Executive Movements - September 2026
Einstein Bros. Bagels Expands C-Suite, Cementing Category Leadership
Sep 15, 2026, 09:19 ET
Three industry leaders join to drive growth and culture as the brand accelerates expansion
DENVER, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Einstein Bros. Bagels, America's largest retail bagel chain, has strengthened its executive leadership team with three strategic appointments: Chief Development Officer Patrick Waldron, Chief People Officer Shawna Fehrman-Lee and Chief Financial Officer Will Evans.
The appointments bring proven leadership experience from high-growth global brands that will help Einstein Bros. Bagels advance its development, people and financial strategies as the brand plans to open 300 bakeries over the next three years.
"Patrick, Shawna and Will are accomplished leaders who understand how to scale complex organizations while keeping people, operational discipline and long-term value at the center of the work," said Jessica DePetro, CEO of Einstein Bros. Bagels. "Their complementary expertise strengthens an already exceptional leadership team and gives us the depth to grow thoughtfully, invest in our teams and bring Einstein Bros. to more communities nationwide."
Waldron brings more than 15 years of experience with organizations including Amazon, Whole Foods Market and JLL. Most recently, he served as director of business operations, worldwide retail growth and development for Amazon's Worldwide Grocery business, where he helped build the Amazon Fresh real estate organization from the ground up, supported the opening of more than 60 Amazon Fresh stores and led the rollout of new Whole Foods Market formats.
As CDO at Einstein Bros., Waldron will lead development and partner closely with leaders across the business to drive disciplined expansion, modernize development processes and identify innovative opportunities that deliver long-term value as the brand pushes toward the 1,000-bakery mark.
Fehrman-Lee joins Einstein Bros. Bagels following nearly a decade at HelloFresh, where she served as global vice president of people, leading talent and transformation across 16 international markets and supporting a workforce of more than 20,000 employees.
At Einstein Bros., Fehrman-Lee will lead the work to develop and execute a people strategy that supports the company's next phase of growth. Her appointment reflects the brand's commitment to strengthening its culture and helping team members thrive as the organization expands.
Evans brings extensive financial leadership experience across the restaurant, consumer and investment sectors. He began his career in public accounting at EY before joining Zoës Kitchen, where he supported the company through its initial public offering. He subsequently spent three years with a private equity firm, investing in and supporting multiple restaurant concepts, before serving as CFO at La Colombe and most recently as CFO of Alvarado Restaurant Nation.
As CFO at Einstein Bros., Evans will oversee the company's financial strategy and operations, helping build the disciplined, insight-driven foundation needed to support sustainable growth and long-term performance.
The appointments come as Einstein Bros. continues to strengthen its position as the country's leading bagel company in a U.S. bagel market valued at approximately $5.8 billion.
About Einstein Bros.® Bagels
Einstein Bros.® Bagels has been seeing bagels differently since 1995, growing from a single concept into America's largest retail bagel chain and one of its fastest growing. Known for endless combinations of fresh-baked bagels and premium double-whipped cream cheese shmear, Einstein Bros. has been the go-to breakfast destination for millions of Americans over the past 30 years. With a full menu of breakfast and lunch sandwiches, handcrafted coffee, espresso, sweets and catering, Einstein Bros. Bagels operates more than 700 locations throughout the United States with plans to run more than 1,000 by 2030. Einstein Bros. Bagels is part of Panera Brands, one of the nation's largest fast-casual restaurant companies, comprising Panera Bread®, Caribou Coffee® and Einstein Bros. Bagels. To learn more, visit www.einsteinbros.com.
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Chipotle Appoints Sabir Sami to Its Board of Directors
Sep 14, 2026, 16:36 ET
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG) today announced a new addition to its board of directors, Sabir Sami, effective immediately.
Sabir Sami brings more than 30 years of global consumer and restaurant industry experience, including 16 years at Yum! Brands Inc., where he held a series of senior leadership roles across KFC, Taco Bell and Habit Burger & Grill. Most recently, Mr. Sami served as chief executive officer of KFC from January 2022 to February 2025, with global responsibility for the brand's strategy and performance and reporting directly to the chief executive officer of Yum! Brands. Previously, he served as KFC's chief operating officer and managing director of KFC Asia, leading the brand's global operations team while overseeing markets across Thailand, India, Central Asia and Greater Asia. Mr. Sami also served as managing director of KFC's Middle East, North Africa, Pakistan and Turkey markets. During his tenure at Yum! Brands, he held leadership roles across all three of the company's brands, including serving as general manager of Yum! Canada and in general manager roles for KFC's Canada and Turkey businesses. Before joining Yum! Brands in 2009, Mr. Sami held various leadership roles at Procter & Gamble, The Coca-Cola Co. and Reckitt Benckiser.
In addition to his role at Chipotle, Mr. Sami serves as a director of Sami Advisory, a business consulting firm he founded in August 2025. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Save the Children Canada. Mr. Sami holds an MBA from the University of Karachi in Pakistan.
"I'm thrilled to join Chipotle's Board at such an exciting time for the company. With an iconic brand and global fanfare, Chipotle has an immense opportunity to bring its craveable menu to more guests around the world. I look forward to helping the company realize its significant potential."
With the change announced today, Chipotle's Board of Directors will be composed of 11 directors, 10 of whom are independent. Mr. Sami brings significant global restaurant industry and operational expertise to the board. The board remains committed to ongoing refreshment and will continue to evaluate highly qualified independent director candidates who bring relevant experience and perspectives aligned with Chipotle's long-term strategy.
"Sabir brings deep restaurant operating expertise and a proven track record leading brands across international markets," said Scott Maw, Chairman. "That experience will be invaluable as we scale Chipotle with intention, strengthen our operations and expand access to our brand around the world."
