Executive Movements - June 2025

Yum! Brands Appoints Chris Turner as Chief Executive Officer Effective October 1, 2025

June 17, 2025

David Gibbs will serve as an adviser to Yum! Brands until the end of 2026

Louisville, KY  (RestaurantNews.com)  Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) today announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously elected Chris Turner, 50, as Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2025.

Turner, who currently serves as Chief Financial & Franchise Officer for Yum! Brands, will succeed current Chief Executive Officer David Gibbs, who, in March 2025, informed the Board of Directors of his intention to retire in the next year after 37 years with the Company and a successful tenure as CEO.

“I’m deeply honored to step into the role of CEO at Yum! Brands and incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead this global company with such iconic brands,” said Turner. “I want to sincerely thank David Gibbs for his exceptional leadership and partnership. I’m excited to build on all that we’ve accomplished together alongside our talented teams and in partnership with our franchisees around the world, as we innovate, grow our brands and continue delivering exceptional experiences for our consumers.”

Turner has served as Yum! Brands’ Chief Financial Officer since 2019 and expanded his role to include Chief Franchise Officer in 2024, with responsibilities for finance, corporate strategy, supply chain, franchise standards and support. In recent years, he has been instrumental in driving bold actions that leverage Yum!’s scale, such as accelerating the Company’s digital and technology transformation through initiatives like the establishment of Byte by Yum!, an AI-driven restaurant technology platform; launching a centralized, global Supply Chain Center of Excellence; and the creation of Saucy by KFC, a bold new restaurant concept.

He has worked closely with Gibbs and the entire Yum! Brands leadership team to drive growth through unit development, deliver strong shareholder returns and foster a people-first culture of collaboration.

“It has been the privilege of a lifetime to lead Yum! Brands and work with such passionate, talented people across our global system throughout my almost 37 years with the Company,” said Gibbs. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together and am confident that the best is yet to come. During my time partnering with Chris, he’s demonstrated deep knowledge of our business, strong values and a clear commitment to our growth. I can’t think of a better person to guide Yum! into its next chapter, and I look forward to supporting a smooth and successful transition.”

Gibbs has served as Yum! Brands’ CEO since January 2020. As CEO, Gibbs was instrumental in architecting and leading the Company’s digital transformation and tripled the pace of Yum! Brands’ annual net new unit development, leading to nearly 61,000 restaurant units worldwide. Gibbs also successfully navigated the Company through the COVID-19 pandemic and an increasingly complex operating environment, making Yum! a top performer in the restaurant industry. During Gibbs’ tenure, digital sales surpassed $30 billion in 2024, with over 50% of sales through digital channels.

Gibbs remains CEO until September 30, 2025, and will serve as an adviser to the Company until the end of 2026 to ensure a seamless transition.

“On behalf of the Board, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to David Gibbs for his outstanding visionary leadership, and the lasting impact he’s made on Yum! Brands,” said Brian Cornell, Non-Executive Chairman of the Yum! Brands Board of Directors. “David led the Company during unprecedented times all while strengthening, transforming and growing the business, with Chris as a key partner. During his tenure, Yum! delivered strong performance and advanced its growth strategy that has helped attract and retain the best talent in the industry. We are thrilled to appoint Chris as the next CEO – a proven leader with a deep understanding of the business, strategic expertise, financial acumen and unique perspectives that will help accelerate our growth. The Board is confident that Chris is the right leader to take Yum! Brands forward and accelerate the Company’s momentum.”

As Yum! Brands CEO, Turner will focus on executing Yum!’s mission of growing the most loved, trusted and connected restaurant brands globally. He will be responsible for driving the Company’s Good Growth strategy, which includes ongoing digital initiatives, scaling bold innovation to power the Company’s iconic brands and delivering long-term results.

Turner’s career has spanned leadership roles for major global brands like PepsiCo and its sub-brands. Prior to joining Yum! Brands, Turner led PepsiCo’s retail and e-commerce business with Walmart in the U.S. and more than 25 countries, and across PepsiCo’s brands in the beverage, snack and nutrition categories. He also spent more than 13 years with McKinsey & Co., where he served as Partner in the firm’s Dallas office and led the Service Operations practice in North America, the Restaurant Service Line, the Retail Operations team and recruiting for all Southern U.S offices.

About Yum! Brands

Yum! Brands, Inc., based in Louisville, Kentucky, and its subsidiaries franchise or operate a system of nearly 61,000 restaurants in more than 155 countries and territories under the company’s concepts – KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Habit Burger & Grill. The Company’s KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut brands are global leaders of the chicken, Mexican-inspired food and pizza categories, respectively. Habit Burger & Grill is a fast casual restaurant concept specializing in made-to-order chargrilled burgers, sandwiches and more. In 2024, Yum! was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index North America, Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies, USA Today’s America’s Climate Leaders and 3BL’s list of 100 Best Corporate Citizens. In 2025, the Company was recognized among TIME magazine’s list of Best Companies for Future Leaders. In addition, KFC, Taco Bell and Pizza Hut led Entrepreneur’s Top Global Franchises 2024 list and were ranked in the first 25 of Entrepreneur’s 2025 Franchise 500, with Taco Bell securing the No. 1 spot in North America for the fifth consecutive year.

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Soulman’s Bar-B-Que Announces Leadership Promotions and New Additions to Support Growth and Excellence

June 17, 2025

Austin Green Promoted to Vice President of Accounting & Finance, Leading a Wave of Empowered Female Leadership at Soulman’s Bar-B-Que

Dallas-Fort Worth, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, a North Texas institution known for its authentic, hickory-smoked barbecue and community-first approach, is proud to announce key leadership promotions and additions designed to fuel the brand’s continued growth, innovation, and operational excellence.

Among the most notable changes is the promotion of Austin Green to Vice President of Accounting & Finance. A lifelong team member and daughter of founder Don Hallett and wife Teresa, Green has played a vital role in opening over 20 Soulman’s locations and modernizing the brand’s systems and processes. Her deep understanding of accounting and finance, combined with her dedication to teamwork and innovation, positions her to lead strategic financial initiatives, manage tax matters, and leverage funding opportunities to support Soulman’s next chapter of expansion, building on the brand’s 50-year legacy.

Previously announced is the pivotal promotion of Amber Polk, who steps into the role of Vice President of Sales and Marketing. With more than 15 years of experience at Soulman’s, Polk built the catering department into a DFW staple known for outstanding service and exceptional food. In her expanded role, she will now oversee all sales initiatives, lead the Marketing Department, and continue guiding the Catering team—all while bringing her trademark positivity and passion for the brand.

Succeeding Polk as Director of Catering is longtime team member Christine Allen, who has spent 11 years making her mark on both customer and internal relationships. With a background in weddings and events, Allen was instrumental in establishing Soulman’s presence in the wedding catering space. She now brings her expertise and style to this new leadership position, aiming to elevate and expand the department’s success.

Soulman’s is also thrilled to welcome Frances Siria as the new Director of Marketing. With over 15 years of experience, Siria is focused on brand storytelling that connects with customers across digital and community platforms. Her early impact has already brought fresh energy and structure to the marketing team, and her customer-centric approach is a perfect match for the Soulman’s mission.

“These leadership updates mark an exciting new era for Soulman’s Bar-B-Que,” said Brett Randle, CEO of Soulman’s. “We are proud to promote and welcome so many strong, capable women into key leadership roles. Their combined experience, passion, and vision will help guide Soulman’s toward even greater consistency, innovation, and success across every area of our business.”

As Soulman’s continues to grow, these leadership changes reflect a commitment to investing in people, empowering women in business, and honoring the legacy of excellence that has defined the brand for over 50 years.

For more information about Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, visit Soulmans.com.

