REGO Restaurant Group Appoints Chef Mike Gieseman as Director of Culinary and Innovation for Fast-Casual Brand Portfolio Including Quiznos & Taco Del Mar

DENVER–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Chef Mike Gieseman, a culinary expert formerly with Qdoba Restaurant
Group, has been named Director of Culinary and Innovation for REGO
Restaurant Group, the fast-casual restaurant platform that includes
Quiznos and Taco Del Mar.

In this role, through which he oversees one of REGO’s centers of
excellence, Gieseman is responsible for reinvigorating the menus of
Quiznos and Taco Del Mar by developing craveable items that are
operationally achievable. Gieseman previously served as Manager of
Research and Development for Qdoba Restaurant Group where he pioneered
exciting new menu items that supported the brand’s transformation.
Immediately prior to joining REGO, Gieseman consulted for a variety of
Denver-based food brands and restaurants.

“Mike brings a tremendous understanding of the culinary experience our
guests are seeking when they step into one of our restaurants,” said
Mark Lohmann, Chief Brand Officer of REGO. “As the leader of our
culinary center of excellence, his consumer insights-driven methodology
is a major competitive advantage for our portfolio of turnaround brands
as we continue to drive a transformational agenda. Even if the menus at
each of our restaurants are drastically different, the notion of fully
understanding what the guest craves is a central driver across brands.”

One of Gieseman’s first areas of focus is continuing to improve the
quality of the dining experience at Taco Del Mar as well as creating the
restaurant’s latest limited-time offer, the Lobster and Seafood Taco,
which debuts on May 7. True to its “del mar” or “of the sea” roots, the
Lobster and Seafood Taco will be served chilled and features lobster
salad with fresh cilantro, onions and serrano peppers, served over
shredded cabbage and topped with house-made pico de gallo and Taco Del
Mar’s signature white sauce.

For Quiznos, the brand has been honing delicious recipes that feature
brisket and prime rib. These moves align with the portfolio’s direction
toward introducing higher quality meats and unique sauces that will
satisfy guests’ cravings and entice or make them want them to return
more often.

“I’m incredibly excited to add the next premium items and look forward
to adding more quality recipes that guests will love,” said Gieseman.
“If we look back to understand what’s worked and what hasn’t, we see
that we don’t need to come up with some over-the-top, crazy concoction.
Instead, our consumers want simple, back-to-basics recipes that meet
their cravings.”

About REGO Restaurant Group

Based in Denver, Colorado, REGO Restaurant Group is a fast-casual
restaurant platform backed by High Bluff Capital Partners. The portfolio
currently includes Quiznos, home of the original toasted sub, and Taco
Del Mar, which offers coastal Mexican cuisine. REGO Restaurant Group
manages nearly 800 restaurants in 32 countries.

Contacts

MEDIA:
Marie Espinel, LAK Public Relations
212-899-4744,
mespinel@lakpr.com