DENVER – Chef-driven burger concept Larkburger named Todd Coerver to lead the burger chain as its new CEO. Coerver most recently served as COO of Taco Cabana. He succeeds Adam Baker, Larkburger co-founder, who resigned in June.

“Larkburger is a uniquely positioned brand with a compelling menu and healthy unit-level economics,” Coerver said in a statement. “It has the support of a smart, impassioned board, leadership team and workforce. And it enjoys a fanatical customer following.”

“It’s everything you look for in an opportunity and I’m excited to join the team and get started.”

Coerver started at Taco Cabana seven years ago as chief brand officer, and was later promoted to COO in 2012. Before joining Taco Cabana, he led marketing and innovation at Whataburger.

“Todd’s leadership qualities and broad functional expertise in a large chain environment are what we’ve been looking for to lead the next phase of growth at Larkburger,” said Aaron Kennedy, Larkburger board member and founder of Noodles & Company. “His passion for building and leading teams, along with his proven track record in growing restaurant brands will make an immediate and positive impact on the company.”

Larkburger also announced that Ned Grace, founder of The Capital Grille and a Larkburger board member, will serve as the company’s new chairman of the board. Baker is credited with growing the Larkburger brand.

 Chef Thomas Salamunovich, Nancy Sweeney and Adam Baker founded Larkburger in 2006. The chain currently operates 12 restaurants in Colorado, and plans to open its next restaurant in Overland Park, Kansas in 2017.