Cafe Rio Appoints New Operations And Brand Chiefs
The Salt Lake City-based chain adds veteran leadership to oversee its daily operations and brand strategy.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in People
Salt Lake City-based Cafe Rio has appointed Adam Klaers as chief operating officer and promoted Julie Boyster to chief brand officer. These leadership changes involve two executives with significant experience as the chain continues to evolve its operations.
Why it matters
Changes in executive leadership often signal a shift in operational focus or brand positioning. For restaurant operators, observing how these incoming leaders deploy their experience—from fast-casual giants to regional brands—offers a benchmark for their own management strategies.
Adam Klaers brings 25 years of restaurant industry experience to the COO role, joining a company that has operated since its founding in 1997. The brand currently operates under the leadership of CEO Mike Burns.
The players
Adam Klaers
New chief operating officer of Cafe Rio with 25 years of experience at brands including CAVA and Chipotle.
Julie Boyster
Newly appointed chief brand officer of Cafe Rio and former chief marketing officer of LifeVantage.
Mike Burns
Chief executive officer of Cafe Rio who joined the company in 2026.
Cafe Rio
A Salt Lake City-based restaurant chain founded in 1997.
The details
Adam Klaers joins the Salt Lake City headquarters with a background in leadership roles at CAVA, Chipotle, and Roy Rogers. Julie Boyster, the newly appointed chief brand officer, moves into the position after previously serving as the chief marketing officer for LifeVantage. These appointments follow the 2026 arrival of Mike Burns as the company's chief executive officer.
Timeline
1997: Cafe Rio was founded.
2026: Mike Burns joined Cafe Rio as CEO.
October 26, 2026: Announcement published.
Market Landscape
These executive appointments follow the 2026 arrival of CEO Mike Burns at the Salt Lake City-based chain. The moves represent a structured effort to align the company's operational and brand strategy with the experience of incoming leadership.
Operators should watch for potential shifts in the company's operational playbook or marketing focus as the new team settles in. Tracking how these leaders integrate their prior experience from national chains can provide signals on future regional scaling strategies.
The takeaway
Leadership changes at the C-suite level often serve as precursors to broader shifts in service models or expansion tactics. Operators should monitor the company's public communications in the coming months for shifts in brand messaging or operational efficiency benchmarks.
Further reading
For more on shifting executive roles in the region, visit the People section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Foodservice Equipment & Supplies.
