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    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/john-gordon-march-2026</loc>
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    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/corner-office-conversations-jennifer-dodd-ceo-of-main-squeeze-juice-co</loc>
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      <image:title>Blog - Corner Office Conversations: Jennifer Dodd, CEO of Main Squeeze Juice Co. - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Corner Office Conversations: Jennifer Dodd, CEO of Main Squeeze Juice Co. - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
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      <image:title>Blog - Corner Office Conversations: Jennifer Dodd, CEO of Main Squeeze Juice Co. - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
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    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/financials-march-2026</loc>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2026 - The ONE Group Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/bd19577c-1362-43ec-8a45-8c5bc1222cf6/el+pollo+loco+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2026 - El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2026 - Cracker Barrel Reports Second Quarter Fiscal 2026 Results and Updates Fiscal 2026 Outlook</image:title>
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    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/e7ea6939-0133-4aa6-b075-ce699bcad3ce/Krispy-Kreme-Logo-2048x1152.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2026 - Krispy Kreme Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial Results Demonstrating Meaningful Progress on Turnaround</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/262757cd-2153-46e8-a30f-38cfa60ef2d8/papa+johns+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2026 - Papa Johns Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2026 - Shake Shack Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/a94b215a-d260-43e0-a7c2-38dc7a082420/sweetgreen+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2026 - Sweetgreen, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/85a519ce-a39f-4655-906a-994d303a7092/red+robin+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2026 - Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. Reports Results for the Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year Ended December 28, 2025</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/2b194d5a-8082-4148-9afa-3586968e4257/bjs+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2026 - BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. Reports Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2025 Results</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/e6dc89be-525c-4ba4-8221-aa0497ddf790/bloomin+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2026 - Bloomin’ Brands Announces 2025 Q4 Financial Results</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/9e1c862a-87ea-4e47-a820-74a94a756c3f/dine+brands+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2026 - Dine Brands Global, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2025 Results</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/74c2be4f-cf51-4e92-8882-0659730f29f7/cava+logo+2025.jfif</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2026 - CAVA Group Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year Fiscal 2025 Results</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/93b7a096-9061-4abe-a0c9-3e108ea4f10f/first+watch+logo.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2026 - UPDATE – First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. Reports 2025 Financial Results and Provides Outlook for 2026</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/9d2925d1-467f-4dfa-a3a5-633dd3afba99/kbp+logo+2026.jfif</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2026 - KBP Brands Doubles Down On SONIC With 78-Restaurant Acquisition</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/f001d211-0c6a-481d-a51c-94816dcfd0cc/portillos+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2026 - Portillo’s Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/16e2cc53-9fd7-46f2-af49-000099ce85f3/logo_dominos.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2026 - Domino's Pizza® Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/163c872c-e33a-4865-8f04-ca566cc78d74/logo_jackinthebox.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2026 - Jack in the Box Inc. Reports First Quarter 2026 Earnings</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/c8dec8ce-cfa8-4ecf-9c53-9de065e7ff74/wingstop+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2026 - Wingstop Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/e2bff5bf-2226-484b-8711-b5aaefc1bf27/DoorDash-logo+2026.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2026 - DoorDash Releases Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/a023d8bb-1971-444d-9ce3-61afd9f9d2cb/toast+logo+2021.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2026 - Toast Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
    </image:image>
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  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-movements-march-2026</loc>
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    <lastmod>2026-03-17</lastmod>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/f001d211-0c6a-481d-a51c-94816dcfd0cc/portillos+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - March 2026 - Portillo’s Appoints Jennifer Pecoraro-Striepling as Chief Development Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/4f4c6cec-47c9-47b0-888c-d222361338e8/krystal+logo+2021.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - March 2026 - Krystal Promotes Amanda Hyde to COO</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/f001d211-0c6a-481d-a51c-94816dcfd0cc/portillos+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - March 2026 - Eugene I. Lee, Jr. Appointed Chairman of the Board of Portillo’s; Michael A. Miles, Jr. to Retire as of Annual Meeting</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/ce7dc260-f500-4f8a-a460-5437b028d65f/texas+roadhouse+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - March 2026 - Texas Roadhouse, Inc. Appoints Lisa Ingram to Board of Directors</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/ecbcae89-d22f-419e-8807-0ff9221ca946/brinker+logo+2021.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - March 2026 - Brinker International Promotes George Felix to EVP, Chief Marketing Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/cf680f29-c887-41e8-bb34-78ce86c94ee9/farmer+boys+logo+2021.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - March 2026 - Farmer Boys Appoints Mark Hardison as Chief Marketing Officer To Lead the Next Phase of Brand Growth</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/d1cc17bc-2032-4097-8f18-c595ee1af5ec/waba+grill+logo+2026.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - March 2026 - WaBa Grill Names Seasoned Restaurant Operator Afshin Compani to President &amp; COO After Breakout 2025</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/15aec4be-76e4-4b04-9481-4a6cc36f03a5/shipley+logo+2026.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - March 2026 - Shipley Donuts Rounds Out C-Suite with Three Senior Leadership Appointments</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/fedce4ed-05c4-408c-873f-ec261a56a8a5/hteao+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - March 2026 - HTeaO Strengthens Leadership Team with Strategic Appointments in Store Development and Operations</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/dde67d70-1381-495f-8bbb-485ea462c93f/logo_redlobster.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - March 2026 - Red Lobster Appoints Brad Hill as CFO and EVP, Transformation and Kristen Briede as Chief Global Development Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/26540e58-62f1-4083-b54f-c58a6b5cc1a9/eggs+up+grill+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - March 2026 - Eggs Up Grill Names Seasoned Restaurant Finance Leader Kayla Money as Chief Financial Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/93b7a096-9061-4abe-a0c9-3e108ea4f10f/first+watch+logo.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - March 2026 - First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. Announces Retirement of Chief Financial Officer Mel Hope and Transition Plan</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/82c82afc-b5a5-4299-88c8-99d22151ef6a/the+melt+logo+2026.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - March 2026 - The Melt Welcomes Greg Vojnovic as Head of Franchising to Lead its National Expansion</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/23f3f416-6f2a-452c-b4dd-2b33ae3c24b5/topgolf+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - March 2026 - Topgolf International, LLC, Appoints David McKillips as Chief Executive Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/50ff8462-1bbf-44c4-9396-773504a8c933/lees+famous+chicken+logo+2022.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - March 2026 - Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken Appoints Collin Donnelly Vice President of Growth &amp; Development</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/e68df90f-28ba-4d72-abd0-37962668400a/burgerville+logo+2026.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - March 2026 - Burgerville investor and board member named CEO</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/93a45fae-6519-48ed-81a1-51c146f4fa6c/robeks+logo+2026.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - March 2026 - Robeks Appoints Longtime Multi-Unit Franchisee Dave Hutchinson to Vice President of Marketing</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/franchise-executive-search-in-dallas-texas-finding-c-suite-leaders-who-drive-growth</loc>
