Executive Movements - January 2026

Wingstop appoints first COO in over 3 years

Published Jan. 15, 2026

Julie Littman Senior Reporter

Wingstop promoted Rajneesh Kapoor from president of international to chief operating officer on Jan. 7, 2026. Courtesy of Wingstop

Dive Brief:

• Wingstop appointed Rajneesh Kapoor, previously president of international, as its chief operating officer on Jan. 7, according to a filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. 

• Kapoor has served as senior vice president and president of international since May 2023. He is the first to serve in the position since Michael Skipworth was promoted from COO to CEO in 2022.

• Wingstop is the latest chain to reinstate the COO role. Jack in the Box and Starbucks both hired COOs last year after eliminating the positions. 

Dive Insight:

In his new Wingstop position, Kapoor will be in charge of the company’s domestic and international franchise development and operations in addition to overseeing company-owned restaurants. His resume includes serving at 7-Eleven for a 27-year tenure and was senior vice president of fresh food, beverages and restaurants from January 2018 to April 2023, according to the SEC filing. Prior to that position, he served in various leadership positions for the convenience chain, spanning information technology to international. 

Kapoor will likely oversee Wingstop’s kitchen display system, which was deployed across its restaurants last year. That platform has helped improve comparable sales and accuracy. In the Southwest, where the Wingstop Smart Kitchen has been online the longest, the restaurants also posted same-store sales growth in the mid- to single-digits, Skipworth said during a November earnings call. 

The improvements could indicate that Wingstop’s slump in same-store sales in 2025 may be short-lived. Wingstop also continues to grow its store count at a rapid rate, opening 369 net new restaurants during the first nine months of the year on its way toward opening an estimated 475 to 486 units in 2025. The company likely surpassed 3,000 units during the fourth quarter as it ended the third quarter with 2,932 units.

As part of the leadership shift, Wingstop eliminated the positions of Marisa Carona, senior vice president and chief U.S. franchise operations and development officer, and Albert McGrath, senior vice president and general counsel and secretary. Both will stay on until March 10.

View source version at Wingstop

Yadav Enterprises Proudly Expands Del Taco Leadership Team and Drives Brand Transformation With Seasoned Industry Executives

January 15, 2026

Internal Promotions and External Hires Strengthen Growing Yadav Portfolio and Support Iconic Legacy Chain’s Next Era

Lake Forest, CA  (RestaurantNews.com)  Del Taco, the nation’s second-largest Mexican quick service restaurant* and a storied fast casual brand for more than 50 years, has entered its next chapter under Yadav Enterprises with leadership team appointments to support the brand’s ongoing transformation. As Yadav continues to invest in Del Taco’s long-term growth, several notable internal promotions and external hires have been made to sharpen systemwide execution, reinforce operational excellence and position the brand for a new evolution of category prominence. The newly named executives bring to Del Taco a wealth of restaurant industry experience, and their appointments to the leadership team reflect a focused commitment to evolving the brand while honoring the legacy that has defined Del Taco for decades.

“For more than half a century, Del Taco has been writing a compelling brand story, supported by generations of loyal guests and passionate franchisees, and as we enter our next chapter, we are deeply committed to a foundation anchored by talented and experienced leaders who share our vision for growth and impact,” said Anil Yadav, CEO of Yadav Enterprises. “Every executive who occupies a seat around our leadership table is part of a thoughtful approach to strengthen the organization and is responsible for making disciplined decisions that benefit our franchise partners, team members and guests, while positioning the brand to perform and scale for the long term.”

A trio of new appointments to the Del Taco executive leadership team follows:

Ulyses Camacho, Chief Transformation Officer of Del Taco

Ulyses Camacho has been named Chief Transformation Officer of Yadav Enterprises, expanding his current Yadav role. Effective immediately, he will oversee the enterprise-wide transformation initiatives supporting Yadav’s acquisition of Del Taco. In this newly created position, Camacho will work in lockstep with other Yadav leaders across the organization to drive operational excellence, financial performance and scalable growth. He will focus primarily on strengthening unit-level execution, optimizing cost structures and modernizing systems and processes.

Camacho brings to the expanded role nearly 30 years of franchise restaurant experience and is widely recognized as a results-driven leader with deep expertise across operations, brand evolution and change management. In addition to his role as Chief Transformation Officer, he will continue to serve as President and Chief Operating Officer of Taco Cabana, where he has played a key role in leading the brand through its privatization under Yadav Enterprises. His new appointment reflects Yadav’s commitment to disciplined execution, thoughtful brand stewardship and long-term value creation.

Noah Chillingworth, Chief Marketing Officer of Del Taco

Noah Chillingworth has been named Chief Marketing Officer of Del Taco, bringing deep institutional knowledge having served for over 15 years as the brand’s Vice President of Marketing, playing a central role in shaping Del Taco’s marketing strategy, guest engagement and systemwide initiatives. He returns to Del Taco in the CMO role following a brief period as CMO for Farmer Boys Restaurants. Going forward, Chillingworth will lead Del Taco brand strategy, menu and promotional marketing, digital and loyalty platforms and guest insights. His extensive industry experience coupled with unparalleled brand insight will serve to strengthen brand relevance, drive traffic and frequency and ensure marketing execution is closely aligned with operational priorities and long-term growth objectives.

Ellen Sasada, VP, Supply Chain, Food Safety & Quality Assurance of Del Taco

Ellen Sasada returns to Del Taco as Vice President of Supply Chain, Food Safety & Quality Assurance. The seasoned executive brings to her position extensive experience overseeing large-scale sourcing, cost management and quality programs across multi-concept restaurant portfolios. In her new role with Del Taco, Sasada will lead end-to-end supply chain strategy, food safety and quality assurance, with a focus on cost discipline, supplier partnerships and consistent, high-quality execution across the system. Sasada previously spent eight years with Del Taco, where she led purchasing, quality assurance and food safety initiatives, managed a $300 million spend portfolio and consistently delivered year-over-year cost savings while strengthening compliance and auditing standards. Most recently, she served as Executive Director of Protein and Multi Concepts at Panda Restaurant Group.

*By number of units.

About Del Taco

Voted Best Fast Food Restaurant in USA Today’s 2025 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards, Del Taco offers a unique variety of Mexican and American favorites, such as burritos and fries, prepared fresh in every restaurant’s working kitchen with the value and convenience of a drive-thru. Del Taco’s menu items taste better because they are made with real, quality ingredients like freshly grilled chicken and carne asada steak, fresh house-made guacamole, fresh house-grated cheddar cheese, slow-cooked beans made from scratch, and signature creamy Queso Blanco.

Founded in 1964, Del Taco now serves more than three million guests each week at nearly 600 restaurants across 17 states. Del Taco’s commitment to providing guests with real food at a real value for their money originates from cooking, chopping, shredding and grilling menu items from scratch. For more information about the Del Taco brand, and to find your nearest location, visit DelTaco.com.

About Yadav Enterprises

Yadav Enterprises, led by founder and CEO Anil Yadav and headquartered in Fremont, California, is a privately held, diversified restaurant company operating at scale as both a franchisor and franchisee. The organization serves as the franchisor of Del Taco, Taco Cabana and Nick the Greek, and is also the largest franchisee of Jack in the Box, Denny’s and TGI Fridays, among other restaurant investments.

Following its acquisition of Del Taco, Yadav Enterprises has become one of the largest restaurant companies in the United States, overseeing a system of 1,100+ restaurants nationwide. Guided by disciplined operations, strong brand stewardship and a commitment to excellence, Yadav Enterprises is focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences and driving long?term growth and value for its employees, franchise partners and brand portfolio.

View source version at Yadav Enterprises

Veteran Technology Executive Eric Cox Joins Restaurant365 as Chief Operating Officer

Jan 14, 2026, 09:00 ET

Industry leader brings experience from Adobe, Vimeo, and Dropbox to drive next phase of R365's growth and AI innovation

IRVINE, Calif., Jan. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Restaurant365, the leading all-in-one restaurant management platform, today announced that go-to-market and operations executive Eric Cox has joined the company as Chief Operating Officer. Cox will focus on driving company growth, ensuring customers are getting full value from the platform, and strengthening Restaurant365's internal operations.

"Eric is a fantastic addition to the team who brings a rare combination of scaled public-company experience and entrepreneurial mindset," said Restaurant365 CEO and Co-founder Tony Smith. "I was impressed that despite all of his past success, he still brings a helpful, hungry attitude that fits perfectly with our team as we work together to drive this next phase of growth."

Cox brings more than two decades of leadership across software, SaaS, and digital transformation. Most recently, he served as Chief Customer Officer at Dropbox, where he led sales, marketing, customer success, support, product marketing, communications, and brand. Prior to Dropbox, he was Chief Operating Officer at Vimeo and spent 19 years at Adobe in various leadership positions. Throughout his career, he has excelled at driving strategic initiatives and unifying teams across departments to deliver great results for customers.

"Restaurant365 has built an impressive platform that solves real, everyday challenges for restaurant operators while unlocking new opportunities through data, automation, and now AI," Cox said. "I'm excited to join this leadership team and help build on our strong momentum in empowering customers to control and grow their profitability."

Cox's hiring supports Restaurant365's ongoing commitment to deliver market-changing solutions to as many restaurants as possible, helping operators unlock growth and profitability.

About Restaurant365®

Restaurant365 is the leading back-of-house accounting, inventory, workforce management, and payroll solution developed specifically for the restaurant industry. R365's all-in-one restaurant management platform simplifies day-to-day management for leaders at all levels, empowering them to control food costs, optimize labor, and improve guest experiences. Restaurant365's cloud-based architecture and robust integrations connect it to hundreds of POS providers, vendors, and banks, providing complete, accurate insights that empower managers to take meaningful action. Restaurant365 is headquartered in Irvine, California, and has an office in Austin, Texas. The company is backed by Bessemer Venture Partners, ICONIQ, KKR, L Catterton, and Serent Capital. Additional information is available at restaurant365.com.

View source version at Restaurant365

Matt Rubin Appointed Chief Marketing Officer of Popeyes® U.S. & Canada

Company Release - 1/14/2026 10:00 AM ET

MIAMI, FL – Jan. 14, 2026 – Today, Popeyes® announced Matt Rubin as Chief Marketing Officer for the U.S. and Canada. In this role, Rubin will lead Popeyes’ marketing strategy, brand positioning, and customer engagement across all channels.

“Matt brings a deep understanding of the Popeyes brand, the guest, and the broader quick-service restaurant landscape,” said Peter Perdue, President of Popeyes U.S. and Canada. “His experience across marketing, analytics, and digital positions him well to move quickly to strengthen our brand positioning and drive growth.”

