Former GoTo Foods Executive Credits Mentors for Encouraging her Achievements Through 25-Plus Years of Restaurant Experience
The Taco John’s quick-service restaurant franchise has named Jackie Secor chief operating officer. The former GoTo Foods executive utilizes more than 25 years of restaurant industry experience to accelerate Taco John’s growth, enhance franchisee success and streamline systemwide operations.
Secor began her restaurant career as a shift manager at Auntie Anne’s. She went on to hold several leadership roles at the pretzel franchise’s parent company, GoTo Foods (formerly Focus Brands). In these capacities, she had the opportunity to work with former Auntie Anne’s President Heather Neary, who now serves as Taco John’s president and CEO.
“Heather has long been a mentor and trusted confidant; someone I’ve turned to for guidance when navigating new challenges,” Secor said. “When this position opened at Taco John’s, she reached out to me directly. While I still went through a thorough interview process with key stakeholders, the opportunity came about because of the relationship we’ve built and maintained over time. What made it even more compelling was how closely my business philosophy aligns with Taco John’s people-first culture. I’m truly excited to have joined this team and to work alongside the talented team Heather has assembled.”
Secor said Taco John’s growth potential also excites her. “As the brand scales, it also opens the door to meaningful development and career advancement for our team members, empowering them to build new skills, step into leadership roles and grow their careers within the Taco John’s family. I’m excited to bring my experience to a brand that genuinely prioritizes people, is deeply invested in franchisee profitability, emphasizes operational excellence and remains focused on expanding brand awareness. I believe I can make a real impact by leading operational initiatives that strengthen our franchisee support systems and, ultimately, deliver the best possible experience for our guests.”
Neary said Secor is “the kind of leader who brings strategic discipline and a deep respect for the people who make the business run every day. She’s a champion for franchisees, a data-driven decision-maker, and a true operator at heart. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the executive team at such an exciting time in the brand’s evolution.”
Successful Franchise Operations
Keeping guests and front-line team members at the forefront of everything is key to successful franchise operations, Secor said. “It is easy to get caught up in the latest trends or cool ideas and not consider the impact on the people that need to implement them at the restaurant level,” she said. “While this might sound simple, it’s often overlooked. We may have the best idea, but if it adds operational complexity to the day-to-day business, it is difficult to execute and provide a great guest experience. Many franchisors miss that critical step in their stage gate process – not fully considering the practical impact on their team. Successful franchise operations balance innovation with efficiency and support for franchisees and their teams.”
Secor said she thrives on the fast pace of the restaurant industry. “The ‘organized chaos’ in the service industry has taught me to be nimble, quickly problem solve and think on my feet, and I’ve been fortunate to work with such a diverse group of people. I’ve also been surrounded by great leaders throughout my career who have taught me a great deal. Through stretch assignments, mentoring sessions and constant encouragement, I am where I am today in my career. Many women have blazed the trail before me, and I view it as my responsibility to bring people along with me as I continue to advance in my career and act as a mentor to those around me.”
About Taco John’s
Taco John’s was founded in 1969 in Cheyenne, Wyo., and has since expanded to almost 350 restaurants across 22 states. In addition to being known for its craveable tacos, quesadillas, burritos and more, the brand famously coined the term Taco Tuesday in 1989.
