Executive Movements - May 2026
Shake Shack Appoints Michelle Hook as Chief Financial Officer
May 7, 2026 7:01 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Shake Shack Appoints Michelle Hook as Chief Financial Officer.
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Shake Shack Inc. ("Shake Shack" or the "Company") (NYSE:SHAK) today announced the appointment of Michelle Hook as the Company's Chief Financial Officer, effective May 11, 2026. Ms. Hook joins Shake Shack's executive leadership team and will be responsible for leading financial operations across the Company, including accounting and treasury, financial planning and analysis, tax, investor relations and external reporting.
Ms. Hook brings more than two decades of financial and operational leadership experience in the restaurant industry, with a proven track record of scaling growth companies and building high-performing teams.
“We are thrilled to welcome Michelle to the Shake Shack team,” said Rob Lynch, Chief Executive Officer of Shake Shack. “She brings deep restaurant industry expertise and significant public company experience to the role. I’m confident Michelle will be a valuable addition to our leadership team as we continue to advance our culture of Enlightened Hospitality and further strengthen our best-in-class finance organization on our path to 1,500 Company-operated Shacks.”
Ms. Hook joins Shake Shack from Portillo’s, where she served as Chief Financial Officer beginning in December 2020. In that role, she led finance, supply chain and information technology, helped take the company public in 2021, strengthened its financial infrastructure, built processes to support significant growth, and fostered transparent communication with the investment community. Previously, Ms. Hook spent more than 17 years at Domino’s Pizza, Inc., where she most recently served as Vice President of Finance for global FP&A and investor relations, and held various accounting and finance leadership positions. Earlier in her career, she worked at Arthur Andersen and held finance roles at Holcim. Ms. Hook holds an MBA from the University of Michigan and a B.A. in accounting from Michigan State University. She is a certified public accountant.
“I’ve long admired Shake Shack and the team’s disciplined approach to building a beloved brand,” said Michelle Hook. “The team’s ability to grow thoughtfully while keeping hospitality at the core of the business is a powerful driver of sustainable value and I am honored to contribute to its next chapter of growth.”
About Shake Shack
Shake Shack serves elevated versions of American classics using only the best ingredients. It’s known for its delicious made-to-order Angus beef burgers, crispy chicken, hand-spun milkshakes, house-made lemonades, beer, wine, and more. With its high-quality food at a great value, warm hospitality, and a commitment to crafting uplifting experiences, Shake Shack quickly became a cult-brand with widespread appeal. Shake Shack’s purpose is to Stand For Something Good®, from its premium ingredients and employee development to its inspiring designs and deep community investment. Since the original Shack opened in 2004 in NYC’s Madison Square Park, the Company has expanded to over 685 locations system-wide, including over 440 in 35 U.S. States and the District of Columbia, and over 245 international locations across London, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Mexico City, Istanbul, Dubai, Tokyo, Seoul and more.
Skip the line with the Shack App, a mobile ordering app that lets you save time by ordering ahead! Guests can select their location, pick their food, choose a pickup time and their meal will be cooked-to-order and timed to arrival. Available on iOS and Android.
Learn more: shakeshack.com | IG: @shakeshack | X: @shakeshack | facebook.com/shakeshack
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CEC Entertainment Names Chris Monroe as Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer
A seasoned finance executive with deep roots in restaurant and large-scale enterprise operations, Monroe brings a 30-year track record of capital markets leadership, transformational growth, and financial discipline.
May 07, 2026 11:01 ET
IRVING, Texas, May 07, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CEC Entertainment, LLC., the nationally recognized leader in family entertainment and dining with its Chuck E. Cheese, and Peter Piper Pizza brands, today announced the appointment of Chris Monroe as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Monroe brings more than 30 years of financial leadership experience across the restaurant, aviation, and defense sectors, and joins CEC at a moment of continued momentum and ambitious forward growth for the iconic brand.
Chris will be focused on optimizing the company’s many productive initiatives including memberships, fun passes, active play expansion, and maximizing growth-focused investments. He will oversee the Company’s finance functions, and real estate development teams. Monroe most recently served as Chief Financial Officer of Texas Roadhouse (TXRH), where he led all finance, treasury, FP&A, investor relations, tax, and risk management functions for the $12 billion market cap international restaurant chain with more than 750 locations. Prior to Texas Roadhouse, Monroe spent more than three decades at Southwest Airlines, ultimately serving as SVP of Finance, Treasurer, and Sustainability — one of the most complex and consequential treasury roles in the U.S. airline industry. Chris also brings board-level experience, having served as a Board and Audit Committee Member at Airborn Inc., a $280 million aerospace and defense ESOP.
“CEC Entertainment is a brand with extraordinary reach, a loyal guest base, and a leadership team that is executing with real intention,” said Chris Monroe. “The scale of this business — 600-plus locations across 18 countries, tens of millions of guest visits annually — is matched by the ambition of where this company is headed. I’m energized by the opportunity to bring my experience to bear on the next chapter of CEC’s growth story and help build a financial foundation that will support this brand for decades to come.”