Rubin has nearly 11 years of experience with Restaurant Brands International Inc., with four of those with Popeyes U.S. & Canada. Most recently, he served as Popeyes Chief Digital Officer. Prior to that, Rubin led Marketing Analytics for Popeyes U.S. & Canada and served as Chief Marketing Officer for RBI’s brands in the Asia-Pacific region, where he delivered strong results across sales, traffic, and franchise profitability.

“I’m excited to step into this role and continue building on the strong foundation of the Popeyes brand,” said Rubin. “Popeyes has incredible equity rooted in its Louisiana heritage and industry-leading food, and I look forward to helping fuel the next phase of growth.”

About Popeyes®

Founded in New Orleans in 1972, Popeyes® has over 50 years of history and culinary tradition. Popeyes® distinguishes itself with a unique New Orleans style menu featuring fried chicken, chicken tenders, fried shrimp, and other regional items. The chain’s passion for its Louisiana heritage and flavorful authentic food has allowed Popeyes® to become one of the world’s largest chicken quick service restaurants with over 4,000 restaurants in the U.S. and around the world. To learn more about the brand, please visit the Popeyes® brand website at www.popeyes.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

View source version at Popeyes

Chipotle Announces Leadership Transitions

Jan 12, 2026, 16:32 ET

CHIPOTLE EXECUTIVE ILENE ESKENAZI APPOINTED CHIEF LEGAL AND HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER

STEPHANIE PERDUE, VICE PRESIDENT OF BRAND MARKETING, APPOINTED INTERIM CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

REAFFIRMS FULL YEAR 2025 GUIDANCE

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced that Ilene Eskenazi, Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO), has been appointed Chief Legal and Human Resources Officer. Ms. Eskenazi succeeds Roger Theodoredis who has transitioned out of his role of Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel. In addition, Stephanie Perdue, Vice President of Brand Marketing, will serve as Interim Chief Marketing Officer, succeeding Chris Brandt who has transitioned out of his role of President, Chief Brand Officer. These changes are effective immediately, and Mr. Theodoredis and Mr. Brandt will remain with the Company in advisory roles for a limited period to assist with the transition.

The Company has initiated an internal and external search to identify a new CMO with the assistance of a leading executive search firm.

Ms. Eskenazi is an accomplished chief legal and human resources executive with extensive experience overseeing a broad range of legal and compliance matters, as well as talent management, and compensation and benefits. Prior to joining Chipotle in 2023 as CHRO, she held joint roles at leading consumer products companies, including Petco Health and Wellness Company, Boardriders, Inc. (previously Quiksilver, Inc.), and Red Bull North America, Inc. She previously served as a corporate attorney at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP.

"Ilene is a valued member of our executive leadership team, and her perspective has been instrumental over the years," said Scott Boatwright, Chipotle's Chief Executive Officer. "I look forward to continuing to collaborate with Ilene and our exceptional team as we hire top talent and invest in our people to deliver on our growth strategy and take Chipotle to the next level."

Boatwright added, "Chipotle has a deep bench of marketing talent, and we are fortunate to have Stephanie take on the interim role overseeing our strategic marketing initiatives, customer engagement and incredible brand loyalty as we conduct a comprehensive search for our next CMO.

"I would like to thank Roger and Chris for their leadership and many contributions throughout their time at Chipotle. Roger has been a trusted advisor to our leadership team and Board of Directors, while Chris has been instrumental in helping Chipotle become a purpose-driven lifestyle brand, making it more visible, accessible and culturally relevant with consumers.

Boatwright concluded, "As we move forward, our focus remains on the disciplined execution of our core strategies. We are reaffirming our full-year 2025 financial guidance that was issued in October and remain confident in our 2026 strategic plan. We will have more to share on our fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 earnings call on February 3, 2026." 

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 3,900 restaurants as of September 30, 2025 in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and the Middle East and it is the only restaurant company of its size that owns and operates all its restaurants in North America and Europe. With over 130,000 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 CHIPOTLE.COM.

View source version at Chipotle

QDOBA Announces Appointment of Cathy Tang as Chief Legal Officer

Jan 12, 2026, 11:00 ET

Industry veteran joins QDOBA's leadership team focused on doubling the size of the 840-restaurant brand.

SAN DIEGO, Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- QDOBA, America's rapidly growing #2 restaurant brand in the Mexican fast-casual category, today announced that Cathy Tang has joined the brand as Chief Legal Officer (CLO).

Tang brings more than 25 years of restaurant and public company experience and will lead all aspects of legal, compliance, risk management and corporate governance, and play a key role in franchise strategy and transactions.

"We are very fortunate to have an executive of Cathy's caliber join our talented leadership team. I had the privilege of experiencing her remarkable partnership and capability first-hand when she reported to me as Chief Legal Officer while I was President of KFC Corporation, and I'm thrilled to be reunited," said John Cywinski, CEO, QDOBA. "Her blend of strategic insights, team collaboration, growth mindset and deep restaurant franchise experience will help guide us as we unlock the full potential of the QDOBA brand."

"I'm excited to join QDOBA at this time of incredible growth," said Cathy Tang, Chief Legal Officer, QDOBA. "It's a privilege to be working alongside CEO John Cywinski again and to partner with the QDOBA team and our franchisees to build on the strong foundation that makes this brand so special."

TANG'S BACKGROUND
Tang most recently served as Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at Pursuit Attractions and Hospitality, Inc. (2025), following her tenure as Chief Legal Officer and Corporate Secretary at Krispy Kreme, Inc. (2020–2024). At Krispy Kreme, Tang was responsible for all aspects of legal, SEC/regulatory compliance, corporate responsibility and board governance for the $2 billion global brand and led the legal, governance and overall oversight of its 2021 IPO.

Prior to Krispy Kreme, Tang spent over 20 years at Yum! Brands, Inc., including serving as Global Branding Counsel (2017-2020), Chief New Business Officer, KFC Global (2015-2017) and Chief Legal Officer, KFC Corporation (2009-2015).

Tang earned her law degree from the Louis D. Brandeis School of Law at the University of Louisville and her B.A. in Economics from the University of Texas at Austin.

ANNOUNCEMENT DETAILS
Q: What are Cathy Tang's job responsibilities at QDOBA? Tang will lead QDOBA's legal, compliance, risk management and corporate governance functions, and will play a key role in driving franchising, development and transactional initiatives.

Q: How does Cathy Tang's appointment support franchise partners? Tang's strong leadership and deep experience collaborating with franchisees will help QDOBA scale responsibly without slowing momentum by supporting franchising, strengthening consistency around agreements and brand standards, and helping the brand stay ahead of an evolving legal and regulatory environment.

Q: How does this connect to QDOBA's long-term growth plans? The brand's accelerated growth strategy to double its U.S. footprint by 2032 includes investing in leadership that helps expansion stay durable over time. QDOBA has more than 650 development commitments and targets more than 100 openings per year by 2027.

Q: Where is QDOBA expanding in the U.S.? QDOBA continues to see meaningful opportunity across the U.S. and is focusing on high-demand markets with strong interest from experienced multi-unit operators.

For more information and to find the location nearest to you, please visit QDOBA.com.

About QDOBA Mexican Eats
QDOBA is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant with 840 locations in 45 states across the U.S., as well as in Canada, Puerto Rico, Japan and South Korea. Committed to bringing flavor to people's lives, QDOBA prepares fresh ingredients by hand in-house throughout the day and flame-grills its chicken and steak to create a variety of bold, flavorful menu options. Guests can experience QDOBA's delicious offerings by customizing their own burritos, bowls, tacos, quesadillas, nachos and salads to suit their personal tastes and cravings. Premium toppings can always be added to entrées at no extra charge, including signature 3-cheese queso and hand-crafted guacamole. 

For seven consecutive years, QDOBA has ranked among the top fast-casual restaurants in the USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards – including six years at #1. QDOBA was also recently named one of Yelp's Most Loved Airport Brands, a distinction based on extensive analysis of ratings and reviews from travelers.

Discover more at QDOBA.com or on the QDOBA app, which is available for download on the iTunes App Store or Google Play. Fans can also connect with QDOBA on Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok.

View source version at QDOBA

CAVA Names Doug Thompson Chief Operations Officer to Lead Next Phase of Growth

Jan 12, 2026 4:00 PM Eastern Standard Time

WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CAVA, the category-defining fast casual Mediterranean brand known for its bold, flavorful food and focus on heart-forward hospitality, today announced the appointment of Doug Thompson as Chief Operations Officer, effective March 2.

In this role, Thompson will oversee CAVA’s restaurant operations and field teams, helping the company deliver on its mission to bring heart, health, and humanity to food as it continues its rapid expansion across the country. Thompson is a veteran in the industry, spending over two decades at Texas Roadhouse, where he served as COO and VP of Operations. During his tenure, Thompson oversaw widespread development of new restaurant openings, helped develop two new restaurant concepts and directed operations through 40 consecutive quarters of positive comparable sales.

A people-first leader recognized for building high-performing teams and cultivating the next generation of talent – Thompson built a transformational pipeline of restaurant leaders, coaching and training teams to grow into management positions across the organization – supporting exceptional growth.

Most recently Thompson was CEO of Tumble 22 Texas Chicken Joint, a Texas-based chicken concept. Throughout his time with the company, Thompson led significant expansion and growth, doubling the number of locations and building the infrastructure and team to support its ambitious plans. Over the course of his expansive career, Thompson also served in roles at Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Outback Steakhouse.

“Doug is the kind of leader who puts people at the center of everything he does, and that’s exactly the ethos that CAVA was founded upon," said Brett Schulman, Co-founder and CEO of CAVA. “We’re at a meaningful inflection point in our journey, and as we continue to scale, our commitment remains clear: to run great restaurants, care deeply for our teams, delight our guests with Mediterranean warmth and hospitality, and ensure CAVA is a place where people build lasting careers, not just find a job. Doug’s career began on the line as a grill cook and restaurant operator, and that experience has shaped how he leads with empathy, humility, and a deep respect for the people who power our restaurants every day. We’re thrilled to welcome Doug to the CAVA table and confident he will help us grow in a way that stays true to who we are.”

Thompson brings a track record of scaling brands, developing talent, and delivering results while keeping people and hospitality at the heart of his leadership. At CAVA, Thompson will help ensure every restaurant delivers on the company’s mission, where teams flourish and guests feel valued.

“I’m excited to be joining CAVA at such a pivotal moment,” said Doug Thompson, CAVA’s newly appointed COO. “From CAVA’s purpose-driven mission to its commitment to nourishing people and communities, CAVA is a truly special place. I’m inspired by the passion of the team and energized by the opportunity to help lead its next phase of growth and make CAVA not just a category-defining brand, but an industry-leading one.”

About CAVA

CAVA is the category-defining Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant brand, bringing together healthful food and bold, satisfying flavors at scale. Our brand and our opportunity transcend the Mediterranean category to compete in the large and growing limited-service restaurant sector as well as the health and wellness food category. CAVA serves guests across age groups, genders, and income brackets and benefits from generational tailwinds created by consumer demand for healthy living and a demographic shift towards greater ethnic diversity. We meet consumers’ desires to engage with convenient, authentic, purpose-driven brands that view food as a source of self-expression. The broad appeal of our food combined with these favorable industry trends drive our vast opportunity for continued growth.

