James O’Reilly named CEO of &pizza, Tijuana Flats parent company
Leadership change at Latitude Food Group sparks ambitions for growth and recovery.
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&pizza has appointed James O'Reilly as CEO of its parent company Latitude Food Group, which recently acquired Tijuana Flats. The new leadership comes amidst challenges as both brands face declining sales but are positioned for growth through franchising.
Why It Matters
This leadership change may enhance operational strategies and affect unit economics, particularly as the company aims to scale its franchises amid recovery efforts.
James O'Reilly has been appointed as the chief executive officer of Latitude Food Group, the parent company of pizza chain &pizza and Tex-Mex brand Tijuana Flats. His appointment comes approximately eight months after the formation of Latitude Food Group, which was established following &pizza’s acquisition of Tijuana Flats. O'Reilly succeeds Cody Towns, who served as interim CEO during the executive search and is now a board member.
O'Reilly brings over 30 years of restaurant industry experience to his new role. Most recently, he was the CEO of Ascent Hospitality Management, which oversees brands like Perkins and Huddle House. Prior positions include CEO roles at Smokey Bones and Long John Silver’s, as well as executive roles at Sonic Drive-In, Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, and Yum Brands. This extensive background positions him well to lead the company through its growth ambitions, emphasizing franchising for its two brands.
In his statement, O'Reilly expressed enthusiasm for the company's energetic and ambitious culture, stating, “Latitude Food Group has the kind of energy you can feel immediately — bold, ambitious and built for forward motion.” He highlighted LFG's “challenger mindset” and its focus on growth while maintaining brand uniqueness, indicating a likely strategic emphasis on expanding both &pizza and Tijuana Flats through franchising.
