Former Church’s Chicken Exec Joins Tijuana Flats as CEO

Restaurant industry veteran Joe Christina has been appointed CEO of Florida-based Tijuana Flats, the company announced on Oct. 31.

Christina, who also will serve on the board of directors, will be responsible for accelerating growth and expanding franchise development for the 124-unit Tex-Mex brand.

The new CEO joins Tijuana Flats from Church’s Texas Chicken, where he served as CEO for six years. He began with the over 1,700-unit chain in 2013 as executive vice president of U.S. operations. Before joining Church’s, he spent 28 years with Burger King, most recently as senior vice president responsible for a division with $2 billion in sales and 2,000 restaurants in 19 states.

“Joe is a talented and experienced restaurant veteran who is well-positioned to take this beloved brand with a loyal and passionate following to the next level. His focus on delivering an exceptional guest experience coupled with his extensive franchising knowledge make him the ideal person for the CEO role,” says John Caron, board chairman, in a press release.

Christina succeeds Brian Wright, who left the brand this summer to lead Dallas-based Bar Louie as CEO.

Founded in 1995, Tijuana Flats has locations in Florida, Indiana, Virginia and North Carolina.