Bernard Acoca has been a notable figure in the fast food industry, particularly known for his leadership at El Pollo Loco from 2018 to 2021. With a Bachelor of Arts from Emory University, Acoca came to El Pollo Loco with...

Bernard Acoca has been a notable figure in the fast food industry, particularly known for his leadership at El Pollo Loco from 2018 to 2021. With a Bachelor of Arts from Emory University, Acoca came to El Pollo Loco with a solid background in marketing. Before heading El Pollo Loco, he spent seven years at Starbucks, where he held various roles including President of Teavana, the tea division. He also worked as Vice President of Marketing at L’Oréal and held positions at YUM! Brands, which operates brands like Taco Bell and KFC. During his tenure at El Pollo Loco, he focused on redefining the brand and driving sales during a challenging market environment. His total compensation reached over $1.8 million in 2021, marking a notable increase from previous years. One interesting aspect of his time as CEO was a strategic approach to company performance metrics, where compensation was closely tied to adjusted EBITDA and revenue targets. However, due to his resignation in late 2021, much of his equity and bonuses were forfeited. Even with ups and downs, Acoca’s tenure at El Pollo Loco highlights his significant impact in the fast-casual dining sector.