Diversified Restaurant Group, the Taco Bell franchise operator, restructured its leadership to accelerate growth. Todd Kelly takes the role of brand president, Tom Douglas becomes chief operating officer, and Jason Dunn steps in as chief restaurant officer.
The reorganization signals the franchisee's ambition to expand its footprint and strengthen operational efficiency across locations. Kelly's appointment puts brand strategy and market positioning directly under focused leadership. Douglas brings COO expertise to streamline day-to-day operations, while Dunn's restaurant officer role targets quality and consistency at individual units.
This move reflects broader franchise dynamics in quick-service restaurants, where operators increasingly invest in leadership depth to compete effectively. Diversified Restaurant Group operates hundreds of Taco Bell locations, making executive alignment critical for scaling successfully.
The shake-up comes as Taco Bell itself pursues aggressive growth under parent company PepsiCo. Strong franchise leadership becomes essential when corporate brands push expansion targets. By clarifying roles and bringing in experienced operators like Kelly, Douglas, and Dunn, the group positions itself to capture market share and drive unit profitability.
These appointments demonstrate how successful franchisees build organizational muscle to match their ambitions.