About Soulman’s Bar-B-Que

For 50 years, Soulman’s Bar-B-Que has satisfied the hardest to please bar-b-que lovers….Texans!  Founded in Pleasant Grove, Texas, in 1974, Soulman’s had only a few simple goals – serve great Texas-style BBQ and offer friendly, sincere service.  With a focus on Faith, Food, and Family, Soulman’s passed-down recipes are still the foundation for the company’s success from their 8 different types of meat that are smoked “low & slow” over only hickory wood to their famous homemade sides, including Ranch house beans and Texas style cream corn! Throughout the years, this family-owned and operated company has remained true to its original strive for success and customer satisfaction and is honored to be considered one of the Best Regional Barbecue Chains to Try at Least Once (2025), Best Roadside Restaurants in America (2024), Top Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2024), the Best Bar-B-Que in Dallas for Takeout  & Delivery (2020) and one of the Best Bar-B-Que Chains in America (2018).

Soulman’s currently owns and operates 20 North and East Texas locations in Allen, Cedar Hill, Forney, Fort Worth, Garland, Greenville, Hurst Grapevine Highway, Lancaster, Lewisville, Mabank, Mansfield, Mesquite, Quinlan, Red Oak, Rockwall I-30, Rockwall Goliad, Royse City,  Sulphur Springs, Terrell and Van. To learn more about Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, visit them online at Soulmans.com or on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/soulmansbbq.

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Former Raising Cane's exec named COO of Smalls Sliders

June 16, 2025

Smalls Sliders, a cheeseburger slider concept, has named Clint Penfield as chief operating officer. He brings more than two decades of experience from Raising Cane's, where he held senior roles including chief of restaurant services and senior vice president of restaurant services. His tenure there saw him guide operations across hundreds of locations as the brand expanded nationally.

"Smalls Sliders is built on a foundation of operational simplicity and bold hospitality," Penfield said in a company press release. "My goal is to scale what makes Smalls special, while ensuring every Can delivers a standout guest experience, every time."

Charles Watson, CEO of Smalls Sliders, highlighted Penfield's "culture-first leader" approach, stating his leadership will help the company grow without losing its unique qualities.

Smalls Sliders, known for serving cooked-to-order cheeseburger sliders, seasoned waffle fries and hand-spun milkshakes from its signature "Smorange-colored" shipping containers dubbed "Cans," has expanded rapidly since its 2019 founding.

The brand has more than 375 Cans open or under development across 22 states. Investors include 10 Point Capital and former NFL star Drew Brees.

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Portillo’s Adds Veteran Restaurant Leader Gene Lee to Board of Directors

Former CEO Brings a Wealth of Industry Operations Expertise

June 16, 2025 07:00 ET

CHICAGO, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Portillo’s (NASDAQ: PTLO), the fast-casual restaurant concept known for its menu of Chicago-style favorites, today announced the appointment of Eugene I. Lee, Jr., a respected veteran of the restaurant industry and award-winning foodservice leader, to Portillo’s Board of Directors, effective immediately.

"Gene has dedicated his career to the restaurant industry,” said Mike Miles, Chairman of the Board of Portillo’s. “His rise from bussing tables to running the world's premier casual-dining company gives him an understanding of all facets of the business, from how to run a great shift to how to best position brands for growth in new markets. He has a passion for the people who work on the front lines and for delivering value to customers and shareholders. We are excited to have his experience and wisdom on the Portillo’s board."

Mr. Lee brings extensive leadership experience across the restaurant industry, from emerging, high-growth concepts to established, high-volume chains. He served as CEO at Darden Restaurants from 2015 to 2022 and as Chairman of the Darden Board from 2021 to 2023. Under his leadership, Darden’s revenues grew by more than $2 billion and its market capitalization nearly tripled to $20 billion. He led the company through periods of significant change, including the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, with a steadfast focus on team members and guests. Mr. Lee originally joined Darden in 2007 through the acquisition of RARE Hospitality International, and went on to hold several senior roles, including President and Chief Operating Officer, and President of Darden’s Specialty Restaurant Group. Prior to Darden, Mr. Lee held various leadership positions at RARE, including President and COO.

“I’m honored to join an iconic brand like Portillo’s—one that truly understands the heart of what makes restaurants great: craveable food, strong operations, and an unmatched guest experience," said Mr. Lee. "Portillo’s has tremendous potential for continued growth, and I’m excited to work with the leadership team and Board to help drive that growth and create lasting value for guests, team members, and shareholders alike."

In 2018, the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association awarded the prestigious Gold Plate Award for industry excellence to Mr. Lee. He previously received the People Report Workplace Legacy Award in recognition of his commitment to balancing people and performance throughout his career in foodservice.

Mr. Lee is a native of Massachusetts and earned an MBA from Suffolk University in Boston. He is currently the Independent Board Chair for Advance Auto Parts.

This appointment was made in alignment with the terms of Portillo’s previously announced cooperation agreement and is supported by Engaged Capital, LLC.

“Gene is one of the best operators in the restaurant industry and will be a tremendous asset in the Portillo’s boardroom in helping the company continue to execute its growth strategy and deliver strong unit economics,” said Glenn W. Welling, Founder and CIO of Engaged Capital.

About Portillo’s
In 1963, Dick Portillo invested $1,100 to open the first Portillo's hot dog stand in Villa Park, Illinois, calling it "The Dog House." Today, Portillo's (NASDAQ: PTLO) has grown to more than 90 restaurants across 10 states and is beloved for its Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, char-grilled burgers, fresh salads, and famous chocolate cake.

Guests can join Portillo’s Perks, the brand’s loyalty program, at Portillos.com/perks to earn and redeem delicious rewards. Fans can also download the Portillo’s App for iOS or Android or visit Portillo’s website to order ahead for pickup or delivery and get the best dill on these bun-believably delicious Chicago-style favorites and more. Plus, Portillo’s ships its craveworthy food to all 50 states via Portillos.com.

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Texas Roadhouse, Inc. Announces Departure of Chief Financial Officer

June 10, 2025 09:00 ET

LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Texas Roadhouse, Inc. (NasdaqGS: TXRH), announced today that Chief Financial Officer Chris Monroe is no longer with the Company. Mr. Monroe was hired by the Company on June 28, 2023.

“We appreciate Chris’ nearly two years of service and wish he and his family the best as they transition back to Texas,” said Chief Executive Officer Jerry Morgan.

The Company’s Board of Directors has appointed Keith Humpich, Vice President of Finance, as interim CFO until a permanent successor has been identified.

Mr. Humpich, who served as interim CFO from January 2023 to June 2023, has more than 30 years of accounting, audit, and finance experience. He joined Texas Roadhouse in February 2005 as the Director and then Senior Director of Internal Audit. In 2021, he was promoted to Vice President of Finance, overseeing Financial Reporting, Tax, Treasury, Internal Audit, and Financial Analysis. Mr. Humpich was appointed the Company’s principal accounting officer in January 2023 and began overseeing the Accounting function at this time. He also serves as co-chair of the Company’s Enterprise Risk Management function, and Compliance Officer for FCPA-related matters.

The Company has retained an executive search firm to assist in finding a successor.

About the Company

Texas Roadhouse, Inc. is a growing restaurant company operating predominantly in the casual dining segment that first opened in 1993 and today has grown to over 790 restaurants system-wide in 49 states, one U.S. territory, and ten foreign countries. For more information, please visit the Company’s Web site at www.texasroadhouse.com.

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Eggs Up Grill Appoints Jennifer Folger as Vice President of Franchise Growth

Jun 10, 2025, 08:55 ET

Franchise Industry Veteran to Drive Continued Growth and Expansion for Rapidly Expanding "Better Breakfast" Brand

SPARTANBURG, S.C., June 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Eggs Up Grill, a neighborhood favorite and the fastest-growing "better breakfast" restaurant franchise in the country, has named Jennifer Folger as its new Vice President of Franchise Growth. With two decades of experience in franchising and a track record of scaling national brands, Folger will lead the charge in accelerating Eggs Up Grill's franchise growth strategy across new and existing markets.

