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Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux® Names Chris Porcelli Chief Executive Officer
America's #1 Sports Bar Appoints Seasoned Franchise Leader to Drive National Expansion
ATLANTA, Sept. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux announced today the promotion of Chris Porcelli to Chief Executive Officer (CEO). Previously serving as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Porcelli was responsible for directing strategic planning, supply chain management, and human resources. Now Porcelli will lead Walk-On's as it introduces an innovative, new prototype designed to accelerate national expansion.
"Even before joining the team, I was always impressed by Walk-On's remarkable growth and success," said Porcelli. "During my time as CFO, I've come to appreciate just how special this brand is. It's an honor to step into the CEO role and lead our talented team as we enter this exciting phase of growth."
Brandon Landry, Co-founder and Chairman of Walk-On's, shared his enthusiasm for the leadership transition: "We're entering a pivotal new chapter with our upcoming prototype, and there's no one better suited to lead us through it than Chris. Since joining Walk-On's, he has brought a dynamic energy and passion, driving franchisee success while strengthening our connections within the communities we serve."
Following a strategic investment from 10 Point Capital in 2020, Walk-On's has emerged as one of the fastest-growing restaurant chains in the United States. Tom Wells, Managing Partner at 10 Point Capital, underscored Porcelli's impact on the brand: "Chris has been integral to Walk-On's positioning and strategy. His vision and leadership are exactly what we need to propel the brand forward."
For more information about Walk-On's, visit www.walk-ons.com.
About Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux
Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux, recognized by ESPN as America's #1 Sports Bar, is a national restaurant and sports bar chain that blends a passion for food, sports, and community. The concept was founded in 2003 by LSU basketball walk-ons Brandon Landry and Jack Warner in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Known for its scratch-made menu featuring burgers, sandwiches, seafood, and Louisiana-inspired dishes, Walk-On's offers a wide selection of specialty cocktails and beers. As it celebrates its 20th anniversary, the brand continues its nationwide expansion with nearly 100 locations, earning top spots on Entrepreneur's Top New Franchise list and being recognized by Restaurant Business, Franchise Times, and Nation's Restaurant News.
Walk-On's success is fueled by passionate franchise partners, including co-owner Drew Brees and franchisees like Dak Prescott, Derrick Brooks, and Coach Dabo Swinney.
About 10 Point Capital
10 Point Capital helps founders transform emerging concepts into dominant franchise brands. With deep expertise in the franchise industry, 10 Point Capital accelerates growth by providing investment capital and employing a proven Franchise Acceleration Plan. The company has played a key role in the national expansion of brands like Slim Chickens, Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux, Smalls Sliders, Phenix Salon Suites, and Tropical Smoothie Cafe. For more information, visit www.10pointcapital.com.
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Red Lobster Exits Bankruptcy; Damola Adamolekun appointed CEO
Acquisition by RL Investor Holdings LLC Completed
Red Lobster is one of the world's largest seafood restaurant chains 545 restaurants in 44 U.S. states and four Canadian provinces
ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Red Lobster® restaurant chain today announces its exit from Chapter 11 restructuring and the completion of its acquisition by RL Investor Holdings LLC.
"Red Lobster is now a stronger, more resilient company, and today is the start of a new chapter in our history," said Damola Adamolekun, CEO of Red Lobster. "From the opening of our first restaurant in 1968, Red Lobster has focused on serving diners high-quality seafood at affordable prices. I've been a Red Lobster fan since my first dining experience as a 9-year-old at our Springfield, Ill, restaurant – and as I've prepared to step into the role of CEO, I've met hundreds of diners across the country who, just like me, are as passionate about Red Lobster now as they were on their first visit."
Mr. Adamolekun continues, "As part of our new ownership structure, we have backers who have a history of making successful investments in restaurants. Our comprehensive and long-term investment plan for Red Lobster includes a commitment of more than $60 million in new funding which will help us to deliver improvements across every aspect of our company. I'm looking forward to working with our 30,000-strong team to bring our plan to life."
Completion of acquisition by RL Investor Holdings LLC
RL Investor Holdings LLC has completed its acquisition of the Red Lobster restaurant chain. As a result of the acquisition, Red Lobster has exited its Chapter 11 bankruptcy restructuring. RL Investor Holdings LLC is an entity created by funds managed by affiliates of Fortress Investment Group LLC ("Fortress"), alongside co-investors TCW Private Credit and Blue Torch.
From today, Red Lobster is an independent, privately held company with 545 restaurant locations across 44 U.S. states and four Canadian Provinces.
About Red LobsterRed Lobster is one of the world's largest and most-loved seafood restaurant company, headquartered in Orlando, Fla. With a proud heritage, Red Lobster is focused on serving the highest quality, freshly prepared seafood that is traceable, sustainable, and responsibly sourced. To learn more about Red Lobster, including locations and menu options, please visit http://www.redlobster.com or find us on Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, or TikTok.
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Smalls Sliders® Welcomes Dan Hurwitz as Chief Financial Officer
Seasoned Financial Executive Joins One of QSR's Hottest & Fastest Growing Brands, Strengthening Its C-Suite
ATLANTA, Sept. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Smalls Sliders has appointed industry veteran and financial expert Dan Hurwitz as its new Chief Financial Officer. In his new role, Hurwitz will focus on supporting investment decisions to drive profitable growth for Smalls Sliders as the brand continues expanding its capabilities as an industry disruptor.
Dan Hurwitz, CFO of Smalls Sliders
With over two decades of experience managing and overseeing the financial growth of several known brands, Hurwitz will play a key role in Smalls Sliders' growing leadership team. Hurwitz's background includes his most recent position as CFO of Philz Coffee, where he led the company through significant financial transformation, optimizing capital structure, and improving financial performance. Prior, he was responsible for leading finance at Gamestop, Kids2, Restoration Hardware, MGM Resorts International, and Abercrombie & Fitch Co. in a variety of progressive finance and investment banking roles.
His diverse expertise in his respected field has shaped him into a strategic leader with a keen eye for financial growth, which will aid in Smalls Sliders' rapid ascent as a dominant force in the QSR industry.
"Joining the Smalls Sliders team during such an inflection point in its growth journey is something I could not pass up," said Hurwitz. "The brand truly brings something unique to the QSR industry—the national recognition and excitement surrounding the concept drew me in immediately. It's unlike anything I've seen in my professional experience, and I'm honored to join forces with its dynamic leadership team as we share the same goal, making Smalls Sliders an iconic household name."
As Chief Financial Officer of Smalls Sliders, Hurwitz will lead the financial strategy of the company, ensuring robust financial health as the brand continues its rapid expansion, having recently surpassed 325 Cans open or under development. Hurwitz will play a pivotal role in guiding investment decisions, supporting franchise growth, and ensuring that Smalls Sliders maintains its strong financial foundation while scaling efficiently.
"We proudly welcome Dan to Smalls Sliders where he will be a key partner and leader," said Maria Rivera, CEO of Smalls Sliders. "His extensive experience and innovative approach are exactly what we need as we continue expanding our team and capabilities. Since joining Smalls Sliders, I've had a goal to create a dynamic and exceptional leadership team with individuals who are true innovators in their respective fields. Dan fits that mold perfectly, and I can't wait to experience what he and I will accomplish together."
Smalls Sliders opened its first signature 'Smorange™' colored Can in 2019. Since its inception, Smalls Sliders has disrupted the QSR industry with its stacked leadership team and robust development pipeline, furthering its rapid growth trajectory with more than 300 Cans open or under development. The brand continues to garner high-level industry recognition, with Nation's Restaurant News featuring Smalls Sliders in its "Breakout Brands of 2023", and QSR Magazine ranking the brand in its annual QSR 50 Contenders list in 2023 and 2024. Other accolades include ranking on Entrepreneur magazine's "Top New & Emerging Franchises" list in 2023 and 2024, landing on Technomic's 2024 Future 50 Growth Chains and Inc. 5000 2024, which highlights the fastest-growing private companies in America.
For more information on Smalls Sliders, slide thru to www.smallssliders.com.
