Fast-casual taco chain Velvet Taco has appointed Chris Schultz as CEO as it targets further expansion in the US and overseas.

Schultz has been tasked with steering the company’s next stage of growth, with an emphasis on operations, innovation and the overall customer experience.

Under his leadership, the group aims to add sites in major metropolitan markets and is also assessing non-traditional locations such as airports.

Schultz stated: "Velvet Taco is one of those rare brands that knows exactly who it is: bold, creative and unapologetically original.

"My focus is on fuelling that spirit as we grow, staying true to what made Velvet Taco special while building the kind of brand and culture that can thrive anywhere in the world."

Schultz brings more than three decades of experience in the restaurant sector.

He most recently led Voodoo Doughnut as CEO, overseeing its entry into additional markets.

He previously spent nine years as senior vice-president of operations at MOD Pizza, managing the business as it scaled from a single outlet to more than 350 locations across the US, and 13 years at Starbucks, working on operational programmes.

Velvet Taco, established in 2011, operates more than 50 restaurants across eight US states and recently opened its first international site in London.

Its menu includes more than 20 tacos inspired by a range of global cuisines, alongside a Weekly Taco Feature programme that introduces different limited-time options.

In April 2025, Velvet Taco introduced five tortilla-free Velvet Bowls, aiming to serve diners looking for fresh, protein-packed meals.

The bowls are available with rotisserie chicken, steak, spicy tikka chicken, slow-roasted beef brisket or blackened shrimp. The menu also includes a vegetarian option with seasonal roasted vegetables.