After years of ordering in-house for its advertising, the popular family dining chain Coco's Bakery Restaurant is going outside by naming DeVito/Verdi West to handle its marketing message.

Coco's, the popular family dining chain of 112 restaurants throughout Southern California and parts of Arizona and Nevada, is looking to elevate its awareness perception among consumers, and better communicate a quality message around its entrees and fresh-baked desserts.

The marketing assignment will initially call for a series of television commercials and digital advertising elements scheduled to commence in early June. The TV spots will air initially in the San Diego and Los Angeles markets.

"It's paramount that Coco's gets the credit for the quality and freshness of its menu items," says Ellis Verdi, president of DeVito/Verdi. "It's an incredibly competitive environment in Southern California, so it's imperative that this restaurant raises its awareness and makes its commitment to quality a well-known fact among all diners."

DeVito/Verdi West, based in San Diego, is the West Coast arm of the award-winning New York shop DeVito/Verdi. This marks the fourth major new account for the nascent agency, which opened its doors less than one year ago. Since opening two years ago, DeVito/Verdi West has garnered marketing assignments from Varian Medical Systems, Scripps Health, and Anna's Linens.

Coco's Bakery Restaurant traces its heritage back to 1948 and the establishment of a small seaside shack along the Pacific Coast Highway in Corona de Mar, called The Snack Shop. That little restaurant slowly grew to more and more outposts along the coast, and eventually became Coco's, specializing in traditional American favorites and delicious bakery items. Today, Coco's is part of Catalina Restaurant Group, which is wholly owned by Zensho Holding Co., LTD., one of the largest restaurant companies in the world.