About Smalls Sliders
Smalls Sliders is one of the fastest-growing brands in the restaurant industry, specializing exclusively in fresh, cooked-to-order cheeseburger sliders that are small in size but big in taste. Equipped with a streamlined drive-thru, walk-up window and unique modular buildout, the Atlanta-based brand is headed towards nationwide growth with locations opening across the Southeast, Southwest, Midwest, and West Coast. These expansion plans are spearheaded by Smalls Sliders' stacked leadership team, each bringing numerous decades of restaurant experience to the table. Smalls Sliders is the brainchild of restaurateur visionary Brandon Landry, led by industry veteran Maria Rivera, CEO, and is backed by 10 Point Capital and former NFL star Drew Brees, as investors. For more information on how Smalls Sliders is the biggest thing to happen to burgers since buns, visit www.smallssliders.com.
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The Wendy's Company Announces Executive Leadership Appointments
Sep 16, 2024, 07:30 ET
John Min Appointed Chief Legal Officer and Secretary Mary Greenlee Named Senior Vice President, U.S. Operations
DUBLIN, Ohio, Sept. 16, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wendy's Company (Nasdaq: WEN) ("Wendy's" or the "Company") announced today the appointment of John Min as the Company's Chief Legal Officer and Secretary and Mary Greenlee as Senior Vice President, U.S. Operations, effective today. These appointments represent the continued evolution of the Company's leadership structure to drive accountability and accelerate growth. Min will report to President and Chief Executive Officer, Kirk Tanner, and Greenlee will report to President, U.S., Abigail Pringle. Min succeeds E.J. Wunsch, who was appointed as Wendy's President, International in June 2024.
"I'm pleased to welcome John and Mary to the Wendy's team," said Tanner. "John's proven track record of managing complex commercial transactions, his extensive background in legal strategy and corporate governance and his unique global experience will be invaluable as we look to further solidify our development plans. Mary brings significant experience managing franchise relationships, generating significant market expansion and driving innovation from her career in the QSR industry, which align perfectly with our growth pillars. I look forward to John and Mary's substantial contributions to our team."
Min most recently served as Senior Vice President, Chief Legal Officer and Secretary of Kellanova following the separation of Kellogg Company into two companies. He brings two decades of corporate legal experience and a wealth of expertise in leading high-performing teams, providing strategic legal counsel and managing compliance risks in diverse markets. Min will oversee Wendy's global legal department, playing a pivotal role in guiding Wendy's legal strategy and operations, as well as managing global risk and compliance functions. Prior to the separation of Kellogg, Min worked for 13 years at Kellogg, where, among other roles he served as General Counsel in Europe and General Counsel of the Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa region. Previously, Min practiced law at the law firms of Jenner & Block LLP and Jones Day. He holds a law degree from the University of Chicago Law School and a B.A. in Economics from the University of Chicago.
Greenlee has over 25 years of experience in the restaurant and beverage industries, bringing a deep understanding of franchise systems and strategic thinking to elevate performance. Greenlee will oversee the performance of Wendy's company and franchise operations to support the brand's strategic growth initiatives, including continuing to drive the restaurant economic model and building out the Company's U.S. footprint to ensure it reaches its full growth potential. Greenlee has held significant operational roles over her career, most recently serving as Vice President of U.S. Field Operations at Subway and Director of Business Development and General Manager of Coca-Cola Freestyle Strategy for Wendy's. Greenlee holds a B.A. in History from the University of Louisiana Monroe.
"This is an exciting opportunity to join an iconic brand," said Min. "I am honored to join such a talented team and contribute my experience to uphold and enhance Wendy's high standards of legal and ethical practices to support the Company's continued growth on a global scale."
"Wendy's has consistently set a standard for quality and creativity in the QSR industry, and I've long admired the brand's commitment to value and innovation," said Greenlee. "I look forward to working closely with the team to drive strategic growth, enhance operations and continue delivering an exceptional customer experience."
About Wendy's
Wendy's® was founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio. Dave built his business on the premise, "Quality is our Recipe®," which remains the guidepost of the Wendy's system. Wendy's is best known for its made-to-order square hamburgers, using fresh, never frozen beef*, freshly-prepared salads, and other signature items like chili, baked potatoes and the Frosty® dessert. The Wendy's Company (Nasdaq: WEN) is committed to doing the right thing and making a positive difference in the lives of others. This is most visible through the Company's support of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption® and its signature Wendy's Wonderful Kids® program, which seeks to find a loving, forever home for every child waiting to be adopted from the North American foster care system. Today, Wendy's and its franchisees employ hundreds of thousands of people across over 7,000 restaurants worldwide with a vision of becoming the world's most thriving and beloved restaurant brand. For details on franchising, connect with us at www.wendys.com/franchising.
Visit www.wendys.com and www.squaredealblog.com for more information and connect with us on X and Instagram using @wendys, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wendys.
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Ford's Garage Names Billy Downs as its new President
Sep 12, 2024, 09:01 ET
Downs brings extensive industry experience including being the first ever Ford's Garage franchisee
TAMPA, Fla., Sept. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ford's Garage, the burgers and craft beer restaurant inspired by the heritage of The Ford Motor Company, has named restaurant veteran and the first Ford's Garage franchisee as its new president. Billy "B.D." Downs will lead the company as it continues to expand with new franchise locations throughout the country.
Downs joined the company in 2015, a few years after the brand was founded, and then became a franchise owner in the Detroit Metro Area. He will continue managing the Detroit franchise while serving as president.
"It is an honor to be tapped to lead Ford's Garage after being part of the company for nearly a decade," said Downs. "The brand has come a long way in defining its unique space in the American dining experience, and we will keep strengthening our position for years to come."
Downs began his career at age fourteen, working at restaurants throughout high school and college. He later cofounded B.D.'s Mongolian Grill, growing the company to 37 restaurants in 12 states and a franchise location in Mongolia. He closed the company's successful sale in 2008 but stayed on with the brand as a board member and an advisor to the president through 2011. Until joining Ford's Garage as a franchisee, he divided his time between restaurant and business consulting, while also working with World Vision United States.
Part of the Vintage Hospitality Group, Ford's Garage is an official licensee of the Ford Motor Company. It has become a dining destination throughout the country, drawing customers in with its nostalgic style and hand-crafted American fare. The décor evokes a classic 1920s service station, including vintage vehicles, fixtures and gas pumps. A Model T or Model A car can be found suspended above the center bar, which features Prohibition-style elements like brick, richly colored woods and a hand-hammered copper bar top. Servers wear mechanic shirts, napkins are composed of blue shop towels, restroom sinks are made from tires and the faucets are fuel pump nozzles.
"We couldn't be more thrilled to welcome Billy as our new brand president," said Marc Brown, Chairman. "His deep knowledge about the industry and our company paired with his passion and vision for franchise development make him an ideal fit for the role."
For more information visit www.fordsgarageusa.com.
About Ford's Garage
Founded in 2012 and franchising since 2015, Ford's Garage opened its first location in Fort Myers, Florida, less than a mile from Henry Ford's winter home. Today, as an official licensee of the Ford Motor Company, enabling operators to use the company's iconic blue oval logo and other brand imagery, the 1920s garage-themed burger and craft beer restaurant franchise has expanded to include a total of 26 locations across six states. For more information, visit www.fordsgarageusa.com.
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Smashburger® Appoints Jim Sullivan as Chief Development Officer
Sep 11, 2024, 11:51 ET
Former Qdoba executive to spearhead franchise growth and restaurant development
DENVER, Sept. 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Leading fast-casual better burger brand Smashburger® is excited to announce the recent appointment of Jim Sullivan as Chief Development Officer. In his new role, Sullivan is responsible for overseeing all facets of restaurant development, including market planning, site selection and franchise sales, with a strategic focus on elevating Smashburger's brand identity in the fast-casual space.