A Buffalo, New York native, Folger began her career in 2005 at Arby's and most recently served as Vice President of Franchise Development at Tropical Smoothie Cafe. Serving for 10 years at Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Folger helped to grow the brand from about 400 locations to 1,500, with 800 additional locations in the pipeline when she left. She brings deep industry knowledge and a strategic mindset to her new role, where she will focus on attracting multi-unit operators, optimizing the brand's development process, and identifying new market opportunities.

"There is so much runway here at Eggs Up Grill," said Folger. "It's rare to find a brand with such strong unit-level performance, operational simplicity, and a culture that truly supports its franchisees. I look forward to driving strategic expansion by fostering strong relationships with franchise partners and identifying opportunities in high-potential markets."

In her first year, Folger will focus on driving development momentum and refining franchise recruitment strategies to support Eggs Up Grill's long-term growth goals.

"Jennifer's extensive experience, energy and vision make her an ideal fit for where we're headed as a brand," said Ricky Richardson, CEO of Eggs Up Grill. "Her proven ability to scale high-performing franchise systems, along with her belief in our community-first culture will be instrumental as we continue to grow with the right partners."

With a focus on guest experience, franchisee success, and market expansion, Eggs Up Grill is positioned for continued growth in 2025. With more than 170 restaurants open or in development, the brand attracts operators drawn to its proven model, daytime-only hours, and community-first approach. Built on hospitality, simplicity, and strong unit economics, the concept offers a welcoming atmosphere, a high-quality breakfast and lunch menu, and a family-friendly culture that resonates with both franchisees and guests.

Eggs Up Grill is actively seeking motivated individuals to partner with across the country. Whether you're a seasoned entrepreneur or you're looking to own your very first business, Eggs Up Grill could be the perfect opportunity for you. To learn more about franchising with Eggs Up Grill and the available franchise opportunities, visit: https://eggsupgrillfranchise.com/

For more information about Eggs Up Grill, visit: https://eggsupgrill.com/

About Eggs Up Grill

Founded in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, Eggs Up Grill has been serving smiles for over 25 years. From the first sip of freshly brewed coffee to the last bite of a hearty breakfast or lunch, our welcoming atmosphere and attentive service make every visit feel like coming home. As "neighbors serving neighbors," we proudly serve breakfast, brunch, and lunch daily from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m., offering a full menu throughout our hours of operation.

Eggs Up Grill's business model is designed to create smiles not just for guests but for our Franchise Partners as well. Ranked the No. 1 breakfast franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine's Franchise500® for four consecutive years, Eggs Up Grill is experiencing record growth and actively seeking both seasoned and first-time franchise partners. With 97 locations currently in operation and over 85 more under development or committed to open, the brand is poised for continued success.

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Bobby’s Burgers By Bobby Flay Announces New Chief Development Officer

June 10, 2025

Strategic new hire reinforces the brand’s commitment to national expansion and world-class franchise support

Charlotte, NC  (RestaurantNews.com)  Plans for Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay to rapidly expand across the country are moving full steam ahead with the brand’s newest appointment of Patrick Cunningham as CDO. This move underscores the brand’s continued momentum and dedication to building a powerhouse franchise network.

With nearly three decades of experience in the QSR and franchising spaces, Cunningham brings a wealth of expertise to Bobby’s Burgers. In his new role, he will oversee all aspects of the brand’s franchise development strategy, with a focus on new market expansion and both traditional and non-traditional growth opportunities worldwide.

Prior to joining Bobby’s Burgers, Cunningham served as Vice President of U.S. Development at Little Caesars Pizza, where he led nationwide efforts in franchise sales, asset management, design and non-traditional development. His strategic leadership helped position the brand for long-term, sustainable growth.

Earlier in his career, Cunningham held senior leadership roles at Dunkin’ and Inspire Brands, where he was instrumental in expanding the Dunkin’ and Baskin-Robbins footprint across the U.S. and Canada. His ability to deliver on ambitious development goals and execute complex market strategies has made him a respected leader in the franchising world.

“This is an exciting time to be joining Bobby’s Burgers,” said Cunningham. “The brand is backed by a world-class team, a strong operational foundation and a compelling vision for growth. I look forward to helping take this Unbeatable Burger Experience to the next level.”

The addition of Cunningham to the team is a testament to the brand’s commitment to rapid growth. Cunningham’s history of bringing massive expansion for other national brands made him a perfect fit for the role and highlights the company’s deep investment in supporting franchisees at every stage – from initial interest through grand opening and beyond. By bringing on people with success in growing QSR brands, Bobby’s Burgers is positioning itself for its own quick rise to the top of the hamburger hierarchy and that includes growth for franchisees – in sales, in personal income and in portfolio size.

“Patrick’s track record speaks for itself,” said Michael McGill, President of Bobby’s Burgers. “He’s a proven leader with a deep understanding of what it takes to scale a brand successfully, and we’re thrilled to have him join the team at such a pivotal time in our growth.”

As the brand continues to expand across the country, Cunningham’s appointment marks a bold step forward in its franchising evolution – one built on proven experience, and a shared commitment to long-term success.

For more information about Bobby’s Burgers, visit BobbysBurgers.com. To learn about franchise opportunities, visit BobbysBurgers.com/franchising.

About Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay

Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay is the unbeatable burger experience co-founded by renowned chef Bobby Flay. As a reflection of his successful 40-plus-year career in the restaurant industry, Flay has handcrafted every ingredient and menu item to create both a craveable and approachable Bobby Flay dining experience. Backed by a team of veterans in the restaurant industry, Bobby’s Burgers offers tailored support from experts to ensure that every location has the highest-quality burger experience. With nine locations currently open and several in the development pipeline, Bobby’s Burgers is launching its full-scale U.S. and international franchise expansion plan.

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HHC Taps Slim Chickens’ Training Guru as Brand Accelerates Both Corporate and Franchise Growth

June 10, 2025

The award-winning training leader joins to fuel the brand’s explosive expansion and elevate HHC’s operations coast-to-coast

Las Vegas, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  Houston TX Hot Chicken (HHC), the fast-growing concept redefining the hot chicken category, announced today the appointment of Chris Patterson as Vice President of Training. With more than 30 years of restaurant industry experience and a proven track record of scaling high-growth brands, Patterson joins HHC at a critical point in its nationwide expansion.

Patterson began his restaurant career at just 15 in Lubbock, Texas, working in a local BBQ joint before spending two decades with CiCi’s Pizza. There, he advanced from team member to multi-unit leader, then moved to the brand’s Corporate Training Department – ultimately serving as Director of Training during CiCi’s highest-growth years. He later brought his passion for developing scalable systems to Dickey’s Barbecue as VP of Training, where his team created award-winning educational content and a new franchisee training program.

Most recently, Patterson spent nearly a decade with Slim Chickens, helping to build the brand’s training infrastructure from scratch. Starting when the company had just 30 stores, he was instrumental in driving its growth to 300+ locations across the U.S. and internationally. His work included designing team member and franchisee training, launching a full LMS platform, creating internal content, and leading new restaurant opening procedures.

“I’m fired up to be joining Houston TX Hot Chicken,” Patterson said. “This brand has all the right ingredients – bold food, a distinct personality, and a leadership team that’s serious about building something exceptional. I’m passionate about training that drives real results, and I can’t wait to help grow HHC into a powerhouse across the country and beyond.”

Founded in 2021 by entrepreneur Edmond Barseghian, the brand has become a cult favorite thanks to its craveable hot chicken and serious spice. With over 25 stores currently open and more than 100 franchise commitments in place, HHC is targeting 40 locations by the end of 2025, fueled by its strategic growth partnership with Utah-based Savory Fund.

“Chris is one of the most experienced and well-rounded training leaders in the industry,” said Brian Simowitz, President of HHC, who worked with Patterson for nine years at Slim Chickens. “He understands how to scale people, process, and culture – exactly what we need as we prepare for massive growth. We’re thrilled to have him on the HHC team.”

