Taco Del Mar CEO Steps Down

Seattle Post Intelligencer:

James Schmidt, the chief executive, president and co-founder of Seattle-based Taco del Mar, has stepped down after 16 years with the company, saying it is de-emphasizing rapid growth and is on target for profitability this year.

Schmidt, 45, said Kevin Hansen, who had served as chief operating officer, will become president and will lead the company, also retaining his former title.

The role of chief executive will not be filled.

Schmidt said Wednesday he plans to advise the chain while tending to several other local restaurants he owns wholly or in part. Those include two Paddy Coyne’s Irish Pubs, Southlake Grill, Greenlake Bar & Grill and Eastlake Bar & Grill.

“I feel Taco del Mar will probably benefit by having a shake-up — having a fresh leader at the top, but not someone totally new to it,” Schmidt said.