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    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-03-11</lastmod>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1773246087976-H253KFY71053BPCW2HCT/unsplash-image-ZOdBVVQXer4.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Franchise Executive Search in Dallas Texas: Finding C-Suite Leaders Who Drive Growth - Dallas has quietly become one of the most important leadership markets for franchise brands in the United States.</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-bonus-structures-in-restaurant-companies-public-private-equity-and-portfolio-companies</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
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    <lastmod>2026-03-04</lastmod>
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      <image:title>Blog - Restaurant Executive Compensation: Bonus Structures in Public, Private Equity, and Portfolio Companies - Executive bonus programs are where strategy, governance and human capital intersect. For restaurant companies, where margins are thin, consumer demand volatile, and labor/supply costs dynamic, incentive design must balance short-term operational control with long-term value creation. Below is a comparison of how public companies, private equity, and PE portfolio (port-co) restaurant firms’ structure executive bonuses, why they differ, what metrics they use, and practical templates you can adapt.</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/0388d64c-6dfe-410b-a6bd-34dcb3862a9e/franchise+ray+article.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Restaurant Executive Compensation: Bonus Structures in Public, Private Equity, and Portfolio Companies - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/b74a73ec-a719-4808-9f60-309a86639061/bonus+1.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Restaurant Executive Compensation: Bonus Structures in Public, Private Equity, and Portfolio Companies - Private equity owners — emphasis on value creation and exit mechanics</image:title>
      <image:caption>PE rationale: PE returns derive from improving operating performance and multiple expansion then exiting; incentives are structured to maximize value at exit. PE firms compress the time horizon (typical fund investment window 3–7 years) and therefore favor instruments that scale management upside upon successful exit.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/the-next-frontier-of-franchise-leadership-who-will-lead-the-brands-that-win-the-next-decade</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-02-24</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/kevin-stockslager-february-2026-developing-bench-strength-before-you-need-it</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-02-10</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/john-gordon-february-2026-effects-of-winter-blast-end-eventually</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-02-10</lastmod>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/8041c01e-59aa-4c2e-84c5-5252e26e74d9/gordon+feb+2026+table+1.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - The Effects of Winter Blasts End, Eventually - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/bf0c5367-cbc7-4ed4-a23c-18abaa7d7b92/gordon+feb+2026+table+2.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - The Effects of Winter Blasts End, Eventually - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/financials-february-2026</loc>
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    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-02-10</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/b15124b2-9e7f-4a3f-97f5-6dd2c0961720/ark+restaurants+logo+2025.jfif</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - February 2026 - Ark Restaurants Announces Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2026</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/252b2588-8e10-4d41-b2c4-399e357d6558/bob+evans+logo+2026.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - February 2026 - 4×4 Capital Acquires Bob Evans Restaurants, LLC from Golden Gate Capital to Enhance Growth</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - February 2026 - Culinary Institute of America Appoints Chef Spike Mendelsohn to Board Of Trustees</image:title>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - February 2026 - Dine Brands Appoints Two Directors with Significant Industry Experience to Board</image:title>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - February 2026 - CEC Entertainment Names Scott Drake President and CEO</image:title>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - February 2026 - P.F. Chang's Appoints Holly Smith as New Chief Marketing Officer</image:title>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - February 2026 - National Restaurant Association and National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation Name 2026 Boards</image:title>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - February 2026 - National Restaurant Association Welcomes Keri Stockland as Chief Financial Officer</image:title>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - January 2026 - Veteran Technology Executive Eric Cox Joins Restaurant365 as Chief Operating Officer</image:title>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - January 2026 - Matt Rubin Appointed Chief Marketing Officer of Popeyes® U.S. &amp; Canada</image:title>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/7f24a773-7207-489d-89c5-8a55da9160a7/daves+hot+chicken+logo+2021.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - January 2026 - Dave's Hot Chicken Names Joshua Liggins Vice President of Franchise Development as the Brand Accelerates 2026 Expansion</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/15aec4be-76e4-4b04-9481-4a6cc36f03a5/shipley+logo+2026.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - January 2026 - Shipley Donuts Appoints New Chief Marketing Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/889d5ace-d88b-4a99-9ed5-556ae12dd737/white+castle+logo+2025.jfif</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - January 2026 - White Castle Promotes Jamie Richardson to Chief Marketing Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/96d14bf2-e127-4340-acae-679064b6c95f/savory+fund+logo.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - January 2026 - Savory Fund Welcomes Clay Dover as CEO; Promotes Shauna Smith To Managing Director</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/50bf434b-5e92-4de0-98f8-1ea1444d64f4/ascent+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - January 2026 - Huddle House Announces Bob Campbell as Brand President</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/17edc9dc-51dc-44e5-b10e-aa5664ad48bd/blaze+pizza+logo.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - January 2026 - Blaze Pizza names McDonald’s, Subway alum as CEO</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/7f24a773-7207-489d-89c5-8a55da9160a7/daves+hot+chicken+logo+2021.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - January 2026 - Jim Bitticks named CEO of Dave's Hot Chicken</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/245411e1-2ed6-4b9c-a966-34b8be12157f/dutch+bros+coffee+logo+2021.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - January 2026 - Dutch Bros Inc. Appoints Jennifer Somers as Chief Shops Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/95241aad-1cde-4a26-b677-43eec151b6a3/twin+peaks+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - January 2026 - Twin Hospitality Group Announces Leadership Updates</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/93b7a096-9061-4abe-a0c9-3e108ea4f10f/first+watch+logo.