“Chris is exactly the kind of executive we needed at this stage of our journey,” said Scott Drake, President and CEO of CEC Entertainment. “His combination of large-scale restaurant finance expertise, capital markets experience, and proven ability to drive operational performance through data and discipline makes him the right leader to partner with our team as we continue to invest in our brands, our guests, and our future. We are thrilled to welcome him to CEC.”
Monroe will be based at the CEC Entertainment corporate support center in Irving, Texas. He holds a BBA in Finance from Abilene Christian University. Chris and his wife of nearly 40 years, Kim have two grown children and a 19-month-old grandson who can't wait for his next adventure with Chuck E. Cheese!
About CEC Entertainment, LLC.
CEC Entertainment, LLC. is the nationally recognized leader in family entertainment and dining with its Chuck E. Cheese, and Peter Piper Pizza brands. As the largest Family Entertainment Center brand in the world, CEC operates a system of more than 600 locations across 18 countries and territories. Chuck E. Cheese is the place Where A Kid Can Be A Kid® — where half a million happy birthdays are celebrated each year and positive, lifelong memories are made through fun, food, and play. Since 2020, the Company has been executing one of the most aggressive brand transformations in family entertainment history, investing in technology, active play, and guest experience across its entire portfolio. For more information, visit chuckecheese.com, and peterpiperpizza.com.
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Restaurant365 Appoints Steve Demchuk as Chief Product Officer and Mark Grilli as Chief Marketing Officer
Apr 30, 2026, 09:00 ET
Two veteran software leaders join R365 as the company enters its next chapter of growth, innovation, and market expansion
IRVINE, Calif., April 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Restaurant365, the leading AI restaurant management platform, today announced the appointments of Steve Demchuk as Chief Product Officer and Mark Grilli as Chief Marketing Officer. These additions to the executive leadership team reinforce Restaurant365's commitment to delivering best-in-class solutions to restaurant operators.
"Steve and Mark each bring an innovative mind with experience and a track record of high impact results," said Restaurant365 CEO and Co-founder Tony Smith. "As we build on our leadership position in the AI back office category for restaurants, their combined strength in product and go-to-market will help us accelerate what matters most: giving operators a purpose-built platform that powers their profitability and growth."
Demchuk brings over 25 years of software engineering and product leadership experience, driving significant revenue growth and product innovation at high-growth companies including Nitric, Bonusly, Avoka (acquired by Temenos), and Rally Software (acquired by CA Technologies). With deep expertise in SaaS, fintech, cloud development, and organizational execution, Demchuk will lead R365's product strategy and engineering teams, ensuring the platform continues to meet the evolving needs of restaurant operators.
"Restaurant365 has built a platform that restaurant operators rely on every day to run their business. I'm passionate about building great teams who make products customers love, and I'm excited to do exactly that here as we deliver the next wave of innovation for our customers," said Demchuk.
Grilli brings more than 20 years of leadership experience across all aspects of software marketing, most recently serving as CMO of CommerceHub (now Rithum), the leading commerce operations platform. Prior to that, he led Product Marketing for Zendesk and the Document Cloud business unit at Adobe. In his new role, Grilli will lead Restaurant365's brand, demand generation, and go-to-market strategy.
"Restaurant365 is a category-defining platform with a passionate customer base and significant room to grow. I'm looking forward to building on the strong brand and market presence the team has established and helping even more restaurant operators discover how R365 can transform their business," said Grilli.
The appointments of Demchuk and Grilli further strengthen Restaurant365's leadership team as the company—backed by a rapidly growing customer base and accelerating market momentum—continues to invest in product innovation and position itself for the next level of growth.
About Restaurant365®
Restaurant365 is the AI platform restaurants trust to run a more profitable business by centralizing accounting, inventory, workforce management, and payroll. Purpose-built for the restaurant industry, R365 unifies operational and financial data to deliver insights and automation that help operators control food and labor costs, accelerate financial close, and reduce time spent on manual tasks. Restaurant365's connected ecosystem includes integrations with hundreds of leading POS systems, vendors, and banks for unmatched operational visibility and efficiency. The company is headquartered in Irvine, California, and is backed by Bessemer Venture Partners, ICONIQ, KKR, L Catterton, and Serent Capital. Additional information is available at restaurant365.com.
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Sweetgreen Names Ryan Slemons Chief Development Officer
Apr 30, 2026 9:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Ryan Slemons
LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sweetgreen, Inc. (NYSE: SG), the mission-driven, next-generation restaurant and lifestyle brand that serves healthy food at scale, today announced the appointment of Ryan Slemons as Chief Development Officer, effective May 4, 2026. Slemons will report directly to Co-Founder and CEO Jonathan Neman.
Slemons will lead all aspects of real estate, design, construction, facilities and portfolio management. He brings nearly two decades of experience in real estate, franchising and store development across various industries. Most recently, Slemons served as Chief Development Officer of Unleashed Brands, a portfolio of profitable franchise brands to help kids – including Urban Air Adventure Park, The Little Gym, Sylvan Learning Centers and more.