Known for its hot chicken sandwiches, tenders, salads, soup, waffle shakes, and loaded fries, the unique eatery has seven signature sauces ranging from “No Spice” to “Honey Butter,” to “Liftoff” to “Houston, We Have a Problem!” It has catered to both authenticity and commercial appeal, which has heat-seekers all over the map making HHC a dining destination.

“Training is everything when you’re scaling at the pace we are,” Barseghian said. “Chris brings the wisdom, creativity, and energy that’s going to push our teams – and our brand – to new heights. He’s not just building systems, he’s helping shape the future of HHC.”

About Houston TX Hot Chicken

Founded in 2021, Houston TX Hot Chicken (HHC) prides itself on serving all natural and never frozen chicken to its guests. With a menu that features hot chicken in the form of sandwiches, tenders and more, HHC offers high quality food alongside an exciting and elevated service standard. In recent years, the restaurant group has experienced rapid growth with locations nationwide in Arizona, California, Nevada, Washington, Texas, Utah, Idaho, Michigan and has plans to continue opening new locations across the country, with the help of its growth partnership with Savory Fund. Learn more at HHC.ooo.

About Savory Fund

Savory Fund is an innovative private equity firm that combines over $750 million in assets under management with a growth playbook and expertise that has been developed over 15 years of operating in the restaurant industry. Savory partners with high-potential, profitable, emerging restaurant brands, to deliver financial capital, industry expertise, growth and revenue opportunities, profitability enhancements and new location development. The Savory team contributes directly to all aspects of growth and replication by using a proven playbook and methodology. Founder involvement in the expansion of a brand is a central theme of the Savory approach as founders carry the tribal knowledge around the uniqueness that has energized early success and is essential to future growth. The Savory Fund is currently invested in 12 brands: Swig, R&R BBQ, PINCHO, Via 313 Pizzeria, Houston TX Hot Chicken, Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food, Saigon Hustle, Hash Kitchen, The Sicilian Butcher, South Block, Bonrue Bakery, and restaurant tech investment 86 Repairs. For more information, visit SavoryFund.com.

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Taco John's Appoints Industry Veteran Jackie Secor to Chief Operating Officer

Jun 09, 2025, 09:42 ET

• Seasoned Operations Leader Brings Over Two Decades of Experience Across Franchise and Corporate Leadership

• Appointment is Set to Drive Operational Excellence and Cross-Functional Alignment as Brand Scales

• Bolstered Executive Bench Supports Taco John's National Growth Strategy and Franchisee-First Focus

ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn., June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Taco John's®, a leading Mexican quick-service restaurant, appoints longtime restaurant industry leader Jackie Secor as its new Chief Operating Officer. With over 25 years of experience leading high-performing teams and driving strategic initiatives, Secor will play a key role in accelerating the brand's growth, enhancing franchisee success, and continuing to streamline system-wide operations.

With over 25 years of experience leading high-performing teams and driving strategic initiatives, Jackie will play a key role in accelerating the brand’s growth, enhancing franchisee success, and continuing to streamline system-wide operations.

Secor's impressive resume showcases her proven track record for bringing innovation and collaboration to drive change. Originally starting with Auntie Anne's as a shift manager, her unique experience of climbing the ranks to become Senior Vice President of Operations and Training at GoTo Foods gives her a keen eye for examining every brand through the eyes of the frontline. As an organized and oriented strategic thinker, Secor aligns strategy with data and analytics to streamline restaurant operations and profitability.

"Operations is in my blood and at the core of who I am," shared Secor. "My career started on the front line, and that perspective continues to shape how I lead. I believe in structured collaboration, leveraging data, empowering teams, and driving consistency across the system. Taco John's has such a strong foundation and a clear growth trajectory, and I'm excited to join the world-class team to elevate the brand and support our franchisees in the next phase of success."

In her role, Secor oversees restaurant operations, technology, and training, while collaborating cross-functionally with departments including supply chain, marketing, and development. Her focus will be on operational excellence, performance optimization, and ensuring that franchisees receive the best-in-class support that they deserve. Attributing her success in previous roles to the partnerships she built with franchisees, Secor plans to hone-in on Taco John's people-first culture to grow AUV for existing franchisees and expand the brand's footprint to reach new communities.

"Jackie is the kind of leader who brings both strategic discipline and a deep respect for the people who make the business run every day," said Heather Neary, President and CEO of Taco John's. "She's a champion for franchisees, a data-driven decision-maker, and a true operator at heart. We're thrilled to welcome her to the executive team at such an exciting time in the brand's evolution."

This appointment comes at a pivotal time as Taco John's accelerates its expansion through both single and multi-unit development. Recent initiatives such as the Path to Ownership structure and the brands optimized business model provide a strong foundation for franchisee support and sustainable long-term growth. Drawing on her track record of success through collaborative franchisee relationships, Secor plans to further strengthen Taco John's "people first" culture. Her focus will center on increasing AUV for existing operators while strategically expanding the brand's presence into new communities.
For more information about Taco John's franchise opportunities, please visit https://tacojohnsfranchise.com/ or contact Shannon Iverson at siverson@tacojohns.com. 

About Taco John's®
Founded in 1969 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Taco John's® has been delivering bigger. bolder. better. flavors for over 55 years. Today, Taco John's operates and franchises nearly 350 restaurants across 22 states, solidifying its place as one of the largest Mexican quick-service restaurant brands in the U.S. Famous for coining Taco Tuesday in 1989, Taco John's offers everyday value with its popular menu. Signature items like Potato Olés® showcase the bold, original flavors that help fans Olé The Day. With generous portions and made-to-order dishes crafted from fresh, high-quality ingredients, Taco John's sets the standard for crave-worthy Mexican fare. Taco John's continues to be a standout in the industry, highlighted by recent accolades including ranking No. 147 spot on Entrepreneur Magazine's 2025 "Franchise 500" ranking and the No. 158 on Franchise Times 2024, "Franchise 400" ranking. For more information, visit TacoJohns.com and follow Taco John's on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

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Lyle D. Tick Appointed CEO and President of BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.

June 05, 2025 16:01 ET

Company announces departure of CFO

HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ: BJRI) today announced that Lyle D. Tick, currently BJ’s President and Chief Concept Officer, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and President, effective June 5, 2025. Interim Chief Executive Officer C. Bradford (“Brad”) Richmond will assume the role of Special Advisor to the CEO during Mr. Tick’s transition into his new role and will remain a member of the Board of Directors.

Mr. Tick was named President and Chief Concept Officer in September 2024, and in his time with the Company has been instrumental in the creation of the Company’s strategic vision, which is focused on the team member experience, handcrafted food and beverages, delivering WOW hospitality and keeping the atmosphere fresh. His leadership and vision for the brand have allowed the Company to build a strong foundation and a strategic plan to deliver long-term value for shareholders.

Lea Anne S. Ottinger, the Company’s Board Chair commented, “We are delighted that Lyle will be leading BJ’s as its next CEO. As President and Chief Concept Officer, Lyle has quickly re-focused the Company’s core sales and profit-driving initiatives to further differentiate our concept while capturing opportunities to reduce operational complexity. We are confident that under his leadership, BJ’s will continue to drive sustainable growth and create long-term shareholder value.”

Mr. Richmond commented, “Lyle has provided focus and clarity to our team as we articulate our brand positioning and execute on strategic initiatives focused on delivering sustained profitable growth in the mid-to-long term. After working closely with Lyle for the past nine months, I am confident he is the right person to lead BJ’s through its next chapter of growth. With his strategic consumer focus and expertise in brand positioning, as well as his deep experience in the restaurant industry, I have full confidence in his ability to help BJ’s achieve continued success.”

Mr. Tick commented, “It is an honor to be appointed BJ’s next Chief Executive Officer, and I am grateful to the Board for their confidence in me. Since joining the leadership team last year, I have developed an even greater appreciation for the tremendous potential of the BJ’s brand. I am proud of the progress we have made to date for the business and as a leadership team. I look forward to building on the foundations we have laid and continuing to work with Brad, the Board, the leadership team and our team members around the country as we execute on our strategies to position BJ’s for sustainable long-term success.”

