Southern California-based Farmer Boys has promoted Joseph Ortiz, its former vice president of finance and accounting, to president and chief operating officer, replacing Dave Wetzel, who is retiring.

“I am honored and humbled to be selected as the new Farmer Boys president,” Ortiz said in a company press release. “I will focus on reaching our long-term growth plans by expanding our organizational capabilities and leading a team that can deliver an unmatched guest experience.”

Since July 20220, Ortiz has led the finance and accounting teams, overseeing the information technology team, creating strategies and growth models, as well as improving workflow and development plans. With over 17 years of operations and financial experience in the restaurant and food service industry, he's also held various leadership roles at BakeMark and CKE Restaurant Holdings.

Wetzel joined Farmer Boys in 2020 as senior vice president of operations and was promoted to president and COO. Under his leadership, Farmer Boys grew average unit volumes by over 20%, improved the drive-thru experience by investing in equipment and technology and opened its first Arizona location, according to the release. Wetzel plans to focus on non-profit work upon retirement.

“It has truly been a great honor to have worked alongside the Farmer Boys team as their president for the past 3 years,” Wetzel said in the release. “The accomplishment that I am most proud of was our ability to recruit and retain such an amazing team. I am grateful to the team members who are the pulse of the Farmer Boys brand. I know that Joseph will continue leading the team towards success. I am excited to see what the Farmer Boys team will harvest in the coming years.”