“Ryan brings a rare ability to design spaces that are deeply customer-focused, operationally thoughtful, and elevate the in-restaurant experience,” said Jonathan Neman, Co-Founder and CEO of Sweetgreen. “We’re thrilled to have him join us at such an important time for the Company. He will play a critical role as we continue our physical expansion, evolve our formats and design, and continue bringing real food to more communities across the country.”
Previously, Slemons was Vice President of Global Real Estate and Development at GameStop supporting up to 4,415 retail stores, as well as distribution centers and corporate offices. He also spent nearly eight years at Amazon leading retail execution for the first “Amazon Go” stores across the U.S. and supporting Amazon’s brick and mortar brands. Slemons also held roles at Starbucks where he managed a portfolio of 1,100 stores across the Pacific Northwest.
“I couldn’t be more proud to support Sweetgreen’s mission to connect people to real food in communities nationwide,” said Ryan Slemons. “There’s a unique opportunity to thoughtfully evolve how our spaces look, feel, and operate, creating environments that not only support our teams, but elevate the experience for every guest.”
About Sweetgreen:
Sweetgreen (NYSE: SG) is on a mission to build healthier communities by connecting people to real food. Sweetgreen sources the best quality ingredients from farmers and suppliers they trust to cook food from scratch that is both delicious and nourishing. They plant roots in each community by building a transparent supply chain, investing in local farmers and growers, and enhancing the total experience with innovative technology. Since opening its first 560-square-foot location in 2007, Sweetgreen has scaled to over 285 locations across the United States, and their vision is to lead the next generation of restaurants and lifestyle brands built on quality, community and innovation.
To learn more about Sweetgreen, its menu, and its loyalty program, visit www.Sweetgreen.com. Follow @Sweetgreen on Instagram, Facebook and X.
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Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. Appoints Mark Graff as Chief Financial Officer
Apr 29, 2026, 16:10 ET
ENGLEWOOD, Colo., April 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (NASDAQ: RRGB) today announced that it has appointed Mark Graff as Chief Financial Officer, effective May 4. Graff succeeds Chris Meyer, who joined the company as Interim Chief Financial Officer in December 2025.
"The appointment of Mark Graff represents an important step forward for our organization. With his experience in financial strategy and operational excellence, Mark will play a key role in shaping our future and advancing our strategic priorities," said Dave Pace, President and CEO of Red Robin. "We look forward to the leadership and perspective he will bring as we continue to execute on our First Choice Plan."
Pace added, "I also want to extend my sincere thanks to Chris Meyer for stepping out of retirement to serve in an interim capacity and for providing continuity and steady leadership to our finance team and the entire organization as we conducted a thorough search for the right long-term candidate."
With more than a decade at Bloomin' Brands, Graff brings deep financial expertise and direct operational leadership to Red Robin. Most recently, he served as President of Bonefish Grill and Fine Dining, where he led a $900M business across more than 220 restaurants. Over the course of his tenure at Bloomin' Brands, Graff held senior leadership roles across finance, strategy and investor relations, as well as leading global business development, capital planning and merger & acquisition initiatives. Earlier in his career, he worked at Deloitte Consulting and at Raymond James in investment banking. He holds a bachelor's degree from The Pennsylvania State University.
"I'm honored to join Red Robin and look forward to partnering with the leadership team to maintain a strong focus on the company's financial foundation, support its strategic priorities and drive sustainable, long-term growth," said Graff.
About Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (NASDAQ: RRGB)Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (www.redrobin.com), is a casual dining restaurant chain founded in 1969 that operates through its wholly owned subsidiary, Red Robin International, Inc., and under the trade name, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers and Brews. We believe nothing brings people together like burgers and fun around our table, and no one makes moments of connection over craveable food more memorable than Red Robin. We serve a variety of burgers and mainstream favorites to Guests of all ages in a casual, playful atmosphere. In addition to our many burger offerings, Red Robin serves a wide array of salads, appetizers, entrees, desserts, signature beverages and Donatos Pizza at select locations. It's easy to enjoy Red Robin anywhere with online ordering available for to-go, delivery and catering. Sign up for the royal treatment by joining Red Robin Royalty® today and enjoy Bottomless perks and delicious rewards across nearly 500 Red Robin locations in the United States and Canada, including those operating under franchise agreements. Red Robin… YUMMM®!
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Starbird Names Stefanie Lee Chief Financial Officer
April 28, 2026
Veteran finance executive joins super-premium chicken brand as it accelerates national expansion
San Francisco, CA (RestaurantNews.com) Starbird, the San Francisco-based chicken concept, has appointed Stefanie Lee as chief financial officer. The hire adds a seasoned financial executive to a leadership team that is rapidly building out as the brand continues its national expansion.
The appointment follows a series of momentum-building moves for Starbird, including the recent appointment of Greg Levin as chief executive officer, the signing of a 36-unit franchise development agreement in Texas – the largest in the brand’s history – and the addition of former Jersey Mike’s president Hoyt Jones as an advisor to the board of directors.
Lee joins Starbird with more than 18 years of finance and operations leadership across franchising, fitness and wellness, restaurants, retail and e-commerce, travel and sports. Most recently, she served as CFO of TITLE Boxing Club, the largest franchisor of boxing fitness studios in the United States, where she oversaw financial strategy and franchise economics ahead of a major national expansion.
