From Pretzels to Ops Leader: A Trailblazing Career Rooted in Operations
Jackie Secor’s journey to the C-suite began with a shift manager role at Auntie Anne’s; now, she’s leading the charge as Chief Operating Officer at Taco John’s®, a brand primed for growth. With more than 25 years of experience in restaurant operations, training, and leadership, Secor has built a reputation as a results-driven, franchisee-focused executive who knows how to scale success from the frontlines up.
“Operations is in my blood and at the core of who I am,” said Secor. “My career started on the front line, and that perspective continues to shape how I lead. I believe in structured collaboration, leveraging data, empowering teams, and driving consistency across the system.”
That foundation helped her rise through the ranks at GoTo Foods, where she eventually served as Senior Vice President of Operations and Training. Her leadership consistently emphasized analytics-driven strategy, team development, and operational excellence, traits that now make her a standout addition to Taco John’s executive team.
Elevating Taco John’s Through Franchisee Partnership and Operational Excellence
As COO, Secor will oversee operations, technology, and training across the Taco John’s system while also working closely with supply chain, marketing, and development teams. Her mandate is clear: drive performance, streamline operations, and empower franchisees with best-in-class tools to boost average unit volume and support scalable expansion.
“Jackie is the kind of leader who brings both strategic discipline and a deep respect for the people who make the business run every day,” said Heather Neary, President and CEO of Taco John’s. “She’s a champion for franchisees, a data-driven decision-maker, and a true operator at heart. We’re thrilled to welcome her to the executive team at such an exciting time in the brand’s evolution.”
Secor’s appointment comes as Taco John’s embarks on a growth era, driven by a more accessible business model and innovative initiatives like the Path to Ownership program. With franchise expansion accelerating nationwide, her role will be vital in supporting both single-unit operators and multi-unit developers.
True to her roots, Secor is prioritizing the partnerships that fuel brand success from the ground up. “Taco John’s has such a strong foundation and a clear growth trajectory, and I’m excited to join the world-class team to elevate the brand and support our franchisees in the next phase of success,” she added.
Her leadership style, defined by transparency, collaboration, and results, makes her a key player in Taco John’s future and a role model for leaders who believe the best ideas start behind the counter.
