The Lifelong Taco John’s Fan Joined the Mexican Quick-Service Restaurant Franchise in 2021
Taco John’s, a Mexican quick-service restaurant franchise, has promoted Kristin Nuss to general counsel and corporate secretary. Nuss joined Taco John’s in 2021 as associate general counsel and director of franchise compliance and contracts. She now provides legal oversight on decisions that affect the business and finding solutions to enhance operational efficiency. Nuss’ legal career includes experience in civil litigation, insurance defense and state government.
“Taco John’s is one of those brands that has had a presence in my life since childhood,” Nuss said. “From growing up in Nebraska and Colorado and riding my bike to the local Taco John’s for a treat, to starting my legal career in Taco John’s hometown of Cheyenne, Wyo., over 25 years ago, Taco John’s restaurants have always been there. It’s a really nostalgic brand for a lot of people, which is fun to see. Almost everywhere you go, you run into someone saying, ‘Oh, I miss Potato Olés!’ In the few years I’ve been with Taco John’s, what has impressed me most is the innovation. I love watching the menu and technology evolve so rapidly, and learning to navigate the interplay between law and innovation.”
Nuss enjoys being active in various areas of the business, from marketing and operations to technology and innovation. “I love having that comprehensive overview and insight into the overall business goals. Our new leadership team is really laying the groundwork to bring the brand to more parts of the country, and our teams are always looking for ways to improve. I love that there’s no standing still with this group.”
A Growing Leadership Team
Also joining Nuss on the leadership team are Tom Perella as vice president of technology and Damian Hanft as vice president of human resources. Their appointments and Nuss’ promotion come as Taco John’s launches its Path to Ownership structure and optimized business model, which solidify the brand’s franchisee support system.
Heather Neary, president and CEO of Taco John’s, said she is confident Nuss and her colleagues will help advance the QRS franchise’s growth. “As we continue to scale strategically, we are fine-tuning our operations to ensure franchisees are set up for success from day one. It’s critical that we have the right people in the right roles — leaders who are fully aligned with our core values and mission such as these three,” Neary said.
Franchise Law
Nuss said it’s important for prospective franchise owners to have a basic grasp of franchise law and an understanding of what makes a franchise system successful before making an investment. “They will also want to have a broad range of business and operational experience. They need to have knowledge in employment law, food safety regulation and accounting. You can’t have tunnel vision in this industry. Our most successful franchisees are those who understand that a franchise system is successful when brand standards and consistency are upheld, and they know how to manage their costs while being compliant and helping build the brand.”
About Taco John’s
With almost 350 locations across 22 states, Taco John’s has identified strong expansion opportunities in the Upper Midwest, Rocky Mountain regions and high-growth suburban markets. The brand was founded in 1969 and has since become known for its Potato Olés, Mexican doughnut bites, scrambler burrito and more.