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - January 2026 - First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. Announces Appointment of Rachel Tipograph to Board of Directors</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1d74c443-f074-4896-8878-536f0b397b88/laynes+chicken+fingers+logo+2025.webp</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - January 2026 - Layne’s Chicken Fingers Appoints Cuyler Esposito as Vice President of Culture Operations</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1d74c443-f074-4896-8878-536f0b397b88/laynes+chicken+fingers+logo+2025.webp</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - January 2026 - Layne’s Chicken Fingers Promotes Alex Camp to VP of Operations Services Amidst Record Growth</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/0ccd4274-9b0c-4470-8fd4-7cfee2bac8cc/mountain+mikes+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - January 2026 - Mountain Mike’s Pizza Proudly Welcomes Restaurant Industry Executive Sumi Ghosh as President and Chief Operating Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/13568ee6-a006-4071-96e8-92902a245ead/sonnys+bbq+logo+2025.jfif</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - January 2026 - Sonny's BBQ Fans The Flames of Growth And Strengthens Leadership Team With Appointments of New President And Chief Marketing Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/78a20bae-609f-42b2-a0bf-1e07bd9ba18b/7+Brew+logo+2024.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - January 2026 - 7 Brew Appoints Matthew Dunnigan as Chief Financial Officer to Drive Next Phase of Scalable Growth</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/96d14bf2-e127-4340-acae-679064b6c95f/savory+fund+logo.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - January 2026 - Savory Elevates Maryam Chaney to Chief of Supply Chain; Promotes Aaron Smith to VP of Development</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/bd19577c-1362-43ec-8a45-8c5bc1222cf6/el+pollo+loco+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - January 2026 - El Pollo Loco Appoints Robert D. Wright and Tana Davila to Board of Directors</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/50bf434b-5e92-4de0-98f8-1ea1444d64f4/ascent+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - January 2026 - Perkins American Food Co. Appoints Industry Veteran Matt Carpenter as Brand President</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/2b12e84f-e3d9-4fee-a66a-1ef49738709c/little+caesars+logo+2021.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - January 2026 - Little Caesars Announces Key Leadership Promotions Amid Continued Global Growth</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/3eebb1df-46d5-4a49-9210-d8cd38602bb1/marcos+pizza+logo+2021.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - January 2026 - Marco's Pizza Taps Power Duo, Expanding Leadership Team with New CMO and CFO</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/kevin-stockslager-ray-kelley-assume-managing-partner-roles</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-01-14</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/2e78dd83-9bcd-46ac-a930-c1727bfadb62/Wray+New+Leadership.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Wray Executive Search Announces Leadership Transition as Kevin Stockslager and Ray Kelley Assume Managing Partner Roles - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/the-c-suite-roles-restaurant-brands-will-struggle-to-fill-in-2026</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-12-17</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/franchise-expansion-requires-new-types-of-leadersdo-you-have-them</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-12-16</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1765922178292-NA2U7DBDF7HI3V643RUD/franchise.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Franchise Expansion Requires New Types of Leaders—Do You Have Them? - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/restaurants-thinking-about-next-year</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-01-14</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/2026-leadership-readiness-how-ceos-can-assess-their-capacity-evaluate-their-executive-team-and-optimize-for-the-year-ahead</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-12-09</lastmod>
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  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/fast-growth-brands-like-7-brew-are-fueling-pe-activity-but-they-need-leaders-who-can-scale</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-01-14</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-chat-with-michelle-korsmo-president-amp-ceo-of-the-national-restaurant-association-cygh7</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-01-27</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/a9cd240a-ea97-4390-9f69-44deb6c5fb50/korsmo+headshot+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Chat with Michelle Korsmo, President &amp;amp; CEO of the National Restaurant Association - Part II - Get to Know Michelle Korsmo</image:title>
      <image:caption>As President &amp; CEO of the National Restaurant Association, Michelle Korsmo is guiding the $1.1 trillion restaurant industry and its nearly 16 million workers through rapid change shaped by technology, a shifting labor market, and persistent cost pressures. In Part 1, National Restaurant Association’s CEO Michelle Korsmo mapped the NRA’s priorities for a future-ready industry. This month, we get personal with her day-to-day rhythms, what she is reading, and why a Georgetown spot feels like home. (Missed Part 1? We covered advocacy wins, technology, tariffs, and the next era for NRAEF.)</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/abebd037-901e-4287-8ebd-b28b8e149167/national+rest+association.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Chat with Michelle Korsmo, President &amp;amp; CEO of the National Restaurant Association - Part II - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/restaurant-employment-is-rising-again-but-leadership-gaps-are-growing-faster</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-01-14</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-movements-amp-financials-february-2025-p9dwy-9nymp-3h3xe</loc>
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    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-12-08</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/2a15a9e2-9c99-4e90-b6a6-fc98260bbd06/noodles+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - December 2025 - Galloway Capital Partners Announces 6.01% Stake in Noodles &amp; Company</image:title>
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    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/262757cd-2153-46e8-a30f-38cfa60ef2d8/papa+johns+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - December 2025 - Papa Johns Completes Strategic Refranchising and New Restaurant Development Agreement with Franchisee Chris Patel of Pie Investments</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/10a37ace-4f4a-425d-8660-74e81599399d/us+foods+logo+2022.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - December 2025 - US Foods and Performance Food Group Terminate Information Sharing Process</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/63269be4-5a2e-4a93-a506-20e4e6fc2793/california+pizza+kitchen+logo.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - December 2025 - California Pizza Kitchen to be sold to investor group, report says</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/163c872c-e33a-4865-8f04-ca566cc78d74/logo_jackinthebox.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - December 2025 - Jack in the Box Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2025 Earnings</image:title>
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    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/dd65173f-8d06-47b9-8b35-30a4f5073323/mty+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - December 2025 - MTY Food Group considering full, partial sale</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/23f3f416-6f2a-452c-b4dd-2b33ae3c24b5/topgolf+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - December 2025 - Topgolf Callaway Brands Announces an Agreement to Sell a Majority Stake in its Topgolf Business to Leonard Green &amp; Partners</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/417a1395-4d4f-405b-aaba-f14ebc7d088e/freddys+logo+2021.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - December 2025 - Freddy’s operator declares bankruptcy</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/95241aad-1cde-4a26-b677-43eec151b6a3/twin+peaks+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - December 2025 - Twin Hospitality Group to Acquire Eight Twin Peaks Franchise Locations in Florida</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-movements-amp-financials-february-2025-p9dwy-9nymp-n3wjx</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-12-08</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/7f24a773-7207-489d-89c5-8a55da9160a7/daves+hot+chicken+logo+2021.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - December 2025 - Dave's Hot Chicken Appoints Brandon Rhoten as Chief Marketing Officer to Ignite Brand's Next Era of Growth</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/8cccb0ab-ccaa-4c0a-abcc-6515c92b03b8/ascent+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - December 2025 - Ascent Hospitality Management Ushers In New Leadership to Shape Its Next Chapter</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/e2780736-d866-4c8b-b301-201d5e9972fb/golden+chick+logo.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - December 2025 - Golden Chick Strengthens Executive Team with Return of Bobby Brannon and Promotion of Tony Eisermann</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/9f00be74-f4df-4c72-b0a7-2a3b03f4fdca/velvet+taco+logo+2021.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - December 2025 - Velvet Taco Names Chris Schultz as CEO</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/30351118-2871-4293-beca-c53165e74373/go+to+foods+logo+2025.jfif</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - December 2025 - GoTo Foods Appoints Omer Gajial as Chief Executive Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/85265060-37f6-4cd6-acf7-743127014d1e/jersey+mikes+logo.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - December 2025 - Jersey Mike’s Appoints Michele Allen as Chief Financial Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/85a519ce-a39f-4655-906a-994d303a7092/red+robin+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - December 2025 - Red Robin hires former Bloomin’ Brands exec as interim CFO</image:title>
