Margaritas Mexican Restaurant Names Bonnie Monahan as Chief Financial Officer

By: Margaritas | 13 Shares 159 Reads

New CFO Brings More Than 20 Years of Finance and Strategic Planning Experience to Growing Brand

November 09, 2011 // Franchising.com // Portsmouth, NH – Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, the 23-unit New England restaurant chain, has named seasoned financial executive Bonnie Monahan as the company’s Chief Financial Officer. Monahan has an established track record of building and leading finance organizations and also brings to Margaritas an extensive history in and knowledge of the restaurant industry. At Margaritas, a chain known for its remix of Mexican flavors and Mexican-style décor, Monahan will be responsible for leading all aspects of the Company's finance, accounting, and strategic planning functions.

Most recently, Monahan served as Vice President and Treasurer with Dunkin’ Brands, Inc., owner of the Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins brands. In that role, she led the company’s recapitalization which subsequently included an initial public offering. Monahan also worked closely with franchisees to support them in financing, real estate, insurance and electronic payment issues. Before that, Monahan served as Vice President of Strategic Planning, Business Development, and Investor Relations with the Timberland Company for six years, and in various senior management positions at Staples, Reader’s Digest, and PepsiCo among others. Monahan earned her A.B. in Economics from Smith College and a M.B.A. in Finance and Statistics from the University of Chicago.

“I am very excited to join Margaritas, a great brand which is poised for successful growth,” stated Monahan. “I am aligned with our priority of excellence in execution, and my focus will be to ensure that the management group delivers excellent support to our colleagues in the field, in our restaurants, and to our franchisees.”

Margaritas has outpaced competitors in the casual dining segment, demonstrating solid unit-level economics, with an EBITDAR of 23.5%, a beverage to gross sales ratio of 45.5% and profitability which places the business into the top tier among its peers. A strategic site-location process also contributes to their success. The company opened its first franchised location in Livingston, NJ in June, 2011.

About Margaritas Mexican Restaurants

Founded 25 years ago by John Pelletier, Margaritas Mexican Restaurants has 23 locations throughout Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey and Connecticut. From colorful authentic décor to a commitment to community relations through field trips and visiting artist demonstrations, Margaritas provides an atmosphere rich with the culture and flavors of Mexico, offering guests a fun dining adventure in a festive gallery of Mexican art. Margaritas Mexican Restaurants have earned numerous awards and honors, including being named the best Mexican restaurant in both New Hampshire and Connecticut. For more information on Margaritas, visit www.margs.com.

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