Seventeen-year veteran Kevin Guidroz Named Chief Operating Officer of Taste Buds Management and Zea Rotisserie and Bar
NEW ORLEANS (April 5, 2023) – Taste Buds Management and Zea Rotisserie and Bar are pleased to announce the promotion of Kevin Guidroz to Chief Operating Officer.
A cornerstone of the organization for 17+ years, Guidroz started with the company as a Service Manager. Over the years, he has served as General Manager, Director of Culinary Operations, Area Director of Operations and, most recently, Vice President of Operations.
Company CEO Paul Hutson has no doubt Guidroz will excel in his new position. “Kevin possesses a unique talent for balancing the demands of the business with the needs of his colleagues,” Hutson said. “His commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences is truly inspiring.”
As Chief Operating Officer, Guidroz will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the company’s operations, including the development and implementation of strategies to drive growth and profitability. With his ability to adapt to new challenges, think outside the box, and inspire others to do their best work, Hutson believes Guidroz will continue to be a driving force in the restaurant industry for years to come.
A native New Orleanian, Guidroz attended Archbishop Shaw High School, University of New Orleans and Tulane University. Before joining Taste Buds, he honed his skills in a number of positions with Copeland’s of New Orleans.
Guidroz, who comes from a family of teachers, says that is the role he enjoys the most. He said, “I am blessed to have many influential mentors. They saw value in me and encouraged me to overcome and not give up. Paying that forward is a passion for me. Our Taste Buds team doesn’t just provide jobs, we touch peoples’ lives and make a difference.”
Guidroz and his wife Melissa have lived on the Northshore for 18 years, the last six years in Madisonville. “I wouldn’t be the person or the leader I am today without Melissa’s support, patience, and influence,” he added. “I owe my success to her and my team.”
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About Zea Rotisserie & Bar: Zea Rotisserie & Bar is a polished, casual restaurant where friends can meet up, share good food and have a great time. Zea is the brainchild of Hans Limburg, Gary Darling, and Greg Reggio, collectively known as The Taste Buds. The first Zea location opened in Harahan in June 1997 and now has grown to locations in the Greater New Orleans area and beyond including Covington, Lafayette, Baton Rouge, Denham Springs, La., and Ridgeland, Miss. Zea offers modern comfort food, including signature menu items, such as Rotisserie meats, Roasted Corn Grits and Thai Ribs. The Buds provide a great working environment, as well; Taste Buds Management was named among “Best Places to Work” in 2016, 2017, 2019 and 2020 by New Orleans City Business as well as a “Top Workplace” by The Times-Picayune in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. For more information about Zea locations and menu, visit zearestaurants.com.