Rubio's Restaurants Announces New CEO

Daniel Pittard is resigning as president and chief executive officer of the Mexican fast-food chain Rubio's Restaurants Inc. after nearly five years of service, it was announced Friday.

Pittard—who will remain on the company's board of directors and and will be replaced by the company's chief operating officer—praised his successor.

"[Marc Simon] has extensive knowledge of the restaurant industry, understands the unique aspects of the Rubio's brand and is a strong leader," he said.

Simon said he was "very optimistic about the long-term opportunities for Rubio's and feel fortunate to be supported by an outstanding group of executives and team members. Together, we will continue to build on the foundation Ralph (Rubio) began many years ago when he introduced fish tacos to the country in his first San Diego restaurant."

Simon has served as the COO of Rubio's since September 2009 and was previously the company's senior vice president of operations for two years. From 1994 to 1998, he was VP of corporate development at McDonald's Corp., where he helped identify, negotiate and complete McDonald's first non-hamburger investment, Chipotle Mexican Grill. He then joined Chipotle as a regional director, opening 144 new units for the chain.

City News Service contributed to this report.