View source version at CAVA

Dave's Hot Chicken Names Joshua Liggins Vice President of Franchise Development as the Brand Accelerates 2026 Expansion

Jan 12, 2026, 08:00 ET

Fast-Casual Brand Enters a New Phase of Non-Traditional and International Growth Under New Leadership Lineup

PASADENA, Calif., Jan. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Dave's Hot Chicken, the fastest-growing Nashville-style hot chicken sensation from Los Angeles, has announced Joshua Liggins as Vice President of Franchise Development.

Liggins joins Dave's Hot Chicken with extensive experience leading franchise development for some of the most recognized restaurant brands in the industry. Most recently, he served as Director of Franchising at Inspire Brands, where he oversaw franchise development efforts for Dunkin', Baskin-Robbins, and Sonic. He brings deep experience scaling high-growth franchise systems across multiple brands, markets, and development models.

"Dave's is a home run of a brand," said Liggins. "When you hear about the unit economics, the sales-to-investment ratio, and see the level of reinvestment from existing franchisees, it gets your attention. Add in the simplicity of the menu, fast throughput, and authentic vibe, and it's clear this brand has only scratched the surface of what's possible. We're looking forward to continuing to introduce guests to Dave's in new markets, formats, and regions around the world."

In his new role, Liggins will focus on supporting existing franchisees as they continue to meet their development milestones, while helping to expand Dave's footprint through a more strategic, data-driven growth approach. His efforts will center on identifying high-potential markets, evaluating trade areas, and mapping future development opportunities that align with the brand's long-term vision. While most domestic territories are already committed, the focus remains on ensuring existing agreements are executed to Dave's standards and uncovering additional real estate opportunities in high-performing, in-demand locations.

International development will also remain a major focus, building on recent signed agreements, including the brand's European partnership with Azzurri Group, which continues to expand Dave's global footprint. Dave's is prioritizing experienced, multi-unit operators with the infrastructure to develop full regions at scale, ensuring long-term quality and impact.

"We continue to build a best-in-class leadership team to support Dave's rapid growth," said Jim Bitticks, who was named CEO of Dave's Hot Chicken in the New Year. "With his deep franchising experience and disciplined approach to development, Joshua will play a critical role as we expand across traditional, non-traditional, and international channels."

Dave's Hot Chicken has captured the hearts and taste buds of guests across the United States with its crave-worthy menu. Specializing in Nashville-style hot chicken tenders, sliders, and bites with spice levels ranging from "No Spice" to "Reaper," each restaurant also serves sides of house-made Kale Slaw, creamy Mac & Cheese, and crispy, seasoned Fries or Cheese Fries.

Founded by Arman Oganesyan and classically trained chef Dave Kopushyan, along with brothers Tommy and Gary Rubenyan in early 2017, Dave's Hot Chicken initially opened as a parking lot pop-up, with lines quickly wrapping around the block. Dave's Hot Chicken offers a robust business model, including national and local marketing support, proven systems, manuals, operating procedures, and assistance with site selection.

To learn more about Dave's Hot Chicken and its franchise opportunities, visit www.daveshotchicken.com/franchising.

About Dave's Hot Chicken
In a modern-day American dream story, three childhood friends, Chef Dave Kopushyan, Arman Oganesyan and Tommy Rubenyan, scraped together $900 to launch Dave's Hot Chicken in a parking lot, portable fryers and folding tables in tow, in 2017. Dave's Hot Chicken quickly took off, opening an East Hollywood brick-and-mortar restaurant shortly after, with support from Tommy's brother, Gary. In 2019, the team struck a deal with Wetzel's Pretzels co-founder and former CEO, Bill Phelps, and movie producer John Davis to begin franchising the Dave's Hot Chicken concept throughout the U.S. and beyond.  The company has sold the rights to more than 1,020 franchise locations in the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Canada and will open 70-plus locations this year. Harkening back to an Eater LA blog that helped propel early interest in the brand, the company's mission is to "blow their minds." Additional brand investors include Billboard Artists Drake and Usher, former California First Lady Maria Shriver, actor Samuel L. Jackson, and Good Morning America anchor and retired NFL player Michael Strahan. 

View source version at Dave’s Hot Chicken

Shipley Donuts Appoints New Chief Marketing Officer

Jan 08, 2026, 09:30 ET

Restaurant industry veteran Bill Leibengood joins nation's largest donut and kolache brand

HOUSTON, Jan. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Fast-growing Shipley Donuts, the nation's largest brand of fresh, handmade-daily donuts and kolaches, has appointed Bill Leibengood as chief marketing officer.

Bringing more than 25 years of restaurant marketing and operations leadership to the Houston-based company, Leibengood previously served as chief marketing officer of Houlihan's before stepping into the chief operating officer role. Prior to that, he held senior marketing titles at Wingstop Restaurants and Applebee's.

"With his deep marketing expertise, Bill will help elevate our brand storytelling through fresh, creative initiatives," said Flynn Dekker, CEO of Shipley Donuts. "He will have significant responsibility for strengthening the authentic guest experience our customers have cherished for nearly 90 years as we expand across the country and share our Texas heritage with new communities."

At Shipley, Leibengood will focus on developing and implementing marketing strategies that contribute to same-store sales growth and elevate Shipley's digital engagement, providing guests with seamless, modern touchpoints and ensuring cohesive marketing and promotional efforts systemwide.

"As Shipley continues to scale, disciplined marketing will play a critical role in the company's next phase of growth," said Leibengood. "My focus will be on strengthening our marketing capabilities, sharpening our data-driven decision making and ensuring our brand continues to meet guests where they are as we amplify Shipley's position as the premier donut and kolache destination nationwide."

The brand is currently experiencing robust growth, having opened a record 35 new shops in 2025, including locations in North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida and Georgia.

Franchise opportunities are available throughout the South, Southeast and Midwest for qualified operators seeking to join America's fastest-growing donut and kolache brand. Additional information is available at ownashipleydonuts.com.

ABOUT SHIPLEY DONUTS
Founded in 1936, Houston-based Shipley Donuts is the nation's largest brand of handmade fresh daily donuts and kolaches, with more than 385 company-owned and franchised restaurants across 13 states, serving up its famous donuts, coffee and kolaches to generations of guests. Shipley is ranked No. 121 on Entrepreneur magazine's Franchise 500® 2025 list and No. 1 in its category and is No. 147 on the Technomic 2025 Top 500. For franchising information, visit ownashipleydonuts.com. Follow Shipley on Instagram and Facebook @ShipleyDonuts and sign up for Shipley Rewards at shipleydonuts.com/rewards to unlock free donuts, discounted coffee, exclusive merchandise and more. 

View source version at Shipley Donuts

White Castle Promotes Jamie Richardson to Chief Marketing Officer

January 8, 2026

Richardson, a marketing leader at the family-owned business, is promoted following the retirement of Lynn Blashford

Columbus, OH  (RestaurantNews.com)  White Castle, the iconic fast-food hamburger chain and retail consumer packaged goods brand, announced the promotion of Jamie Richardson to chief marketing officer. As CMO, Richardson will play a central role in shaping how White Castle tells its story, connects with Cravers and lives out its brand values. Richardson succeeds Lynn Blashford, who is retiring from White Castle after 15 years of outstanding service, the last six as chief marketing officer.

“Jamie brings a deep knowledge of our brand, strong relationships across our communities and an unwavering belief in what makes White Castle special,” said Lisa Ingram, CEO of White Castle and the great-granddaughter of White Castle’s founder, Billy Ingram. “I have full confidence that Jamie will carry forward the strong foundation Lynn has built while continuing to bring fresh ideas and energy to the team.”

“White Castle has been a part of my life for more than 27 years, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to serve as chief marketing officer,” said Richardson, a fourth-generation family member. “We exist to feed the souls of craver generations everywhere. Sharing our story with more cravers and potential cravers helps us do just that. Whether you’re seeking us out at the drive-thru or in your grocer’s freezer aisle, our marketing mission is to make sure you know the Castle has you covered.”

Richardson joined the White Castle home office team in 1998 as regional marketing supervisor. He was promoted to assistant director of marketing, director of marketing and, in 2008, vice president of corporate relations and communications. In that position, he was responsible for shareholder relations, government relations, philanthropy and internal communications. In January 2020, Richardson was given a broader role in the business, becoming vice president of marketing and public relations, where he led a dedicated team to grow the relevance of and reverence for the White Castle brand. Prior to White Castle, Richardson held leadership roles at advertising agency J. Walter Thompson.

As CMO, Richardson will report to White Castle President Anthony Joseph.

A resident of Mount Vernon, Ohio, Richardson and his wife, Kate, are the proud parents of five children. Active in the community, Richardson is a past board chair of the Ohio Restaurant Association and the National Council of Chain Restaurants. He currently serves as a vice chair for the national board of Autism Speaks and is an active volunteer at St. John the Baptist parish.

About White Castle®

White Castle, America’s first fast-food hamburger chain, has been making hot and tasty Sliders since 1921. Based in Columbus, Ohio, the family-owned business owns and operates about 340 restaurants as well as a retail division providing its famous fare in freezer aisles of retail stores nationwide. As part of its commitment to offering the highest quality products, White Castle owns and operates its own Slider Provider meat plants, bakeries and frozen-Slider retail plants. White Castle has earned numerous accolades over the years including “Most Influential Burger of All Time” by Time magazine (2014, The Original Slider®) and one of the “10 Most Innovative Dining Companies” by Fast Company (2021). White Castle is known for the legendary engagement of its team members and has received the Great Place to Work® Certification™ for an extraordinary five consecutive years spanning 2021–2025. White Castle is beloved by its passionate fans (Cravers), many of whom compete each year for entry into the Cravers Hall of Fame. The official White Castle app makes it easy for Cravers to sign up for the CRAVER NATION REWARDS® loyalty program, access sweet deals and place pickup orders at any time. For more information on White Castle and how to Follow Your Crave, visit WhiteCastle.com.

View source version at White Castle

Savory Fund Welcomes Clay Dover as CEO; Promotes Shauna Smith To Managing Director

January 7, 2026

Leadership evolution positions Savory for its next phase of growth, pairing Dover’s brand-scaling expertise at Raising Cane’s and Velvet Taco with Smith’s expanded strategic vision

Salt Lake City, UT  (RestaurantNews.com)  Savory Fund, an innovative private equity firm focused on scaling emerging restaurant brands such as Swig, Mo’ Bettahs, and Houston TX Hot Chicken, today announced the appointment of Clay Dover as Chief Executive Officer and the promotion of co-founder Shauna K. Smith from CEO to Managing Director. These leadership moves bolster Savory’s ability to support founder-led brands while scaling high-growth concepts across the country.