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 4,200 restaurants as of June 30, 2026, 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 the United States, Canada and Europe. With nearly 140,000 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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GoTo Foods Names Lucy Brady President of Jamba®, Expands Leadership Across Portfolio
Sep 14, 2026, 08:00 ET
Former Conagra Brands President and McDonald's executive Lucy Brady joins GoTo Foods to lead Jamba, alongside new leadership appointments for Moe's Southwest Grill, Cinnabon and Carvel
ATLANTA, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- GoTo Foods, parent company of Auntie Anne's®, Carvel®, Cinnabon®, Jamba®, McAlister's Deli®, Moe's Southwest Grill® and Schlotzsky's Deli®, today announced the appointment of Lucy Brady as President of Jamba, along with expanded leadership roles across several other brands and core business functions.
The leadership appointments include:
Lucy Brady, who joined GoTo Foods as President of Jamba on September 8.
Lucy Brady, who joined GoTo Foods as President of Jamba on September 8.
Nathan Baldwin, President of Auntie Anne's, who is expanding his role to President of Specialty Brands, now also overseeing Cinnabon, Carvel and Co-Brands.
Francisco Bram, Chief Growth Officer, who has also been named President of Moe's Southwest Grill.
Biplav Misra, who has been named Chief Digital & Technology Officer, formally adding Technology to his existing oversight of Digital.
"These appointments come at an important time for GoTo Foods as we reinforce our commitment to best serve our customers and partner closely with our franchisees across the portfolio," said Omer Gajial, Chief Executive Officer of GoTo Foods. "Strengthening our leadership structure will create greater organizational agility and allow us to remain focused on what matters most: growing category-leading brands, supporting franchisee success, and delivering experiences that keep guests coming back."
Lucy Brady Named President of Jamba
Brady will lead Jamba's strategy and operations, partnering closely with franchisees and restaurant teams to strengthen the core business, deepen guest relevance and unlock new avenues for sustainable growth. She brings extensive experience leading and transforming large consumer businesses, most recently as President of Grocery & Snacks at Conagra Brands, where she led a $5 billion portfolio of more than 60 brands. Earlier in her career at McDonald's, Brady held senior leadership roles spanning strategy, innovation, and digital customer experience, where she played a key role in the company's transformation and helped build major growth platforms including MyMcDonald's Rewards, McDelivery and digital ordering.
"Jamba is one of those rare brands that is instantly recognizable," said Lucy Brady, President of Jamba. "I am excited to work alongside our brand, franchisee and restaurant teams to make Jamba even more relevant to today's guests, expand the occasions we serve and deliver an exceptional experience every time."
Nathan Baldwin Appointed President of Specialty Brands
Baldwin, who has been leading the Auntie Anne's brand since he joined GoTo Foods in 2025, has been named President of Specialty Brands and will be assuming responsibility for Cinnabon, Carvel and GoTo Foods' Co-Brands strategy. Drawing on more than 25 years of restaurant industry experience, his expanded role brings together brands with complementary operating models, physical footprints and development opportunities, in order to create greater potential to delight guests and improve franchisee profitability.
Francisco Bram Named President of Moe's Southwest Grill
Bram will lead Moe's Southwest Grill while continuing to serve as Chief Growth Officer of GoTo Foods, overseeing enterprise growth functions that include loyalty, marketing, consumer research, analytics, PR and social media. A central priority will be advancing the ongoing reimagination of Moe's brand positioning and how that comes to life for the guest through menu and restaurant experience, plus the broader franchisee growth strategy. Bram brings more than 17 years of experience in brand strategy, digital marketing and customer growth to the Moe's brand, including previous leadership roles at Chewy, Albertsons Companies, Uber and Siemens.
Biplav Misra Expands Role to Chief Digital & Technology Officer
Misra's expanded role brings GoTo Foods' Technology function, which he has overseen on an interim basis for the past several months, under his existing Digital and Off-Premise responsibilities. Bringing Digital, Technology and Off-Premise together under one leader will help GoTo Foods build and deploy technology faster, making it easier for guests and franchisees to engage across all seven brands. Misra brings more than 20 years of experience scaling digital businesses, ecommerce platforms and enterprise technologies, including previous leadership roles at Albertsons Companies and Amazon.
About GoTo Foods
Atlanta-based company GoTo Foods (formerly known as Focus Brands) is a leading developer of global multi-channel foodservice brands. As of June 28, 2026, GoTo Foods, through its affiliate brands, is the franchisor and operator of over 7,500 restaurants, cafes, ice cream shoppes and bakeries in all 50 states and in 72 countries and territories under the Auntie Anne's®, Carvel®, Cinnabon®, Jamba®, Moe's Southwest Grill®, McAlister's Deli® and Schlotzsky's Deli® brand names, as well as the Seattle's Best Coffee® brand on certain military bases and in certain international markets. The iconic GoTo Foods brands benefit from strong enterprise growth engines, including marketing, digital, technology and franchise sales & development to propel growth and brand performance. Please visit www.gotofoods.com and connect with us on LinkedIn to learn more.
GoTo Foods is proud to be Certified™ by Great Place To Work®, the most definitive "employer-of-choice" recognition, and the only recognition based entirely on what employees report about their workplace experience for the second consecutive year.
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BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. Appoints Christopher W. Brandt and James D. White to its Board of Directors
September 09, 2026 16:30 ET
HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., Sept. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ: BJRI) today announced the appointment of Christopher W. Brandt and James D. White to the Company’s Board of Directors as independent directors, effective September 3, 2026. Mr. Brandt will serve as a member of the Governance and Nominating Committee, and Mr. White will serve as a member of the Compensation Committee of the Board. The appointment of Messers. Brandt and White brings the total number of the Company’s board members to ten.
Mr. Brandt is an experienced business leader and former senior executive of Chipotle Mexican Grill, where he served as President, Chief Brand Officer, and Chief Marketing Officer from 2018 to 2026. Prior to joining Chipotle, Mr. Brandt was the Executive Vice President and Chief Brand Officer at Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. from 2016 to 2018. He served as Chief Brand Officer/Chief Marketing Officer for Taco Bell, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., from 2013 to 2016, and as Senior Director and Vice President of Marketing for Taco Bell from 2010 to 2013. Previously, he also held marketing leadership roles at Odwalla, Inc./The Coca-Cola Company and General Mills, Inc. Mr. Brandt currently serves on the boards of The Hershey Company and Wawa, Inc.