Her career also includes senior finance roles at Dine Brands Global, Krispy Kreme, PADI, Cold Stone Creamery and other globally recognized brands, giving her direct experience with both publicly traded and private equity-backed companies at scale. Her experience spans franchise and multi-unit restaurant environments, supporting both franchisors and franchisees and bringing a practical lens on unit-level performance and broader brand strategy.
“As we enter our next phase of growth, having the right financial leadership in place is essential,” said Greg Levin, chief executive officer of Starbird. “Stefanie brings a rare combination of franchise finance expertise and operational depth that will strengthen our foundation and give our franchise partners the confidence they need to grow with us. She’s exactly the kind of leader this moment calls for.”
In her new role, Lee will lead all aspects of Starbird’s finance function, including financial planning and analysis, budgeting and forecasting, revenue analytics, pricing strategy, accounting and board reporting. She will also partner closely with operations and franchise leadership to support sustainable unit economics as Starbird grows beyond its California home market.
“I’ve spent my career at the intersection of finance, franchising and operations, and Starbird is exactly the kind of brand I’ve wanted to be part of,” Lee said. “The quality of the concept, the strength of the leadership team and the opportunities in front of us are genuinely compelling. I look forward to building the financial infrastructure that will carry this brand to the next level.”
Founded in San Francisco in 2016, Starbird has built its reputation over nearly a decade of intentional, California-first growth before launching its national franchise program. With franchise agreements now in place across Texas, Washington, Utah, Colorado, Illinois and other markets, Starbird is entering a new chapter of growth anchored by a deepened leadership bench.
To learn more about the brand and/or franchising with Starbird, please visit StarbirdChicken.com and StarbirdFranchising.com, email franchising@starbirdchicken.com or contact 866-327-4779.
About Starbird
Founded in San Francisco in 2016, Starbird is a super-premium fast food brand serving Positively Delicious Chicken® through a modern, thoughtfully designed dining experience that blends hospitality, culinary craft and a smart use of technology. The brand’s menu features signature crispy chicken across salads, tenders, sandwiches, wings, and nuggets – made with bold flavors, high-quality ingredients, house made sauces and a focus on consistency and execution.
Starbird was founded by restaurant entrepreneur Aaron Noveshen through his firm, The Culinary Edge, with a vision to bring higher quality food and thoughtful hospitality to quick-service dining. Built upon pillars of culinary innovation, and operational excellence, Starbird has established a differentiated position within the $34 billion U.S. chicken category. Today, the brand operates 19 locations and continues to expand into new markets.
Starbird’s fresh, chef-driven approach has earned widespread industry recognition, including being named Nation’s Restaurant News’ Chicken Showdown winner in 2023, appearing on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers for nine consecutive years (ranking #7 in 2025), and landing on Restaurant Business/Technomic’s Future 50 list. Starbird has also been featured in QSR’s Best Brands to Work For in 2025.
For more information, go to StarbirdChicken.com, or follow the brand on Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
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Chipotle Taps Award-Winning Fernando Machado as Chief Brand Officer
Apr 27, 2026, 16:10 ET
Appoints Arlie Sisson to newly formed Chief Digital Officer role to accelerate innovation efforts tied to Recipe for Growth strategy
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced it has appointed Fernando Machado, one of the world's most innovative CMOs, as Chief Brand Officer, effective June 1. In this role, Machado will lead the company's global marketing strategy, brand positioning and customer engagement efforts as Chipotle continues to execute its Recipe for Growth strategy, driving innovation and expanding its global footprint.
Machado spent over seven years as the Chief Marketing Officer at Restaurant Brands International (RBI) across brands like Burger King, Popeyes and Tim Hortons, where he received global recognition for his industry-leading campaigns. He also spent 18 years at Unilever in a series of executive leadership roles across its consumer brand portfolio. In addition, Machado was Chief Marketing Officer at Activision Blizzard, where he spearheaded marketing strategy across its portfolio of major gaming franchises. He currently serves as an Operating Partner at Garnett Station Partners (GSP), a private equity firm focused on franchise, multi-unit and services businesses.
"We are thrilled to welcome Fernando to Chipotle's leadership team," said Scott Boatwright, Chief Executive Officer. "His proven track record in building iconic brands, driving category-defining innovation, and leading customer-centric marketing strategies positions him to elevate our brand, deepen guest loyalty, highlight the value of our real food, and accelerate our long-term growth."
Machado added, "Chipotle has built one of the most distinctive and culturally relevant brands in the industry, and I look forward to building on that strong foundation through authentic storytelling, focused product development, and meaningful guest experiences."
Machado, Ad Age's 2020 CMO of the Year and a Forbes Top 3 Most Influential CMO globally, has a proven track record with numerous accolades for his breakthrough and innovative marketing campaigns. He holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP) and an MBA from INSEAD Business School. He also serves on the board of Braze, the comprehensive customer engagement platform connecting brands and consumers.