“This is a meaningful milestone for Savory and a natural next step in our evolution,” said Andrew K. Smith, co-founder and Managing Director of Savory Fund. “Shauna’s promotion to Managing Director allows her to spend more time driving value creation across our brands, supporting founders, and shaping our long-term investment strategy. Pairing that with Clay’s operational leadership as CEO strengthens our platform in a powerful way – placing Savory in an even better position to lead the emerging restaurant investment space.”

Dover brings more than three decades of restaurant industry experience, including executive leadership roles at Raising Cane’s, Pei Wei, and most recently as CEO of Velvet Taco. At Raising Cane’s, he served as President and CMO, leading strategy, marketing, and operations for the juggernaut brand. As Velvet Taco, he oversaw 1000% sales growth and 1250% unit expansion – growing it from four units to 54 in his nearly nine years leading the brand – while also guiding operational execution, team development, and marketing strategy. Dover’s track record of scaling emerging and high-growth brands makes him a perfect fit for Savory’s platform.

“Joining Savory is a once-in-a-career opportunity – a chance to take what I’ve learned building national brands and apply it to a platform of founder-led concepts,” Dover said. “Savory is built by people who genuinely care about their brands, their teams, and growing things the right way. The mission – helping brands scale without losing what makes them special – truly resonates with me. I’m thrilled to work alongside Andrew and Shauna to build on this incredibly strong foundation.”

Under Shauna Smith’s leadership, Savory has grown to 13 portfolio companies generating more than $515 million in annual revenue and supporting over 9,200 jobs in 2025. With her promotion to Managing Director, Smith joins a rare group: According to the Colombia School of Business, only 5 percent of private equity firms are female-founded, and only 4 percent have female managing partners and CEOs.

“I’m proud of the platform we’ve built and honored to step into this expanded role,” said Shauna Smith, who has led the Savory platform for eight years as both President and then CEO. “Clay has done exactly what we do at Savory – scale emerging brands into household names. I’m energized to link arms with him and Andrew as we take on this next chapter together.”

Founded in 2018 by Andrew and Shauna Smith to back founder-led restaurant concepts, Savory Fund now spans 370+ restaurants across 26 states. With this expanded leadership team, the firm is poised to amplify its portfolio and drive bold new growth across its brands.

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 18 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, South Block, Bonrue Bakery, and Hawkers. For more information, visit SavoryFund.com.

View source version at Savory Fund

Huddle House Announces Bob Campbell as Brand President

January 6, 2026

Legacy brand welcomes new year with a new chapter as seasoned industry pro takes helm

Atlanta, GA  (RestaurantNews.com)  Huddle House, the iconic diner-style brand that serves food from the heart, is kicking off the new year with new leadership designed to fuel its next phase of growth. The company announced the appointment of seasoned restaurant executive Bob Campbell as its Brand President. He brings more than 25 years of experience in the casual dining space and will head the concept with a more than 60-year history that is known for its homestyle food without the fuss.

Campbell’s appointment follows the recent announcement of a new Brand President for sister brand Perkins American Food Co., both under the Ascent Hospitality Management portfolio. These leadership moves reflect the strategic growth vision of Ascent Hospitality Management CEO Paul Damico, who also recently joined the leading franchisor and is laser-focused on strengthening the legacy brands while accelerating expansion.

“We are delighted to welcome Bob to our leadership team as we build on the strong foundation of the Huddle House brand,” said Paul Damico, CEO of Ascent Hospitality Management. “His deep expertise in multi-unit operations, brand strategy, culture stewardship, and growth planning, combined with his passion for developing high-performing teams, will be instrumental as we guide this iconic family-dining brand into its next chapter of sustained growth and success.”

A Career Built on Growth and Leadership

Campbell brings a proven track record of operational excellence and brand-building to Huddle House. His career is highlighted by a long-standing tenure with Georgia-based Taco Mac, where he began as a franchisee in 1997, opening his first restaurant in Alpharetta, Georgia. His early success led to the development of three additional locations and, ultimately, a partnership with Taco Mac’s founder.

Together, they formed Tappan Street Restaurant Group, where Campbell served as CEO and helped scale the business to more than 30 locations.

His industry leadership has earned notable recognition, including the Georgia Restaurant Association’s Grace Award for Restaurateur of the Year in 2010. Campbell later served as Chairman of the Georgia Restaurant Association and remained on Taco Mac’s board through the brand’s sale in 2017.

“I am thrilled to join Huddle House and to work alongside Paul and the broader leadership team during this exciting period of transformation,” said Bob Campbell, Brand President of Huddle House. “As the family-dining landscape continues to evolve, this is a pivotal moment for the brand to build on its heritage while creating new paths to meet guests where they are through relevant experiences, thoughtful growth, and a continued focus on heartfelt hospitality.”

For more information about Huddle House, visit HuddleHouse.com or follow them on social @HuddleHouse.

About Huddle House

All Day, Your Way. Huddle House shares that spirit of hometown togetherness, creating that warm atmosphere where everyone feels welcome. Huddle House has been serving freshly prepared, quality home-style food since 1964. We’re the champions of enjoying big without spending big because at Huddle House, flavor, fun, and value always go hand in hand.

Huddle House Inc. is an Ascent Hospitality Management brand with nearly 300 locations open or in development. It has been named one of the Top 200+ Franchises by Franchise Times, ranked among Thrillist’s list of “Regional Breakfast Chains that Should Be Everywhere,” and named a Top 500 Chain Restaurant by Restaurant Business.

To learn more about Huddle House franchise opportunities, visit HuddleHouseFranchising.com, and for more information about the brand, visit HuddleHouse.com.

View source version at Huddle House

Blaze Pizza names McDonald’s, Subway alum as CEO

Published Jan. 6, 2026

Aneurin Canham-Clyne Reporter

Dive Brief:

• Blaze Pizza has hired John Owen, former chief operating officer of Scooter’s Coffee, as a CEO, effective Jan. 5, according to an emailed press release.

• Owen will succeed Beto Guajardo, who has led the chain since January 2023.

• Like much of the fast casual pizza segment, Blaze has struggled in recent years, shrinking from roughly 340 stores in 38 states and six countries in 2022 to about 250 stores in about 30 states and three countries, according to the announcement of Owen’s appointment.

Dive Insight:

Owen’s appointment is intended to position the brand for domestic growth and international expansion, said Rahul Aggarwal. Aggarwal is a member of Blaze’s board and a representative of Brentwood Associates, a private equity firm with a stake in Blaze.

Owen brings significant experience in restaurant operations. As COO at Scooter’s, he “oversaw all national, corporate, and field operations, as well as information technology and Scooter’s vertically integrated supply chain” and “helped drive double-digit growth in both same-store sales and total store counts,” according to the press release.

This is the second time in a year that Blaze has brought on a Scooter’s exec to help turn around its operations; last June the chain appointed Jaime Denney as its COO, following a stint as vice president of franchise operations at Scooter’s.

Before Scooter’s, Owen held roles at Subway — leading its Russian business — and McDonald’s, where he spent 18 years, according to his LinkedIn profile, ultimately rising to corporate vice president of strategy and execution.

Between stints at major brands, Owen has worked as an executive consultant with franchisors, multi-unit operators and suppliers, according to his LinkedIn page.

While Blaze has struggled with a declining unit count, losing 31 stores in the U.S. in 2024, according to its most recent franchise disclosure document, the chain is far from alone. Many build-your-own and fast casual pizza brands have struggled to recapture growth momentum coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Last month, Pieology filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protections after failing to secure enough investment for an ambitious unit turnaround plan. Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings struggled with slipping sales in the leadup to the 2024 bankruptcy of its parent company, BurgerFi. Mod Pizza, meanwhile, shut down a number of underperforming stores before an acquisition by Elite Restaurant Group helped it avoid Chapter 11 in 2024. 

&Pizza, a relative success in the sector, has turned toward franchised development and shifted away from some traditional markers of fast casual pizza — like ultra-thin crusts that lost heat rapidly in delivery — in an effort to adapt to the off-premise dominated post-COVID-19 consumer landscape.

Blaze has sought to adapt to the pressures facing pizza by overhauling its loyalty program and launching a significant menu renovation. In conjunction with the CEO appointment, Blaze is launching a protein-heavy LTO pizza it markets as being GLP-1 friendly. That pizza, the Protein-zza, is made with a cauliflower crust topped with a double portion of chicken, mozzarella, onions, mushrooms, fresh basil and buffalo sauce drizzle. The new menu item positions the brand to take advantage of consumer desire for higher-protein menu items. 

View source version at Blaze Pizza

Jim Bitticks named CEO of Dave's Hot Chicken

Former CEO Bill Phelps is moving to an executive chairman role with the fast-casual brand, as parent Roark Capital plots continued expansion.

By Lisa Jennings on Jan. 05, 2026

The nearly 400-unit Dave's Hot Chicken was acquired by Roark Capital last year. | Photo: Shutterstock.

Dave’s Hot Chicken has a new CEO and it’s a familiar face.

The Los Angeles-based chain, which last year was acquired by Roark Capital in a deal valued at $1 billion, has named Jim Bitticks to the role of CEO, replacing Bill Phelps, who has led the brand since 2019. Phelps will move to the position of executive chair and will remain actively involved. He also remains an equity stakeholder.

Bitticks has served as the company’s president and chief operating officer for more than five years, a period when Dave’s was one of the fastest growing franchise brands in the country, expanding by nearly 400 units worldwide, including units in Canada, the U.K. and the Middle East.

Phelps said Bitticks, who is also a franchisee, has been a driving force behind Dave’s strategic, profitable growth.

“As both a franchisee and operator, he has built the programs and teams behind our best-in-class operations across nearly 400 restaurants worldwide,” Phelps said in a statement. “Guest sentiment continues to rise—and it starts with Jim’s vision for collaborative operations. I’m excited to work alongside Jim and the team as we continue to blow people’s minds with the most incredible hot chicken on the planet.”

Dave’s Hot Chicken has a rich back story as a brand founded as a popup in a Los Angeles parking lot in 2017 by four friends who pooled their savings ($900) to serve spicy chicken tenders and sandwiches. They opened a brick-and-mortar in 2018 and the brand took off, drawing the attention of Phelps, the co-founder of Wetzel’s Pretzels, and an investor group, who launched franchising.

When Roark Capital acquired Dave’s last year, Bitticks said Dave’s deliberately avoided becoming part of the investment firm’s two multi-brand restaurant platforms, GoTo Foods and Inspire Brands.

Instead, Bitticks predicted Dave’s would stand alone as a high-performing “rock star.” He envisioned a potential initial public offering within three to five years, modeling Roark’s experience with Wingstop, which the investment firm took public with an IPO in 2015.