Mr. White is an experienced public company director and chief executive officer, who previously served as Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer of Jamba Juice, from 2008 to 2016. Prior to joining Jamba Juice, Mr. White held senior executive positions at Safeway Stores, Gillette and Nestlé-Purina PetCare. In 2020, Mr. White co-founded JDWhite Design Labs, through which he advises chief executive officers and executive leaders on organizational purpose and design. Mr. White currently serves on the boards of CAVA Group, Inc., The Simply Good Foods Company, and The Honest Company, where he serves as Board Chair. He also served on the board of Panera Bread Company.
“We are pleased to welcome Chris and James to our Board of Directors,” said Lyle Tick, Chief Executive Officer and President. “Chris brings deep brand and marketing experience from some of the most recognizable names in restaurants, and James brings a strong track record as both an operator and public company director. Their combined expertise adds real depth to our Board as we continue building the foundation for durable, sustainable growth at BJ’s. We are confident their perspectives will help us deliver long-term value for our shareholders.”
About BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.
Founded in 1978, BJ's Restaurants, Inc. is a national casual dining brand with deep brewhouse roots delivering premium food and memorable experiences. With more than 200 restaurants across 31 states, BJ's brings guests together to celebrate life's everyday moments over chef-crafted food, award-winning house crafted beer and genuine hospitality in a fresh atmosphere. With signature deep-dish pizzas, the often imitated but never replicated world-famous Pizzonia® dessert, pours and more, BJ's offers something for every taste and every occasion. A pioneer in craft brewing, BJ's is the most decorated restaurant-brewery in the country, earning over 270 medals since 1996, including the 2025 Questex Vibe Vista Award for Best Beer Program and top rankings across multiple categories at the 2026 World Beer Cup and North American Beer Awards. Whether gathering with family for a weeknight dinner, catching the game with friends or raising a glass to life's biggest milestones, BJ's is where moments turn into lasting memories. To learn more, visit www.bjsrestaurants.com or follow @bjsrestaurants on Instagram, Facebook and X.
For further information, please contact ICR at (332) 242-4370 or at InvestorRelations@BJRI.com.
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Pepper Lunch North America CEO Troy Hooper to Transition to Strategic Advisor to the Board
September 09, 2026 12:39 ET
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 09, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Pepper Lunch, the Japanese-born experiential fast-casual concept with more than 580 locations across 16 countries, today announced the transition of CEO, Troy Hooper, from day-to-day operations to a Strategic Advisor to the Board effective September 25, as the company deepens its commitment to the U.S. market and accelerates growth across the Americas. Yuto Tago, Group CEO of Hot Palette Holdings Group, will assume responsibility for the day-to-day leadership of Pepper Lunch’s U.S. business.
Mark Bailey will remain in his role as Chief Operating Officer, providing continuity across U.S. operations as Pepper Lunch continues building its domestic restaurant pipeline.
The transition comes as Pepper Lunch’s U.S. business takes on greater strategic importance within the company’s global plans. After building brand awareness, recruiting franchise partners and establishing a foundation for domestic expansion, Pepper Lunch is increasingly focused on helping existing partners open additional restaurants, strengthen operations and grow sustainably. The company plans to support that work through the collaborative model used successfully across Asia, emphasizing operational excellence, strong support systems and continuous improvement.
“The United States has become one of the most important strategic markets in the Pepper Lunch system,” said Yuto Tago, Group CEO of Hot Palette Holdings Group. “Not only is it a highly attractive growth market in its own right, but it will also play a critical role in our long-term strategy across North America and Latin America. As more of our franchise partners grow into multi-unit operators, we want to bring the full strength of our global organization to help them succeed, grow together with us, and unlock the next stage of growth for the brand.”
Tago continued, “Pepper Lunch would not be where it is in the United States today without Troy’s leadership, commitment, and belief in the brand. When Hot Palette reacquired the U.S. business, Troy played a pivotal role in building and strengthening the organization, deepening relationships with franchise partners and suppliers, and establishing the foundation that supports our global growth today. On behalf of our entire global organization, I want to sincerely thank Troy for his tremendous contributions. While our roles are evolving to support the next phase of growth, we are fortunate that Troy will continue to contribute as Strategic Advisor to the Board. His experience, relationships, and deep understanding of the U.S. market will remain invaluable as we continue expanding across the Americas.”
Hooper has been instrumental in re-establishing and expanding the Pepper Lunch brand in the United States. Working closely with franchise partners, suppliers, developers, and the brand’s global leadership team, he helped build the organizational, operational, and commercial foundation that positioned the business for its next stage of global growth. In his new role, he will continue providing strategic guidance to the Board while stepping away from day-to-day management responsibilities.
“Serving as CEO of Pepper Lunch has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” said Hooper. “I am proud of what our team, franchise partners, and suppliers have built together, and I am grateful for the trust and support I have received throughout this journey.”
Hooper continued, “Pepper Lunch is entering an exciting new chapter. I believe Yuto, Mark, and the broader team are exceptionally well-positioned to take the business to the next level. I look forward to continuing to support the company as Strategic Advisor to the Board and contributing to the future success of the brand.”
Pepper Lunch views the United States as both a growth platform for expansion across North America and Latin America and a key sourcing hub for ingredients such as beef. By leveraging its global scale and supplier relationships, the company aims to strengthen its supply chain while supporting sustainable international growth.
“Pepper Lunch has earned a loyal following around the world because it delivers an experience that is interactive, high-quality, and truly distinctive,” said Tago. “As we strengthen our presence across the Americas, we are committed to connecting our franchise partners, team members, and customers more closely with the resources, expertise, and capabilities of our global organization. We believe the greatest opportunities for Pepper Lunch are still ahead of us.”
The leadership structure brings together Tago’s global strategic leadership, Bailey’s operational expertise and Hooper’s continued advisory support as Pepper Lunch continues expanding across the Americas.
