Hilyer
Taco Boy today announced a major milestone in its growth and leadership team with the addition of two new roles dedicated to enhancing operations, guest experiences, and unique event opportunities across all six locations.
LORI HILYER JOINS TACO BOY AS CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Joining the team as Taco Boy’s new Chief Operating Officer (COO) is Lori Hilyer. Lori, an Asheville local, has already brought invaluable expertise to North Carolina stores over the past few months and will now oversee operations for all Taco Boy locations across the Carolinas. Lori’s connection to Taco Boy predates her new role; she and her family were regular visitors to the Folly Beach location, and her admiration for the brand grew during a visit to Taco Boy’s West Asheville location. It was there that Lori struck up a conversation with Taco Boy’s Founder and CEO, Karalee Fallert, leading to a connection that eventually brought her into the company’s leadership.
Lori brings with her over 30 years of experience in both independent and corporate hospitality. Her leadership style, grounded in empathy and a deep commitment to the guest experience, is set to elevate Taco Boy’s operations as they continue to create memorable dining experiences.
Lori’s journey in hospitality began in her family’s restaurant in Upstate South Carolina. From her earliest days, she was drawn to the diverse, inclusive, and dynamic environment that restaurants provide—qualities that continue to inspire her today. “I’m beyond excited to be a part of Taco Boy’s future. The people here are truly incredible, and I can’t wait to help the team continue providing positive experiences to our guests,” Lori said. “In hospitality, we facilitate memories, traditions, and moments around a table—how lucky are we to be a part of that?”
RACHAEL ROSE REJOINS AS CATERING & EVENT SALES DIRECTOR
Rose
Alongside Lori, Taco Boy is equally excited to welcome back Rachael Rose, who will lead the Off-Site Catering & In-House Events program. Rachael worked with Taco Boy for four years before taking time to focus on her family and help create the marketing department for a national hospitality-focused startup. The team is thrilled to have her return to the Taco Boy family.
Rachael brings over 22 years of experience from the hospitality industry and has focused the core of her career around sales, event planning, and food and beverage operations. She’s hit the ground running, relaunching and expanding Taco Boy’s off-site catering services, taco truck opportunities, and in-house events. "I love making people's dream events a reality and handling the details so they can enjoy the party stress-free," said Rachael. "There are endless possibilities in continuing to level up off-site catering, community, and in-house events. Plus, who doesn’t love celebrating with tacos?!"
Her passion for thinking outside the box to create memorable experiences for guests, along with her drive to keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in hospitality make Rachael the perfect fit to lead this new chapter for Taco Boy.
Taco Boy is honored to have both Lori and Rachael joining the team as they expand and refine guest offerings, all while maintaining the same community-driven values and passion that started this taco-loving journey 18 years ago on Folly Beach.