Calling Dave’s one of the most iconic success stories in the restaurant industry, Bitticks in a statement said he is grateful to have helped craft the operations that pay homage to the brand’s origins while supporting the chain’s rapid growth.

“I’ve also been fortunate to learn firsthand from an extraordinary leader, Bill Phelps, who has been at the forefront of shaping this company’s culture,” he said. “I’m honored to continue leading this American Dream story—supporting our franchise partners, accelerating growth in new and existing markets, and staying true to the original vision of the brand and its founders.”

View source version at Dave’s Hot Chicken

Dutch Bros Inc. Appoints Jennifer Somers as Chief Shops Officer

Jan 5, 2026 4:05 PM Eastern Standard Time

Jennifer Somers, Chief Shops Officer of Dutch Bros

TEMPE, Ariz.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dutch Bros Inc. (NYSE: BROS; “Dutch Bros” or the “Company”), one of the fastest-growing brands in the U.S. quick-service beverage industry, today announced the appointment of Jennifer Somers as Chief Shops Officer. Reporting to Christine Barone, Chief Executive Officer and President of Dutch Bros, Somers will lead Dutch Bros’ field organization and shop operations, overseeing operational excellence, growth, and consistent brand execution across company-owned and franchise shop locations.

“Jennifer is a people-first leader who brings an incredible blend of strategic vision and hands-on leadership that will help propel Dutch Bros through our next phase of growth,” said Christine Barone, CEO and President of Dutch Bros. “Her track record of scaling high-growth, purpose-driven field organizations while staying grounded in culture and customer connection makes her an ideal fit for this role.”

Somers brings more than 20 years of operational leadership experience, including the last 10 years in the restaurant industry. Most recently, she served as Chief Operations Officer at CAVA, where she led operations through rapid growth and helped elevate the guest experience. Prior to CAVA, Somers spent six years at Taco Bell in roles of increasing responsibility, most recently as Senior Vice President of US Restaurant Operations.

“I’m thrilled to join Dutch Bros at such an exciting time for the company,” said Somers. “I’ve long admired the culture behind the brand and how Broistas bring it to life for customers every day. As Dutch Bros continues to grow, I’m looking forward to partnering with field leaders to support our teams and deliver a consistent, exceptional experience at every shop, every time.”

About Dutch Bros Inc.

Dutch Bros Inc. (NYSE: BROS) is a high-growth operator and franchisor of drive-thru shops that focus on serving high QUALITY, hand-crafted beverages with unparalleled SPEED and superior SERVICE.

Founded in 1992 by brothers Dane and Travis Boersma, Dutch Bros began with a double-head espresso machine and a pushcart in Grants Pass, Oregon. While espresso-based beverages are still at the core of what we do, Dutch Bros now offers a wide variety of unique, customizable cold and hot beverages that delight a broad array of customers. We believe Dutch Bros is more than just the products we serve—we are dedicated to making a massive difference in the lives of our employees, customers and communities. This combination of hand-crafted and high-quality beverages, our unique drive-thru experience and our community-driven, people-first culture has allowed us to successfully open new shops and continue to share the “Dutch Luv” at 1,081 locations across 24 states as of September 30, 2025.

To learn more about Dutch Bros, visit www.dutchbros.com, follow Dutch Bros Coffee on Instagram, Facebook, X, and TikTok, and download the Dutch Bros app to earn points and score rewards!

View source version at Dutch Bros

Twin Hospitality Group Announces Leadership Updates

December 29, 2025

Andy Wiederhorn Appointed Chief Executive Officer; Roger Gondek to Assume Twin Peaks President Role

Dallas, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  Twin Hospitality Group Inc. (Nasdaq: TWNP), the parent company of Twin Peaks Restaurant, today announced the appointment of Andy Wiederhorn as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, following the termination of Chief Executive Officer Kim Boerema. Additionally, Roger Gondek, currently Chief Operating Officer of Twin Peaks Restaurant, will also assume the role of President of Twin Peaks Restaurant while continuing in his COO responsibilities.

Wiederhorn, who was integral in spinning out Twin Peaks and Smokey Bones into Twin Hospitality Group Inc., has served as Chairman of the Board since August 2025. In this role, he has worked closely with the leadership team to position the company for sustained growth and operational excellence. Gondek has served as Chief Operating Officer of Twin Peaks since 2017 and brings approximately 15 years of experience with the brand, including previous operations leadership roles with Twin Peaks’ largest franchisee.

“I’m pleased to take on the Chief Executive Officer role and continue to collaborate with Roger in his expanded capacity as President,” said Andy Wiederhorn, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Twin Hospitality Group. “We remain focused on driving key business initiatives forward, including streamlining operations and enhancing the guest experience. This leadership restructuring optimizes our resources while minimizing overhead, providing additional value as we work to restructure our debt and strengthen the company for long-term success.”

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 ir.TwinPeaksRestaurant.com.

About Twin Peaks

Founded in 2005 in the Dallas suburb of Lewisville, Twin Peaks has 114 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 Hospitality

First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. Announces Appointment of Rachel Tipograph to Board of Directors

Leading Daytime Dining concept strengthens Board with appointment of new director

December 29, 2025 16:05 ET  | Source: First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc.

BRADENTON, Fla., Dec. 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FWRG) (“First Watch” or the “Company”), the leading Daytime Dining concept serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, today announced the appointment of Rachel Tipograph to its Board of Directors.

“We are pleased to welcome Rachel to our Board of Directors, and we look forward to leaning on her deep expertise in digital transformation, customer acquisition and next-generation insights as we continue to scale the First Watch brand in new and innovative ways,” said Ralph Alvarez, Chairman of the Board of Directors of First Watch.

Tipograph is a seasoned entrepreneur and technology executive recognized for helping the world’s largest consumer brands and retailers navigate the evolving landscape of commerce and digital marketing. Her executive experience includes over 11 years serving as the founder and Chief Executive Officer at MikMak, a leading commerce enablement and analytics software company. Prior to founding MikMak, Tipograph was Global Head of Digital and Social Media at Gap, Inc. from 2011 to 2014, where she led global digital strategy and execution.

Tipograph joins fellow Board of Directors members Ralph Alvarez, Irene Chang Britt, Michael Fleisher, Charles Jemley, William Kussell, Stephanie Lilak, Jostein Solheim and Chris Tomasso. For more information on the Company’s leadership, visit investors.firstwatch.com.

About First Watch
First Watch is the leading Daytime Dining concept serving made-to-order breakfast, brunch and lunch using the freshest ingredients available. Guided by its “Follow the Sun” culinary philosophy, First Watch's chef-driven menu rotates five times a year to feature the highest-quality flavors at their peak, offering elevated executions of classic favorites, fresh juices like the Kale Tonic, and fan favorites such as the Lemon Ricotta Pancakes, Quinoa Power Bowl and signature Million Dollar Bacon. For every kid’s meal served, First Watch proudly donates a portion to organizations and causes making a positive impact in our communities – raising more than $1.7 million to date. A recipient of hundreds of local “Best Breakfast” and “Best Brunch” awards, First Watch was voted 2025’s #1 Best Breakfast by Newsweek’s Readers’ Choice Awards and was also named 2025 and 2024’s #1 Most Loved Workplace® in America by the Best Practice Institute (as seen in The Wall Street Journal), after appearing on the list in 2022 and 2023 as well. With a commitment to quality, hospitality and community, First Watch is redefining Daytime Dining across more than 620 restaurants in 32 states.

View source version at First Watch

Layne’s Chicken Fingers Appoints Cuyler Esposito as Vice President of Culture Operations

December 19, 2025

The former multi-unit franchisee joins the leadership team to prioritize culture-first operations as the chicken finger franchise rapidly expands its national footprint.

Frisco, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  Layne’s Chicken Fingers, the Texas “Born and Breaded” chicken finger franchise, is closing another year of rapid growth. In 2025, the brand had multiple six-figure openings, opened in new states and signed a monumental 44-unit development deal. In support of its continued growth, Layne’s has appointed Cuyler Esposito as vice president of culture operations.

With extensive experience as a multi-unit franchisee, Esposito is acutely aware of the value of a strong franchise support structure. In his new role, he will prioritize culture throughout the Layne’s franchise system while serving as a voice for franchisees to ensure Layne’s unique culture remains the foundation of its operational excellence as it scales.

“We are building a team that doesn’t just understand the restaurant business but understands the human side of it, too,” said CEO Garrett Reed. “Cuyler has been following our story for years, and as a former food service franchisee, he’s uniquely qualified to support our teams and ensure our values remain a priority as we scale our footprint.”

While Cuyler will focus on strong operations, a hallmark of the Layne’s business model, that is not his only guiding principle.

“In this industry, it’s easy to get lost in the numbers, but Layne’s is special because everyone here is aligned on the brand’s core pillars,” Esposito said. “My philosophy is ‘culture first, operations very close behind.’ My job is to ensure our franchisees and their teams are operating with that high level of hospitality that separates us from the competition.”

As he gets integrated into the system, Esposito says his primary focus will be supporting multi-unit franchisees in building their own internal “benches,” helping them develop teams to support long-term success without friction.

“It’s important to me to help franchisees build an operations team so that, as we open up more units, we aren’t scrambling. Much of that will be driven by a focus on a culture of growth and opportunity,” he said. “It’s about identifying people within the organization and helping them grow. I’ve learned that, if you provide a path of growth for an individual, they’re much more motivated for you compared to when you just look at everyone as a number.”

For Esposito, the transition to the franchisor side is about more than just strategy; it’s a personal commitment to the people running the restaurants.

“It’s not a job; it’s a lifestyle for me,” he said. “I am the liaison between the franchisee and the brand, and my job is to protect both, but anything I can do to help franchisees continue to get better… that’s what my role is.”

About Layne’s Chicken Fingers

Founded in 1994 in College Station, the original location became a Texas A&M legend known for its small-town charm, friendly service, iconic chicken fingers and secret sauce. While opening corporate locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the leadership team focused on fine tuning its operations and starting to franchise.

Franchise opportunities range from $451,500 to $1,050,000 with different buildout options available. Learn more about franchising here.

View source version at Layne’s Chicken Fingers

Layne’s Chicken Fingers Promotes Alex Camp to VP of Operations Services Amidst Record Growth

December 18, 2025

Camp will drive cross-departmental collaboration and act as the “voice of the franchisee” to ensure operational excellence and ongoing franchisee support as the brand scales nationwide

Frisco, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  After a year of explosive growth, Layne’s Chicken Fingers, the Soon to be Famous™ chicken finger franchise, has announced the promotion of Alex Camp to vice president of operations services. Camp, who has been with Layne’s for two years, steps into his new position as the brand levels up its leadership team to support its rapidly growing footprint. As Layne’s expands well beyond its home state of Texas, Camp will support the brand by overseeing the intersection of corporate infrastructure and real operations throughout the franchise network.