Jim Sullivan, Chief Development Officer at Smashburger
"We are thrilled to welcome Jim Sullivan as Smashburger's new Chief Development Officer," said Denise Nelsen, CEO of Smashburger. "Jim brings unparalleled expertise, passion and a deep understanding of the fast-casual industry that will be instrumental in driving our ambitious expansion plans both domestically and internationally. His leadership and vision will be game changers for our brand, and we are excited to see how he will elevate Smashburger to new heights and solidify our position as a household name."
Officially settling into his role in June 2024, Sullivan brings over 25 years of food and beverage expertise to Smashburger. Prior to joining the company, he served as Chief Development Officer at Qdoba, where he led global expansion and new restaurant development. His extensive experience also includes developmental leadership positions at CKE Restaurant Holdings, Friendly's Ice Cream and American Hospitality Concepts, where he further developed his expertise in real estate, franchise development and site acquisition management.
"I'm honored to join Smashburger's leadership team and work closely with our dedicated team members and franchisees to foster a culture of continuous growth and development," said Jim Sullivan, Chief Development Officer of Smashburger. "Smashburger's commitment to culinary innovation is truly inspiring, and I'm excited to lead the brand's expansion initiatives while elevating the guest experience."
For more information about Smashburger, please visit www.smashburger.com.
About Smashburger®
Smashburger® is a leading fast-casual better burger restaurant known for its Certified Angus Beef® burgers that are smashed on the grill to sear in the juices and seal in the flavor. In addition to burgers, Smashburger® offers veggie burgers, signature side items such as SmashFries® and SmashTots®, and hand-spun shakes. Founded in 2007 in Denver, Colorado, Smashburger is recognized as a 2023 Stevie American Business Award winner for Achievement in Product Innovation, named one of the 2023 Top Workplaces by The Denver Post and ranked as one of Fast Casual's top 50 brands in its 2024 Top 100 Movers & Shakers Award. The brand has 235 corporate and franchise restaurants operating in 32 states and six countries. To learn more, visit www.smashburger.com.
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Papa Johns Announces Kevin Vasconi as Chief Digital and Technology Officer
Ravi Thanawala adds EVP, International to his Chief Financial Officer position.
Joe Sieve to oversee international development, in addition to current North America development and restaurant operations responsibilities, as Chief Restaurant & Global Development Officer.
September 09, 2024 07:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) (“Papa Johns®”) announced the appointment of Kevin Vasconi to Chief Digital and Technology Officer, effective today. Mr. Vasconi brings proven enterprise technology leadership to the company. He most recently served as Chief Information Officer for The Wendy’s Company, where he led their transformation and tripled its ecommerce business in three years through a consumer-centric approach, leveraging technology to build loyalty with Wendy’s customers.
In this role, Mr. Vasconi will be responsible for guiding the development and execution of Papa Johns long-term strategy across the entire digital and technology ecosystem, including customer-facing, restaurant and corporate technology. This includes enterprise architecture, engineering, data analytics, enterprise technology, information security, as well as advancing scalable, cost-effective technology capabilities for the franchise system globally. Working closely with the marketing organization and restaurant operations, he will develop innovative solutions for customers and team members that enable the delivery of superior quality pizza to Papa Johns customers around the world.
“Kevin and I worked together at The Wendy’s Company, where I experienced first-hand his ability to lead technology innovation that delivered significant impact for our customers, team members and franchisees,” said Todd Penegor, President and Chief Executive Officer. “His experience spans a number of industries, though his leadership in QSR, in particular, has been recognized in the industry and has served as an inspiration for other peers in our category. I look forward to Kevin’s partnership across our leadership team to build on the success Papa Johns has had in the digital space, while also leveraging technology to develop even better platforms, partnerships and systems to enable us to build for the future.”
Prior to The Wendy’s Company, Mr. Vasconi spent eight years at Domino’s as EVP and Chief Information Officer, where he was responsible for developing and growing its domestic and international ecommerce businesses. He has a 35+ year career in technology, including 12 years at Ford Motor Company, and CIO and CTO roles at Covisint LLC, Polk North America, Polk Global Automotive, and Stanley Black & Decker.
“I am excited to join the talented team at Papa Johns and lead our technology strategy as we look to create great experiences for our customers and team members around the globe,” said Mr. Vasconi. “I have a passion for the restaurant industry, where I’ve spent the past 12 years of my career, because of our ability to impact so many consumers through technology every day. Papa Johns is a brand I’ve admired given its continued innovation in the technology space. With the digital space in QSR becoming more competitive than ever, there’s both great challenge and opportunity ahead. I’m looking forward to working with the executive team and our technology team to unlocking growth for Papa Johns.”
Mr. Vasconi will report to Mr. Penegor and serve on the Papa Johns Executive Leadership Team. Additionally, current Executive Leadership team members, Ravi Thanawala and Joe Sieve, will assume expanded roles, effective immediately.
Mr. Thanawala, Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed Chief Financial Officer and EVP, International. In this new position, he will now manage the Company’s international business, which includes markets outside of the United States and Canada, along with his CFO responsibilities.
Mr. Sieve has been appointed Chief Restaurant and Global Development Officer. In this new position, he will now oversee all global development, as well as corporate and franchise restaurant operations.
About Papa Johns
Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) opened its doors in 1984 with one goal in mind: BETTER INGREDIENTS. BETTER PIZZA.® Papa Johns believes that using high-quality ingredients leads to superior quality pizzas. Its original dough is made of only six ingredients and is fresh, never frozen. Papa Johns tops its pizzas with real cheese made from mozzarella, pizza sauce made with vine-ripened tomatoes that go from vine to can in the same day and meat free of fillers. It was the first national pizza delivery chain to announce the removal of artificial flavors and synthetic colors from its entire food menu. Papa Johns is co-headquartered in Atlanta, Ga. and Louisville, Ky. and is the world’s third-largest pizza delivery company with approximately 5,900 restaurants in approximately 50 countries and territories. For more information about the company or to order pizza online, visit www.PapaJohns.com or download the Papa Johns mobile app for iOS or Android.
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The Wendy's Company Appoints Arthur Winkleblack Chairman of the Board
Sep 06, 2024, 17:10 ET
Nelson Peltz Appointed Chairman Emeritus
DUBLIN, Ohio, Sept. 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wendy's Company (Nasdaq: WEN) today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Arthur B. Winkleblack as non-executive Chairman of the Board. He succeeds Nelson Peltz, who has been named Chairman Emeritus in recognition of his long-time leadership, counsel, guidance and contributions to the Board and the Company.
Winkleblack has served as Lead Independent Director since October 2023 and has been a member of the Board since 2016. He also serves as Chairman of the Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee and as a member of the Audit Committee, where he is a past Chairman. Mr. Winkleblack has also been appointed as Chairman of the Executive Committee.
Peltz has served as non-executive Chairman of the Board since 2007. He is stepping down to devote more time to his other board commitments and Trian's future activities.
Kirk Tanner, Wendy's CEO, said: "We are immensely grateful to Nelson for his many contributions to Wendy's over the years. Nelson has been an effective and collaborative Ieader, and Wendy's has greatly benefited from his strategic vision and operational skills. I wish him the best with his other commitments and look forward to continuing to work with him as a significant Wendy's shareholder."
Tanner added: "I am excited to work with Art in his new role and am confident that the entire Board and management team will continue to work together to drive progress against the Company's strategic growth priorities. We benefit greatly from our Board structure and composition, which includes a majority independent Board, fully independent key Board committees, substantial shareholder involvement, a combination of both tenure and board refreshment, and deep and diverse skills, experience and perspectives that span a broad range of industries."
Peltz, CEO and a Founding Partner of Trian Fund Management, L.P., a multi-billion asset firm which, with its affiliates, beneficially owns approximately 15.3% of the outstanding shares of Wendy's, said: "It's been a pleasure working with the Wendy's Board for nearly two decades, and I'm proud of the company's growth and transformation. Kirk has transitioned seamlessly into the CEO role, and with the stewardship of the Board, including Art's deep experience on the Board along with that of my partners Peter May and Matt Peltz, Senior Vice Chairman and Vice Chairman, respectively, I am confident that the Company is in good hands for further growth and success."