Fueling digital growth To accelerate its approach to technology and innovation, Chipotle named Arlie Sisson as Chief Digital Officer, reporting to Curt Garner, President, Chief Strategy and Technology Officer. Most recently, Sisson served as Senior Vice President, Global Head of Digital, Commercial Services at Hyatt Hotels, where she led a global organization across product, design, engineering, loyalty, analytics, digital strategy and more. Before Hyatt, Sisson was the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of UpPurpose, a privately funded, software-as-a-service (SaaS) company she built from the ground up. Prior to that, she held senior leadership roles at Condé Nast and Marriott (Starwood) Hotels, where she helped drive digital revenue growth and led mobile strategy initiatives.
Garner stated: "Sisson is a proven leader with a deep understanding of how technology can elevate both the guest and team member experience. In this newly established role, she will help advance our digital strategy, grow loyalty, strengthen how we operate across our restaurants, and unlock new opportunities to innovate at scale. Sisson's leadership will be instrumental as we continue to evolve our capabilities, drive greater efficiency, and deliver best-in-class technology that supports our teams and enhances every interaction with our brand."
"I'm thrilled to join Chipotle at such a dynamic moment in its journey," added Sisson. "The brand's commitment to real ingredients, operational excellence, and a differentiated guest experience creates a powerful foundation for continued digital advancement. I look forward to partnering with our teams to introduce new solutions that drive long-term growth."
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 4,000 restaurants as of December 31, 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.
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Freddy's Strengthens Development Leadership Team with Two Key Executive Appointments
Apr 27, 2026, 09:57 ET
Fast-casual brand adds two seasoned leaders to support continued strategic expansion
Vice President of Business Development Rafik Farouk brings decades of experience in restaurant operations and growth
Vice President of Franchise Sales Jackie Lobdell adds deep expertise in franchise development, sales and marketing
WICHITA, Kan., April 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers ("Freddy's") – the fast-casual restaurant concept known for its steakburgers, shoestring fries and frozen custard treats – is strengthening its development team as the brand continues to build on its strategic growth momentum. Rafik Farouk has joined as Vice President of Business Development, and Jackie Lobdell has been named Vice President of Franchise Sales.
Rafik Farouk has joined Freddy's as Vice President of Business Development. As Vice President of Business Development, Farouk will play a key role in driving Freddy’s expansion across both new and existing markets. For information on franchising opportunities with Freddy’s, visit freddysfranchising.com.
Jackie Lobdell has been named Vice President of Franchise Sales of Freddy's. Lobdell’s primary focus as Vice President of Franchise Sales will be on identifying prospective franchisees and guiding them through the discovery process as Freddy’s expands its footprint. For information on franchising opportunities with Freddy’s, visit freddysfranchising.com.
As Freddy's approaches 600 restaurants, the addition of these experienced leaders reinforces the team driving the brand's expansion. Together, Farouk and Lobdell bring more than four decades of restaurant industry experience, adding significant depth to Freddy's development bench.
"Freddy's is entering an exciting phase of growth, and Rafik and Jackie are two important additions to our development team," said Andrew Thengvall, Freddy's Chief Development Officer and Chief Legal Officer. "Each brings a powerful combination of industry knowledge, strategic insight and proven development expertise. Rafik and Jackie will enhance our ability to grow thoughtfully, attract the right franchise partners and unlock new opportunities for Freddy's."
New Avenues for Development As Vice President of Business Development, Farouk will play a key role in driving Freddy's expansion across both new and existing markets. Farouk has nearly 30 years of experience leading both restaurant operations and franchise development strategies, with a focus on global growth. His operational and development background will be instrumental as Freddy's continues to expand into new channels and build on its recent international debut.
"Freddy's has a strong foundation with a clear vision and significant room for growth," said Farouk. "I'm excited to join the team and help advance opportunities that will broaden the brand's reach while preserving the core qualities that make Freddy's so compelling to franchisees and memorable for guests."
Supporting Franchise Growth Lobdell's primary focus as Vice President of Franchise Sales will be on identifying prospective franchisees and guiding them through the discovery process as Freddy's expands its footprint. She brings a strong, 10-year background in franchise development within the restaurant sector, complemented by earlier experience in advertising and marketing, giving her a well-rounded perspective on franchise recruitment and engagement.
"Freddy's has built a powerful reputation highlighted by its differentiated franchise opportunity and a timeless brand story that truly resonates," said Lobdell. "I look forward to introducing franchise candidates to Freddy's and helping drive this next chapter of growth."
Freddy's has built a foundation around its commitment to quality and genuine hospitality, offering made-to-order steakburgers, shoestring fries, and frozen custard treats in a warm, family-friendly atmosphere. The brand is actively seeking single and multi-unit franchisees. For information on franchising opportunities with Freddy's, visit freddysfranchising.com.