“We have always had our eye on proactive development of our support teams, and Alex’s promotion is in line with this philosophy,” said CEO Garrett Reed. “He has been with us through a pivotal season of growth, understands that our leadership team is in the service business, and is committed to interdepartmental connection and cooperation. His new role will ensure that, as we scale, we maintain the agility and operational excellence our franchisees rely on.”

Camp describes his role as the organization’s “central nervous system,” designed to hone processes and turn the leadership team’s strategic vision into reality for franchisees.

“It’s a multi-departmental role focused on turning thoughts into actions while relaying sensory feedback for critical evaluation,” Camp said. “My goal is to build new feedback pathways as the organization grows. Whether it’s working with IT, marketing, or design and construction, Operations Services ensures we get initiatives across the finish line so the franchisee can even better serve the guest.”

While he plans to lean more into the strategic side of the business as it grows, Camp remains committed to a service-first mindset. Across the leadership team, the vision is clear: Protect the brand and protect the franchisee.

In his new role, Camp will serve as a voice for franchisees at the corporate table, ensuring that, as the brand grows and brings on new departments and personnel, the profitability and operational success of local owners remain the top priority.

“We’re adding incredible talent to our team, from marketing to IT, but we need to ensure all those efforts come together and ‘sing the same song’ for the operators in their markets,” Camp said. “I know the Layne’s model and culture, and now, my focus will be cross-functional support and feedback to ensure the base of the organization – our owners and their teams – have what they need to succeed.”

Camp’s promotion comes at the conclusion of another incredible growth year. While Layne’s has seen monumental growth in 2025, including a landmark 44-unit restaurant deal, there’s still more to come.

“When I think about where Layne’s was when I first jumped in to where it is now, and where it’s going, it all goes back to the Astro Chicken and the rocketship, the reflection of our brand and Chief Finger Officer,” Camp said. “As much rapid growth as we have currently, we’re just priming the engines. We’re just getting ready. I don’t think we’ve left the takeoff pad just yet. We’re starting to warm up, and all of that rumble and noise and smoke that people can see from a distance … that’s just confirmation that what we’re doing is right, and where we’re going is inevitable.”

About Layne’s Chicken Fingers

Founded in 1994 in College Station, the original location became a Texas A&M legend known for its small-town charm, friendly service, iconic chicken fingers and secret sauce. While opening corporate locations across the Dallas-Fort Worth area, the leadership team focused on fine tuning its operations and starting to franchise.

Franchise opportunities range from $451,500 to $1,050,000 with different buildout options available. Learn more about franchising here.

View source version at Layne’s Chicken Fingers

Mountain Mike’s Pizza Proudly Welcomes Restaurant Industry Executive Sumi Ghosh as President and Chief Operating Officer

December 18, 2025

Restaurant Industry Stalwart Sumi Ghosh Joins Mountain Mike’s Pizza as President & Chief Operating Officer

Fast-growing Pizza Franchise Chain Expands C-Suite with Seasoned Leader to Support National Growth

Irvine, CA  (RestaurantNews.com)  Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading family-style pizza chain for over 45 years, known for its legendary crispy, curly pepperonis, massive 20-inch Mountain-sized pizzas and dough made fresh daily, has named Sumi Ghosh President and Chief Operating Officer. With 30+ years of experience in the restaurant industry, including over 12 years of leadership at Starbucks, plus additional executive roles at global brands like Nike, Dutch Bros and Yum! Brands, Ghosh brings to the position a wealth of global operational expertise and a passion for supporting franchisees. Ghosh joins Mountain Mike’s at a pivotal moment for the brand, as it continues to grow an impressive national system that includes 315+ restaurants.

“As Mountain Mike’s continues to increase community and guest access across the country to Pizza the Way it Oughta Be®, it’s critical that we optimize and reinforce several key areas of our business, which is why we are proud to welcome someone with such a notable history of restaurant brand elevation to our executive team,” said Jim Metevier, Chief Executive Officer of Mountain Mike’s Pizza. “Sumi’s long and successful track record has fueled operational consistency, excellence and profitability across the consumer business landscape, and his contributions will be invaluable to scaling our operations while maintaining our brand DNA.”

Ghosh has established himself as a transformational leader known for accelerating growth and driving cultural reinvention across an array of large organizations spanning a variety of consumer segments. He has scaled high-performing teams and dramatically increased revenue and profitability across diverse markets, earning praise and confidence from boards, founders and private equity groups alike. With extensive domestic and international experience – including serving as CEO of Starbucks India – Ghosh brings to Mountain Mike’s a best-in-class executive toolbox that features deep operational expertise, a passion for developing next-generation leaders and a people-first approach that has consistently elevated franchise systems and customer experiences.

As President and Chief Operating Officer of Mountain Mike’s Pizza, Ghosh will oversee all aspects of Operations, Development and IT as the brand accelerates toward numerous milestones, including remarkable systemwide growth records, significantly more new market/state entries and a 50-year anniversary for the brand in 2028. He will partner closely with franchisees to enhance sales, traffic, operational performance and new restaurant development while strengthening the systems and tools operators need to thrive. With a commitment to preserving and elevating Mountain Mike’s legacy of “pizza perfection,” Ghosh will focus on delivering unmatched guest experiences, driving consistent product quality and cultivating a high-performance culture rooted in pride, support and long-term franchisee success.

“I am honored to join Mountain Mike’s as the brand reaches new heights, and I look forward to working closely with new and longtime franchisees to strengthen an operational foundation known for quality and excellence while maintaining our brand legacy,” said Ghosh. “I firmly believe our unequaled pizza experience deserves a growing national presence, and I intend to deliver on that objective with a franchisee support strategy that values our most important growth partners while elevating guest satisfaction.”

With 315+ units in operation across 11 states, Mountain Mike’s is primed to continue expansion throughout the U.S. by extending opportunities to new franchise partners looking to diversify their portfolios with a popular family pizza concept. To learn more about new franchise opportunities in your market of interest, visit MountainMikesFranchise.com.

About Mountain Mike’s Pizza

Since 1978, Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading family-style pizza chain known for its legendary crispy, curly pepperonis, Mountain-sized pizzas, and dough made fresh daily has been a popular choice for families, serving “Pizza the Way it Oughta Be!®” In addition to offering carryout, its own in-house delivery, and four third-party delivery options, Mountain Mike’s provides a family-friendly dine-in environment making it easy for guests to enjoy the brand’s signature experience wherever they are. Most of its 315+ locations feature a kids’ activity area with arcade games, dedicated party rooms and big screen TVs throughout, making Mountain Mike’s an ideal place for sports teams, family gatherings, group fundraising events and private parties alike. With a menu of signature pizzas, chicken wings, garlic knots, fresh salads, sharable desserts, and a selection of beer and wine, there’s something for everyone at Mountain Mike’s. Guests may also take advantage of streamlined ordering via the Mountain Rewards® app to earn exclusive offers and personalized rewards towards free food. This year, Mountain Mike’s was named one of America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains by Newsweek, as well as a top brand on Yelp’s Most Loved Restaurant Brands list. For a complete list of locations and the full menu, visit MountainMikesPizza.com or follow Mountain Mike’s on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.

View source version at Mountain Mike’s Pizza

Sonny's BBQ Fans The Flames of Growth And Strengthens Leadership Team With Appointments of New President And Chief Marketing Officer

Dec 18, 2025, 08:30 ET

George McAllan and Katie Love promoted to president and chief marketing officer, respectively – together, the pair will help drive ambitious multi-year expansion strategy

ORLANDO, Fla., Dec. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As the year draws to a close, Sonny's BBQ – the industry-leading BBQ restaurant rooted in quality food, hospitality, and spreading kindness – announces the promotions of George McAllan and Katie Love to president and chief marketing officer, respectively. Alongside the rest of the Company's recently-expanded executive leadership team, McAllan and Love will lead the execution of a multi-year growth plan aimed at further improving key metrics such as franchisee profitability and brand resonance, among others.  

"George and Katie represent the very best of what makes Sonny's BBQ special – a deep commitment to our franchisees, our guests, and the communities we serve. George's proven track record of driving operational excellence and franchisee profitability, combined with Katie's innovative approach to brand modernization and guest engagement, perfectly position Sonny's BBQ for future proofing growth and expansion," said CEO at Sonny's BBQ, Jamie Yarmuth.   

Leadership Experience and Vision 

McAllan joined Sonny's BBQ in November 2024, assuming the role of chief growth officer. He brings decades of experience working as both a franchisor and franchisee – including five years as chief operations officer with two different franchise groups where he led up to 350 restaurants during his tenure – and various roles with Dunkin' Brands, where he oversaw up to 4,000 restaurants internationally and domestically. As the newly appointed president of Sonny's BBQ, McAllan will play an increasingly larger role in ensuring improved franchisee profitability and regional market growth. 

Love previously served as vice president of marketing and director of brand management for Sonny's BBQ. During her more than a decade-long tenure, Love spearheaded initiatives that modernized the brand's identity, grew guest loyalty and digital channels from the ground up, and deepened community impact through programs like 'Q the Kindness. Now, as chief marketing officer, Love will work closely with Sonny's BBQ's team of restaurant marketing experts, leading brand strategy, guest experience, and marketing innovation. 

Strategic Growth Objectives 

Additionally, the promotions come as Sonny's BBQ kicks off the next phase of the Company's comprehensive multi-year growth strategy, built to emphasize franchisee profitability, expand operational excellence, authentic hospitality, and strengthen connections with guests. Under the leadership of Yarmuth, McAllan, Love and the entire Sonny's BBQ's executive team, the Company is well positioned to expand the brand's reach and footprint, while honoring its legacy.  

Also central to this growth strategy is a strong focus on culinary innovation that aims to further cement Sonny's BBQ as the industry leader, exciting longtime fans and enticing guests discovering Sonny's BBQ for the first time. As part of this, the Company plans to build a test kitchen within the next 12 months, which will allow for further culinary exploration of fan-favorite innovations such as Pecan Pie Egg Rolls, as well as expand its dedicated culinary team.  

"Over the past year, Sonny's has made incredible strides, expanding our customer base through exciting new marketing campaigns, improved franchisee operations and philanthropy. Now, with George at the helm as president and Katie as chief marketing officer, we'll set new standards for what a BBQ brand can accomplish," added Yarmuth. "Their leadership has been and will continue to be instrumental in expanding our footprint while staying true to the spirit of hospitality and kindness established by our late founder, Floyd "Sonny" Tillam, and that makes our brand so special. The future of Sonny's BBQ has never looked brighter." 

To learn more about Sonny's BBQ, please visit SonnysBBQ.com and follow along on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Franchise opportunities can be found at www.SonnysBBQFranchise.com.   

