John Cappasola

Chief Executive Officer at Playa Bowls

Speaker

John Cappasola, CEO of Playa Bowls, leads the nation’s top superfruit bowl brand through strategic expansion, digital innovation and menu evolution, positioning it at the forefront of a high-growth category. A seasoned leader in the multi-unit restaurant industry with a strong track record of building high-performing teams and award-winning brands, John has spent his career focused on strengthening brands through differentiated positioning and guest-centric execution. From launching new store prototypes to developing category-leading innovation, his ability to integrate data-driven strategies with brand culture has set the foundation for sustained growth.

Before joining Playa Bowls, John was an active board member and enjoyed consulting and advising brands and investors. Prior to that, he was CEO of Nothing Bundt Cakes during a pivotal time in the brand’s growth and innovation strategies. At Del Taco, John served as President and CEO, where he spearheaded a brand repositioning that led to 40% AUV growth driven by five years of positive traffic. His leadership earned him the Golden Chain Award, and the team’s menu innovation efforts were recognized at MenuMasters.

John holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and stays actively involved in the industry through leadership panels and advisory roles. Passionate about mentorship, he is currently guiding three young executives and has mentored over a dozen throughout his career. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his family and embracing the active, community-driven lifestyle embodied by Playa Bowls.