Scott Lawton is the CEO and Co-Founder of bartaco, a coastal-inspired restaurant serving fresh, upscale street food in a relaxed environment. He also serves as CEO of Uncle Julio’s, restaurants serving made-from-scratch Mexican cuisine. Lawton has over twenty five years of leadership experience in the hospitality arena, and rejoined bartaco in 2020 under the new private ownership of L Catterton, where he oversees the concept’s overall vision and growth. That year, Lawton led the rollout of bartaco’s on-demand hospitality dining model, and continues to pave the way for other restaurant leaders looking to create a seamless guest experience. Under his leadership, bartaco was recognized by Hospitality Technology’s MURTEC Breakthrough Awards in 2022 for the restaurant’s signature “on-demand hospitality.” Now pulling double duty, Scott was recently appointed to also serve as CEO of Uncle Julio’s, where he will lead the restaurants towards a future of brand building, innovation and growth. Prior to becoming CEO of bartaco and Uncle Julio’s, Lawton was Chief Operating Officer of Barteca (bartaco and Barcelona Wine Bar). Lawton previously held key leadership roles with Tribeca Grill and Big Time Restaurants.