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    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1485f966-3310-4a78-b6ad-5e18444efa55/teriyaki+madness+logo+2022.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - December 2025 - Teriyaki Madness Names Scott Shotter as Chief Restaurant Officer Amid Record Growth</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1d74c443-f074-4896-8878-536f0b397b88/laynes+chicken+fingers+logo+2025.webp</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - December 2025 - Hospitality Industry Leader Natalie Hurley Joins Layne’s Chicken Fingers to Support Nationwide Expansion</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/ce7dc260-f500-4f8a-a460-5437b028d65f/texas+roadhouse+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - December 2025 - Texas Roadhouse, Inc. Appoints Mike Lenihan as Chief Financial Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/ada1a6e5-af96-427b-ac24-b0ccb737f50e/logo_chipotle.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - December 2025 - Chipotle Names Josh Weinstein to its Board of Directors</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/8d0b6c0a-61fe-476e-a538-7bc8ac9e9dfa/shake+shack+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - December 2025 - Shake Shack Announces Chief Financial Officer Transition</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/83d7aced-b245-42b5-8aeb-5408c0dc8bfb/FCS+franchise+logo+2025.jfif</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - December 2025 - FSC Franchise Co. Appoints Industry Veteran John Massari as Chief Financial Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/a748d196-12f0-42f2-8f85-be9c5a8931c2/spb+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - December 2025 - SPB Hospitality Appoints Tonya R. Robinson as Chief Financial Officer</image:title>
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    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/85265060-37f6-4cd6-acf7-743127014d1e/jersey+mikes+logo.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - December 2025 - Jersey Mike’s Appoints Andy Skehan as President of International</image:title>
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    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/262757cd-2153-46e8-a30f-38cfa60ef2d8/papa+johns+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - December 2025 - Papa Johns Promotes Ravi Thanawala to Chief Financial Officer and President, North America</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/25yrk8gkw9int0qo4kvlk5h10pu7ff</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/corner-office-conversations-geo-concepcion-president-amp-ceo-of-the-greene-turtle-sports-bar-amp-grill</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-10-11</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/f6f885de-06b2-4e6a-95df-311bb8dfcfd8/Geo+Concepcion+Headshot+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Corner Office Conversations: Geo Concepcion, President &amp;amp; CEO of The Greene Turtle Sports Bar &amp;amp; Grill - In this edition of Corner Office Conversations, Wray Executive Search Managing Partner Kevin Stockslager sits down with Geo Concepcion, President and CEO of The Greene Turtle Sports Bar &amp; Grill, to discuss leadership, resilience, and the art of a successful turnaround.</image:title>
      <image:caption>From his beginnings in private equity to steering one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most recognized restaurant brands through transformation and expansion, Geo shares lessons on adaptability, capital discipline, and balancing legacy with innovation.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/9e65e93b-c17a-4b85-95cf-4941a23175af/Food+Spread.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Corner Office Conversations: Geo Concepcion, President &amp;amp; CEO of The Greene Turtle Sports Bar &amp;amp; Grill - Back in 2019, what originally drew you to The Greene Turtle brand and the opportunity there?</image:title>
      <image:caption>I had spent two years in Minneapolis, made significant progress and it was time to figure out what was next. I thought I’d end up back in finance, but a headhunter called about The Greene Turtle. When I visited the brand, I saw tremendous potential. Unlike barbecue, it was easier to execute and had more scalability. After visiting competitors, I thought, “I can do this, and I can do it fast.” That was 2019 — and of course, everyone has a plan until you get punched in the face. But I saw so much opportunity in the brand that I couldn’t pass it up.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/7dbb1262-c268-4648-8054-6dc87e4b27cb/Towson.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Corner Office Conversations: Geo Concepcion, President &amp;amp; CEO of The Greene Turtle Sports Bar &amp;amp; Grill - What operational improvements have you made in recent years to enhance the guest experience?</image:title>
      <image:caption>We’ve put a big emphasis on food quality — we want to lead our category there. Our focus has been on being a “sports bar for an active lifestyle.” People are more health-conscious now, and our culinary leader, Kevin Curley, has been instrumental in that.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/f518e7f8-1d1a-4677-8543-5f1c8f863c76/Crab+Feature.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Corner Office Conversations: Geo Concepcion, President &amp;amp; CEO of The Greene Turtle Sports Bar &amp;amp; Grill - Looking three to five years down the road, what does The Greene Turtle look like?</image:title>
      <image:caption>I believe this brand can reach 200 units. The exact timeline depends on a lot of factors, but the demand is there, and our experience keeps getting better. Ultimately, we want to create something people love and enjoy — and I’m confident that, managed right, we can get there.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/the-restaurant-leadership-gap-why-executive-recruiters-are-more-essential-than-ever</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-01-14</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/ff6a08c2-2f22-486d-8d09-7341676e3f6d/2.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - The Restaurant Leadership Gap: Why Executive Recruiters Are More Essential Than Ever - A Legacy of Leadership in an Era of Change</image:title>
      <image:caption>The restaurant industry is facing a leadership crisis. As brands struggle with record turnover, labor shortages, and shifting consumer expectations, the need for trusted executive leadership has never been greater.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1754754513148-57TEEIZXM76R3L9YFJYZ/Succession+Planning+for+the+Restaurant+Industry_WNewsletter.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - The Restaurant Leadership Gap: Why Executive Recruiters Are More Essential Than Ever - Succession Gaps</image:title>
