Rusty Taco has added three executives to its leadership team including the appointment of the brand’s director of marketing, Natalie Johnson. Roland Wayment and Dustin Drago have will serve as franchise business consultants.
“We are dialed in on revitalizing and positioning Rusty Taco as a category leader, and this starts with building a team that shares the same goal of bringing this vision to life,” Daniel Smith, president of Rusty Taco, said in a company press release. “I’m thrilled to add new talent to our team. Each team member will play an active role in shaping consumer perception of our brand, including marketing efforts and the positive guest experience resulting from streamlined restaurant operations. Current franchisees can expect elevated corporate support, and for those interested in growth opportunities, now is the right time to connect with our team to explore how Rusty Taco could be a match for you.”
Prior to joining Rusty Taco, Johnson held a senior marketing role with Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, where she helped drive business growth through national marketing campaigns, leading brand launches and ensuring consistency systemwide to boost brand awareness.
“I was drawn to the opportunity to lead a rebranding effort for such a creative and community-centric brand like Rusty Taco,” Johnson said in the release. “We’re focused on refreshing and enhancing our brand identity to help create stronger connections to our current guests and reach new customers. I’m happy to have the chance to work with such a dynamic team to drive success and bring a new energy to Rusty Taco.”
Wayment most recently served as VP of operations for Rolo and Associates, working with restaurant operators to identify day-to-day opportunities for improvement to enhance the overall guest experience. Additionally, Wayment spent several years in a consulting role.
“Rusty Taco has a great story, culture, and product, and holds significant opportunities for growth,” Wayment said in the release. “I look forward to contributing to the team through my skills and leadership experience, helping to plan and execute the next chapter in the company’s story.”
Before joining Rusty, Drago was director of operations for Grimaldi’s Pizzeria, overseeing the brand’s national growth and managing restaurants across 15 states.
“My role at Rusty Taco will allow me to work directly with and support both current and future franchisees and their teams,” he said in the release. “There is so much momentum behind Rusty Taco, and we’re focused on finding more ways to build off the current foundation and take the brand to new heights.”
Rusty Taco was created by Rusty Fenton, who with his wife, Denise Fenton, opened the first Rusty Taco location in Dallas, Texas in 2010.
