Real Mex Restaurants, Inc.appointed David Goronkin as president and chief executive officer and chairman of the board, effective June 1. He replaces outgoing CEO Dick Rivera, who fulfilled a two year contract with RMR.

Goronkin brings more than 25 years of experience to his new post with RMR. For the last two years Goronkin served as president and CEO at Bennigan's Franchising Co. Previously, he was CEO, president, and director at Redstone American Grill. Goronkin also spent 4.5 years as CEO of Famous Dave's of America. He has also held various executive positions with such concepts as HomeTown Buffet, Old Country Buffet and Chi Chi's Mexican Restaurants.

Cypress, Calif.-based RMR is a full-service, casual dining Mexican restaurant chain operator with 178 company owned restaurants, 149 in California and an additional 29 in 12 other states. RMR concepts include: El Torito Restaurants, Chevys Fresh Mex Restaurants, Acapulco Mexican Restaurants, El Torito Grill Restaurants, Sinigual Restaurants, Las Brisas Restaurant, Who-Song & Larry's, Casa Gallardo and El Paso Cantina. Additionally, there are 24 franchised Chevys Fresh Mex® Restaurants in 11 states.