Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, the popular fast-casual-plus Mexican food restaurant that was founded in Fort Worth, announced two leadership appointments.

Patrick Kirk, previously chief marketing officer, has been named president and will continue as CMO, while Marshall Claycamp, previously executive director of operations services at IHOP, was named chief operations officer.

The company said that in these new and expanded roles, Kirk will continue to define and grow the Fuzzy’s Taco Shop experience and manage all organizational aspects, while Claycamp will lead all of the brand’s operations and franchise restaurant operations.

“Patrick is no stranger to the business,” John Peyton, CEO of Pasadena, California-based Dine Brands, which franchises Fuzzy’s and other restaurant brands, said in a statement. “At our sister brand, Applebee’s, he disrupted the casual dining industry through beverage innovation, growing the beverage business into a $1 billion enterprise. Since joining the Fuzzy’s team as CMO, he has made an immediate impact,.His knack for building strategic plans and forming strong brand and franchisee partnerships, all while focusing on creating engaging and fun guest experiences, is undeniable.”

With more than 23 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Kirk has been responsible for creating industry-leading beverage programs and building trusted relationships at national brands besides Applebee’s including Tony Roma’s and Buffalo Wild Wings, Dine Brands said. 

In a statement, Kirk said, “I’m a huge fan of Fuzzy’s bold attitude and strong values. Since Dine Brands acquired Fuzzy’s in 2022, I have gotten to know the team and been impressed by how the brand brings its Baja vibe to life and connects with guests. I’m eager to dive deeper with the team and franchisees to unlock the brand’s potential.”

Growing the national footprint

At IHOP, Claycamp was executive director of operations services for the last five years. His career spans multiple roles, including franchise business consultant at IHOP, learning and development at Applebee’s, and years of restaurant operations.

“Marshall’s ability to adapt, learn, grow, and hone his leadership skills has prepared him well to assume this new role as Fuzzy’s chief operations officer,” Peyton said. “Marshall has a passion for restaurant operations, a commitment to our culture, and most importantly, a love for our teams. He is perfectly suited to lead our operations as we continue to grow our national footprint.”

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop was founded in Fort Worth in 2003. In August, the company said it had 127 restaurants at the end of June, down from 137 in June 2023.

Through its subsidiaries and franchisees, Dine Brands Global Inc. supports and operates restaurants under the Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, IHOP, and Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar brands. As of June, those three brands consisted of nearly 3,600 restaurants across 18 international markets. Dine Brands is one of the largest full-service restaurant companies in the world and expanded into the fast-casual segment in 2022.

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