ABOUT WENDY'S
Wendy's® was founded in 1969 by Dave Thomas in Columbus, Ohio. Dave built his business on the premise, "Quality is our Recipe®," which remains the guidepost of the Wendy's system. Wendy's is best known for its made-to-order square hamburgers, using fresh, never frozen beef*, freshly-prepared salads, and other signature items like chili, baked potatoes and the Frosty® dessert. The Wendy's Company (Nasdaq: WEN) is committed to doing the right thing and making a positive difference in the lives of others. This is most visible through the Company's support of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption® and its signature Wendy's Wonderful Kids® program, which seeks to find a loving, forever home for every child waiting to be adopted from the North American foster care system. Today, Wendy's and its franchisees employ hundreds of thousands of people across over 7,000 restaurants worldwide with a vision of becoming the world's most thriving and beloved restaurant brand. For details on franchising, connect with us at www.wendys.com/franchising.
Visit www.wendys.com and www.squaredealblog.com for more information and connect with us on X and Instagram using @wendys, and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/wendys.
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Nothing Bundt Cakes Names New Chief Operations Officer
Sep 05, 2024, 08:02 ET
Industry veteran Wanda Williams tapped to lead operations and franchise success during brand expansion
DALLAS, Sept. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Nothing Bundt Cakes, the nation's largest specialty cake company and a rapidly expanding franchisor, continues to build out its senior leadership team with the appointment of new Chief Operations Officer Wanda Williams.
Wanda Williams
Williams joins Nothing Bundt Cakes from Yum! Brands, where she served as head of global franchising. In that role, she led overall franchise system management and franchisee relations across four major brands, working with over 1,500 franchisees. Prior to that, she was vice president of operations at Pizza Hut, responsible for enhancing the restaurant and delivery experience through innovative technology and contactless operating procedures.
At Nothing Bundt Cakes, Williams will oversee operations, team development and communications for more than 600 bakeries operating throughout the U.S. and Canada. Her appointment comes at a key time in Nothing Bundt Cakes' aggressive growth initiative, which aims to open its 1,000th location by 2027. The company was recently named Yelp's 2024 No. 26 Fastest Growing Brand.
"Nothing Bundt Cakes has doubled in size over the past five years, and Wanda is a proven leader who will help seamlessly manage operations and franchise success for our continually growing system," said Nothing Bundt Cakes CEO Dolf Berle. "Her expertise in franchisee relations, strategic operations and sustainable innovation will be invaluable as we continue to expand our brand and support our Bakery Owners."
Through her leadership roles with brands like Waste Management, HBO and Yum! Brands, Williams has extensive expertise spearheading franchise recruitment programs, managing operations strategies and driving substantial revenue growth.
"Joining this vibrant brand at such a pivotal moment presents an incredible opportunity to be part of a remarkable success story. Nothing Bundt Cakes is not only a beloved, fast-growing brand but also has a strong commitment to product innovation, quality and delighting our guests with every visit," said Williams. "By working closely with our Bakery Owners, we will continue to drive profitable growth, develop team members and enhance our bakery-level financials and performance."
Nothing Bundt Cakes is on track to become one of the highest-growth companies in the industry over the next few years. To learn more about franchising opportunities, visit www.nothingbundtcakes.com/franchise-opportunities.
About Nothing Bundt Cakes
Founded in 1997, Dallas-based Nothing Bundt Cakes is the nation's largest specialty cake company, with more than 600 franchised and corporate bakeries in 40-plus states and Canada and growing. Bakeries Bring the Joy™ by offering handcrafted Bundt Cakes for pickup or delivery in a variety of flavors and sizes, such as Bundtinis®, the brand's cupcake-sized Bundt Cakes, personal-sized Bundtlets and 8- and 10-inch Bundt Cakes, plus decorations and gift options for life's "just because" moments and special celebrations. Named Yelp's 2023 No. 2 Most Loved Brand, Nothing Bundt Cakes has also earned industry recognition that includes Entrepreneur's Franchise 500® ranking and Franchise Business Review's Franchise Hall of Fame.
For more information about Nothing Bundt Cakes, visit https://www.nothingbundtcakes.com. To learn more about franchising opportunities, visit https://www.nothingbundtcakes.com/franchise-opportunities/.
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First Watch Names Rob Conti as Chief Information Officer
September 03, 2024 16:30 ET
BRADENTON, Fla., Sept. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FWRG), the leading Daytime Dining concept serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, recently announced the promotion of Rob Conti to Chief Information Officer. Joining First Watch in 2019, he previously served as Senior Vice President of Information Technology, and brings to the role more than 25 years of experience leading technology solutions and services for prominent hospitality brands. At First Watch, he is responsible for setting the organization’s IT strategy and roadmap, and ensuring successful integration of technology initiatives and programs.
“Rob joined First Watch when our IT program was still in its infancy and since then, he has scaled the function and built the team to support our aggressive growth,” said Chris Tomasso, CEO and President. “He made our systems more sophisticated and our processes more seamless. Everything he does is through the eyes of our operators, employees and customers, ensuring even our IT delivers on our ‘You First’ commitment.”
Conti has overseen the delivery of key company systems, including the development of a business intelligence platform, a cyber security program, a pay at the table solution and kitchen display systems (KDS). In 2021, he was named one of the most influential restaurant executives by Nation’s Restaurant News.
Before joining First Watch, Conti spent over 18 years at Hard Rock International in various IT leadership roles, most notably Vice President of Technology. He was responsible for global IT infrastructure and operations, including security and compliance efforts across more than 200 businesses in 74 countries. He also spent over 10 years with The Walt Disney Company in restaurant operations.
“I am honored to continue serving our Home Office, shareholders and most importantly, our restaurant teams and customers in this new role,” said Conti. “Having spent over 35 years in hospitality, it is part of my DNA to manage and support technology in our space. I am excited about continuing to evolve technology solutions to First Watch.”
About First Watch
First Watch is an award-winning Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using fresh ingredients. A recipient of hundreds of local “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” accolades, First Watch's chef-driven menu includes elevated executions of classic favorites along with First Watch specialties such as the protein-packed Quinoa Power Bowl®, Farm Stand Breakfast Tacos, Avocado Toast, Chickichanga, Morning Meditation (juiced in-house daily), Spiked Lavender Lemonade and its signature Million Dollar Bacon. In 2023, First Watch was named the top restaurant brand in Yelp’s inaugural list of the top 50 most-loved brands in the U.S. In 2023 and 2022, First Watch was named a Top 100 Most Loved Workplace® in Newsweek by the Best Practice Institute. In 2022, First Watch was awarded a sought-after MenuMasters honor by Nation's Restaurant News for its seasonal Braised Short Rib Omelet, recognized with ADP's coveted Culture at Work Award. First Watch operates more than 535 First Watch restaurants in 29 states. For more information, visit www.firstwatch.com.
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BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. Announces Appointment of President & Chief Concept Officer
September 03, 2024 11:25 ET
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., Sept. 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BJ's Restaurants, Inc. (Nasdaq: BJRI) (“BJ’s” or the “Company”) announced today that Lyle D. Tick, former Brand President of Buffalo Wild Wings, will be appointed President and Chief Concept Officer, effective September 9, 2024.
Mr. Tick has served as President and Chief Executive Officer of On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina since December 2023, working to put in place a strategic plan to drive new growth for the iconic Tex Mex restaurant chain. He previously served as Brand President of Buffalo Wild Wings (Inspire Brands family of restaurants) from 2018 to 2023, where he led a team on the revitalization of the Buffalo Wild Wings brand, re-embracing its sports bar heritage, evolving the restaurant design, revamping the menu, which was recognized with the 2020 MenuMasters award for Best Menu Revamp, and launching the Buffalo Wild Wings GO sub-brand. From 2016 to 2018, Mr. Tick served as Managing Director, Boots Retail USA for Walgreens Boots Alliance, where he led the re-organization and scaling of the beauty brands business in the Americas establishing No7 as the leading mass anti-aging serum brand in the United States. From 2011 to 2015, he served in global and North American marketing leadership roles at Bacardi, leading the white spirits portfolio, where he was instrumental in unlocking new growth in the United States and scaling the Grey Goose brand internationally. Prior to Bacardi, Mr. Tick served in various executive leadership roles at marketing and advertising agencies, including at J. Walter Thompson, Gotham, and McGarryBowen.
