The Former Inspire Brands Executive Brings Extensive Leadership Experience to the Mexican QSR Franchise
Taco John’s, a Mexican quick-service restaurant franchise, has appointed Damian Hanft vice president of human resources. Hanft most recently led talent experience at Inspire Brands, the parent company of Dunkin’, Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Baskin-Robbins, Jimmy John’s and SONIC. His experience includes leadership positions in learning and development, human resources, labor relations and training.
“Taco John’s stood out to me because of its bold brand, rich history and strong sense of community,” Hanft said. “But what really sealed the deal was the culture. There’s a genuine commitment to people, innovation and doing things the right way. When the opportunity to lead HR and training came up, it felt like the perfect intersection of my passion for people and my experience in building strong, value-driven teams.”
The opportunity to shape the employee experience is a meaningful aspect of the position, Hanft said. “From onboarding to leadership development, there’s so much potential to elevate how we support our teams and franchisees. I’m also looking forward to building deeper connections across the organization and helping create a culture where every team member feels seen, supported and empowered to grow.”
Sustainable Franchise Growth
Hanft joined Taco John’s as the brand rolled out its Path to Ownership structure and optimized business model to create a stronger framework for franchisee support amid sustainable growth. The brand’s strategic enhancements in onboarding, real estate and construction, operations, training, branding and technology are meant to attract single and multi-unit franchisees. Taco John’s has also promoted Kristin Nuss to general counsel and corporate secretary, and appointed Tom Perella as vice president of technology.
Heather Neary, president and CEO of Taco John’s, said Hanft and his colleagues are aligned with the brand’s mission and values. “We are confident in Kristin, Tom and Damian’s leadership as we drive a new era for Taco John’s,” Neary said.
An Effective HR Strategy
Hanft said an effective HR strategy starts with listening. “It’s about understanding the needs of the business and the people who power it. From there, it’s about building systems that support growth, accountability and culture — things like clear career paths, strong leadership development, inclusive practices and consistent communication. And of course, it must be adaptable. The best HR strategies evolve with the business.”
Hanft, a proponent of lifelong learning, is always reading something new or diving into a podcast. He also enjoys hiking, trying new taco spots and spending time with his family.
About Taco John’s
Taco John’s was founded in Cheyenne, Wyo., in 1969. Since then, the Mexican QSR franchise has expanded to almost 350 locations across 22 states. The brand famously coined the term “Taco Tuesday” in 1989 and is known for serving crave-worthy Mexican fare including tacos, burritos, quesadillas and more.