About Sonny's BBQ 

With nearly 100 locations spanning the southeast, Sonny's BBQ® is one of the largest barbecue restaurant brands in the country. Its signature pulled pork, sweet tea, and unique appetizers have afforded the restaurant the title of "Best Barbecue Chain in America" by The Daily Meal. Floyd "Sonny" Tillman and his wife, Lucille, founded Sonny's BBQ in 1968 in Gainesville, Fla. in hopes of creating a local BBQ joint for their community to enjoy. 55 years later, Sonny's BBQ continues to do just that under the direction of CEO Jamie Yarmuth and local pitmasters spreading the spirit of BBQ in each of their communities through the 'Q the Kindness and Random Acts of BBQ initiatives. The brand gives back more than $1.2 million annually across the eight states it serves, and reaches tens of thousands of community members with its generosity. Sonny's BBQ is a leader in the hospitality industry with its commitment to creating unique consumer experiences, ability and willingness to utilize cutting-edge technology, and network of successful franchisee relationships. For more information, online ordering and to find the Sonny's BBQ location closest to you, please visit www.SonnysBBQ.com or download the new Sonny's BBQ mobile app 

View source version at Sonny’s BBQ

7 Brew Appoints Matthew Dunnigan as Chief Financial Officer to Drive Next Phase of Scalable Growth

Dec 17, 2025 9:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Seasoned financial and strategic leader brings deep expertise in scaling global brands, capital allocation, and value creation to 7 Brew

7 Brew has appointed financial leader Matthew Dunnigan as its Chief Financial Officer.

SPRINGDALE, Ark.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--7 Brew, the rapidly growing drive-thru beverage brand that is redefining what it means to grab a drink on the go, today announced the appointment of Matthew Dunnigan as its Chief Financial Officer (“CFO”). Reporting to CEO John Davidson, the addition of Dunnigan to the executive leadership team marks a significant milestone in 7 Brew’s expansion, illustrating the brand’s commitment to investing behind one of the world’s fastest-growing beverage platforms.

“7 Brew has demonstrated remarkable expansion over the past several years,” said Chris Dawson, President of 7 Brew. “As that positive momentum continues, we’re excited to welcome Matt to the team to provide invaluable leadership and strategic counsel as we surge forward and bring the 7 Brew experience to many more markets around the world.”

Dunnigan joins 7 Brew from Restaurant Brands International (NYSE: QSR), where he served as Chief Financial Officer, helping lead the strategic growth, capital allocation, and integration of four iconic global quick-service restaurant brands to build one of the world’s largest restaurant companies.

“After a decade evaluating and building several leading restaurant brands, 7 Brew’s growth potential and franchisee returns stand out as among the most compelling I’ve seen,” said Dunnigan. “Anchored by its authentic mission to cultivate kindness in every community it serves, 7 Brew is a truly special brand—and I couldn’t be more excited to join the team and help drive its next phase of growth.”

7 Brew continues expanding across the U.S., with a mission to transform the drive-thru beverage experience by cultivating kindness and joy in every drink through its service, speed, quality, energy, and atmosphere – creating a cultural movement.

Follow 7 Brew on Instagram, Facebook, X (Twitter) and TikTok to keep up with the latest local news, brews and offers.

About 7 Brew

7 Brew is a rapidly growing beverage brand that is revolutionizing how customers experience drive-thru coffee service and think about their morning energy boost. 7 Brew serves espresso-based coffee, Chillers, tea, infused 7 Energy, 7 Fizz Sodas and more, all with an extra boost of kindness from their team. The dream of 7 Brew came alive with the first “stand” in Rogers, Ark., and its seven original coffees. 7 Brew now boasts more than 550 stands across the country. For more information, visit www.7Brew.com and follow 7 Brew on Instagram (@7brewcoffee), TikTok (@7brewcoffee), Facebook (facebook.com/7brewcoffee) and X (Twitter) (@7BrewCoffee).

View source version at 7 Brew

Savory Elevates Maryam Chaney to Chief of Supply Chain; Promotes Aaron Smith to VP of Development

December 17, 2025

With nearly 350 restaurants across 23 states and two brand acquisitions in 2025, Savory Fund positions leaders to power its next phase of growth

Salt Lake City, UT  (RestaurantNews.com)  Savory Fund, an innovative private equity firm focused on scaling emerging restaurant brands such as Swig, Mo’ Bettahs, South Block, and Houston TX Hot Chicken, today announced two significant leadership promotions that reflect the continued expansion and operational strength of its growing restaurant platform.

Maryam Chaney has been promoted to Chief of Supply Chain, and Aaron Smith has been named Vice President of Development. These promotions come at a pivotal time for Savory, which now oversees 13 portfolio brands, including its 2025 acquisitions of Hawkers Asian Street Food and Bonrue Bakery.

Maryam Chaney – Chief of Supply Chain

With more than 25 years of experience spanning culinary development and education, supply chain strategy and negotiations, compliance, and editorial leadership, Maryam Chaney has become a central architect of Savory’s operational excellence. Her mantra – “Best Product, Best Process” – guides everything from menu innovation to the standards that ensure consistency and efficiency across the portfolio. Known for her refined eye and relentless follow-through, Chaney sees opportunities through from idea to finish line.

In her elevated role, she will continue overseeing end-to-end supply chain operations, culinary execution and menu engineering, and food safety and compliance for all Savory brands. She manages critical supplier partnerships representing more than $150 million in annual spend – relationships that underpin Savory’s rapid growth and brand integration.

“At its core, my role is about stewarding the full journey of our food, from sourcing to the plate,” Chaney said. “By working closely with supplier partners who share our standards, we’re able to consistently support our restaurants and protect the quality our guests expect. As Savory grows, what matters most to me is preserving what makes each brand special. I’m proud of the teams across our portfolio who bring that care and intention to the food every day.”

Aaron Smith – Vice President of Development

Savory also announced the promotion of Aaron Smith to Vice President of Development, recognizing his pivotal role in bringing Savory’s brands to life nationwide. Previously serving as Director of Construction for eight years, Smith led store development and buildouts across the portfolio.

With over two decades of experience in restaurant construction and project management, he has overseen the development of hundreds of locations across multiple concepts and markets. Prior to Savory, he held senior roles at Four Foods Group, supporting large-scale growth across more than 170 restaurants in 10 states.

“I’m excited to step into this role and continue building our brands across the country,” said Aaron Smith, Vice President of Development. “I take pride in helping our teams open new locations on time and on budget, while staying true to each brand’s identity. Collaboration, discipline, and attention to detail are key. It’s incredibly rewarding to see our work come to life for our guests every day.”

Executive Commentary

“Maryam and Aaron have been foundational to Savory’s success,” said Andrew K. Smith, Managing Director of Savory Fund. “Maryam’s precision and creativity have elevated our operational standards, while Aaron’s discipline and leadership have helped bring our brands to life in markets across the country. As we continue expanding, their leadership ensures we’re building with the excellence, speed, and consistency Savory is known for. We couldn’t be more excited to see them step into these roles.”

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 17 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, South Block, Bonrue Bakery, and Hawkers. For more information, visit SavoryFund.com.

View source version at Savory Fund

El Pollo Loco Appoints Robert D. Wright and Tana Davila to Board of Directors

December 15, 2025 16:40 ET

COSTA MESA, Calif., Dec. 15, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco (NASDAQ: LOCO), the nation’s leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant, announced today the appointment of Robert D. Wright and Tana Davila as independent members of its Board of Directors (“Board”), effective January 1, 2026. Mr. Wright is the CEO of Potbelly Sandwich Works, and Ms. Davila is the Chief Marketing Officer of Dutch Bros Coffee. 

“I am thrilled to have Bob and Tana join our Board,” said Liz Williams, CEO, El Pollo Loco. “We believe that their significant restaurant industry experience will serve us well as we grow El Pollo Loco in our existing markets and across the country.” 

Mr. Wright joined Potbelly in 2020. Under his leadership, Potbelly successfully expanded their footprint and developed one of the fastest-growing digital platforms in the restaurant industry. His efforts culminated in a successful acquisition of Potbelly by RaceTrac in 2025. Prior to joining Potbelly, Mr. Wright held senior roles at The Wendy’s Company, Charley’s Philly Steaks, Checker’s Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. and Domino’s Pizza, Inc.

Ms. Davila joined Dutch Bros Coffee in 2023 and has been instrumental in driving brand recognition, customer affinity, and consistent sales growth, all while rapidly expanding the brand’s footprint across the United States. Prior to joining Dutch Bros Coffee, Ms. Davila held Chief Marketing Officer roles at CKE Restaurant Holdings, Inc. and P.F. Chang’s, as well as marketing leadership roles at Bimbo Bakeries USA.

In connection with the appointments of Mr. Wright and Ms. Davila, William “Bill” Floyd and Samuel Borgese have each announced their retirements from the Board, effective December 31, 2025. Mr. Floyd will also step down from his position as Chairperson of the board concurrently with his retirement. The Board has unanimously elected Douglas Babb, a member of the Board since 2018, to serve as Chairperson of the Board, effective as of the date of Mr. Floyd’s retirement. 

“We are grateful for the impact Bill and Sam have had on El Pollo Loco,” said Babb. “Under their leadership and guidance, El Pollo Loco has gotten back to its roots of menu innovation, operational excellence, and new unit growth.” 

Prior to joining the Board, Mr. Babb served for seven years as Chief Executive Officer of Cooper Clinic, P.A., a large, multi-specialty, physician-owned clinic. He also served as Executive Vice President, Chief Administrative and Legal Officer, and Secretary of Beverly Enterprises, Inc., a leading provider of healthcare services to the elderly, from 2000 to 2006. Prior to that, Mr. Babb served as Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff and Senior Vice President, Merchandise Business Unit for the Burlington Northern Santa Corporation from 1995 to 2000. 

“I’m pleased to welcome Bob and Tana as independent directors to the El Pollo Loco Board,” said Babb. “Both have a proven track record of scaling successful brands nationally and internationally, as well as deep industry experience across the quick-serve and fast-casual sectors.” 

With the retirements of Mr. Floyd and Mr. Borgese, independent Board member Deborah Gonzales has been named Chairperson of the Compensation Committee, and independent Board member Joe Taylor has been appointed Chairperson of the Audit Committee, with such changes to become effective upon Mr. Floyd’s and Mr. Borgese’s retirements.

“As we usher in the next chapter of growth for El Pollo Loco, these changes reflect our ongoing commitment to maximize shareholder value,” said Williams. “I would like to thank Bill and Sam for their service, and welcome once again our new members.” 

About El Pollo Loco 

El Pollo Loco (Nasdaq: LOCO) is the nation's leading fire-grilled chicken restaurant known for its craveable, flavorful, and better-for-you offerings. Named by USA Today 10 Best Reader’s Choice Awards as a “Best Restaurant for Quick, Healthy Food” two years in a row, our menu features innovative meals with Mexican-inspired flavors made daily in our restaurants using quality ingredients. At El Pollo Loco, inclusivity is at the heart of our culture. Our community of over 4,000 employees reflects our commitment to creating a workplace where everyone has a seat at our table. Since opening our first U.S. restaurant in 1980, El Pollo Loco has expanded to more than 500 company-owned and franchised restaurants across Arizona, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Nevada, Texas, and Utah, with additional locations in development. The company has also extended its footprint internationally, with licensed restaurant locations in the Philippines. For more information or to place an order, visit the Loco Rewards app or ElPolloLoco.com. Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or X. 