      <image:caption>While most organizations value leadership continuity, few invest adequately in it. Only 15% of restaurant and hospitality companies maintain formal leadership development programs. Without external benchmarking or the guidance of an experienced search partner, succession often defaults to convenience rather than strategic alignment. Learn more about how Wray supports succession planning for restaurant executives to address these challenges head-on.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-movements-amp-financials-february-2025-p9dwy-9nymp-ek33c</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-10-14</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/16e2cc53-9fd7-46f2-af49-000099ce85f3/logo_dominos.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - October 2025 - Domino's Pizza® Announces Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/b7d7795e-4337-4b4d-aff5-e61e43854f46/mty+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - October 2025 - MTY Reports Third Quarter Results for Fiscal 2025</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/9508b8ae-476d-44b1-8243-4a68406ab60d/barfresh+logo.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - October 2025 - Barfresh Completes Strategic Acquisition of Arps Dairy</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/7f1c1c70-15dd-4261-a636-636ed9a15bd1/buyers+edge+platform+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - October 2025 - Buyers Edge Platform Announces Agreement to Acquire Dinova, a Leader in Business Dining Rewards</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/7a2fbffd-bec4-4524-a3c1-c7a62a761fca/rave+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - October 2025 - RAVE Restaurant Group, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year End 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/c8a2b097-efed-4da1-8342-e3550ef60220/darden+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - October 2025 - Darden Restaurants Reports Fiscal 2026 First Quarter Results; Declares Quarterly Dividend; And Updates Fiscal 2026 Financial Outlook</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/b2a1f43b-ed33-4649-935e-b0485bdc75a4/cracker+barrel+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - October 2025 - Cracker Barrel Reports Q4 and Full Year Discal 2025 Results and Provides Outlook</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-movements-amp-financials-february-2025-p9dwy-9nymp-7hfb3</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-10-14</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/257027a7-494f-4ee4-be96-93e74f7679b7/snooze+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - October 2025 - Snooze Eatery hires Josh Kern as CEO</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/2da7c45a-c6a1-41f0-8c43-a0ff90199711/toppers+pizza+logo+200.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - October 2025 - Toppers Pizza Names New Chief Financial Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/95241aad-1cde-4a26-b677-43eec151b6a3/twin+peaks+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - October 2025 - Twin Hospitality Group Inc. Appoints Melissa Fry as Chief Marketing Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/b2a1f43b-ed33-4649-935e-b0485bdc75a4/cracker+barrel+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - October 2025 - Cracker Barrel Reinforces Focus on Food and Guest Experience with Leadership and Organizational Structure Changes</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/120588de-0c80-4d93-be4b-539ec82c2852/fiehouse+subs+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - October 2025 - Carolina Berti Appointed Chief Marketing Officer of Firehouse Subs</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/471d1ab7-b6a2-4df0-a601-0787bb561de8/jersey+mikes+logo.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - October 2025 - Jersey Mike’s Appoints Betsy Mercado as Chief People Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/79d802d3-a054-4fc9-962a-a80964118e6e/spb+logo.gif</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - October 2025 - SPB Hospitality Announces G.J. Hart as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/f001d211-0c6a-481d-a51c-94816dcfd0cc/portillos+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - October 2025 - Portillo’s Announces Leadership Transition</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/8d0b6c0a-61fe-476e-a538-7bc8ac9e9dfa/shake+shack+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - October 2025 - Shake Shack Appoints Michael Fanuele as Chief Brand Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/restaurants-a-bit-more-of-a-positive-trend-but-some-fires-remain-pl6cm</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2026-01-14</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/support-giving-kitchen</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-09-16</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/8b24266e-8b3b-4692-8a0f-e776cf932ee5/giving+kitchen+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Support Giving Kitchen - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/2b3be81b-858a-4e1f-9230-cc5cb84aa0ff/giving+kitchen+qr.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Support Giving Kitchen - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/ceos-guide-to-navigating-leadership-transitions-in-restaurant-hospitality-and-food-service</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-09-16</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/2ea46647-7226-438b-b3b3-a47a94d2d698/5.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - CEO’s Guide to Navigating Leadership Transitions in Restaurant, Hospitality, and Food Service - Introduction: The High Stakes of Leadership Transitions in Hospitality</image:title>
      <image:caption>The restaurant, hospitality, and food service industries operate in a uniquely dynamic environment: fast-paced, customer-facing, and built on human interaction and brand experience. Unlike other sectors, these industries can rise or fall on the strength of leadership. For CEOs, a leadership transition is never just an administrative change. It’s a defining moment</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1756925017586-VK69Q1NTK46ZBWFQ1YI0/unsplash-image-vWchRczcQwM.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - CEO’s Guide to Navigating Leadership Transitions in Restaurant, Hospitality, and Food Service - CEO Imperatives for Mitigation</image:title>
      <image:caption>Sustaining momentum during transitions requires foresight. CEOs must treat succession planning not as a compliance exercise but as a strategic priority. That means: 1. Build a culture of leadership continuity. A brand can’t afford to be built around personalities. When key leaders leave, companies that haven’t normalized continuity see culture unravel and performance stall.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/industry-financials-september-2025</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-09-16</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/35dcb2dd-3966-461b-b08a-219ce0cbad84/olo+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - September 2025 - Thoma Bravo Completes Acquisition of Olo</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/86567ac6-e4e3-4816-ae80-08cdce596e83/Potbelly+logo.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - September 2025 - Potbelly Corporation to be Acquired by RaceTrac in Approximately $566 Million Transaction</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/ada1a6e5-af96-427b-ac24-b0ccb737f50e/logo_chipotle.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - September 2025 - Chipotle To Expand to Asia for the First Time Through a Joint Venture With SPC Group</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/52a3323a-bf7e-44d6-8ace-1fd748678f7c/farmer+brothers+coffee+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - September 2025 - Farmer Brothers Coffee Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year Fiscal 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-movements-september-2025</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-09-15</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/85a519ce-a39f-4655-906a-994d303a7092/red+robin+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - September 2025 - Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. Names Humera Kassem Chief People Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/6a13bc01-cbdc-44b2-af11-30bfecedd86f/playa+bowls.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - September 2025 - Playa Bowls Powers Growth and Further National Expansion with Refreshed Leadership Team</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/a71b0793-c4d0-41fc-aeb3-efb7622c883d/yum+brands+logo+2021.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - September 2025 - Yum! Brands Announces Key Leadership Appointments to Accelerate Global Growth and Strategic Focus Under Incoming CEO Chris Turner</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/6a234fc9-1b16-4089-bb31-1c99ccefa8cc/one+group+logo+2025.jfif</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - September 2025 - The ONE Group Hospitality, Inc. Appoints Nicole Thaung as Chief Financial Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/95241aad-1cde-4a26-b677-43eec151b6a3/twin+peaks+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - September 2025 - Twin Hospitality Group Inc. Appoints Lexi Burns as Chief People Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/f001d211-0c6a-481d-a51c-94816dcfd0cc/portillos+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - September 2025 - Portillo's Appoints Denise Lauer as Chief Marketing Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/a94b215a-d260-43e0-a7c2-38dc7a082420/sweetgreen+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - September 2025 - Sweetgreen Announces Retirement of Mitch Reback and Appointment of Jamie McConnell as Chief Financial Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/196dc673-2847-46a2-9387-b1960f52227d/fat+brands+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - September 2025 - FAT Brands Inc. Announces Return of Andrew Wiederhorn to Chief Executive Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/a94b215a-d260-43e0-a7c2-38dc7a082420/sweetgreen+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - September 2025 - Sweetgreen Appoints Zipporah Allen as Chief Commercial Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/95241aad-1cde-4a26-b677-43eec151b6a3/twin+peaks+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - September 2025 - Twin Hospitality Group Inc. Announces New Leadership and Strategic Update for Smokey Bones</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/471d1ab7-b6a2-4df0-a601-0787bb561de8/jersey+mikes+logo.