About Pepper Lunch
Pepper Lunch is the original Japanese DIY teppan restaurant concept, offering high-quality meals served on a patented sizzling iron plate that allows guests to create a personalized dining experience. Founded in 1994, the brand has grown to more than 580 locations across 16 countries and territories and continues to expand globally through a combination of company-owned and franchised restaurants. Pepper Lunch is committed to delivering quality, value, and an unforgettable dining experience to guests around the world.
About Hot Palette Holdings Group
Hot Palette Holdings Group is the global brand owner of Pepper Lunch and a growing international restaurant group supporting the brand’s global expansion. Through its network of offices across 10 major cities worldwide, the Group provides strategic leadership, brand management, franchise support, and supply chain capabilities to accelerate growth across international markets. The Group is pursuing its vision of expanding Pepper Lunch to 1,000 restaurants across six continents by 2030.
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Mo’ Bettahs Promotes Kylee Arreaga to Vice President of Marketing
September 1, 2026
In just two years with the brand, Kylee Arreaga has helped lead 30 restaurant openings, including this week’s opening of the brand’s first restaurant in Indiana, while building a full-service marketing team from the ground up
Salt Lake City, UT (RestaurantNews.com) Mo’ Bettahs today announced the promotion of Kylee Arreaga to Vice President of Marketing, recognizing two years of leadership that have strengthened the Hawaiian-style fast-casual brand’s marketing organization as it accelerates its national growth.
Arreaga joined Mo’ Bettahs in September 2024 as Senior Director of Marketing, stepping into a marketing team that was already doing strong work for the brand. In the two years since, she has built it into a full-service department, adding talented people across paid media, owned media, social media, customer service and Makana Rewards, the loyalty program that now counts nearly 750,000 members and keeps Mo’ Bettahs connected to its most loyal guests.
She and her team have supported over 30 restaurant openings in two years, including three brand-new markets in 2026 alone: Phoenix, Minneapolis and, most recently, Indianapolis, where the brand opened its first Indiana restaurant in Avon this week, with six more restaurants slated to open before the end of the year.
“Kylee is a big reason Mo’ Bettahs feels like Mo’ Bettahs in every new city we open,” said Rob Ertmann, CEO of Mo’ Bettahs. “She’s built a marketing team that brings our Aloha spirit to life for every guest, in every market. Growing our own leaders matters to us just as much as growing our footprint, and Kylee is exactly the kind of leader we want driving this brand forward.”
“Getting to help build something this special has been the honor of my career,” said Arreaga. “Mo’ Bettahs is a category-defining brand, and I’ve watched it grow from a local favorite into a name people drive across town for, without ever losing the Aloha that makes it what it is. We’re just getting started, and I can’t wait to see how many more communities we get to welcome into the ‘Ohana.”
As Mo’ Bettahs looks toward its next phase of national expansion, the company points to Arreaga’s promotion as proof it’s investing in its people at the same pace it’s investing in new restaurants.
For more information, visit MoBettahs.com.
About Mo’ Bettahs
Founded in 2008 in Bountiful, Utah, by brothers Kimo and Kalani Mack, Mo’ Bettahs is a Hawaiian-style fast-casual restaurant brand rooted in the flavors and traditions of Hawai’i’s plate lunch culture. Born and raised in O’ahu, the Mack brothers built the brand around the food and hospitality they grew up with, serving island favorites such as grilled teriyaki chicken and steak, kalua pork, katsu chicken, macaroni salad and steamed rice. Today, Mo’ Bettahs operates more than 80 restaurants across Utah, Idaho, Oklahoma, Texas, Nevada, Minnesota, Indiana and Arizona, and continues to expand through disciplined, corporate-led growth. The company partnered with Savory Fund in 2018 to support its strategic expansion and was acquired in 2024 by Blue Marlin Partners and Trive Capital, with Savory retaining a minority stake. For more information, visit MoBettahs.com or follow on Instagram, Facebook or TikTok.
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Jeremiah's Italian Ice Names Lisa McGill as Brand's First Vice President of Franchise Development
Aug 31, 2026, 08:38 ET
McGill brings 15 years of franchise development experience across 16 brands to guide Jeremiah's next phase of national growth
ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Jeremiah's Italian Ice, an award-winning frozen dessert brand offering bold flavors and vibrant experiences, announces the appointment of Lisa McGill as its first Vice President of Franchise Development. In this role, McGill will lead the brand's national franchise growth strategy, guiding expansion efforts while strengthening the systems and support that fuel franchisee success.
McGill brings more than 25 years of entrepreneurship, including personal ownership of five businesses spanning arts/education, retail and wellness. Jeremiah's marks the 16th brand she has worked with in franchise development over a 15-year career, giving her a rare, first-hand understanding of both sides of the franchise relationship - as an operator and as a development strategist.
Known for designing development strategies that balance rapid growth with operational integrity, McGill has earned a reputation as a trusted partner to executive teams and franchise owners alike. Her approach centers on disciplined candidate selection, improved unit performance, and close collaboration with operations to build efficient systems that support long-term brand health.
"I'm thrilled to join a brand that has captured so much excitement and loyalty across its communities due to the uniqueness and exceptional quality of Jeremiah's signature Italian Ice and Jelatis," said Lisa McGill, Vice President of Franchise Development of Jeremiah's Italian Ice. "Jeremiah's has built an incredible culture rooted in family values, joy, hospitality, and franchisee partnership. I look forward to helping expand that impact into new markets while ensuring we grow with intention, supporting owners, strengthening systems, and preserving the magic that makes this brand so special."
As Vice President of Franchise Development, McGill will focus on accelerating Jeremiah's franchise pipeline, enhancing development processes, and identifying strategic opportunities in high-growth regions across the U.S. She will also work closely with Jeremiah's Area Representatives and cross-functional leaders to ensure franchise owners are equipped with the tools, training, and operational support needed to thrive.
"Lisa's depth of franchise development experience, combined with her entrepreneurial background and service-driven leadership style, make her an exceptional addition to our executive team," said Michael Keller, President and CEO of Jeremiah's Italian Ice. "Her strategic mindset and passion for franchisee success will play a pivotal role as we continue expanding our footprint nationwide."