ABOUT FREDDY'S FROZEN CUSTARD & STEAKBURGERS Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is a leading fast-casual franchise concept with over 580 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Wichita, Kansas, in 2002, the brand offers a unique combination of cooked-to-order steakburgers, all-beef hot dogs, shoestring fries and other savory items, along with freshly churned frozen custard treats. Known for operating The Freddy's Way, Guests experience genuine hospitality and food prepared fresh with premium ingredients. This signature approach has fueled Freddy's ongoing growth throughout the U.S. and garnered national recognition from industry-leading rankings, including being named No. 60 on Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers + Shakers, No. 85 on Entrepreneur's Franchise 500, No. 60 on Technomic's Top 500 and No. 7 on Yelp's 50 Fastest Growing Brands. For more on Freddy's, visit the Newsroom and follow us on Facebook and Instagram. For more information about development opportunities, visit https://freddysfranchising.com/.
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Mountain Mike’s Pizza Names Ryan Lulow Chief Financial Officer
April 27, 2026
Fast-growing Pizza Franchise Chain Expands C-Suite with Promotion of Finance V.P.
Irvine, CA (RestaurantNews.com) Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading family-style pizza chain for nearly 50 years, and home of the legendary crispy, curly pepperoni®, massive 20-inch Mountain-sized pizzas and dough made fresh daily, has appointed Ryan Lulow as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Previously, Lulow served as Mountain Mike’s Controller in 2020 and was promoted to Vice President of Finance in 2021, strengthening the brand’s financial reporting and forecasting, identifying opportunities to expand margins and supporting system growth.
“Since joining Mountain Mike’s, Ryan has been instrumental to our nationwide growth, optimizing profitability across supply chains, operations, marketing and beyond,” said Jim Metevier, Chief Executive Officer of Mountain Mike’s Pizza. “As Mountain Mike’s continues to surpass growth objectives, Ryan’s business acumen and ambition will help to maintain our financial momentum by identifying cost-saving opportunities, enhancing operations and cultivating interest among potential franchisees.”
Lulow’s many contributions as Vice President of Finance include bolstering Mountain Mike’s financial foundation while focusing sharply on franchisee success. He has elevated the brand’s financial reporting and forecasting capabilities, improving visibility into key profitability drivers at the unit level, and he partnered closely with operations to identify opportunities to expand restaurant-level margins. Lulow also worked closely with franchise development partners to support disciplined system growth, ensuring brand initiatives and expansion efforts remained aligned with long-term brand health, franchisee returns and sustained performance in a dynamic industry.
As CFO, Lulow will focus on enhancing franchisee profitability and driving sustainable, systemwide growth through a disciplined, franchisee-first approach. He will oversee all financial functions, including strategic planning, budgeting, forecasting and capital allocation, with an emphasis on data-driven decision-making and operational alignment. Over the next year, Lulow will lead key initiatives aimed at improving unit-level economics and efficiency, including refining promotional and loyalty strategies to better balance traffic and margin, identifying cost-saving supply chain opportunities without compromising product quality and supporting strategic regional expansion with a focus on strong site selection and ROI discipline.
“I’m honored to grow alongside the well-respected Mountain Mike’s Pizza brand, and I’m excited by the opportunities ahead as Chief Financial Officer to invest in promotional, operational and unit progression that support franchisee wins,” said Lulow. “Mountain Mike’s deep and unrelenting commitment to product quality, franchisee success and guest satisfaction is a cornerstone of the brand’s identity, and I look forward to building on that legacy with financial transparency, discipline and innovation.”
With nearly 330 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 nearly 330 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.
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CAVA Announces the Retirement of Karen Kochevar from the Board
Apr 21, 2026 4:10 PM Eastern Daylight Time
WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Karen Kochevar has informed the Company that she will retire from the Board upon the expiration of her current term and will not stand for re-election at the 2026 Annual Meeting.
Ms. Kochevar’s decision is consistent with the Board’s ongoing succession planning process and reflects her intention to conclude ten years of service on the board, including service during the Company’s transition from a privately held company to a publicly traded company. Ms. Kochevar has been a valued member of the Board and has made significant contributions to the Company during a period of substantial growth and development.
Brett Schulman, Co-Founder and CEO, stated, "We thank Karen for her long service on our Board and her guidance during a period of tremendous growth and change. We are profoundly grateful for Karen's service and her contributions over the years."
About CAVA Group:
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.
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Taco John's Appoints Ian Poole as VP/Development to Accelerate Franchise Growth
Apr 21, 2026, 09:05 ET
Seasoned Restaurant Leader Joins Leading Mexican Quick-Service Concept as Company Bolsters Investment in Franchise Development
ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn., April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Taco John's®, a leading Mexican quick-service restaurant, bolsters its leadership team, naming Ian Poole as VP/Development. An experienced business development and franchising leader, Poole brings nearly 20 years of experience driving growth for leading restaurant and franchise brands.
Poole will focus on supporting Taco John's expansion and enhancing franchisee success.
A Strategic Appointment to Invest in Development Prior to joining Taco John's, Poole served as Vice President of Development for Subway, where he led the North American development team and oversaw franchise sales, real estate, construction & design, equipment, business operations, and leasing for over 22,000 restaurants. He has also played a key role in expanding brands including Dunkin' and Planet Fitness. In his role, Poole will focus on supporting Taco John's expansion and enhancing franchisee success through improvements across onboarding, real estate, and construction.