Prior to joining BJ’s, Mr. Tick served as President and Chief Executive Officer of On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina from December 2023 to August 2024. 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.

CFO Transition

The Company also announced today that Thomas A. Houdek, its Chief Financial Officer, has resigned from his position, effective June 20, 2025. Mr. Houdek has accepted a new position outside of the restaurant industry.

Ms. Ottinger added, “On behalf of our team, I would like to sincerely thank Tom for his leadership and contributions to BJ’s since joining us in 2019. We wish Tom the best of luck and success in his future endeavors.”

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 2025 Vibe Vista Award for Best Beer Program, the winner of the 2024 Vibe Vista Award for Best Overall Beverage Program 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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CKE Restaurants Appoints Ewan Davenport as President, International

Jun 04, 2025, 07:47 ET

Appointment Brings Deep International Market Development and Brand Growth Expertise to CKE's Global Operations

FRANKLIN, Tenn., June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. (CKE), parent company of Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's® is announcing the appointment of Ewan Davenport as President, International. Davenport will oversee the continued expansion and strategic development of CKE's brands in international markets.

Davenport brings a wealth of experience in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) and consumer goods sectors, with a distinguished career spanning over two decades. Most recently, Davenport served in multiple leadership roles at YUM! Brands, Pizza Hut, for more than nine years, including Managing Director for Global Franchise Markets and Managing Director for the Middle East, Turkey and Africa. During his tenure, he was instrumental in driving growth, brand presence and franchisee relations across diverse and dynamic international landscapes. His prior experience also includes significant financial and commercial leadership positions at SABMiller and Unilever.

"I am incredibly excited to join the CKE team and lead the international division for such iconic brands as Carl's Jr. and Hardee's," said Ewan Davenport. "There is immense potential for growth in existing markets and opportunities to introduce our beloved burgers to new guests around the world. I look forward to working with the talented team at CKE and our dedicated franchise partners to build on the strong foundation already in place and accelerate our international strategies."

The appointment of Davenport underscores CKE's commitment to growing its global footprint and continuing to strengthen its brand presence worldwide.

Joe Guith, CEO of CKE Restaurants, commented on the appointment, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Ewan Davenport to our executive team. His extensive international experience, proven leadership in the QSR industry, and deep understanding of franchise operations make him the perfect fit to spearhead our global growth strategy. Ewan's proven ability to lead high-performing teams, develop leaders, set strategic vision and expertise in operations will be critical as we continue to scale our international business and bring our quality food and service to more guests globally."

CKE Restaurants has an already powerful international presence, with more than 1,100 Carl's Jr. and Hardee's restaurants in more than 40 countries around the globe. Davenport's leadership will focus on continuing to drive innovation, operational excellence, and franchisee success to further solidify CKE's position as a global QSR leader.

About CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.
CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc., a privately held company based in Franklin, Tennessee, operates Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's® restaurants, two beloved brands, known for premium and innovative menu items such as iconic chargrilled burgers and Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders™. With both a U.S. and international footprint, Carl's Jr. Restaurants LLC and Hardee's Restaurants LLC have more than 3,600 franchised or company-operated restaurants domestically and more than 40 international markets and U.S. territories. For more information about CKE, please visit www.ckr.com or its brand sites at www.carlsjr.com and www.hardees.com.

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Karl Dahlgren and Judy Mulcahy Join National Restaurant Association Executive Leadership

Jun 02, 2025, 09:00 ET

Another stellar placement by Wray Executive Search

Will assume roles of Chief Product Officer and Chief Operating Officer to support Association's "Next Era" growth

WASHINGTON, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Restaurant Association is pleased to announce Karl Dahlgren as its new Chief Product Officer (CPO) and Judy Mulcahy as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). As CPO, Dahlgren's leadership will shape how the Association delivers value to the industry through the strategy, development and management of ServSafe® and the future growth and development of a full suite of the organization's product portfolio.  As COO, Mulcahy will oversee day-to-day operations to ensure alignment of the Association's people, processes, and systems with long-term strategic goals.

"Karl's and Judy's leadership will complement the important work underway across the organization to position the Association for continued relevancy," said Michelle Korsmo, president & CEO of the National Restaurant Association. "As an indispensable partner to the restaurant industry, we are focused on how the Association and our products, programs, and services can help protect, promote, and guide the prosperity of America's restaurants. Karl's and Judy's expertise will support these efforts to move us forward into the next era with clarity, focus, and greater operational strength."

Karl Dahlgren has more than 30 years of leadership experience spanning the banking, technology, nonprofit, and training sectors. A growth-oriented business leader, he has successfully led teams across product, sales, client services, and technology. His background includes steering organizations through transformative initiatives, including market expansion, strategic partnerships, and operational turnarounds. Dahlgren holds a B.A. from North Park University and an M.B.A. from Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management. Most recently, he was Executive Vice President of the National Safety Council and leader of their training line of business.

"I am honored to join the National Restaurant Association at such an important time in the industry," said Dahlgren. "I am excited to work with a talented team to strengthen the value delivered through critical programs, including ServSafe. Together, we'll drive innovation and support operators in building resilient, future-ready businesses."

Judy Mulcahy has more than 25 years of experience in association leadership, government contracting, engineering, and nonprofit management. Her expertise encompasses strategic planning, human resources, finance, business development, and organizational transformation. Mulcahy holds a B.A. in Personnel and Industrial Relations from the University of Cincinnati. Most recently, she was Chief Operating Officer for the Alliance for Automotive Innovation.

"I know the power that food has to bring people together, and I'm excited to join the National Restaurant Association as Chief Operating Officer to support and elevate the dynamic restaurant business in America during a time of transformation," said Mulcahy. "This is an organization dedicated to uniting communities and providing opportunities for entrepreneurs and businesses to grow and thrive. I'm inspired by this team and the people at the heart of this industry."

About the National Restaurant Association

Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which comprises more than 1 million restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of 15.7 million employees. Together with 52 State Associations, we are a network of professional organizations dedicated to serving every restaurant through advocacy, education, and food safety. We sponsor the industry's largest trade show (National Restaurant Association Show(Opens in a new window)); leading food safety training and certification program (ServSafe(Opens in a new window)); unique career-building high school program (the NRAEF's ProStart(Opens in a new window)). For more information, visit Restaurant.org(Opens in a new window) and find @WeRRestaurants on Twitter(Opens in a new window), Facebook(Opens in a new window) and YouTube(Opens in a new window).

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Jack in the Box Inc. Announces Dawn Hooper as Its Chief Financial Officer

May 28, 2025 4:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time

Dawn Hooper had served as interim principal financial officer since October 2024.

Dawn Hooper, Chief Financial Officer, Jack in the Box Inc.

SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK) and its Board of Directors announced Dawn Hooper as the chief financial officer for Jack in the Box, effective immediately.

Hooper, a Jack in the Box veteran of 25 years, previously served as interim principal financial officer for Jack in the Box from August 2020 to January 2021, from February 2023 to August 2023, and from October 2024 to present, and most recently held the role of senior vice president, controller since December 2022. She has been with the Company since October 2000 and throughout her tenure, has held key leadership roles within Jack in the Box’s finance organization, including assistant controller, vice president of financial reporting and senior manager of corporate accounting.

“Dawn brings deep financial expertise, institutional knowledge, and proven leadership to the CFO role,” said Lance Tucker, Jack in the Box Chief Executive Officer. “I’ve had the privilege of working with her throughout my tenure at the Company, including during my time as CFO from 2018 to 2020, when her guidance and partnership were invaluable. She has been instrumental in supporting the company through periods of transformation, and the Board and I have full confidence in her ability to lead our finance organization as we execute on our JACK on Track plan and beyond.”

“Having been part of this company’s evolution over the past 25 years, I am honored to step into this role as CFO at such a pivotal time for Jack in the Box and continue contributing to a Company I care deeply about,” said Hooper. “With strong fundamentals already in place, my focus will be on improving long-term financial performance, streamlining our business model, and positioning the company for sustainable growth in the years ahead.”