McGill resides in Ormond Beach, FL with her husband, Steven, and their two daughters, Sammy and Kas, who are also entrepreneurs.
For more information, visit jeremiahsfranchise.com and follow updates on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.
ABOUT JEREMIAH'S ITALIAN ICE
Founded in 1996 and franchising since 2019, Jeremiah's Italian Ice is known for its superior frozen treats, energetic brand personality and guest experience built around its motto, LIVE LIFE TO THE COOLEST®.
Jeremiah's has earned national recognition for both innovation and franchise growth, including being named "America's Most Unique Restaurant Menu" in the 2026 Datassential 500 Awards, securing a spot in Technomic's list of TOP 500 U.S. Chain Restaurants, ranking No. 211 on Entrepreneur magazine's 2026 Franchise 500® list and honored by Franchise Times as one of its 'Fast & Serious: 40 Smart Growing Franchises'.
With 175+ locations open or in development across Florida, Arizona, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Louisiana, Colorado, Nevada, Alabama, Tennessee, and Texas, Jeremiah's continues to expand throughout the Southern United States. For more information about Jeremiah's franchise opportunity, visit jeremiahsfranchise.com.
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The Wendy's Company Names Tariq Hassan Chief Marketing and Customer Growth Officer
Aug 24, 2026, 09:15 ET
Strengthened Leadership Team Marks Next Step in Company Turnaround Plan
DUBLIN, Ohio, Aug. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wendy's Company (Nasdaq: WEN) announced the appointment of Tariq Hassan to the newly created role of Chief Marketing and Customer Growth Officer, effective immediately. He will report to President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Wright and serve on the Wendy's Senior Leadership Team. Lindsay Radkoski, who has served as Chief Marketing Officer, U.S. since 2024, will depart the organization after a transition period with Hassan over the coming weeks.
Hassan brings more than three decades of global marketing, customer experience, digital transformation and brand-building leadership to Wendy's, with deep experience across restaurants, technology and consumer brands. He previously served as Senior Vice President, U.S. Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at McDonald's, where he helped modernize marketing, strengthened digital and loyalty engagement, and put customer-first insights at the center of culturally relevant campaigns and menu innovation. Prior to McDonald's, Hassan has held several senior leadership roles with prominent U.S. consumer brands and agencies where he built an impressive track record of repositioning brands, improving the customer experience and using data-driven marketing to create deeper customer relationships and measurable business impacts.
"Tariq's appointment is another meaningful step in returning Wendy's to profitable growth," said Bob Wright. "He is a proven brand and team builder with a distinctive ability to connect culture, technology and consumer insight to drive measurable growth. He has demonstrated the impact that highly effective marketing, digital activation, menu innovation and culturally relevant brand engagement can have on restaurant performance and customer loyalty. He will be instrumental in sourcing and developing talent and building new capabilities in the organization to help Wendy's recapture its position as the quality leader in the QSR industry."
"Wendy's is an iconic American brand that has something special most brands spend decades trying to build, a real point of view that our customers genuinely feel," said Hassan. "My focus will be on reigniting that passionate connection with our brand to show up more powerfully in every experience, everywhere our fans meet us. Working alongside Bob, the leadership team, our franchisees and restaurant teams, I see enormous opportunity to reshape how we tell this story, starting with the food itself, to drive growth for our customers, our franchisees, and our shareholders."
Wright also recognized Lindsay Radkoski for her service and leadership. "On behalf of the Wendy's Board and leadership team, I want to thank Lindsay for her many contributions over the past 15 years," Wright said. "Lindsay's commitment to Wendy's and dedication to our customers, franchisees and Company have always been a hallmark of her service. We are grateful that she will support a smooth transition and wish her continued success."
About Wendy's
The Wendy's Company (Nasdaq: WEN) and Wendy's® franchisees employ hundreds of thousands of people across more than 7,000 restaurants worldwide. Founded in 1969, Wendy's is committed to the promise of Fresh Famous Food, Made Right, For You, delivered to customers through its craveable menu including made-to-order square hamburgers using fresh beef*, and fan favorites like the Spicy Chicken Sandwich and nuggets, Baconator®, and the Frosty® dessert. Wendy's supports the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption®, established by its founder, which seeks to dramatically increase the number of adoptions of children waiting in North America's foster care system. Learn more about Wendy's at www.wendys.com. For details on franchising, visit www.wendys.com/franchising. Connect with Wendy's on X, Instagram and Facebook.
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Blaze Pizza Names Tracy Stockard Chief Marketing Officer
August 24, 2026 08:01 ET
ATLANTA, Aug. 24, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Blaze Pizza, the nation’s leading fast-casual artisanal pizza brand, today announced the appointment of Tracy Stockard as Chief Marketing Officer. A veteran marketing executive with more than two decades of experience leading national and global consumer brands, Stockard will oversee Blaze’s marketing organization and guide strategies designed to strengthen the brand, deepen guest engagement and support franchisee marketing initiatives.
Most recently, Stockard served as Chief Marketing Officer at Big Blue Swim School. Earlier in her career, she held marketing leadership roles with nationally recognized restaurant brands, including McDonald’s, where she helped shape marketing initiatives for one of the world's most iconic restaurant brands. Stockard brings deep expertise in foodservice, brand-building and franchise marketing, along with a track record of leading brand transformation, integrated marketing, digital and loyalty initiatives, consumer insights and customer experience strategies.
“Tracy brings a powerful combination of foodservice experience, strategic vision and, disciplined execution,” said John Owen, Chief Executive Officer of Blaze Pizza. “She understands how to build a compelling brand while creating marketing programs that work across a franchise system and drive meaningful guest engagement. As Blaze continues to evolve, Tracy’s leadership will be instrumental in sharpening our story, strengthening loyalty and supporting marketing priorities for our franchisees.”
