Vancouver-based Burgerville names Ed Casey new CEO

Vancouver-based Burgerville announced Wednesday that Ed Casey will be taking over as the company’s new chief executive.

The company is excited to welcome Casey to the crew, said Jennifer Mears, president for The Holland Inc., Burgerville’s parent company.

“He brings the experience needed for this role, as well as the leadership qualities we sought,” said Mears in a statement to the press. “Our new CEO has to be someone who shares Burgerville values — outstanding employees, exceptional service and food quality, dedicated local sourcing and thriving communities. Ed holds these values and will bring them to the CEO role.”

Casey has worked in food service for 30 years, founding and co-owning the popular brunch spot Cheryl’s on 12th in downtown Portland, as well as having been a franchisee for Baja Fresh and former chief executive for The Counter, a customizable burger restaurant, which has locations in Virginia, New York, Florida, Arizona, California and Dublin, Ireland.

“I have admired Burgerville for many years for its commitment to local, sustainable and high-quality food with thoughtful consideration of employees, vendors, guests and community,” said Casey, who is local to the Portland area, in the statement.

The announcement comes after Jill Taylor, who served as the company’s chief executive for five years, decided to leave the business to return to The Taylor Group, a coaching and leadership training company she co-founded. Taylor’s last day with the company was Jan. 31.

Burgerville was established in 1961 and has 39 locations and 1,000 employees in Oregon and Southwest Washington.

This article was updated to reflect the specific title of Jennifer Mears.