Prior to joining the Company, she began her career with KPMG LLP where she worked from September 1993 to September 2000. She has more than 30 years of experience in accounting and finance. Hooper received her bachelor’s degree in accounting from University of San Diego from the Knauss School of Business.

About Jack in the Box Inc.

Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK), founded and headquartered in San Diego, California, is a restaurant company that operates and franchises Jack in the Box®, one of the nation's largest hamburger chains with approximately 2,180 restaurants across 22 states, and Del Taco®, the second largest Mexican-American QSR chain by units in the U.S. with approximately 590 restaurants across 17 states. For more information on both brands, including franchising opportunities, visit www.jackinthebox.com and www.deltaco.com.

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Yoshinoya America Appoints Paul Nishiyama President

May 28, 2025

Yoshinoya America Appoints Paul Nishiyama President

Torrance, CA  (RestaurantNews.com)  Yoshinoya America today announced the appointment of Paul Nishiyama as President of Yoshinoya America effective June 1st, 2025. Paul has had a long and distinguished career in the restaurant industry, specifically QSR, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer at Better Buzz Coffee and prior to that held several senior executive positions at Rubio’s Restaurants Inc. Paul brings with him a successful track record of sustained growth, improved profitability, and a commitment to quality.

Nori Ozawa, chairman of Yoshinoya America, said, “We are delighted to welcome Paul to Yoshinoya America. His record of success and results oriented leadership makes him the perfect candidate to lead Yoshinoya America’s future expansion plans.”

About Yoshinoya America

At Yoshinoya, Japanese-inspired cooking is the essence of our menu and sharing that delicious experience with each of our guests is core to our mission to Fuel the Soul. Dating back to 1899 with the opening of its first restaurant in Tokyo, Japan, Yoshinoya is among the oldest quick-service restaurant chains in operation. Throughout its century of experience, Yoshinoya continues to grow aggressively while operating or franchising more than 2,000 restaurants in Japan, Mainland China, Shanghai, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Philippines and with 100 locations in California. Guests can customize their bowl from a variety of insanely craveable menu options, including our signature Gyudon Beef Bowl® that started it all. For more information, visit the company’s website.

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SMOOTHIE KING APPOINTS GAVIN FELDER AS NEW PRESIDENT

May 22, 2025, 07:00 ET

Brand Expands Felder's Leadership Role as He Continues to Serve as CFO, Leading Smoothie King into Next Era of Growth

DALLAS, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Smoothie King – the world's leading purpose-driven smoothie brand on a mission to inspire healthy and active lifestyles – announced today the appointment of Gavin Felder as its new President. The expansion of Felder's responsibilities reflects the company's continued growth and momentum, as well as his pivotal role in helping shape its long-term strategy. In addition to taking on the President role, Felder will maintain his current responsibilities as Chief Financial Officer.

Since joining Smoothie King in May 2024, Felder has been instrumental in driving financial discipline and strategic growth initiatives that have further solidified the brand's performance. As President and CFO, Gavin will take on a larger role in the day-to-day management of the business while continuing to lead the company's financial strategy, ensuring Smoothie King is well-positioned for its next chapter of innovation and expansion.

"Gavin is a dynamic and visionary leader with a strong track record of driving results and building high-performing teams," said Wan Kim, Owner and CEO of Smoothie King. "His impact over the past year has been significant, and this expanded role is a natural next step as we continue to build on our brand's success."

"It's a tremendous honor to step into this role as we embark on our next chapter of growth," said Felder. "Smoothie King literally has all the ingredients to be the defining brand of our category, with the tastiest products backed by our Clean Blends promise and a truly unrivaled guest experience, all anchored by our inspiring mission and dynamic culture. I could not be more excited to partner with our team members and franchisees to realize our incredible potential."

With over two decades of global leadership experience, Felder brings extensive expertise in strategy, finance, brand-building and franchise operations. Prior to joining Smoothie King, he spent 16 years at Yum! Brands, where he most recently served as Chief Strategy Officer, overseeing corporate strategy, investor relations, M&A, and store innovation across Yum's stable of iconic global restaurant brands. Felder previously held roles including CFO of KFC Global, where he managed $1B+ in operating profit and nearly 25,000 restaurants across 140 countries.

This leadership update comes as Smoothie King continues to post strong performance, following its Q1 2025 business update that included 13 new store openings across eight states and 20 new store commitments spanning 15 markets. The brand remains focused on growing its footprint, optimizing the guest experience, and expanding its product offerings – including the recent introduction of its all-new Hydration category, featuring three refreshing, electrolyte-packed smoothies made with clean, functional ingredients and absolutely no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives.

For more information about Smoothie King, please visit www.smoothieking.com.

About Smoothie King Franchises, Inc.
Smoothie King, the original U.S. smoothie franchise—founded in 1973—is a privately held, Dallas-based company with over 1,200 stores nationwide.

The brand is committed to its mission to inspire a healthy and active lifestyle through its Clean Blends initiative, which focuses on providing great-tasting smoothies with more whole fruits and vegetables while removing artificial flavors, colors and preservatives and added sugars in many of its blends. In April 2023, Smoothie King launched Smoothie Bowls, topped with whole fresh fruit and premium Purely Elizabeth™ granola, made with wholesome ingredients, non-GMO fruits and packed with flavor and nutrients. Smoothie King also offers retail products that include sports beverages, energy bars, vitamins, supplements and more.

Repeatedly recognized as a top franchise opportunity, Smoothie King was recently ranked #11 in Entrepreneur's 2024 Top Brands for Multi-Unit Owners, selected as one of the 16 Best Restaurant Franchising Deals for 2024 by QSR Magazine, and recognized in QSR Magazine's QSR 50 ranking as one of the Top 50 Fast-Food Chains by Sales. The brand was also featured in the top 100 of Technomic's annual America's Favorite Chains data, which resulted in ranking #8 in Nation's Restaurant News' "America's Favorite Chains" list, an analysis of Technomic's data.

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HTeaO Strengthens Executive Team With New CFO and VP of Human Resources

May 21, 2025 8:44 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Strategic hires bring decades of leadership experience to support continued national growth

Corey Horsch has been appointed Chief Financial Officer at HTeaO, the nation’s leading iced tea franchise. Horsch will lead financial strategy as the brand continues its rapid nationwide growth.

FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HTeaO, the nation’s leading iced tea franchise, announces two new executive hires as the company continues its rapid nationwide expansion. Corey Horsch has joined the brand as Chief Financial Officer, and Adam Smith will serve as Vice President of Human Resources. Both leaders bring extensive experience in scaling high-growth brands and are well-positioned to support HTeaO’s future growth trajectory.

“As HTeaO continues to grow across the country, we’re focused on building a world-class leadership team that will help us scale with excellence,” said Justin Howe, CEO and Co-Founder of HTeaO. “Corey and Adam bring not only deep expertise in their respective fields, but also a clear alignment with our culture and values. Corey’s financial background across some of the most recognized names in the industry and Adam’s people-first approach to talent development will play a key role in strengthening our infrastructure, supporting our franchisees, and ensuring we’re prepared for the road ahead. We’re excited to welcome them to the team.”

Corey Horsch steps into the CFO role with a wealth of financial leadership experience across the restaurant and hospitality industry. He most recently served as CFO of Salad and Go, where he helped guide the brand through a significant period of growth, from 100 to 146 company-owned stores in two years. Prior to that, Corey held CFO positions at Gordon Ramsay North America and Sonic Drive-In, where he led financial strategies supporting both franchised and company-owned business models. Based in Fort Worth, Corey will lead all financial functions at HTeaO and collaborate closely with franchise partners to strengthen systems, drive results, and support long-term expansion.

“I was drawn to HTeaO’s community-minded culture and innovative approach to taking tea into the future,” said Horsch. “I’m excited to partner with the team and our franchisees to continue building a business that brews purpose.”