As Chief Marketing Officer, Stockard will lead brand strategy, creative, media, digital marketing, loyalty, consumer insights, communications and local restaurant marketing. She will partner closely with Blaze’s leadership team and franchisees to build brand consistency, attract new guests, increase frequency and, develop scalable programs that support restaurants across the system.
“I am thrilled to join Blaze Pizza and especially excited to return to foodservice, an industry I have always loved for its energy, creativity and, direct connection with guests,” said Stockard. “Blaze has a distinctive brand, a passionate franchise community and, a strong foundation built on customization, quality ingredients and, the signature fast-fire’d experience. I look forward to working alongside the team and our franchisees to bring that story to life in fresh ways, deepen guest loyalty and help lead Blaze into its next chapter of growth.”
Stockard’s appointment reflects Blaze Pizza’s continued investment in experienced leadership and marketing capabilities that support the brand’s franchisee success.
For more information, guests can visit blazepizza.com or follow Blaze Pizza on Instagram and TikTok.
ABOUT BLAZE PIZZA
Founded in 2011, Blaze Pizza is the nation’s leading fast-casual pizza franchise concept with more than 250 restaurants across 30-plus states and three countries. Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Blaze Pizza is committed to delivering a one-of-a-kind “fast-fire’d” guest experience and superior-quality products. Known for its savory artisanal pizzas and customizable made-to-order menu, Blaze leads the industry in menu innovation and customer satisfaction, and has received numerous accolades including Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500, and Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers. Visit www.blazepizza.com for additional information and follow Blaze Pizza on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn @BlazePizza.
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Erbert & Gerbert’s Names Restaurant Industry Veteran Randy Ashbrook Chief Operating Officer
August 21, 2026
Operations executive brings 40+ years of experience across McDonald’s, Arby’s, Inspire Brands, Taco John’s, and other leading restaurant systems
Eau Claire, WI (RestaurantNews.com) Erbert & Gerbert’s has named veteran restaurant operator Randy Ashbrook as Chief Operating Officer, adding more than four decades of experience in restaurant operations, franchise support, training, and field leadership to the growing sandwich brand.
Ashbrook has held leadership roles across some of the industry’s most recognized systems, including McDonald’s, Cinnabon, Chevy’s Fresh Mex, Arby’s, Inspire Brands and Taco John’s International. His background spans restaurant operations, district leadership, franchise consulting, field operations, and senior executive roles, giving him a broad, hands-on understanding of how to drive performance at the unit level.
In his new role, Ashbrook will focus on improving operational efficiency, strengthening unit-level economics, supporting franchisees, and building systems that drive consistency across the Erbert & Gerbert’s network.
A key strength of Ashbrook’s career is his dual perspective on franchising. During 15 years with McDonald’s, he worked across multiple operational roles and gained experience on both the franchisor and franchisee sides of the business. That experience shaped a leadership approach centered on balancing brand standards with the realities of day-to-day restaurant operations.
He later spent four years in operations leadership roles with Cinnabon and Chevy’s Fresh Mex, where he focused on streamlining operations, improving service execution, and enhancing customer experience to drive stronger restaurant performance.
Ashbrook then spent 17 years with Arby’s and Inspire Brands, advancing through roles including District Manager, Field Operations leader and Senior Director of Operations. In that time, he led high-volume markets and prioritized people’s development, operational discipline, and performance against key business metrics.
Most recently, he served as Senior Director of Operations Services and Training for Taco John’s International, where he developed training systems and operational frameworks designed to improve franchisee support and drive consistency across the system. His work focused on equipping operators with tools to run more efficient and profitable restaurants.
At Erbert & Gerbert’s, Ashbrook is expected to apply that experience to help strengthen systemwide performance as the brand continues to grow. His approach emphasizes that strong restaurant results are built on people, supported by clear processes, and reinforced through consistent execution.
“I’ve spent my career focused on helping restaurant operators and their teams perform at their best,” Ashbrook said. “I’m excited to join Erbert & Gerbert’s and work alongside our franchisees to strengthen operations, improve performance and deliver a great guest experience.”
He added that a key priority will be working closely with franchise owners and restaurant teams to identify opportunities to improve efficiency while preserving the brand’s guest experience and local personality.
Ashbrook joins the company at a time when restaurant operators are increasingly focused on labor efficiency, operational consistency, and protecting unit-level profitability. His experience across both large-scale systems and franchise operations positions him to help address those challenges directly.
Across his career, Ashbrook has consistently focused on a simple operating philosophy: develop strong people, build effective systems, and give franchisees the tools they need to succeed.
About Erbert & Gerbert’s Sandwich Shop
Founded in Eau Claire, Wis., Erbert & Gerbert’s Sandwich Shop is a quick-service restaurant known for its distinctive sandwiches, soups, and original brand personality. The company serves guests through 60 restaurants in 10 states, including traditional restaurants and non-traditional locations. The system continues to focus on franchise growth, franchisee support and delivering a memorable guest experience. For more information or to find the nearest Erbert & Gerbert’s location, please visit ErbertAndGerberts.com.
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Dog Haus Doubles Down on Brand Growth With Marketing Powerhouse Team to Lead Next Era of Expansion
August 20, 2026
Award-winning craft casual brand strengthens marketing and creative capabilities with industry-leading talent following continued growth and development success
Pasadena, CA (RestaurantNews.com) Following development momentum and brand expansion throughout 2026, Dog Haus is reinforcing the leadership team behind its brand evolution, adding proven outside experience to help strengthen, evolve and amplify one of the restaurant industry’s most distinctive brands.
The award-winning craft casual brand has appointed restaurant and consumer-brand executive James Field as chief marketing officer, and promoted CJ Ramirez into the role of chief experience officer. Field is also bringing an accomplished team of marketing executives into the organization, creating a leadership structure designed to accelerate brand growth, strengthen franchisee support and enhance the guest experience across the Dog Haus system.
As Dog Haus continues expanding nationally, Field will lead marketing strategy and growth, while Ramirez will work across functions to strengthen brand stewardship for area director effectiveness and systemwide alignment. Together, they will help ensure the corporate organization serves the area directors and franchisees responsible for bringing the Dog Haus experience to life, providing the alignment, information and resources needed to drive the brand forward.
