Del Taco Executive Promoted to President

It was a day after her 14th birthday when Shirlene Lopez started working at a Fountain Valley Del Taco, mopping floors and cleaning tables. Now the 42-year-old executive has been named president of the fast-food chain.

Lopez takes control of Lake Forest-based Del Taco from Ron Petty, who will head franchising for Sagittarius Brands, the Nashville company that owns the chain.

Founded in 1964, Del Taco operates or franchises more than 470 restaurants in 13 states.

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Jerry Hirsch