Interim Chief Executive Officer C. Bradford (“Brad”) Richmond commented, “We are delighted to welcome Lyle to the BJ’s team. Lyle has a history of leading iconic brands to unlock new chapters of growth and drive consumer relevance. Lyle’s strategic customer focus and passion for brand clarity will enable BJ’s to enhance its relevance and awareness. In addition to his experience and affinity for the casual dining space, Lyle’s extensive experience with consumer goods and spirit brands will bring a fresh perspective to our marketing, innovation, culinary, beverage and brewing teams. I believe he will be a great addition and complement to our leadership team.”
Lea Anne S. Ottinger, the Company’s Board Chair added: “Both Lyle and Brad hail from well-recognized, leading restaurant companies where they have demonstrated successful strategy development and implementation, growth in sales and profitability, and business model enhancements. In addition, Lyle’s consumer goods experience brings an added perspective to foster the growth of our brand. The addition of Lyle and Brad strengthens and supplements the capacity and capabilities of our leadership team. With the added resources, we feel confident in the team’s ability to deliver enhanced financial outcomes and increase shareholder value.”
Mr. Tick commented, “I am thrilled to join BJ’s as it shapes its next chapter of growth and prosperity delivering on its values and brand promise to guests and team members as well as delivering value for its shareholders and other stakeholders. I look forward to working with Brad and the leadership team to drive increased awareness of the BJ’s brand as well as higher sales, traffic and margin improvement to position the Company for ongoing growth and an increased share of market.”
About BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.
BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. is a national brand with brewhouse roots where Craft Matters®. BJ’s broad menu has something for everyone: slow-roasted entrees, like prime rib, BJ’s EnLIGHTened Entrees® including Cherry Chipotle Glazed Salmon, signature deep-dish pizza and the often imitated, but never replicated world-famous Pizookie® dessert. The winner of the 2024 Vibe Vista Award for Best Overall Beverage Program for Multi-Unit Chain Restaurants and the most decorated restaurant-brewery in the country, BJ’s has been a pioneer in the craft brewing world since 1996 and takes pride in serving BJ’s award-winning proprietary handcrafted beers, brewed at its brewing operations in four states and by independent third-party craft brewers. The BJ’s experience offers high-quality ingredients, bold flavors, moderate prices, sincere service, and a cool, contemporary atmosphere. Founded in 1978, BJ’s owns and operates over 200 casual dining restaurants in 31 states. All restaurants offer dine-in, take-out, delivery and large party catering. For more BJ’s information, visit http://www.bjsrestaurants.com.
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Whataburger Announces CEO Retirement and Leadership Transition
SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Whataburger announced today that Chief Executive Officer Ed Nelson will be retiring at the end of 2024 after a remarkable tenure of leadership and innovation that has significantly shaped the company's growth and expansion.
With a distinguished career spanning two decades at Whataburger, Ed joined the company in 2004 as Controller. He was promoted to Chief Financial Officer in 2008, President in 2019, and CEO in 2020. Under Ed's leadership over the past five years, Whataburger has successfully expanded into 16 new states, opening more than 250 new stores.
"Ed's passion for the Whataburger brand has been unparalleled, and he has expertly guided the company to new heights, embodying the drive and resilience Texans are known for," stated Matthew Rose, Chairman of Whataburger. "We are deeply grateful for Ed's leadership and commitment to our mission, and we wish him our very best in his retirement."
Reflecting on his time with Whataburger, Ed remarked, "Leading this company has truly been one of the greatest joys of my life. The incredible individuals and Family Members who make up our team are a blessing, and I am proud of what we have accomplished together."
In a seamless transition, Debbie Stroud, currently EVP and Chief Operating Officer of Whataburger, will step into the President and CEO roles effective January 1, 2025. Debbie joined Whataburger in early 2023 and is a seasoned executive with more than 30 years of leadership experience in the restaurant and retail industry. Previously, she served as SVP, U.S. Retail Operations at Starbucks Coffee Company, overseeing the regional vice president team with responsibility for more than 10,000 retail stores across the country. Prior to her five years with Starbucks, Debbie spent 27 years with McDonald's, where she served in key financial and operational roles.
"Debbie has brought a wealth of knowledge and a strong vision for operational excellence and high-quality made-to-order food to Whataburger. We are excited for her to extend her energy and passion for building great teams and delivering extraordinary hospitality to customers across our expanding operations," added Matthew Rose.
"I am honored to be selected as the next CEO of Whataburger, a family-founded, beloved brand with a strong legacy and fan base," said Debbie Stroud. "Working alongside Ed and our dedicated leadership team has been an extraordinary experience. I am eager to realize the bright future ahead for our company, our 51,000 Family Members, and the communities we serve."
As Whataburger embarks on this new chapter, the spirit of Texas will continue to guide its path forward, with a promise to uphold the values and traditions that have made it a beloved staple. "We are dedicated to ensuring that Whataburger continues to resonate deeply with our customers in Texas and beyond, allowing them to embrace our brand as passionately as we do," affirmed Debbie.
Debbie and her husband Bob reside in San Antonio and have three grown children. She holds a bachelor's degree in accounting from Illinois Wesleyan University and has served on the Women's Foodservice Forum and other nonprofit organizations.
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Black Bear Diner Taps Industry Veteran as New Chief Operations Officer
August 29, 2024
Art Kilmer Brings Seasoned Leadership to Strengthen Operations and Elevate Guest Experience at Black Bear Diner
Redding, CA (RestaurantNews.com) Black Bear Diner, a leading full-service family dining concept known for its cabin-themed dining experience, today announced the appointment of Art Kilmer as Chief Operations Officer (COO), replacing Jeff Guido, who retired August 14. This strategic hire underscores the company’s commitment to operational excellence and positions Black Bear Diner for continued expansion.
Kilmer brings over two decades of restaurant industry experience to Black Bear Diner, most recently serving as COO for P.F. Chang’s for six years, where he was responsible for more than 200 domestic restaurants and worked with over 95 international and airport franchises. His experience overseeing operations, supply chain, training and development, culinary innovation, marketing and franchise development brings comprehensive understanding to his current role at Black Bear Diner.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Art Kilmer to the Black Bear Diner family. Art’s extensive experience, his leadership, and his proven track record in driving operational excellence align perfectly with our growth strategy,” said Anita Adams, CEO of Black Bear Diner. “His passion for the restaurant industry and commitment to exceptional guest experiences make him an ideal fit for our team as we continue to expand and serve more communities.”
“I am truly thrilled to join the Black Bear Diner family,” said Kilmer. “The brand’s potential is evident, and I’m impressed by the team’s passion for hospitality. I look forward to collaborating with our talented team and franchisees to build upon Black Bear Diner’s strong foundation. Together, we’ll work to enhance our guest experience, expand our market presence and drive sustainable growth while honoring the unique charm that defines Black Bear Diner.”
With 160 locations across the United States, including its newest additions in Texas, Black Bear Diner maintains its commitment to expansion and serving local communities. Kilmer’s expertise in operations positions the company to enhance its operational efficiencies while preserving the warm, community-oriented atmosphere that guests love.
For more information on Black Bear Diner and its locations, visit BlackBearDiner.com.
About Black Bear Diner
Black Bear Diner is one of the fastest-growing franchises in the country, with 160 diners in 13 states and growing. Founded in 1995 by Bruce Dean and Bob Manley in Mt. Shasta, California, Black Bear Diner brings home-style comfort food classics, exceptional guest service, and a unique cabin-theme to the dining experience. The full-service concept is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and offers a vast, enticing menu anchored in hearty portions and excellent value, with service rooted in genuine hospitality.