“CJ has been instrumental in shaping Dog Haus into the brand it is today, earning the trust of our franchisees and leadership team through his creativity and relentless commitment,” said Michael Montagano, CEO of Dog Haus. “This promotion recognizes his impact and provides a broader platform to leverage his institutional knowledge and experience as an invaluable resource to Dog Haus’ area directors, franchisees and leadership team during the brand’s next phase of growth.”
As chief marketing officer, Field will oversee Dog Haus’ full-funnel marketing strategy, positioning, social and digital channels, partnerships, franchisee communications and revenue-focused initiatives. His mandate includes making the company’s marketing investment work efficiently across every stage of the customer journey while creating meaningful opportunities for growth.
“Welcoming James from the C-suite at Jersey Mike’s to the C-suite at Dog Haus is a game-changing addition for our brand,” said Montagano. “His proven experience scaling a national franchise system, combined with the exceptional team he’s assembled across marketing, creative, innovation and digital growth, gives us tremendous firepower to support our franchisees and accelerate Dog Haus’ next era of growth.”
Field previously served as chief innovation officer of Jersey Mike’s, where he built an enterprise innovation function that accelerated incremental revenue and operational efficiency. He also served as chief marketing officer of L.A. Libations and led foodservice marketing for Cholula Hot Sauce during a period of rapid growth that led to its acquisition by McCormick.
“Dog Haus has always challenged convention, and that’s exactly what makes this opportunity so exciting,” said Field. “This brand has the courage to do things differently, and the seasoned group of executives I’m fortunate to be bringing with me is wired the same way. Our careers have repeatedly intersected across leading restaurant and consumer brands, and uniting that collective experience under one roof at Dog Haus gives us the ability to move quickly and turn unconventional ideas into marketing that captures attention, helps franchisees win and generates measurable growth.”
Joining Field are three executives whose individual backgrounds span major foodservice, consumer packaged goods, and beverage-alcohol brands, bringing complementary expertise across marketing strategy, creative innovation and off-premise growth.
Clare Baños joins Dog Haus as executive vice president of marketing and will oversee marketing strategy, consumer insights, guest experience and paid media. A Wharton MBA with more than 25 years of experience, Baños previously held leadership roles at Pernod Ricard, where she led major brands including Absolut Vodka. She also held marketing leadership roles at General Mills and Cholula Hot Sauce.
Jeremy Fletcher joins Dog Haus as vice president of creative and innovation and will lead brand design, content, creative development and innovation, strengthening consistency across marketing, franchisee communications and guest touchpoints. Fletcher co-led Jersey Mike’s innovation function alongside Field, served as creative director at Legacy Marketing and spent a decade developing and testing hundreds of concepts for major restaurant systems. Across more than two decades, he has shaped creative and strategic platforms spanning the restaurant, lifestyle and fitness industries.
Catalina Uribe joins Dog Haus as vice president of off-premise and logistics and will lead growth across third-party delivery marketplaces and Dog Haus-owned digital channels. Her focus will include discovery, conversion and the ordering experience across delivery, Dog Haus’ mobile app and Haus Rewards. Uribe previously led restaurant platforms from concept through commercialization at Jersey Mike’s and held leadership roles at LATAM Airlines and Avianca Cargo. She holds an MBA from IE Business School and a masters from MIT Supply Chain.
Ramirez brings world-class global advertising and operations experience, including serving on the launch team for the Latino division of Chiat/Day and working out of McCann Erickson Worldwide’s Moscow office on the Eastman Kodak account, where he was part of the team that introduced the brand to Eastern Europe, along with senior brand roles at Sun Microsystems. That combination of global brand building and international operational experience, coupled with his deep institutional knowledge of Dog Haus and longstanding relationships across the franchise system, uniquely positions him to connect franchisee needs with corporate strategy and execution. As chief experience officer, Ramirez will take on a broader cross-functional leadership role centered on franchisee success, business operations and brand maturity, helping ensure the organization’s internal sophistication continues to outpace its rapid expansion and strengthen the area director program.
Field and the expanded marketing leadership team will support the complete customer journey, from positioning, creative development, partnerships and media to the in-restaurant experience, third-party delivery, Dog Haus’ mobile app and Haus Rewards. Its focus will be to make every marketing dollar work harder, increase guest frequency and menu exploration, reengage lapsed guests and introduce new audiences to Dog Haus. Ramirez will amplify that work across the organization by advancing brand stewardship for area director effectiveness and franchisee excellence to ensure the brand’s growth strategy translates into stronger execution throughout the system.
For more information, visit DogHaus.com.
About Dog Haus
Since launching in 2010, Dog Haus has built a fiercely loyal nationwide following. Founded by longtime friends Hagop Giragossian, Quasim Riaz and André Vener, the brand got its start in Pasadena, California, and has since grown to more than 50 locations across the United States. The brand expanded internationally in June 2026 with the opening of its first restaurant in Mexico, establishing Mérida as its first permanent international location and marking the beginning of its global growth strategy.
Known for delivering More Choices. More Flavor., Dog Haus serves chef-driven Smashburgers, signature Dogs & Sausages, Crispy and Grilled Chicken, Shareables, Bad-Ass Breakfast Burritos and craft beverages, all built around premium ingredients and all-natural, humanely raised proteins. Driven by a mission to sustainably feed everyone who walks through its doors, Dog Haus also offers an innovative lineup of plant-based burgers, sausage and chicken creations.
In 2024, the brand welcomed YouTuber and professional boxer Jake Paul as a franchisee and board member. Dog Haus has earned numerous industry honors, including Nation’s Restaurant News’ MenuMasters Award, Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers, and Franchise Times’ Zor Award as a “Top Brand to Buy.” The Dog Haus mobile app, Haus Rewards, brings together Dog Haus and Bad-Ass Breakfast Burritos in one seamless digital ordering and loyalty experience. For more information, visit DogHaus.com or follow Dog Haus on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and X.
