The fast casual franchise strengthens its executive leadership while expanding its restaurant footprint and introducing new menu innovations.
- Bubbakoo's Burritos advances with new leadership in 2026.
- Todd Barto and Michael Lassen appointed to key VP roles.
- Introduction of new menu items like Birria Crunch Stack.
Bubbakoo's Burritos is reinforcing its leadership team as the fast-casual franchise continues its nationwide expansion strategy. The company has appointed Todd Barto as Vice President of Operations and Michael Lassen as Vice President of Franchise Development, bringing decades of restaurant operations and franchise expertise to support the brand's next phase of growth.
Barto joins the company with leadership experience from brands including Arby's and Friendly's, where he oversaw restaurant operations and performance initiatives. Lassen brings an extensive background in franchise development, having previously held leadership positions with The Spice & Tea Exchange and Steak n Shake. Together, the two executives will help strengthen operational execution while supporting franchise expansion across existing and emerging markets.
Chief Executive Officer Chris Ives said the appointments reflect the company's commitment to building an experienced leadership team capable of supporting sustained growth. Alongside its organizational investments, Bubbakoo's Burritos has continued to expand its menu with new offerings, including empanadas, plant-based chorizo, and limited-time specialty items that reinforce the brand's focus on innovation. With more than 140 restaurants operating across 16 states, the company continues to broaden its presence in the competitive fast casual sector.
As franchise networks grow, consistent communication becomes increasingly important for franchisees, employees, and customers alike. Gorilla Dash supports expanding brands through News, Articles and Blog Posts, providing a centralized platform for publishing operational updates, leadership announcements, promotional campaigns, and company news across the franchise system. Keeping stakeholders informed helps reinforce brand consistency while supporting engagement throughout a growing network.
The executive appointments signal that Bubbakoo's Burritos is investing in the infrastructure needed to sustain long-term expansion. By combining experienced leadership with menu innovation and continued franchise development, the company is positioning itself to strengthen its competitive standing while supporting future restaurant openings across the United States.
Key Facts:
| Leadership Changes | Todd Barto and Michael Lassen were appointed as Vice Presidents of Operations and Franchise Development, respectively. |
|---|---|
| Menu Innovations | New offerings like the Birria Crunch Stack and Plant-Based Chorizo were introduced to attract diverse customers. |
| Expansion Strategy | Bubbakoo's aims to expand its presence across state lines with 140+ locations. |
| Gorilla Dash Features | Prominent features like Reputation Management and CRM Integrations assist in seamless franchise management. |
| Franchise System Growth | Efforts include leadership enhancements and new menu items to push the brand's reach further nationally. |
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