Black Bear Diner has been consistently recognized for its significant growth and outstanding performance, and in the last year has been recognized on the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list, Nation’s Restaurant News Top 500 Report, Restaurant Business Technomic Top 500 Chain report, Franchise Times Top 400 list, Forbes ‘Best Customer Service’ list and more. The company has also been awarded for its one-of-a-kind offerings and excellent service. Most recently, the company named one of the best diner chains in America by Eat This Not That, and was also recognized by the outlet for its Eggs Benedict and Biscuits and Gravy menu offerings. The restaurant has been recognized by Mashed for its exceptional Chicken Fried Steak and Bacon.
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Paris Baguette Promotes Industry Veteran Brian Egan to VP of Development
August 29, 2024
Egan, a former director of new store construction who brings a rich history of industry experience, was promoted to support the brand’s continued rapid growth.
Moonachie, NJ (RestaurantNews.com) Paris Baguette, the global bakery café franchise with over 170 locations in the U.S. alone, has promoted Brian Egan to vice president of development. Formerly director of new store construction, Egan brings a rich background of bakery café industry experience and deep knowledge of Paris Baguette’s development process. Now, Egan will lead a team of experts who provide support for new Paris Baguette franchise owners from day one through the opening of their new cafés.
“The high-level view of what my team and I do is to take a franchisee from when they sign the franchise agreement to when they open their café,” Egan said. “In this role, I’m responsible for everything that happens in between those two points. We make sure that construction gets done in a timely and successful fashion, and we make sure the franchisee is set up for success in terms of operations — anything from hiring and training to setting up the café and making sure franchisees have access to the marketing materials they’ll need.”
Egan pointed out that, throughout this entire process, franchisees are assigned a new café development manager who serves as their point of contact. If this person does not have the answer to a question, they can connect the owner with someone who does. While this manager interfaces directly with the franchisee, they are part of the larger, very interconnected, development team. Keeping the development process so centralized, Egan said, brings everyone into alignment and ensures all the pieces fall into place as they should.
Egan’s promotion is one of multiple steps CEO Darren Tipton has taken to ensure the proper infrastructure is in place as Paris Baguette prepares for rapid growth. Having opened 20 new cafés and awarded another 20 year-to-date, the brand continues to see growing interest from guests and potential owners alike and are continuing along an exponential growth trajectory.
“I have an ongoing vision to build the strongest leadership team possible to support our system as we embrace the explosive growth we’ve seen recently,” Tipton said. “Brian’s previous experience in operations and development with other like-minded brands, as well as the work he’s done in previous roles, made him a clear contender to lead our development team.”
As Egan steps into his new role and looks toward his future with the brand, he shares excitement about contributing to the larger Paris Baguette mission and vision.
“Paris Baguette is something really special; no one is doing what we’re doing, and certainly not at the level we’re doing it at,” he said. “For me, what stands out about this promotion is the excitement. I’m grateful to be a part of such a smart, competent, connected leadership team. I look forward to seeing people grow in their roles as the brand continues to expand and I’m so excited to have the opportunity to lead the team as we open another 800-plus neighborhood bakery cafés to exceed our 1,000 U.S. unit goal.”
About Paris Baguette
Paris Baguette is a bakery café franchise with more than 4,000 units across the globe. The global brand first franchised in the U.S. in 2015 and has since established over 170 locations in markets across the country, making them one of the premier franchise opportunities in their category. Paris Baguette’s primary mission, executed every day by their expert staff of bakers, cakers and baristas, is to provide guests with a warm, welcoming bakery café experience that creates joy for all. To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit OwnaParisBaguette.com.
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FAT Brands Bolsters Development Team with Two New Senior Hires
Ammy Harrison and Maiyo Hood Join Global Franchising Company to Support Non-Traditional and International Growth
LOS ANGELES, Aug. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. announces the hiring of Ammy Harrison as Senior Vice President of Non-Traditional Development and Maiyo Hood as Vice President of International Development. The new team growth underscores FAT Brands’ commitment to driving organic growth, especially non-traditional and international. Year-over-year, the brand continues to build upon its over 2,300-unit global footprint.
Ms. Harrison brings nearly 25 years of industry experience with high-growth restaurant brands, including spearheading non-traditional growth at Papa John’s International, Inc. Prior to joining FAT Brands, Ms. Harrison also served as Vice President of Development and Strategy at Penn Station East Coast Subs. Mr. Hood also joins FAT Brands with a strong background, most recently serving as a Managing Director at Subway, Greater China, where he was key in driving forward the development of over 4,000 locations across China. Mr. Maiyo also held a supply chain role at YUM! Brands Inc.
“We are pleased to add two experienced development leaders to the FAT Brands team,” said Taylor Wiederhorn, Chief Development Officer of FAT Brands. “Ammy brings a unique perspective to non-traditional having worked with both large-scale and up-and-coming brands, while Maiyo brings a wealth of knowledge from overseas as we continue to charge forward with international growth across our 18-brand portfolio.”
For more information on FAT Brands, please visit http://www.fatbrands.com.
About FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands
FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets and develops fast casual, casual and polished casual dining restaurant concepts around the world. The Company currently owns 18 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza®, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli’s, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Smokey Bones, Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo’s Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Native Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises and owns over 2,300 units worldwide. For more information on FAT Brands, please visit http://www.fatbrands.com.
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BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. Announces Upcoming Senior Management Transition
August 28, 2024 16:01 ET
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., Aug. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BJ's Restaurants, Inc. (Nasdaq: BJRI) (“BJ’s” or the “Company”) announced today that C. Bradford (“Brad”) Richmond, current BJ’s Board Director and former Chief Financial Officer of Darden Restaurants, Inc., has been appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer, effective August 28, 2024.
Mr. Richmond has served on the Company’s Board of Directors since February 2024 and will continue to serve on the Board during his interim appointment. He served as Chief Financial Officer of Darden Restaurants, Inc., the world’s largest full-service owner-operated restaurant company, from 2006 to 2015, and prior to that served as Darden’s Corporate Controller from 2005 to 2006. He previously held various executive-level finance and strategic planning roles at Olive Garden and Red Lobster since 1982. As a member of the Board of Directors of Coast Entertainment Holdings since 2017, he helped reposition the Main Event brand to drive significant growth, leading to an attractive acquisition by Dave & Busters.
Mr. Richmond commented: “I am honored to join BJ’s leadership team. The BJ’s brand is beloved by our loyal guests and team members. I look forward to the opportunity to build upon the Company’s commitment to our culture and brand promise during my interim service. I hope to enhance focus on and prioritization of the opportunities in front of us, as we usher in the next chapter of renewed growth and value creation. My experience as a Board Member has solidified my belief that we have tremendous potential to drive greater awareness of the BJ’s brand and continue its trajectory as a restaurant growth company.”
Lea Anne S. Ottinger, the Company’s Board Chair commented on the transition plans: “Since joining the Board, Brad has quickly assimilated and identified key opportunities for our Company. We believe his leadership style, combined with his depth of experience and expertise as an accomplished public company executive throughout a lengthy career with Darden, will drive operational excellence. His steady hand and disciplined approach to improving financial outcomes has produced a record of enhancing growth and profitability. In partnership with BJ’s leadership and field restaurant management teams, we expect Brad to guide the Company toward sustainable comparable sales, new unit restaurant growth and long-term shareholder value creation.”
Current Chief Executive Officer and President, Gregory (“Greg”) S. Levin, will step down from his executive positions and the Board of Directors, effective August 28, 2024. Ms. Ottinger commented further: “On behalf of our Board of Directors, we sincerely thank Greg for his combined 19 years of dedicated service to the Company as Chief Executive Officer & President and before that as Chief Financial Officer. During his tenure, Greg has been instrumental in helping evolve BJ’s into one of the leading growth brands in casual dining. He has played an essential role in strengthening our foundation and scaling the Company to 217 restaurants in 31 states, as well as stabilizing and rebuilding our business during these past few tumultuous years in our industry. Greg is a much beloved leader of our Company. We will build upon his commitment to our people, our guests and BJ’s heritage as well as his passion for our business as we continue to evolve the concept with Brad at the helm.”