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Jack in the Box Inc. Appoints Taylor Montgomery as President
Aug 20, 2026 7:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time
Restaurant Executive to Drive Sustainable Growth and Strengthen Brand Performance
Appointment Advances Planned CEO Succession and Supports Seamless Leadership Transition
SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jack in the Box Inc. (“Jack in the Box” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: JACK), today announced its Board of Directors has appointed Taylor Montgomery as President, effective September 14, 2026. In this newly created role, Montgomery will lead Jack in the Box’s brand strategy, with a focus on driving sustainable sales growth, improving franchisee profitability, and positioning the Company for long-term success.
Mr. Montgomery’s appointment marks the next step in the Company’s previously announced succession plan. He is expected to assume the role of Chief Executive Officer within the next 12 months and will also join the Board at that time. During this transition, Mr. Montgomery will work closely with Executive Chairman and Interim Chief Executive Officer Mark King to accelerate execution of the Company’s strategic priorities and maintain continuity across the business. Mr. King will remain Chairman following the transition.
“I am thrilled to welcome Taylor to Jack in the Box. He is a proven leader with a track record of driving sustainable brand growth and results, and I have seen his ability to execute firsthand,” said Mr. King. “Taylor brings a deep understanding of the franchised QSR industry, and I am confident he will advance our strategy and vision. I look forward to working together as we build on our momentum.”
“Jack in the Box is an iconic brand with tremendous potential, and I am excited to help lead its next chapter and create lasting value for the Company and its shareholders,” said Mr. Montgomery. “I look forward to working alongside Mark, the leadership team, and our franchisees to accelerate same-store sales growth, strengthen restaurant-level execution, and bring more guests to Jack in the Box.”
Mr. Montgomery most recently served as Global Chief Brand Officer at Taco Bell, part of Yum! Brands, where he led the brand’s growth strategy, overseeing more than $18 billion in systemwide sales across over 9,000 restaurants. During his tenure, Taco Bell outpaced industry performance, including delivering over 7% sales growth, 3% restaurant growth, and 8% profit growth last year. Mr. Montgomery spent more than a decade at Yum! Brands, holding leadership roles across brand marketing and innovation at Taco Bell and spearheading initiatives such as Live Más LIVE and the launch of Cantina Chicken. In 2024, he was named to Forbes’ World’s Most Influential CMOs list. Mr. Montgomery previously spent more than five years at Procter & Gamble, where he held brand strategy roles across multiple consumer brands.
About Jack in the Box Inc.
Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK), founded and headquartered in San Diego, California, is a restaurant company that operates and franchises Jack in the Box®, one of the nation's largest hamburger chains with approximately 2,115 restaurants across 25 states, Mexico and Guam. For more information, including franchising opportunities, visit www.jackinthebox.com.
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Chicken Salad Chick Appoints Drew Travis as Chief Financial Officer
Aug 17, 2026, 12:37 ET
Experienced restaurant finance executive joins Chicken Salad Chick as brand continues rapid national expansion
ATLANTA, Aug. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Chicken Salad Chick, the nation's only fast-casual chicken salad restaurant concept, today announced the appointment of Drew Travis as Chief Financial Officer. Travis's hiring follows the recent appointments of Jill Thomas as Chief Marketing Officer and Brian Lindley as Chief Development Officer in February, continuing key additions to the company's executive leadership team.
Travis brings more than 18 years of finance and over a decade of restaurant industry experience to the role, with a background spanning corporate finance, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), accounting, data analytics, profit and loss (P&L) management and strategic planning. He most recently served as Senior Vice President of Finance at GoTo Foods (formerly Focus Brands), the global multi-brand franchising company behind brands like Cinnabon and Moe's Southwest Grill. During his nearly six years with the company, he also held Vice President of Finance and Senior Director of Finance positions. Prior to GoTo Foods, Travis held various senior financial leadership roles at other restaurant groups like Bloomin' Brands, Inc. and GrubHub, along with other household brands like Discover Financial Services and Levi Strauss & Co.
"As a brand with such strong unit economics, a mission built on serving others and values closely aligning with my own, I couldn't be more excited to be part of this team," said Drew Travis, chief financial officer, Chicken Salad Chick. "As Chicken Salad Chick enters its next phase of growth, my goal is to help strengthen our financial foundation and support our franchise owners as they expand. I'm thrilled to work with Scott and the rest of the leadership team to build on this momentum."
As Chicken Salad Chick continues to expand, Travis will help support the brand's long-term financial strategy while strengthening the business and the franchise model that supports its owners.
"We're excited to welcome Drew to the Chicken Salad Chick family," said Scott Deviney, CEO and president of Chicken Salad Chick. "He brings the business acumen, financial strategy, and leadership our brand needs at this stage of growth. His proven ability to guide high-growth restaurant brands will be instrumental as we continue expanding into new markets while remaining focused on what makes Chicken Salad Chick special. We look forward to the impact he will make in this role."
This leadership announcement comes during a milestone year for Chicken Salad Chick. With more than 340 restaurants across 25 states, the brand is continuing to expand its footprint and plans to enter multiple new states in 2026, including West Virginia, New York, and Michigan. The franchise most recently made its Minnesota and Pennsylvania debuts this summer, further expanding its national presence.
Travis holds an undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. He officially assumed the role in August 2026.
For more information on the brand, visit www.chickensaladchick.com. Follow Chicken Salad Chick on Facebook, TikTok, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Chicken Salad Chick
Chicken Salad Chick serves full-flavored, Southern-style chicken salad made from scratch and served from the heart. With more than a dozen original chicken salad flavors plus fresh sides, soups, sandwiches, desserts and catering, there's something for every guest and occasion. Chicken Salad Chick has grown to more than 340 restaurants across 25 states and continues its rapid expansion driven by a passionate network of franchise owners. The brand has earned consistent recognition from Entrepreneur, Franchise Times, Fast Casual, QSR, Southern Living, USA Today, and Technomic, among others. Visit www.chickensaladchick.com to learn more.
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