El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. has appointed Damon Thomas as its new Chief Operating Officer, effective September 21, 2026. Mr. Thomas joins the company from Shake Shack Enterprises, where he served as Senior Vice President of Operations, and brings extensive experience from other restaurant brands including Yoshinoya America and Raising Cane’s. He will report directly to CEO Elizabeth Williams.
Key Details
- Compensation Package: Includes an annual base salary of $425,000 and a target annual cash bonus of 75% of his base salary. He will receive a guaranteed minimum bonus of $225,000 for 2026.
- Inducement Awards: Mr. Thomas will receive a one-time sign-on equity grant valued at approximately $500,000, a $25,000 cash sign-on bonus, and will be eligible for annual equity awards of approximately $400,000 beginning in 2027.
- Effective Date: The appointment was effective September 21, 2026.