Moe’s Southwest Grill Picks Up Former Taziki’s Exec

Atlanta-based Moe’s Southwest Grill has added to its senior leadership team with the hiring of Mike Smith as vice president of operations.

Smith joins the 650-unit chain, which is part of the Focus Brands family, from the Mediterranean brand Taziki’s, where he served as COO for the past two years. In that role, he oversaw in-restaurant technology, training, supply chain and purchasing and store support teams. Smith has over 20 years of experience in restaurant operations.

In addition, Moe’s Southwest Grill named Annica Conrad vice president of marketing. Conrad most recently served as Fat Brands’ chief marketing officer of the quick-service restaurant division.

“Moe’s is currently in the middle of a transformation, and we are committed to revitalizing the brand through improved operations and brand positioning in the marketplace,” says Tory Bartlett, chief brand officer, in a press release. “Annica and Mike have a combined 40-plus years of restaurant operations and consumer marketing experience, and with their expertise and leadership, I am confident in the brand’s forward momentum.”

Last month, Bartlett was named chief brand officer. Bartlett most recently served in the same position at Schlotzsky’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill’s sister company. The brand says the new additions complete the leadership team.