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - September 2025 - Jersey Mike’s Appoints Stacy Peterson as President and Chief Operating Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/dda5c3df-7785-4979-8204-6f2151c112b4/spb+logo.gif</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - September 2025 - SPB Hospitality Promotes Kristen Hohl to Executive Vice President of Marketing</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/50bf434b-5e92-4de0-98f8-1ea1444d64f4/ascent+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - September 2025 - Ascent Hospitality Management Promotes Natalie Hansen to Vice President of Franchise Sales</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/553c0052-1ce7-476f-a93c-e3f7724c5ea4/applebees+logo+2022.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - September 2025 - Applebee’s Appoints Michelle Chin as Chief Marketing Officer and Jay Wong as Chief Operations Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/95241aad-1cde-4a26-b677-43eec151b6a3/twin+peaks+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - September 2025 - Twin Hospitality Group Inc. Appoints Andrew Wiederhorn as Chairman of the Board</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/dda5c3df-7785-4979-8204-6f2151c112b4/spb+logo.gif</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - September 2025 - SPB Hospitality Appoints Robert J. Fargo as Senior Vice President of Development</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-interview-joseph-ortiz-president-amp-coo-farmer-boysnbsp</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-09-16</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/010eb726-31ae-4df6-ac5b-abbe322c690a/joseph+ortiz+headshot+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Interview: Joseph Ortiz, President &amp;amp; COO, Farmer Boys&amp;nbsp;</image:title>
      <image:caption>Looking back at the early part of your career, what drew you to the restaurant industry, and what keeps you motivated today? I got into the industry almost by accident during grad school. A mentor hired me for an internship, and I was immediately drawn to the energy. I didn’t have much work experience, but the pace was exciting and challenging.   What’s kept me here is how complex and dynamic the industry really is. People think restaurants are simple, but scaling and sustaining a brand is incredibly hard—you have to earn each guest’s visit every single day in a highly competitive environment. There’s always something new: economic shifts, regulations, changing consumer habits.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/jr5w16nxqnqf1jvth0e8n49yo5ekhs</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-12-16</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/restaurants-high-wire-act-drama-underway</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-08-12</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/restaurant-industry-faces-persistent-headwindsin-q2-2025</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-08-11</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1754949252377-VPLQSX2CNXVCK5D6XQGK/unsplash-image-jpqyfK7GB4w.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Restaurant Industry Faces Persistent Headwinds in Q2 2025&amp;nbsp; - Despite several companies posting year-over-year revenue gains, profitability was under pressure across much of the industry. As the numbers show, the gap between top-line growth and bottom-line performance is widening—a trend fueled by inflation, promotional discounting, and changing market dynamics.</image:title>
      <image:caption>Macroeconomic Pressures &amp; Consumer Behavior - A More Frugal Diner Emerges  In the first half of 2025, U.S. consumers demonstrated a willingness to dine out—but with increasing caution. Industry data shows Americans consumed 1 billion fewer restaurant meals year-over-year in Q1, a trend that extended into Q2. The pullback is driven by higher menu prices, concerns over economic uncertainty, and the availability of more affordable at-home dining options.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/41b04814-d6d9-4236-92d3-30015fa44a40/Screenshot+2025-08-11+at+5.48.52%E2%80%AFPM.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Restaurant Industry Faces Persistent Headwinds in Q2 2025&amp;nbsp; - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/ai-roi-in-restaurants-where-artificial-intelligence-is-actually-delivering-profit</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-08-11</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1754947803458-MLNU5O5Z0O2M6KD4MTEZ/unsplash-image-jIBMSMs4_kA.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - AI ROI in Restaurants: Where Artificial Intelligence Is Actually Delivering Profit in 2025&amp;nbsp; - In 2023 and 2024, artificial intelligence swept into the restaurant sector with promises of transformation. Operators tested everything from chatbots to kitchen robotics, predictive analytics, and hyper-personalized marketing campaigns. The excitement was real.</image:title>
      <image:caption>But here in 2025, the conversation has shifted. In executive meetings and budget reviews, CFOs and COOs are asking a harder question: Where is the measurable return on investment?  The urgency is understandable. Labor costs remain elevated, food inflation hasn’t fully retreated, and consumer traffic is anything but predictable. The hype cycle has given way to a demand for proof. For every story of an AI initiative saving millions, there are others that were quietly shelved after failing to move the P&amp;L.  Today, the leaders pulling ahead are not the ones deploying AI everywhere. They are the ones using it with surgical precision, targeting operational choke points and growth opportunities where measurable results can be delivered in as little as six months.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1754947887846-RBV1EABAIBD7ZQOVTJO7/unsplash-image-FVwG5OzPuzo.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - AI ROI in Restaurants: Where Artificial Intelligence Is Actually Delivering Profit in 2025&amp;nbsp; - Building a Strategy for Measurable Returns</image:title>
      <image:caption>The most effective AI programs in the restaurant industry share several traits. Leaders start with clear baseline metrics so that improvement can be measured objectively. They pilot new technology in a controlled environment before rolling it out systemwide, learning from real-world performance rather than vendor promises. They look for ways to integrate AI outputs across functions, such as using labor forecasts to inform inventory orders or marketing triggers, so that the benefits compound. And they hold their vendors accountable, with performance guarantees tied directly to operational outcomes.  In other words, AI success isn’t accidental. It’s the product of the same disciplined capital allocation and performance management that restaurant executives apply to any other strategic investment.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-chat-erin-hasselgren</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-08-11</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/e25fbaa4-6eaf-4623-a923-803444912ba7/erin+hasselgren+photo.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Corner Office Conversations w/ Kevin Stockslager: Erin Hasselgren, President of Corner Bakery Cafe&amp;nbsp; - Looking back at the start of your career, what inspired you to join the restaurant industry?</image:title>