Blake Reid, who has been serving as CFO, will remain with the company and transition into the role of Vice President of Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), reporting directly to Corey. Blake has been a key part of HTeaO’s financial leadership and will continue to play a central role in the company’s financial planning and performance strategy.

Additionally, HTeaO has appointed Adam Smith as Vice President of Human Resources. Adam brings more than 20 years of HR leadership experience, including 14 years at Taco Bell, where he led the HR function for over 500 corporate-owned restaurants generating more than $1 billion in annual sales. At HTeaO, Adam will oversee all aspects of Human Resources with a focus on recruiting, developing, and retaining top talent to support the brand’s growth.

A Dallas-Fort Worth native, Adam is deeply committed to people development and community service. He and his family are involved with the Zambia Mission Fund and Miracle League DFW, a baseball league for individuals with disabilities. His early priorities include spending time with team members across the organization to better understand their roles and how HR can support them. His go-to HTeaO order? Unsweet blueberry with a splash of sweet watermelon.

“HTeaO’s culture of prioritizing its people was a huge draw for me,” said Smith. “I’m excited to help grow and support the teams that make this brand so special.”

With these two strategic hires, HTeaO continues to invest in the leadership infrastructure needed to support its growing national footprint. For more information, please visit http://www.HTeaO.com.

About HTeaO

HTeaO, the leading iced tea franchise in the United States, has ascended as a frontrunner within this niche, a growing category within the beverage industry. With a cost-effective, highly-attractive business model, the brand operates their own supply chain, resulting in significantly reduced costs of goods. Offering a range of ultra-premium tea, water, and coffee products, HTeaO caters to customers both in-store and through convenient drive-thru services. Each location boasts 20+ meticulously crafted flavors of sweetened and unsweetened tea, made using a proprietary water filtration system and 100% natural ingredients. In January 2023, HTeaO announced a minority partnership with two Dallas-based private equity firms, Crux Capital and Trive Capital, signaling a strategic move for stable expansion. Hitting a significant milestone of 100 locations in early 2024, HTeaO is on the path of continued growth. HTeaO believes in fostering an atmosphere where all are welcoming, and takes pride in its commitment to giving back to its local communities. For more information on franchise opportunities, please visit https://HTeaO.com/franchise/.

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South Block Taps Industry Veteran Steve Heeley as President

May 21, 2025

The former CEO of Pokeworks and Veggie Grill to lead the beloved acai and smoothie brand through expansive growth phase

Washington, DC  (RestaurantNews.com)  South Block, the popular East Coast-based acai bowl and smoothie brand, announced today the appointment of restaurant industry veteran Steve Heeley as its president. With over two decades of leadership experience at some of the nation’s most recognizable fast-casual brands, Heeley – alongside South Block’s founder and CEO Amir Mostafavi – will guide the concept through its next phase of growth and national expansion.

Heeley comes to South Block from Pokeworks, where he served as CEO and led the brand’s successful national and international expansion. Prior to that, he was CEO of both Veggie Grill and Earl of Sandwich, overseeing significant growth across the country. Earlier in his career, Heeley held executive leadership roles as COO at Baja Fresh, Au Bon Pain, and The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, building a reputation for scaling brands with purpose and precision.

“We’re honored to welcome Steve to the South Block family,” said Mostafavi, South Block’s founder, CEO, and steersman. “He brings a deep well of experience growing successful brands in a multitude of markets. Just as importantly, he truly understands and believes in our mission to ‘make people feel awesome, one block at a time!’ I’m excited to link arms and get to work.”

In his new role, Heeley will lead strategy, operations, and brand development as South Block enters its most ambitious growth chapter yet. The company, known for its acai bowls, smoothies, and strong community ties, has grown steadily across Virginia, D.C., and Maryland since its founding in 2011.

In January 2024, South Block entered into a growth partnership with Savory Fund, a private equity firm that invests in emerging restaurant concepts. In the last year, South Block added four stores, including a location at the Dulles Airport. This year, the brand plans to add an additional five stores, including two stores in Charlotte, North Carolina – marking the first expansion outside of its heritage DMV market.

For Heeley, joining South Block is as much about heart as it is about opportunity. “What drew me to South Block was the positive culture – for both the team and guests – the uniqueness and differentiation of the concept, and the passion of the people behind it,” said Heeley, who lives in Fairfax, Va. “The brand is truly best-in-class, and its partnership with Savory Fund adds significant value and support for future growth. I look forward to helping spread South Block’s good vibes and great product to new communities and markets.”

“Steve is exactly the kind of leader South Block needs for this next chapter,” added Andrew K. Smith, Managing Director and Co-Founder of Savory Fund. “He brings the operational depth and scaling expertise that pairs perfectly with Amir’s visionary, founder-led energy. Together, they form a powerhouse team that will protect the heart of the brand while unlocking its full growth potential. We couldn’t be more excited for what’s ahead.”

About South Block

South Block opened its first location in Clarendon, VA in 2011 with a mission to build healthier communities one block at a time. It specializes in fresh, made-to-order smoothies, acai bowls, toasts, and cold-pressed juices. The name was inspired by its first location on the south side of a block in the Clarendon neighborhood. South Block now has 20 locations across DC, Maryland, and Virginia. In 2024, South Block entered into a growth partnership with Savory Fund, a private equity group that invests in emerging restaurant concepts. Additionally, Mostafavi started a nonprofit for South Block called Fruitful Planet, which helps provide fresh fruits and vegetables to underserved communities. Learn more at SouthBlock.com.

About Savory Fund

Savory is an innovative private equity firm that combines over $750 million in assets under management with a growth playbook and expertise that has been developed over 15 years of operating in the restaurant industry. Savory partners with high-potential, profitable, emerging restaurant brands, to deliver financial capital, industry expertise, growth and revenue opportunities, profitability enhancements and new location development. The Savory team contributes directly to all aspects of growth and replication by using a proven playbook and methodology. Founder involvement in the expansion of a brand is a central theme of the Savory approach as founders carry the tribal knowledge around the uniqueness that has energized early success and is essential to future growth. Savory is currently invested in the following brands: Swig, R&R BBQ, PINCHO, Via 313 Pizzeria, Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food, 86 Repairs, Saigon Hustle, Hash Kitchen, The Sicilian Butcher, Houston TX Hot Chicken, and South Block. For more information, visit SavoryFund.com.

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Panera Brands Appoints José Cil as Chairman

May 16, 2025 8:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time

Cil to Focus on Working with Panera Leadership to Deliver Value to Panera Guests and Profitable Growth to Franchisee Partners and Investors

Neil Golden, Buck Jordan, Andre Molinari, James Pappas, Emiliano Román and José Tomás Also Appointed to Boards of Panera Brand Companies

ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Panera Brands Inc. (“Panera” or “the Company”), which includes the iconic fast casual concept Panera Bread, as well as Einstein Bros. Bagels and its regional brands and Caribou Coffee, today announced that José Cil has been appointed Chairman of its Board of Directors. In this role, Mr. Cil will work closely with Panera’s leadership team to drive growth and differentiated value and experiences for guests across its iconic portfolio. Mr. Cil succeeds Patrick Grismer, who served as independent Board Chair since June 2024 and was recently nominated to serve on the Board of Krispy Kreme.

“José brings to Panera more than two decades of restaurant industry leadership experience and an impressive track record of innovation and execution to Panera, and I’m tremendously excited to work alongside him to continue powering our growth,” said Paul Carbone, Chief Executive Officer of Panera Brands. “I look forward to working with José and the leadership team to build a strong culture, to deliver an exceptional guest experience and to drive franchise profitability. I would also like to thank Patrick for all of his partnership during his time on the Board and wish him the very best.”

“Panera Bread, Einstein Bros. and Caribou Coffee are three widely beloved brands with incredible growth potential,” said Mr. Cil. “I look forward to working closely with the Board, Paul and his management team to build a high-performance culture at Panera with a guest-first mindset and to stay laser-focused on delivering great guest experiences while serving high-quality and innovative food at a good value.”