View source version at El Pollo Loco

Perkins American Food Co. Appoints Industry Veteran Matt Carpenter as Brand President

December 15, 2025

Signaling Next Phase of Strategic Growth with Top-Tier Talent

Atlanta, GA  (RestaurantNews.com)  Perkins American Food Co., recently named seasoned restaurant leader Matt Carpenter as its new Brand President, marking another significant step in the company’s plan to propel the iconic family-dining brand into its next era of growth. Carpenter brings more than 40 years of operational and franchise leadership experience to the role, becoming the latest executive appointment under CEO Paul Damico, who is reshaping the organization’s leadership team to support long-term expansion.

“We are thrilled to welcome Matt to our leadership team with his impressive career achievements and extensive industry experience,” said Paul Damico, CEO of Ascent Hospitality Management, parent company to Perkins American Food Co. “His track record, particularly in operations and franchising, aligns perfectly with our strategic vision for Perkins. As we continue investing in growth and modernization, Matt’s expertise will help set the new standard for what family dining can be for today’s consumers and into the future.”

A Proven Leader With Deep Operational Expertise

Most recently, Matt Carpenter served as an interim and fractional operating executive, advising private equity groups, founders, and family-owned restaurant companies on upgrading operations, strengthening field leadership, and improving unit-level economics.

Carpenter’s executive background includes serving as Chief Executive Officer of TOMS King LLC, one of the largest Burger King franchisees in North America. Under his leadership, the organization expanded to nearly 140 restaurants across multiple states, generating more than $200 million in revenue. He guided the company through major operational restructuring, a disciplined capital investment strategy, and a revitalized focus on restaurant execution, hospitality, and talent development.

Previously, Carpenter was CEO of Olga’s Kitchen, where he led a complex turnaround of the Midwest legacy brand, and Chief Operating Officer of Frisch’s Restaurants, a regional family-dining and Big Boy concept.

Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles, including Concept President at Mazzio’s Pizza/Zio’s Italian and Vice President of Operations Services at Applebee’s International, where he contributed to scaling the franchise from a small base to more than 1,500 locations. During his tenure, he helped design and implement operating standards and support systems across the casual dining concept.

A Dual Perspective on Franchising

Carpenter is uniquely positioned to support the Perkins franchise-driven growth, having experience on both sides of the franchising model. In addition to his roles with major franchisor organizations, he has also been a franchisee himself with brands including Golden Corral, Round Table Pizza, and Burger King.

“I believe the best way to grow a brand is to grow the people who run it. We can do this by giving them a clear playbook, consistent support, and accountability,” said Matt Carpenter, Brand President for Perkins American Food Co. “Having worked as both a franchisor and franchisee, I understand the pressures and opportunities on each side. I’m excited to bring that perspective to Perkins and help set the brand on a strong path for sustained growth and success.”

To learn more about Perkins American Food Co., visit PerkinsRestaurants.com.

About Perkins American Food Co.

Perkins American Food Co., formerly Perkins Restaurant & Bakery®, is the latest evolution of the heritage brand, as American as apple pie. Grounded in tradition and its key pillars of value, quality, and service, Perkins boasts the same heart and soul since its founding in 1958, but with a new attitude.

The brand serves up American classics from yesterday that meet guests’ tastes today, generously portioned and priced just right. Their hospitality, accentuated with a strong commitment to kindness, continues to shine through as a key differentiator along with innovation to continually evolve and deliver what guests want and crave.

Perkins currently operates nearly 300 company-owned and franchise locations across the U.S. and Canada. The company is owned by Ascent Hospitality Management.

View source version at Ascent Hospitality

Little Caesars Announces Key Leadership Promotions Amid Continued Global Growth

Dec 10, 2025, 16:00 ET

DETROIT, Dec. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Little Caesars has achieved extraordinary results in the past several decades, and that momentum is continuing. Because of this, Little Caesars today announced several senior leadership promotions that reflect the company's sustained success and long-term growth. Effective January 1, 2026, longtime CEO Dave Scrivano has been promoted to Vice Chairman of Little Caesars.

In his new role, Scrivano will continue to lead the brand while focusing on long-term strategy, culture, and innovation — the areas central to sustaining Little Caesars' global growth and competitive strength.

Little Caesars also announced the promotions of three executives: 

• Paula Vissing has been promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer, Global Retail. Vissing joined Little Caesars in 2011 and under her leadership the brand experienced its strongest period of expansion in company history. In her role since 2023 as president of global retail, she has driven strong results in franchise profitability, restaurant growth, global marketing initiatives, and global learning and development.
  

• Ed Gleich has been promoted to President and Chief Executive Officer, Global Services. Gleich joined Little Caesars in 2011 and he has been responsible for launching major traffic driving growth initiatives including the launch of national media, creation of limited time and permanent menu items, and expansion into delivery. In his role since 2023 as president of global services, he has driven growth and operational excellence through his leadership of innovation, global supply chain, equipment sales, spice blending, Blue Line Distribution, and Champion Foods.
  

• Leigh Burnside has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer and Chief Administrative Officer. Burnside joined Little Caesars in February 2023 and she has enhanced financial planning processes, strengthened treasury and accounting capabilities, and elevated organizational alignment across the company's finance organization. She will now also oversee Human Resources and Legal, strengthening the company's people, brand and business alignment.

"These promotions reflect the strength of our leadership team and the continued execution of our strategic plan, which has driven significant progress in international expansion, digital innovation, and restaurant growth," said Chris Ilitch, CEO of Ilitch Companies. "Dave's leadership has been instrumental to that success, and I'm pleased he will continue to guide the company."

"I'm proud of what we've accomplished together and excited for this next chapter," said Scrivano. "Paula Vissing, Ed Gleich, and Leigh Burnside are exceptional leaders whose vision, experience, and dedication have helped drive our growth. Their new roles reflect both the strength of our leadership team and the opportunities ahead as we continue building on our global momentum, innovation, and the strong culture that has always set Little Caesars apart."

Little Caesars continues to expand both domestically and internationally, driven by its commitment to value, convenience, innovation, and operational excellence across its global network.

View source version at Little Caesars

Marco's Pizza Taps Power Duo, Expanding Leadership Team with New CMO and CFO

Dec 10, 2025, 09:33 ET

• Industry Veterans Bring Unmatched Expertise, Elevating Leadership Bench Strength to Support Franchisees

• Steve Kennedy to Drive Innovation in Brand Positioning, Technology, and Customer Experience as CMO

• Bill Schaffler to Provide Financial Strategy Oversight to Power U.S. and International Development

TOLEDO, Ohio, Dec. 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Marco's Pizza, one of the nation's fastest-growing pizza brands, announces the appointment of Steve Kennedy as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) and Bill Schaffler as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). These key leadership additions enhance an already robust executive team, reinforcing the brand's commitment to disciplined financial leadership and innovative, insight-driven marketing as it continues to grow across the U.S. and internationally.

"Our achievements start with our franchisees, and delivering world-class leadership is one of the most important ways we support them," said Tony Libardi, Co-CEO & President of Marco's Pizza. "Steve and Bill are extraordinary additions whose experience and leadership will strengthen every area of our organization."

Driving Next-Generation Brand Strategy & Guest Engagement

With more than 25 years of experience in marketing, digital transformation, and consumer strategy, Kennedy joins Marco's Pizza as Chief Marketing Officer, bringing a proven record of elevating brands through modern, data-driven marketing engines. Throughout his career, Kennedy has led marketing and digital strategy at some of the industry's most recognized brands, including Domino's and Nestlé USA, and most recently served as EVP & Head of Marketing at Noodles & Company, where he spearheaded brand strategy, digital modernization, and enhanced guest engagement.

"The momentum behind Marco's is undeniable," said Kennedy. "Consistent operational excellence and a disciplined approach to growth have created an exceptional foundation. My goal is to accelerate Marco's growth by amplifying what makes us special - our quality, our people, our franchisees, and our authentic love for pizza - through bold, data-driven marketing that builds brand relevance, deepens guest connection and fuels unstoppable demand."

Strengthening Financial Performance & Operational Excellence
A seasoned financial and operations leader with deep experience in high-growth restaurant and hospitality brands, Schaffler joins Marco's Pizza as Chief Financial Officer, bringing a strong foundation in private-equity environments, multi-unit expansion, and enterprise-level financial performance. His background includes guiding financial strategy and technology modernization at Hopdoddy Burger Bar, leading brand and operational transformation as President & CEO of Ascension Coffee Company and driving systemwide efficiencies and growth in CFO roles at Nothing Bundt Cakes and La Madeleine.

Schaffler was also a co-founding partner and President of Black Box Intelligence, the industry's insights platform for workforce, guest and financial performance. Schaffler replaces Jeff Rager, who is slated to retire at the end of 2025.

"What excites me most about Marco's is the strength of the system, franchisees, operators, and leadership all moving in the same direction," said Schaffler. "It's a rare foundation for growth. I'm proud to join a brand that is committed to high performance and to building the financial and operational structure needed to support everyone across the organization."

Franchise Opportunities
Prospective franchisees are increasingly recognizing the strength of the Marco's Pizza opportunity, as Marco's Franchise Disclosure Document reports $1.3M AUV for the top 25% of franchised stores in 2024.* 

For more information Marco's Pizza franchise opportunities, visit https://www.marcos.com/franchising/ or contact Brad Smith at bradsmith@marcos.com or 419-279-5795. 

ABOUT MARCO'S PIZZA  
Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Marco's Pizza is one of the fastest-growing pizza brands in the United States. Marco's was founded in 1978 by Italian-born Pasquale ("Pat") Giammarco and thrives to deliver a high-quality pizza experience, known for its dough made from scratch and its three fresh signature cheeses. The company has grown from its roots as a beloved Ohio brand to operate over 1,200 stores in 35 states with locations in Puerto Rico, the Bahamas, and Mexico. Notably, Marco's was recognized as America's Favorite Restaurant in the Limited-Service Pizza category by Nation's Restaurant News using Technomic Ignite Consumer 2024 dataꝉꝉ. Other recent accolades include being recognized by QSR as one of the "16 Best Franchise Deals for 2025", ranking No. 49 on Entrepreneur Magazine's 2025 "Franchise 500" ranking, earning a coveted spot as the only top 5 pizza chain to rank on Newsweek's 2025 "America's Best Customer Service" in pizza chains list, earning a spot on QSR's Top 50, and being featured on Nation's Restaurant News' prestigious "Top 500" ranking.   

View source version at Marco’s Pizza