      <image:caption>I grew up in country clubs, so I was always around hospitality and working with people. I originally went to school for finance, thinking I’d be a financial analyst, but I kept finding myself in restaurant jobs. By my sophomore or junior year, I realized I should stick with hospitality and changed my major to hospitality and tourism.  Every job I had growing up was in this industry. I love the challenge and the people—guests and team members alike. Helping grow careers and seeing people succeed is a big passion of mine. In this industry, you can start as a dishwasher and become a CEO. Hard work pays off. When a plan comes together, and a team executes it to create a great guest and team member experience, it’s really something special.   Hospitality is in my blood. And honestly, I just love food—I eat out a lot, and the food industry has always been a passion.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/849500e0-722a-43d9-aae0-57b301bcc123/2024_Corner_Bakery_Cafe___New_Square_Logo.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Corner Office Conversations w/ Kevin Stockslager: Erin Hasselgren, President of Corner Bakery Cafe&amp;nbsp; - There’s been a lot of talk about menu development and value items. What are your brand expansion goals over the next few years?    We’re focused on restarting franchising. We’ve already got a third of the system franchised and want to attract strong new operators.    On the menu side, it’s all about balance—offering value, like the $3.99 croissant sandwiches, and also high-quality gourmet items you can’t get elsewhere. We scramble our own eggs, make our own pancakes, and run scratch kitchens. It takes more effort, but the pride in what we serve is real—and the guests can tell.    We're also looking at growing in neighborhoods that want a true bakery cafe. International expansion is a focus as well.  We're also exploring non-traditional venues like airports, and we’ve got some exciting developments there.</image:title>
      <image:caption>When implementing new initiatives like kiosks or value menus, how do you evaluate customer feedback?   It’s threefold. First, we encourage our cafe teams to get into the dining room and talk with guests directly—that face-to-face engagement is huge.  Second, we run a secret shopper program across all dayparts and days of the week, which gives us great insight into performance.  Third, we use guest survey platforms. We started with Qualtrics but switched to SMG in July 2025 for even more visibility. Between guest interactions, secret shops, and SMG feedback, we have a strong pulse on every market.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-movements-amp-financials-february-2025-p9dwy-9nymp-9agl4</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-08-13</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/ecbcae89-d22f-419e-8807-0ff9221ca946/brinker+logo+2021.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - BRINKER INTERNATIONAL REPORTS FOURTH QUARTER OF FISCAL 2025 RESULTS AND PROVIDES FISCAL 2026 GUIDANCE</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/74c2be4f-cf51-4e92-8882-0659730f29f7/cava+logo+2025.jfif</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - CAVA Group Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/c42a255f-aa24-4b33-a497-b49814ff24bd/meritage+logo.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - Meritage Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results; New Products &amp; Innovation Cycle Ahead</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/21c4aabe-4e1d-4ec6-a6b5-eb4a9293db7c/logo_wendys.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - THE WENDY'S COMPANY REPORTS SECOND QUARTER 2025 RESULTS</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/3b0ca26f-f23a-42c5-9dd3-1ece22332786/Resturant_Brands_International.svg.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - Restaurant Brands International Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/a94b215a-d260-43e0-a7c2-38dc7a082420/sweetgreen+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - Sweetgreen, Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/76b1d7be-1716-47ff-a5c8-d7952966cf61/good+times+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - Good Times Restaurants Reports Results for the Fiscal 2025 Third Quarter Ended July 1, 2025</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/262757cd-2153-46e8-a30f-38cfa60ef2d8/papa+johns+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - Papa Johns Announces Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/e7ea6939-0133-4aa6-b075-ce699bcad3ce/Krispy-Kreme-Logo-2048x1152.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - Krispy Kreme Reports Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results and Announces Turnaround Plan</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/163c872c-e33a-4865-8f04-ca566cc78d74/logo_jackinthebox.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - Jack in the Box Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2025 Earnings</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/e6dc89be-525c-4ba4-8221-aa0497ddf790/bloomin+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - Bloomin’ Brands Announces 2025 Q2 Financial Results</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/9e1c862a-87ea-4e47-a820-74a94a756c3f/dine+brands+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - Dine Brands Global, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>Aug 6, 2025 7:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN) (the “Company” or “Dine Brands”), the parent company of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar®, IHOP® and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® restaurants, today announced financial results for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/b858f36e-a99c-48c5-a657-4eb2e832ec21/McDonalds-Restaurant-Franchise.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - McDonald’s Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/f001d211-0c6a-481d-a51c-94816dcfd0cc/portillos+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - Portillo’s Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>August 05, 2025 08:00 ET OAK BROOK, Il., Aug. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Portillo’s Inc. (“Portillo’s” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: PTLO), the one-of-a-kind restaurant concept known for its menu of Chicago-style favorites, today reported financial results for the second quarter ended June 29, 2025.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1b037597-1317-4afc-ad7d-eeb86c57e37a/yum-brands-logo-png-transparent.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - Yum! Brands Reports Second-Quarter Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>Aug 5, 2025 7:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time KFC International Unit Growth 7% and Taco Bell Same-Store Sales Growth 4%; Over $9 Billion Digital System Sales with Record 57% Digital Sales Mix</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/6a234fc9-1b16-4089-bb31-1c99ccefa8cc/one+group+logo+2025.jfif</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - The ONE Group Reports Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
    </image:image>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/93b7a096-9061-4abe-a0c9-3e108ea4f10f/first+watch+logo.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. Reports Q2 2025 Financial Results and Reaches 600th System-Wide Restaurant Milestone</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/6af33317-7811-4915-8a22-ce0669ed56d6/philz+coffee+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - Philz Coffee Partners with Freeman Spogli for Next Phase of Growth</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/482d51ca-c2a5-4beb-b7ff-383a9638bc6e/Dennys-Restaurant-Franchise.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - Denny’s Corporation Reports Results for Second Quarter 2025</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/bd19577c-1362-43ec-8a45-8c5bc1222cf6/el+pollo+loco+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. Announces Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/2b194d5a-8082-4148-9afa-3586968e4257/bjs+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. Reports Fiscal Second Quarter 2025 Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>July 31, 2025 16:02 ET HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., July 31, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ: BJRI) today reported financial results for its fiscal 2025 second quarter ended Tuesday, July 1, 2025.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/8d0b6c0a-61fe-476e-a538-7bc8ac9e9dfa/shake+shack+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - Shake Shack Announces Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/95241aad-1cde-4a26-b677-43eec151b6a3/twin+peaks+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - Twin Hospitality Group Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>July 30, 2025 16:10 ET Hosting conference call and webcast today at 5:15 PM ET</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/196dc673-2847-46a2-9387-b1960f52227d/fat+brands+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - FAT Brands Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>July 30, 2025 16:05 ET Conference call and webcast today at 4:30 p.m. ET</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/c8dec8ce-cfa8-4ecf-9c53-9de065e7ff74/wingstop+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - Wingstop Inc. Reports Fiscal Second Quarter Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>Jul 30, 2025, 07:30 ET Record 129 Net New Openings in Second Quarter, 19.8% Net New Unit Growth</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/ada1a6e5-af96-427b-ac24-b0ccb737f50e/logo_chipotle.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - Chipotle Announces Second Quarter 2025 Results</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/7586c96a-ff98-4a98-9d2b-67937faf3db7/brix+holdings+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - Friendly's Franchisee Acquires Parent Company BRIX Holdings</image:title>
