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El Pollo Loco appoints Damon Thomas as chief operating officer, bringing restaurant operations experience to the company’s senior leadership team.

El Pollo Loco has appointed Damon Thomas as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective September 21, 2026. Thomas will report directly to Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth “Liz” Williams as he takes responsibility for the company’s restaurant operations. The appointment adds an experienced restaurant operations executive to the company’s leadership team as it focuses on maintaining consistent execution across its fast-casual restaurant network.
Thomas joins El Pollo Loco with experience in restaurant operations and leadership across the food-service industry. His previous roles include positions with Shake Shack and Yoshinoya America, where he gained experience in restaurant operations, execution and organizational management. His background is expected to support his responsibilities overseeing day-to-day restaurant operations and helping drive operational consistency across the business.
As Chief Operating Officer, Thomas will report to CEO Elizabeth “Liz” Williams. His role places him among the company’s senior executives responsible for supporting restaurant performance and operational execution. The appointment comes as restaurant operators continue to focus on areas such as service consistency, labor management, customer experience and efficient restaurant operations.
According to the company’s disclosed offer terms, Thomas will receive an annual base salary of $425,000. His compensation package also includes a minimum bonus of $225,000 for 2026, a $25,000 sign-on bonus and future annual equity awards that are expected to vest over a three-year period. The agreement also includes standard provisions related to severance and other executive employment terms.
The company stated that Thomas’ appointment did not involve any special arrangements or family relationships with members of the company’s leadership or board. The disclosure forms part of the company’s reporting around the executive appointment and outlines the employment and governance terms associated with the new COO role.
Thomas’ appointment comes as El Pollo Loco continues to operate in the competitive fast-casual restaurant sector. His responsibilities are expected to center on restaurant operations, execution and supporting the company’s broader operational priorities. The COO role can play an important part in translating company strategies into day-to-day restaurant practices, including operational standards, team execution and customer service.
With Thomas joining the leadership team, El Pollo Loco is adding an executive with experience across multiple areas of restaurant operations. His appointment gives the company a dedicated senior executive focused on operational responsibilities. The company’s progress under the new COO will depend on how effectively its leadership team translates its operational priorities into consistent execution across its restaurant network.