Mr. Cil most recently served as CEO of Restaurant Brands International (“RBI”) [NYSE: QSR], one of the world’s largest quick service restaurant companies, which owns the Burger King, Tim Hortons, Popeyes and Firehouse Subs brands. In that role, Mr. Cil helped grow that business to more than $40 billion in system-wide sales and 30,000 restaurants in more than 100 countries. He also oversaw the global expansion of Burger King, Popeyes and Tim Hortons, the acceleration of unit and same-store sales growth of Popeyes in the United States, the successful reinvigoration of Tim Hortons in Canada, and the acquisition of Firehouse Subs, while driving strong financial results for RBI and its shareholders.

Prior to leading RBI, Mr. Cil served in various leadership positions over the course of a 20-year career at Burger King, including as Global President of Burger King and President of Burger King EMEA. He also currently serves as a Board member of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. [NYSE: NCLH] and private equity-owned Restaurant Brands Europe.

Joining Mr. Cil on the boards of Panera Brand companies are Neil Golden, Buck Jordan, Andre Molinari, James Pappas, Emiliano Román and José Tomás, each of whom bring unique experience to Panera brands that will support the company in its next phase of growth:

• Neil Golden: Mr. Golden led a nearly 25-year career with McDonald’s and served as Chief Marketing Officer for McDonald's USA from 2007-2014. During this time, the company enjoyed record visitation, sales, profits and stock valuation. Mr. Golden has served in various professional roles with consumer-facing brands ranging from C-suite business leader to educator to board member for multiple companies including Restaurant Brands International, Purple Strategies and Mark Anthony Brands.

• Buck Jordan: Mr. Jordan is the founder and CEO of Vebu Inc. – a product and technology company enabling the transformation of the food industry through automation, AI and robotics in partnership with some of the industry’s largest brands. He is also the co-founder of Miso Robotics, whose signature product is Flippy, an AI-powered robot that automates the fry station in commercial kitchens. As founder of venture firm Canyon Creek Capital, he has invested several hundred million dollars into early-stage technology companies and served on several company boards, including Serve Robotics, a sidewalk delivery robot company which makes food delivery sustainable and economical.

• Andre Molinari: Mr. Molinari is a seasoned entrepreneur and business development executive with deep knowledge of the restaurant and food industries, having spent more than eight years as the Head of Global Development and M&A for Restaurant Brands International and Head of International Development for Tim Hortons.

• James Pappas: Mr. Pappas brings a deep understanding of the restaurant and food businesses to Panera Brands and currently serves as Chairman of the Board at Innovative Food Holdings Inc. and as a board member at Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. Mr. Pappas previously served as a board member at Jamba, Inc., The Pantry Inc. and Morgan’s Foods Inc.

• Emiliano Román: Mr. Román brings more than 20 years of experience advising and investing across the food complex. Mr. Román currently serves as a Managing Director and Head of Consumer and Retail at Rockefeller Capital Management, where he leads strategic advisory and private investing activities across the consumer, retail, food and agriculture industries. Previously, Mr. Román served as a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley.

• José Tomás: Mr. Tomás is an experienced operations and human resources executive, specializing in building high-performance corporate cultures. Mr. Tomás has held senior roles in several multi-national companies, including as President, Latin America and Caribbean region, and Global Chief People Officer at Burger King Corporation where he built a new high-performance corporate culture responsible for the brand’s turnaround and successful initial public offering.

Gerhard Pleuhs and David Deno will continue to serve on the Panera Brands board of directors.

About Panera Brands

Panera Brands is one of the world’s largest fast-casual restaurant platforms, with more than 3,700 company and franchised locations and approximately 120,000 system employees across 11 countries. A portfolio of complementary brands bound by common values and shared growth opportunities, Panera Brands is comprised of Panera Bread®, Caribou Coffee® and Einstein Bros. Brands. Panera Brands companies are independently operated and underpinned by industry leading technology, loyalty and high-quality ingredients. Panera Bread is a pioneer and market leader in fast casual, with leadership in ingredient quality, omnichannel access, digital convenience (nearly 60% of sales are ecommerce as of March 2025) and engagement (more than 64 million MyPanera loyalty members as of March 2025).

As of April 1, 2025, there were more than 2,200 bakery-cafes, company and franchise, in 48 states and Washington D.C., and in Ontario, Canada, operating under the Panera Bread® or Saint Louis Bread Co.® names. Einstein Bros. Brands, consisting of Einstein Bros. Bagels®, Bruegger’s Bagels®, Noah’s New York Bagels® and Manhattan Bagel® is a market leader in bagels and bagel sandwiches operating more than 700 units (excluding 277 licensed units) across the US. Caribou Coffee provides high-quality, handcrafted coffee-forward beverages and craveable food options, with more than 800 coffeehouses in 11 countries.

View source version at Panera Brands

Twin Hospitality Group Inc. Announces Appointment of Kim Boerema as Chief Executive Officer

May 15, 2025

Another stellar placement by Wray Executive Search

Fast-Growing Experiential Restaurant Group Hires California Pizza Kitchen and Texas Roadhouse Veteran

Dallas, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  Twin Hospitality Group Inc. (Nasdaq: TWNP), the parent company of Twin Peaks Restaurant, today announces the appointment of Kim Boerema as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Boerema will draw on his over 30 years of industry experience, scaling and optimizing high-volume, full-service restaurant operations, to continue driving forward the rapid growth trajectory of the ultimate sports lodge, Twin Peaks.

Boerema most recently served as President and Chief Operating Officer of Parry’s Pizzeria & Taphouse, where he helped to significantly scale the brand, taking it from a 10-unit concept to an approximately 30-unit concept in the last two and a half years. Other prior experiences include serving as CEO and President of Iron Hill Brewery and Restaurant, where he led brand transformation efforts in addition to serving as COO of California Pizza Kitchen, where he was key in creating a new cost-effective restaurant prototype along with rebuilding the operations and leadership teams. Boerema was also a Regional Vice President at Texas Roadhouse, where he oversaw 125 units in 22 states, driving growth and best-in-class retention for the respective locations.

“Kim brings deep expertise in franchising, corporate operations, and profitability enhancement, making him ideally positioned to lead Twin Peaks in its next stage of growth,” said Ken Kuick, CFO of Twin Hospitality Group. “With a pipeline of 100 lodges, Kim’s background and proven leadership will be instrumental as we look to scale the Twin Peaks brand and fuel long-term momentum.”

“I have always had a passion for experiential dining, which aligns perfectly with the immersive sports lodge positioning of Twin Peaks,” said Kim Boerema, CEO of Twin Hospitality Group. “Over the years, Twin Peaks has emerged as an industry leader known for operational excellence and brand integrity, and I look forward to not only maintaining but also enhancing what makes the Twin Peaks brand such a coveted customer experience as we continue to expand across the globe.”

For more information on Twin Hospitality Group, visit https://ir.TwinPeaksRestaurant.com.

Twin Hospitality Group Inc.

Twin Hospitality Group Inc. is a restaurant company that strategically develops and operates specialty casual dining restaurant concepts with a goal to redefine the casual dining category with its experiential driven brands. For more information, visit visit https://ir.TwinPeaksRestaurant.com.

About Twin Peaks

Founded in 2005 in the Dallas suburb of Lewisville, Twin Peaks has 116 locations in the U.S. and Mexico. Twin Peaks is the ultimate sports lodge featuring made-from-scratch food and the coldest beer in the business, surrounded by scenic views and wall-to-wall TVs. At every Twin Peaks, guests are immediately welcomed by a friendly Twin Peaks Girl and served up a menu made for MVPs. From its smashed and seared-to-order burgers to its in-house smoked brisket and wings, guests can expect menu items that satisfy every appetite. To learn more about franchise opportunities, visit TwinPeaksFranchise.com. For more information, visit TwinPeaksRestaurant.com.

View source version at Twin Peaks

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