"Taco John's has built a strong foundation with a clear commitment to franchisee support, and I'm eager to help accelerate the brand's expansion momentum," said Ian Poole, VP/Development of Taco John's. "Stepping into this role, my goal is to expand Taco John's footprint in an intentional, sustainable way, delivering streamlined end-to-end support for every owner in our network. We're creating a system for both new and existing franchisees to scale with confidence, and looking ahead, I am excited for the growth that's to come and the opportunities ahead for the brand."
Bringing previous experience as a franchisee with Burger King, Popeyes, and Arby's with Ambrosia QSR, Poole is a passionate and collaborative leader, focused on strengthening franchise partnerships across the system.
"Ian's addition to the team is a landmark appointment as we continue to strengthen our franchisee development systems and path to ownership," said Heather Neary, President and CEO of Taco John's. "His perspective as both an executive and franchisee offer invaluable insights into how we can continue to enhance our foundation to ensure each franchisee is set up for success. As we continue to build off the momentum from last year's operational investments, we are excited to have Ian's expertise and support on the team."
Taco John's Doubles Down on Franchisee Support After a year of foundational headway, Taco John's entered 2026 poised for data-driven expansion. With an intentional investment in the brand's Path to Ownership process, franchisees are gaining access to a network of expanded support, succession planning, and ongoing systemwide communication. The brand has also identified expansion into non-traditional formats as a key growth pillar, with plans to pilot locations alongside experienced operators to validate performance and expand responsibly.
Looking ahead, franchisees will benefit from optimized menus tailored for smaller footprints, simplified labor and production models, performance standards designed for high-traffic environments, and targeted marketing strategies for non-traditional locations. This scaled-footprint strategy opens the door to high-demand locations with lower capital investment while complementing Taco John's traditional development pipeline.
Taco John's remains committed to strengthening its development infrastructure and enhancing the systems that support franchisee success, offering a compelling investment for entrepreneurs seeking to diversify their portfolios with a proven business concept.
With more than 325 locations across 21 states, Taco John's sees strong growth potential in the Upper Midwest and Rocky Mountain regions, providing both new and multi-unit operators with tailored support to scale profitably and sustainably.
Prospective franchisees are taking note of the business opportunity, as the Taco John's Franchise Disclosure Document reports an AUV of $1,889,495* for the top 25% of freestanding restaurants with drive-thru.
For more information about Taco John's franchise opportunities, please visit https://tacojohnsfranchise.com/ or contact Jenna Leichty at jleichty@tacojohns.com.
About Taco John's® Welcome to the Frontier of West-Mex™—a land for wide-open appetites, where classic American comfort meets the bold spice and flavor of Mexican-inspired cuisine. With more than 325 restaurants in 21 states, Taco John's® has spent more than 55 years crafting made-to-order favorites with quality ingredients, house-made Pico de Gallo, crispy corn shells and tortilla chips fried fresh in-store daily, and originals you won't find anywhere else—like hot, crispy Potato Olés® and the award-winning Taco Bravo®, recently named the best fast food taco in America**. Founded in 1969 in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Taco John's has earned recognition from Entrepreneur and QSR Magazine as one of the nation's top chains to watch. Learn more at TacoJohns.com and follow Taco John's on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.
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Ford's Garage Names Kathleen Bush Chief Marketing Officer, Promotes David Ragosa to Chief Development Officer
Apr 21, 2026, 08:02 ET
Strategic leadership appointments position brand for continued national expansion
TAMPA, Fla., April 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ford's Garage, the vintage-inspired burger and craft beer restaurant known for its classic American comfort food and nostalgic automotive décor, announced the appointment of Kathleen Bush as Chief Marketing Officer, alongside the promotion of David Ragosa to Chief Development Officer. These strategic leadership moves further strengthen the brand's executive team as it continues its national expansion, with plans to open six new locations in 2026.
David Ragosa, newly promoted Chief Development Officer at Ford’s Garage, will lead franchise growth and expansion efforts as the brand accelerates its national footprint in 2026.
Kathleen Bush joins Ford’s Garage as Chief Marketing Officer, bringing two decades of experience to lead brand strategy, marketing and guest engagement as the company expands nationwide.
Bush brings two decades of experience leading impactful marketing and communications initiatives for some of the world's most recognized restaurants, automotive and consumer brands. In her new role, she will oversee all aspects of brand strategy, marketing, communications, digital engagement, and guest experience for Ford's Garage.
Ragosa, who leads franchising and development efforts, brings extensive experience in scaling restaurant brands through strategic franchise growth and market expansion. His leadership will play a key role in driving Ford's Garage's continued momentum across new and existing markets.
"We are thrilled to welcome Kathleen to Ford's Garage and to recognize David's expanded leadership role at such an exciting time for our brand," said Billy Downs, President of Ford's Garage. "Kathleen's deep expertise across the restaurant industry, combined with her strategic mindset and proven ability to drive brand growth, and David's strong track record in franchising and development, position us well to accelerate our expansion and strengthen our connection with guests nationwide."
