Bernard Acoca
An American, Bernard Acoca, is the current CEO of Zaxby’s Chicken. He oversees all aspects of the company’s operations, including strategic and operational planning, new product development, and marketing.
In his 20 years with Zaxby’s, Acoca has held many positions throughout the organization – from general manager to director of operations and president. Under his leadership, Zaxby’s has enjoyed tremendous growth both domestically in the United States and internationally in countries such as Mexico and Brazil.
Earlier this year, he was recognized by BurgerBusiness magazine for being one of “The 50 Most Influential People in America’s Burger Business.” Acoca serves on the executive committee of the National Chicken Council and is a member of the Independent Restaurant Association of America.
Bernard Acoca, the Zaxby’s CEO, serves on the board of directors for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and Zaxby’s Voluntary Charitable Foundation. Founded in 2008, Zaxby’s Voluntary Charitable Foundation gives the most important causes to Zaxby’s fans and employees and expands our corporate community outreach. The foundation focuses its giving on areas such as children’s health care, hunger relief, and college scholarships for those in need. The foundation has donated over $2 million in cash grants since its inception.
Bernard Acoca holds several leadership positions within the industry organization, National Restaurant Association. He is a member of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association’s (NCBA) National Steering Committee and founder of the NCBA’s Houston Beef Council. Acoca was also selected by the NCBA as a “Greater Houston Heavy Hitter” recipient and was presented with the “Award for Leadership” by NRN in 2013. The NRN Award focuses on leadership, growth, and community service to further the interests of NRN members through meritorious contributions and other valuable activities. Acoca is recognized as one of the top 100 most influential people in the nation’s burger business by BurgerBusiness magazine and is currently listed as one of Forbes’ “Most Powerful People for the New Year.”
Acoca received his bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University. He has received several leadership awards, including the 2006 Rising Star Award from The National Restaurant Association, the 2010 Leadership Award from Restaurant Hospitality Management Magazine, and the 2013 NRN Foundation Leadership. Read this article for additional information.
More about Acoca on https://www.zaxbys.com/about/leadership