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The Long Beach-based owner of the faded Acapulco and Irvine-based El Torito Mexican restaurant chains is preparing to undertake a significant makeover under a new president and chief executive, Frederick F. Wolfe, who will step into the ring May 15.
Wolfe, 50, is a turnaround specialist known for breathing new life into dog-eared chains. At his most recent job as chief operating officer at California Pizza Kitchen, Wolfe helped inject a contemporary look into the pizza restaurants' decor, provide a menu featuring lighter and fresher dishes, upgrade the food ingredients and give customers larger portions, analysts said.
Acapulco Acquisition Corp., owner of the two Mexican restaurant chains, is hoping that Wolfe, who had been vice president...