Bush most recently served as Vice President of Marketing and Brand Development at Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., where she led brand-building and traffic-driving initiatives for the nearly 500-unit concept, overseeing brand strategy, digital transformation, media and national philanthropic partnerships. Previously, she held senior leadership roles across the restaurant industry, including Senior Vice President at ICR, Vice President of Marketing at Torchy's Tacos and Vice President of Communications at California Pizza Kitchen, where she led large-scale brand initiatives. She began her career in automotive communications and at CKE Restaurants, parent of Carl's Jr. and Hardee's.
"I'm incredibly excited to join Ford's Garage and be part of an emerging brand that blends such a distinctive guest experience with strong growth potential," said Bush. "There's a real opportunity to build on what makes this brand so special – craveable food, genuine hospitality and an experience that's uniquely Ford's Garage – to deepen our connection with guests in new and meaningful ways."
Bush is an active industry leader, serving on the Women in Restaurant Leadership Advisory Board and on the national board of Blessings in a Backpack, a nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting childhood hunger. She holds a Master of Science degree from the University of Oxford and dual Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Southern California.
In his new role, Ragosa will oversee franchise development strategy, working to expand Ford's Garage's footprint through new partnerships and market opportunities. His noteworthy career includes serving as Director of Franchising at Inspire Brands, where he led franchising efforts for Arby's and Sonic. He also supported growth across additional Inspire Brands concepts including Jimmy John's, Buffalo Wild Wings and Rusty Taco.
Ford's Garage continues to experience strong growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for its immersive dining experience and differentiated brand positioning. With a robust development pipeline and a focus on strategic franchising, the company is well-positioned to expand its national presence and bring its unique concept to new markets across the country.
About Ford's Garage Founded in 2012 in downtown Fort Myers, Fla., just minutes from Henry Ford's winter estate, Ford's Garage is a distinctive, vintage auto-themed restaurant brand inspired by a 1920s service station. The concept blends immersive design with a chef-driven menu featuring prime burgers, elevated comfort food, and a full bar. Known for its energetic atmosphere rooted in genuine hospitality, Ford's Garage is an Official Licensee of the Ford Motor Company and operates 34 locations across eight states. For more information, visit www.fordsgarageusa.com.
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Fogo de Chão Announces Retirement of Chief Financial Officer Anthony “Tony” D. Laday
April 17, 2026 09:00 ET
DALLAS, April 17, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fogo de Chão, the internationally renowned restaurant from Brazil known for its elevated churrasco dining experience, today announced that Tony Laday, Chief Financial Officer, has decided to retire after a distinguished career.
Tony has served as Chief Financial Officer since April 2014, overseeing Finance, Accounting, Supply Chain, Treasury, Investor Relations, and Technology. His retirement marks the culmination of a 12-year tenure during which he played a critical role in shaping Fogo’s financial and operational foundation and guiding the company through a period of significant growth and transformation. At Fogo Tony helped lead the company through its initial public offering and, more recently, its successful transition to a private ownership structure in partnership with Bain Capital.
“Tony has been an extraordinary partner and leader during some of the most important chapters in Fogo’s history,” said Barry McGowan, Chief Executive Officer of Fogo de Chão. “His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the company’s financial discipline, supporting expansion, and positioning the brand for long-term value creation. From our IPO to our transition to private ownership, his steady guidance, strategic insight, and deep commitment to the business have left a lasting impact on our organization. We are incredibly grateful for his contributions and wish him all the best in this next chapter.”
Prior to joining Fogo de Chão, Tony served as Vice President of Finance, Treasurer, and Investor Relations at Brinker International from 2010 to 2013, where he previously held the role of Senior Director of Financial Planning and Analysis from 2007 to 2010.
Tony will remain with Fogo through a transition period to ensure continuity. Fogo has initiated a formal search for its next Chief Financial Officer.
“I am deeply grateful for my time at Fogo de Chão and proud of what we’ve accomplished,” said Laday. “It has been a privilege to work alongside such a talented team and to help guide the company through meaningful growth and transformation. I look forward to seeing Fogo continue to build on this strong foundation in the years ahead.”
For more information about Fogo de Chão, visit fogo.com.
About Fogo de Chão
Fogo de Chão (fogo-dee-shown) is a 46-year-old internationally renowned restaurant from Brazil that elevates the culinary art of churrasco – the art of roasting high-quality cuts of meat over an open flame – into a cultural dining experience. Fogo is famed for its prix fixe Full Churrasco Experience that offers a continuous selection of high-quality proteins butchered daily by gaucho chefs, simply seasoned and grilled to create a craveable salty bark, then carved tableside. The nutrient-dense Market Table offers a selection of wholesome seasonal salads, charcuterie, exotic fruit, superfoods and more. From celebratory to everyday occasions, Fogo provides selections for every daypart, including All-Day Happy Hour at Bar Fogo, Weekday Lunch, Dinner, and Weekend Brazilian Brunch. Guests can enhance their experience with offerings ranging from a shareable Wagyu New York Strip, South American wines, and more. For locations and to book a reservation to experience the fire of Fogo, visit fogo.com.
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