Company holds off on Taco Cabana separation and new Pollo Tropical sites in Texas.

Danny Meisenheimer was named interim CEO and president of Fiesta Restaurant Group Inc., following the Sept. 30 retirement of Tim Taft. The Dallas-based parent company of Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana fast-casual restaurants will continue its search for a permanent successor, according to a release.

Danny Meisenheimer

Meisenheimer was previously COO and vice president of Pollo Tropical. In addition to his four years with Pollo Tropical, he served as COO and chief brand office at Souper Salad and vice president, brand management at Pizza Inn.

The planned development of Pollo Tropical restaurants in Texas was suspended while Fiesta Restaurant Group re-evaluates its strategic plan. Other new locations already set to open in 2017 will continue as scheduled.

Fiesta Restaurant Group’s board of directors also announced it would retain the Taco Cabana brand, cancelling out the previously announced separation of that brand.

Additional personnel changes include the resignation of Todd Coerver, the COO and vice president of Taco Cabana, as of Oct. 20, and the subsequent appointment of Mark Phillips as interim COO for the chain.

Phillips has more than 20 years of experience at Taco Cabana, most recently serving as vice president of operations.