Chip City Elevates Nico Baizan de Aldecoa to President

CEO Fred LeFranc credited Baizan de Aldecoa’s rapid promotion to a deep, granular understanding of the brand’s mechanics and his ability to earn the trust of the frontline staff. Before joining the cookie chain, Baizan de Aldecoa built a career in the restaurant and manufacturing sectors, including stints with chef José Andrés and various culinary leadership roles in New York and Chicago.

The appointment signals a shift for the portfolio company of Enlightened Hospitality Investments, the growth equity fund established by Danny Meyer. Baizan de Aldecoa plans to maintain the brand’s consistency while pushing for higher operational standards. With locations now spanning six states, including New York, Texas, and Virginia, the company is looking to capitalize on its nine-year history to scale further. Paulina Orillac, a board member at Chip City and vice president at EHI, noted that his enthusiasm for the brand has already resonated with the internal team and is expected to influence the guest experience.