 by Mike Rypka, a former executive chef with a passion for innovative and experimental tacos, the concept has grown to over 130 locations across 16 states. Torchy’s commitment to delivering unique and delicious food is steadfast – all the food and drinks are made-to-order, using fresh, high-quality ingredients. For more information, visit TorchysTacos.com.
Media Contact:
Morgan Hendrix
pr@torchystacos.com
The post Torchy’s Tacos Appoints Paul Macaluso as Chief Executive Officer first appeared on RestaurantNews.com.
