Austin-Based Torchy’s Tacos Names Original Founder Mike Rypka As CEO

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Torchy’s Tacos, the popular Austin-based craft fast-casual brand known for its innovative and unique Damn Good Tacos, addictive Green Chile Queso, and fresh squeezed Margaritas, is pleased to announce that effective immediately it has named original company founder Mike Rypka as CEO.

“This is the company I built, and I love, and I am humbled to return as CEO of Torchy’s Tacos,” said Mike Rypka, founder and CEO. “My dream for Torchy’s began out of a small food truck in downtown Austin, and it has been incredible to reflect on what we have built over the last 15 years. I am proud that we have remained intensely focused on innovation, serving up the best Damn Good Tacos you’ve ever tasted, while continuing to elevate the guest experience through initiatives like handmade tortillas, made-to-order piping hot tacos, optimized kitchen designs, and delivering exceptional hospitality every time you visit. Through the years we’ve never lost sight of caring for our people, always providing opportunities for them to grow, while establishing a fun and unique culture that celebrates individuality. While I’ve always been involved behind the scenes, I am excited to serve as CEO as we work to bring Torchy’s to more communities so that everyone can experience our passion for made-from-scratch Damn Good Food.”

As a Food & Beverage industry veteran who previously led the Torchy’s team through transformative growth between its 2006 founding and 2018, Rypka has been in and around the food business since a young age and is widely regarded as a passionate, creative leader and entrepreneur. After a long career pursuing his passion for food as a corporate chef for leading organizations like the World Bank, MTV Studios, Disney Animation and Dell, among others, Rypka was ready to launch his own independent restaurant. He took his passion for good food and a knack for damn good flavors and before he knew it—the first Torchy’s Tacos food truck was born on South 1^st St. in Austin, Texas. Over 15 years have passed, and Rypka still has not lost his passion for food. Eager as ever, Rypka is often in the kitchen inventing new flavor profiles and is involved in the everyday operations of his beloved endeavor.

Today, Torchy’s serves innovative, unique tacos to guests at more than 100 locations across 11 states, offering a unique and edgy dining experience to visitors across the nation. Torchy’s has received numerous awards and rankings, including being named in the top 20 of Restaurant Business Magazine’s annual “Future 50” ranking of the fastest-growing small chains in the U.S. in 2015, as well as a top five placement in The Daily Meal’s list of the Best Tacos in America in 2014.

About Torchy’s Tacos

The Torchy’s Tacos story began 15 years ago in Austin, Texas, when a man with a dream bought a food trailer and a vibrant red Vespa. Mike Rypka, founder of Torchy’s Tacos, built a menu out of experimental tacos that were coined by fans as “damn good.” Today, Torchy’s Tacos has over 100 locations across Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Kansas, Indiana, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia that are committed to serving only the highest quality ingredients. By living the Damn Good mantra, Torchy’s Tacos is always innovating to deliver the most unique tacos, coveted queso and refreshing margaritas in the taco game, including the Taco of the Month, an untraditional taco offering that keeps taco junkies coming back for more. Visit www.torchystacos.com and follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or download the Torchy’s App to join the Taco Junkies Rewards Club for more information on Torchy’s Tacos.