Adam Klaers Joins Cafe Rio as Chief Operating Officer to Lead Next Phase of Growth

Cafe Rio Fresh Modern Mexican has appointed Adam Klaers as Chief Operating Officer, adding experienced restaurant leadership as the fast-casual brand enters its next phase of growth.

Klaers shared the move on LinkedIn, describing the opportunity as a new chapter that brings him back into the restaurant industry. He said he is particularly excited to help lead Cafe Rio, a longstanding brand, through its next stage while relocating west and working closely with the team on operational performance and accountability.

Bringing Recent Restaurant Growth Experience

Before joining Cafe Rio, Adam served at CAVA, where he spent a period of time leading a team through a significant phase of restaurant and menu expansion.

During his tenure, his team supported the opening of more than 35 new restaurants, alongside the national launch of salmon and testing of additional menu innovations, including shrimp.

The experience adds a recent track record of restaurant development, operational execution, and menu innovation to his new leadership role at Cafe Rio.

A Focus on Performance and Accountability

At Cafe Rio, Adam will focus on strengthening operational execution and helping the business translate its brand momentum into sustainable performance.

His priorities include greater accountability across the organization, improving operational consistency, and supporting the teams responsible for delivering the customer experience across Cafe Rio's restaurant network.

The appointment comes as established restaurant brands look to balance expansion with operational discipline and continued menu innovation.

Leading Cafe Rio's Next Chapter

Adam described Cafe Rio as a "beloved legacy brand" and highlighted the opportunity to help shape its future while returning to the restaurant sector.

His experience across restaurant openings, product launches, menu development, and team leadership positions him to contribute to Cafe Rio's operational strategy as the company looks to build on its existing brand strength.

For Adam, the move also marks a return to the restaurant industry with a mandate centered on execution, performance, and growth.

Looking Ahead

As the restaurant sector continues to evolve, operators are increasingly focused on building scalable systems, maintaining consistency, and finding new ways to strengthen customer engagement.

With Adam Klaers stepping into the COO role, Cafe Rio is adding an executive with recent experience in restaurant expansion and operational growth as it works toward its next phase.

About Cafe Rio

Cafe Rio Fresh Modern Mexican is a fast-casual restaurant brand specializing in fresh Mexican-inspired cuisine. The company operates restaurants across the United States and has built its brand around made-from-scratch food and a modern approach to Mexican dining.