COSTA MESA, Calif. — El Pollo Loco announced on March 26 that Miguel Lozano will be the new chief operating officer of the company starting on April 1.

Before working at Starbucks for 23 years in the operations sector, Lozano worked at El Pollo Loco starting as a restaurant general manager. He eventually moved up to area leader when the brand was owned by Flagstar Corp.

“It is with much excitement that we welcome Miguel as our Chief Operating Officer and member of our Leadership Team,” said Bernard Acoca, president and CEO of El Pollo Loco. “His proven leadership skills and extensive knowledge of the restaurant industry will be instrumental in helping El Pollo Loco simplify and transform our operating platform to ensure meaningful and sustainable growth for the future and also do it in a way that is consistent with our values.”

Lozano will work on formulating organizational strategy, driving brand growth, and profitability as COO. Simplifying operations is also a major part of Lozano’s new initiatives.

“I’m thrilled to be returning to my El Pollo Loco family during this exciting time,” Lozano said. “I look forward to working closely with the leadership team to elevate the employee and customer experience through the strengthening of El Pollo Loco operations.”