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Burgerville Names New CEO, Keizer Restaurant Plans Still Unclear
Kyle Welch takes over as CEO, but the timeline for the Keizer location remains uncertain.
Published on Feb. 21, 2026
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Burgerville, the Pacific Northwest burger chain, has appointed Kyle Welch as its new CEO, succeeding Ed Casey who grew revenue by over 50% in four years. While the company has recently expanded to several new Oregon locations, the status of the planned Keizer restaurant remains unclear.
Why it matters
The leadership change at Burgerville comes at a critical time for the company's expansion plans, including the long-anticipated Keizer location. The new CEO's priorities and approach could impact the timeline and details of the Keizer restaurant's opening.
The details
Kyle Welch, a longtime restaurant entrepreneur, has been named the new CEO of Burgerville, replacing Ed Casey. Casey stepped down after leading the company through a period of significant growth, with revenue increasing by over 50% in four years. Under Casey's leadership, Burgerville launched four new Oregon restaurants, all remodeled fast-food locations, in a 17-month span. However, the Keizer location, which was announced in 2024, has yet to materialize, even as other cities like Salem, Bend, and Woodburn have seen new Burgerville openings.
- In May 2024, Burgerville announced plans to expand to Salem and Keizer.
- In July 2024, Burgerville confirmed it would take over the former Sonic locations in both Salem and Keizer.
- Demolition at the 220 Lancaster Drive SE location in Salem began in December 2024, and the restaurant reopened four months later.
- The Bend and Woodburn locations followed over the next five months, but no construction activity has been observed at the former Sonic site in Keizer.
- Burgerville submitted a commercial structural building application to Marion County for the Keizer location in April 2025, with revisions made in September and October, and the permit was issued on October 28, 2025.
The players
Kyle Welch
The new CEO of Burgerville, a longtime restaurant entrepreneur who has been appointed to lead the company's next stage of growth.
Ed Casey
The former CEO of Burgerville, who stepped down after increasing the company's revenue by more than 50% in four years.
Burgerville
A Pacific Northwest burger chain that is undergoing a leadership change and expansion efforts, including plans for a new location in Keizer, Oregon.
What they’re saying
“I can't imagine a better leader than Kyle for the next stage of growth. He understands our deep connection to the Pacific Northwest — to local farmers, suppliers, neighborhoods and families — and he's recommitting to supporting the region we call home.”
— Ed Casey, Former CEO (Burgerville press release)
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
The leadership change at Burgerville comes at a critical time for the company's expansion plans, including the long-anticipated Keizer location. The new CEO's priorities and approach could impact the timeline and details of the Keizer restaurant's opening, leaving the community in limbo as they await more information from the company.
