Taco John’s Taps Longtime Arby’s Exec as COO

Mark Kocer, a former longtime executive at Arby’s, is joining Cheyenne, Wyo.-based Taco John’s as COO.

In this role, Kocer will oversee the quick-service Mexican brand’s day-to-day operations, assist with expansion plans and technological upgrades and mentor leaders within the brand and franchise system.

Kocer brings nearly three decades of restaurant industry experience to the role. He has spent the bulk of his career with Arby’s, where he worked for almost 20 years. In his most recent role as division vice president, he was responsible for managing over 400 franchised and almost 300 company-owned Arby’s ventures. Kocer also previously worked for KFC, serving as a senior area coach.

The new COO will operate out of the recently opened Taco John’s Restaurant Support Center in St. Louis Park, Minn.

Founded in 1969, Taco John’s operates and franchises nearly 400 restaurants.