Greg Levin commented, “It has been a pleasure to serve as a BJ’s executive for the last 19 years. I am proud of how we consistently focused on providing gracious hospitality and gold standard service to our guests, evolved to meet our guests’ and team members’ changing needs, and collectively helped establish BJ’s as a leader in the casual dining industry. Under the leadership of Brad, the BJ’s Board, and Executive Leadership Team, along with our thousands of incredible managers and team members in our restaurants across the country and in our Restaurant Support Center, I am confident BJ’s will continue to successfully execute on our growth initiatives and further enhance long-term shareholder value.”
About BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.
BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. is a national brand with brewhouse roots where Craft Matters®. BJ’s broad menu has something for everyone: slow-roasted entrees, like prime rib, BJ’s EnLIGHTened Entrees® including Cherry Chipotle Glazed Salmon, signature deep-dish pizza and the often imitated, but never replicated world-famous Pizookie® dessert. The winner of the 2024 Vibe Vista Award for Best Overall Beverage Program for Multi-Unit Chain Restaurants and the most decorated restaurant-brewery in the country, BJ’s has been a pioneer in the craft brewing world since 1996 and takes pride in serving BJ’s award-winning proprietary handcrafted beers, brewed at its brewing operations in four states and by independent third-party craft brewers. The BJ’s experience offers high-quality ingredients, bold flavors, moderate prices, sincere service, and a cool, contemporary atmosphere. Founded in 1978, BJ’s owns and operates over 200 casual dining restaurants in 31 states. All restaurants offer dine-in, take-out, delivery and large party catering. For more BJ’s information, visit http://www.bjsrestaurants.com.
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CHIPOTLE ACCELERATES THE APPOINTMENT OF ADAM RYMER TO CFO AND JAMIE MCCONNELL TO CHIEF ACCOUNTING AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Aug 28, 2024, 16:10 ET
Former CFO Jack Hartung to remain with the organization indefinitely as President and Chief Strategy Officer, beginning October 1, 2024
15-year Chipotle veteran, Rymer, and 6-year veteran, McConnell, will assume their new roles, beginning October 1, 2024
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Aug. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced that it has accelerated the appointment of Adam Rymer to Chief Financial Officer, beginning October 1, 2024. Rymer will serve on Chipotle's executive leadership team and report to Scott Boatwright, Interim Chief Executive Officer. Former Chief Financial and Administrative Officer, Jack Hartung, will serve in his new role indefinitely as President and Chief Strategy Officer beginning October 1, 2024, supporting the company's Interim CEO.
Adam Rymer, a 15-year Chipotle veteran, will assume the role of Chief Financial Officer, beginning October 1, 2024.
A 15-year Chipotle veteran, Rymer previously served as Vice President of Finance, overseeing Corporate Finance, Field Finance and Investor Relations functions. Jamie McConnell, who has been with the organization since 2018, will assume the role of Chief Accounting and Administrative Officer, reporting to Rymer and transitioning roles on the same date. McConnell previously served as Vice President, Controller, with responsibility for the Corporate Accounting, Financial Reporting, Tax, Internal Audit, Accounting Shared Services, Licensing and Payroll functions.
Rymer stated, "There's tremendous growth opportunity ahead for Chipotle, and I look forward to delivering on our strategic priorities and driving value for our guests, our employees and our shareholders. For well over a decade, I've had the privilege of supporting one of the leading and longest tenured CFOs in the business, and I am grateful for the deep institutional knowledge that was bestowed upon me, Jamie, and the entire finance organization, as we continue executing on our mission to Cultivate a Better World."
In addition to accelerating these executive appointments, Chipotle's Board of Directors has put retention plans in place for its entire executive leadership team to ensure continuity through this transitional time. With the exception of one officer hired in 2023 and Jack Hartung's two and half decades with the company, Chipotle's bench of esteemed Executive Officers have an average tenure of approximately seven years with the organization.
ABOUT CHIPOTLE
Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) is cultivating a better world by serving responsibly sourced, classically-cooked, real food with wholesome ingredients without artificial colors, flavors or preservatives. There are over 3,500 restaurants as of June 30, 2024, in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Kuwait and it is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants in North America and Europe. Chipotle is ranked on the Fortune 500 and is recognized on Fortune's Most Admired Companies 2024 list and Time Magazine's Most Influential Companies. With over 120,000 employees passionate about providing a great guest experience, Chipotle is a longtime leader and innovator in the food industry. Chipotle is committed to making its food more accessible to everyone while continuing to be a brand with a demonstrated purpose as it leads the way in digital, technology and sustainable business practices. For more information or to place an order online, visit WWW.CHIPOTLE.COM.
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Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc., Names Chris Tebben President & CEO
Aug 28, 2024, 09:00 ET
TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc., parent company of Checkers & Rally's drive-thru restaurants, today announced that Chris Tebben has been named President and Chief Executive Officer, effective September 4, 2024. Mr. Tebben succeeds Frances Allen, who announced in April that she was stepping down as President and CEO of the company in order to focus on board work.
Chris Tebben
Mr. Tebben joins Checkers & Rally's with a robust career spent in the restaurants and consumer packaged goods sectors, serving in leadership roles with such powerhouse brands as Mars, Starbucks, P.F. Chang's China Bistro, and Pizza Hut, among others. His considerable experience includes leading strategic planning, operations, restaurant development, multi-unit franchise, retail marketing, and category management in both turnaround and growth environments across Fortune 100 and private equity-owned organizations.
"After a thorough search process, we are very pleased to welcome Chris to the Checkers & Rally's organization. His comprehensive experience in nearly every aspect of restaurant leadership, coupled with his proven track record of delivering sales, traffic, and unit growth, make him a perfect fit to take these brands to the next level," said David Barr, Checkers & Rally's Independent Board Member. "On behalf of the entire Checkers & Rally's family, I would like to thank Frances Allen for her leadership and dedicated service, and we wish her the best on all her future plans."
Prior to joining Checkers, Mr. Tebben served as President of Mars Retail Group, leading the M&M's retail arm of high-profile flagship stores across the globe since 2022. Before this, he served in a variety of leadership roles at Starbucks over his eight-year tenure there, most recently leading the expansion of Starbucks Reserve, opening U.S.-based and international locations including the largest Starbucks in the world: Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Chicago.
Mr. Tebben also served as Starbucks Vice President of Retail Strategy, Vice President of Licensed Stores where he led all marketing, digital transformation and product management initiatives in the U.S. and Latin America, as well as Vice President of Starbucks' multi-billion-dollar Frappuccino and Tea businesses. Earlier in his career, Mr. Tebben held executive positions with P.F. Chang's as CMO of Pei Wei Asian Diner, and at Yum! Brands as the CMO of Pizza Hut in the UK and Ireland, among other roles.
"I have been honored to lead Checkers & Rally's for nearly five years, and I am proud of all that the organization accomplished, especially given the unprecedented challenges of COVID, staffing, and inflationary pressures," said Frances Allen, who has served as President and CEO of Checkers since February of 2020. "As I depart, I am delighted to welcome Chris to the organization, and I am confident that he not only has the right professional experience to lead and grow this business, he also has a leadership personality that will make for a great cultural fit with our franchisees, operators, and teams."
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Tebben earned his MBA from the University of Michigan and holds a BA from Michigan State University.
"I am fortunate to be inheriting the strong foundation that Frances and the team have put in place, and I am honored that the Board has entrusted me to steward the Checkers & Rally's brands into their next chapter of profitable growth," said Mr. Tebben. "I couldn't be more excited to lead these two iconic brands that have endured for over 40 years by serving up craveable burgers and the best fries in the business, while delivering a tremendous value proposition for both customers and franchisees. As I look to the future, I believe Checkers & Rally's is primed to exceed consumers' rising expectations when it comes to hyper-convenience, and I look forward to working with the team to continue to innovate in every area of our business."
Mr. Tebben continued: "As I take on this leadership role, I am humbled by the honor to lead more than 4,700 company team members and nearly 150 franchise partners, and at the same time, excited about the mission before us. It is through working as one team that we will win in delivering incredible food, service, and value to our customers and unlimited opportunity to our team members and franchisees. I am confident that working together we will deliver growth for years to come."
About Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc.
Based in Tampa, Fla., Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc., an iconic and innovative drive-thru restaurant chain known for its bold, craveable food, famous fries, exceptional value, and people-first attitude, operates and franchises both Checkers® and Rally's® restaurants. With almost 800 restaurants and room to grow, Checkers & Rally's is a proven brand with flexible building formats that is aggressively expanding across the country. Checkers & Rally's is dedicated to being a place where franchisees and employees who work hard can create opportunities for themselves, their families, and their communities. In recent years, the brand has earned several of the industry's most prestigious awards including: "#1 Most Craveable Fries" by Restaurant Business 2020 and 2018; Best Franchise Deal and "Best Drive-Thru in America" by QSR Magazine; Top Food and Beverage Franchise by Franchise Business Review; the "Hot! Again" award from Nation's Restaurant News and has consistently been ranked on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500.
View source version at Checkers
Paris Baguette Names Norm Ginsberg New VP of Operations
August 27, 2024
As the bakery café franchise continues to grow rapidly, they have welcomed Ginsberg as yet another resource to support continued excellence at all levels.
Moonachie, NJ (RestaurantNews.com) Paris Baguette, the renowned global bakery café franchise with over 170 locations across the U.S., has welcomed Norm Ginsberg to the team as their new vice president of operations. After an impressive 17 years spent with Bowlero, working his way up to key leadership positions, Ginsberg has developed a keen sense of what it means to always deliver the best possible experience through proper recruiting, training and operational systems. When the opportunity arose to do the same with Paris Baguette, he was excited to take it on.
“I’ve been watching Paris Baguette for a number of years now, watching their growth and visiting their cafés. The product is outstanding, and the cafés are beautiful,” Ginsberg said. “I’ve worked with Darren [Tipton] in the past, and when he let me know that we had an opportunity here — as the company is growing so rapidly — to do similar things and have that same guest-focused mindset, I knew we were aligned and was excited to come on board.”
In his role, Ginsberg will oversee all operations aspects of Paris Baguette’s expanding network, focusing on maintaining the elevated guest experience, streamlining operations and supporting franchisees’ ongoing success. For him, this looks like being available as a support person for department heads, district managers, directors and teams working in the cafés themselves.
“We’re thrilled to have Norm on board. His extensive experience in operations and commitment to supporting our corporate teams and franchisees will be a vital part of our continued growth and brand evolution,” said Nick Scaccio, chief operating officer.
Because the operations umbrella includes everything — from planning to ensure cafés have the supplies and materials they need to complete day-to-day tasks and baking the products themselves to engaging with team members and guests to support the interpersonal aspect of the business — Ginsberg will be working closely with a range of leaders throughout the system.
“I don’t think that you can just manage and give direction without being supportive,” he said. “That’s a big part of who I am. I’m passionate about what I do, and I’m relentless in trying to achieve our goals. If we want to have the best customer service in the industry, I will continue to work to ensure that our teams have what they need to maintain the highest standards across all our cafés.”
About Paris Baguette
Paris Baguette is a bakery café franchise with more than 4,000 units across the globe. The global brand first franchised in the U.S. in 2015 and has since established over 170 locations in markets across the country, making them one of the premier franchise opportunities in their category. Paris Baguette’s primary mission, executed every day by their expert staff of bakers, cakers and baristas, is to provide guests with a warm, welcoming bakery café experience that creates joy for all. To find out more information on costs to buy this franchise, please visit OwnaParisBaguette.com.
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Sweetgreen Names Christopher Tarrant as Chief Development Officer
August 26, 2024 09:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Today, Sweetgreen (NYSE: SG) announced that Christopher Tarrant has joined the company as SVP, Chief Development Officer. Tarrant reports to Rossann Williams and oversees Real Estate Development, Design and Construction.
Tarrant brings nearly two decades of real estate experience in the restaurant industry, with a proven track record of spearheading and executing critical development recommendations for global brands and Fortune 200 companies. Most recently, Tarrant served as Chief Development Officer of the nation's largest specialty cake company, Nothing Bundt Cakes.
“We are thrilled to have Chris on the team as we embark on this next phase of pivotal growth,” said Rossann Williams, COO of Sweetgreen. “With Chris’ extensive real estate experience and industry knowledge, he’s an invaluable addition as we advance our mission to connect more communities to real food.”
Previously, Tarrant spent over six years at Starbucks, playing a key role leading retail store development across North America. He also has extensive experience leading real estate strategies and unlocking revenue growth for Fortune-ranked companies, including McDonald's, Panera Bread, and Krispy Kreme.
“Sweetgreen is transforming the world of fast food, both by offering quality, delicious food and driving thoughtful growth strategies that stay true to its mission. I’m excited to join the team at a critical moment of growth, and to work hand in hand with the leadership team as we bring Sweetgreen to more communities nationwide,” said Christopher Tarrant.
About Sweetgreen:
Sweetgreen (NYSE: SG) is on a mission to build healthier communities by connecting people to real food. Sweetgreen sources the best quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers they trust to cook food from scratch that is both delicious and nourishing. They plant roots in each community by building a transparent supply chain, investing in local farmers and growers, and enhancing the total experience with innovative technology. Since opening its first 560-square-foot location in 2007, Sweetgreen has scaled to over 230 locations across the United States, and their vision is to lead the next generation of restaurants and lifestyle brands built on quality, community and innovation.
To learn more about Sweetgreen, its menu, and its loyalty program, visit www.Sweetgreen.com. Follow @Sweetgreen on Instagram, Facebook and X.
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Bloomin’ Brands Names Michael L. Spanos As Chief Executive Officer
Mike Spanos will join Bloomin’ Brands on September 3, 2024.Former CEO David Deno will serve in transitional role until December 31, 2024.Spanos will also serve on the Board of Directors.
TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. (NASDAQ: BLMN) today announced that Michael L. “Mike” Spanos has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of the company. Spanos will begin his new role in Tampa on September 3, 2024. Former CEO David Deno announced on May 7, 2024, his planned retirement as CEO and from the Board of Directors.
Spanos joins the company from Delta Air Lines where he served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. In that role he led the global operations/customer experience team of 90,000 employees. Amongst his accomplishments there, Spanos helped advance Delta’s performance as the company continues to lead the industry across all operating metrics.
“We have found an ideal strategist, operations and cultural leader in Mike,” said Michael Mohan, Chairman of the Board for Bloomin’ Brands. “Our board believes that his experience operating complex, multi-unit businesses will benefit our iconic, founder-inspired brands. He has a customer-first mindset for leading established organizations through challenging environments. We look forward to his contributions to Bloomin’ Brands.”
“It is a privilege to be part of the Bloomin’ Brands team,” said Spanos. “We have such a classic set of heritage brands that my family and I have enjoyed over many years. I am excited to work together with our Team Members to deliver an outstanding guest experience. I thank David Deno for his leadership of our people and look forward to a smooth transition.”
“On behalf of the board, I thank David Deno for his leadership for the past 12 years, including the past five as Chief Executive Officer,” added Mohan. “He leaves the company with a strengthened financial foundation, a strong balance sheet and a leadership team dedicated to delivering long-term sustainable growth to our shareholders. We are grateful for his dedication.”
Prior to his service at Delta, Spanos led Six Flags Entertainment as CEO and President, and spent more than 25 years at PepsiCo and the Pepsi Bottling Group in various positions including President Greater China, CEO of Asia Middle East and North Africa sector, and Chief Customer Officer of North American Beverages.
He is a non-executive director at Casey’s General Store where he is a member of the Audit Committee
About Bloomin’ Brands, Inc.
Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. is one of the largest casual dining restaurant companies in the world with a portfolio of leading, differentiated restaurant concepts. The Company has four founder-inspired brands: Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar. The Company owns and operates more than 1,450 restaurants in 46 states, Guam and 13 countries, some of which are franchise locations. For more information, please visit www.bloominbrands.com.
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