    </image:image>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/16e2cc53-9fd7-46f2-af49-000099ce85f3/logo_dominos.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - August 2025 - Domino's Pizza® Announces Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-movements-amp-financials-february-2025-p9dwy-9nymp-yyysl</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-08-11</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/f4bf2984-4096-4598-a41f-4daf2e6543f6/mokas+coffee+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - August 2025 - Mokas Coffee &amp; Eatery Announces Strategic Leadership Shift Ahead of 20th Anniversary</image:title>
      <image:caption>Aug 07, 2025, 11:38 AM ET Industry veteran Scott Redler transitions to Board Member to support the next phase of brand growth</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/13568ee6-a006-4071-96e8-92902a245ead/sonnys+bbq+logo+2025.jfif</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - August 2025 - Sonny's BBQ Strengthens Leadership Team with Key Executive Hires</image:title>
    </image:image>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/2a15a9e2-9c99-4e90-b6a6-fc98260bbd06/noodles+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - August 2025 - Noodles &amp; Company Names Joseph D. Christina as President and CEO</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/3ddefddf-e7a4-41d6-9b67-d48a748128ee/luna+grill+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - August 2025 - Luna Grill Names Rich Pinnella as New CEO as Brand Enters Next Chapter of Growth</image:title>
      <image:caption>August 5, 2025 Founder Sean Pourteymour Transitions to Executive Chairman After 20 Years at the Helm</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/b7b910c5-6add-4d84-8580-9f29c527ed6e/smashburger+logo+2023.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - August 2025 - Smashburger® Appoints Jim Sullivan as CEO to Drive Growth Through Flavor, Focus, and Franchise Development</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/980455e2-5495-426c-b662-a6c850f5c4b8/pizza+factory+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - August 2025 - Pizza Factory names Lisa Roscoe CEO</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/e6dc89be-525c-4ba4-8221-aa0497ddf790/bloomin+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - August 2025 - Bloomin’ Brands Announces Leadership Changes</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/26540e58-62f1-4083-b54f-c58a6b5cc1a9/eggs+up+grill+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - August 2025 - Eggs Up Grill Names Julie Krupa Vice President of Real Estate Development</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/50bf434b-5e92-4de0-98f8-1ea1444d64f4/ascent+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - August 2025 - Ascent Hospitality Management Promotes Nicholas Mason to CFO</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/6f859902-50f7-40da-ba6a-750229289f9f/bonchon+logo+2023.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - August 2025 - Bonchon Appoints New Development Leaders to Guide Franchise Growth</image:title>
      <image:caption>Industry veterans will accelerate the brand’s development strategy and execution</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/46ae9800-d07a-47d4-bb5b-84dda59007d5/starbird+chicken+logo.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - August 2025 - Starbird Appoints Maria Rivera as Chief Executive Officer</image:title>
      <image:caption>Jul 23, 2025, 10:07 ET Founder Aaron Noveshen Transitions to Chairman as Brand Enters Next Phase of Growth</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/21c4aabe-4e1d-4ec6-a6b5-eb4a9293db7c/logo_wendys.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - August 2025 - The Wendy’s Company Names Pete Suerken President, U.S.</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/b258dcc0-de0c-45c9-9867-0333a7869072/logo_subway.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - August 2025 - Subway Names Jonathan Fitzpatrick as Chief Executive Officer</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/from-boutique-to-global-chains-how-hotel-executive-recruiters-deliver-tailored-solutions</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-10-24</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/restaurants-a-bit-more-of-a-positive-trend-but-some-fires-remain</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-09-16</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/emotional-intelligence-in-leadership</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-07-15</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1752523731093-H48UGKTOGE2A044HQ8MY/unsplash-image-5QgIuuBxKwM.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Emotional Intelligence in Leadership&amp;nbsp; - What is Emotional Intelligence?</image:title>
      <image:caption>Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and influence emotions—both your own and those of the people around you. It encompasses five core competencies:  Self-awareness – The ability to recognize your own emotional states and understand how they affect your thoughts, behaviors, and interactions.  Self-regulation – Managing disruptive emotions and impulses, staying calm under pressure, and responding rather than reacting.  Motivation – Harnessing emotional energy to pursue goals with drive and optimism, even in the face of setbacks.  Empathy – Recognizing and appreciating others’ feelings, enabling leaders to connect, de-escalate, and support more effectively.  Social skills – Building rapport, resolving conflicts, and communicating with clarity, tact, and confidence.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1752524008472-YCCZ42WEOGWBIQXG48DS/unsplash-image-omGSZqBXkqY.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Emotional Intelligence in Leadership&amp;nbsp; - Building EQ Within Hospitality Teams</image:title>
      <image:caption>Emotional intelligence isn’t innate—it can be developed, nurtured, and embedded into the culture of an organization. Hospitality brands can foster EQ through deliberate strategies, including:  Fostering self-awareness via regular reflection, journaling, or 360-degree feedback sessions.  Practicing self-regulation by role-modeling calm, thoughtful responses during challenging moments.  Promoting empathy with training on diversity, equity, and inclusion, and by encouraging leaders to “walk in the shoes” of their team and guests.  Enhancing social skills through active listening workshops, team-building initiatives, and conflict resolution coaching.  Motivating teams by aligning roles with purpose, celebrating small wins, and offering transparent growth opportunities.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/top-chro-interview-questions-for-the-restaurant-and-hospitality-industry</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-07-14</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1752507515442-SVVOYQZX4YPZ3U3CJTU5/1.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Top CHRO Interview Questions for the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry - 1. How have you balanced high-volume hiring with preserving company culture?</image:title>
      <image:caption>What to listen for: Strong CHRO candidates know how to scale teams quickly without sacrificing core values. Look for examples where hiring surges — whether seasonal or due to expansion — were supported by clear onboarding practices, strong communication, and cultural reinforcement at every level. A thoughtful answer should demonstrate practical methods for maintaining morale and consistency when hundreds or thousands of frontline employees join the team.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/ff6a08c2-2f22-486d-8d09-7341676e3f6d/2.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Top CHRO Interview Questions for the Restaurant and Hospitality Industry - 5. How do you align HR strategy with business goals during periods of rapid growth or change?</image:title>
      <image:caption>What to listen for: A CHRO must serve as a trusted advisor to the CEO and senior leadership team. Strong answers highlight collaboration with other executives to anticipate talent needs during expansion, market entry, or restructuring. Look for examples of workforce plans directly linked to opening new locations, launching new concepts, or expanding into new markets.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-movements-amp-financials-february-2025-p9dwy-9nymp-pj64z</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-07-15</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/dd65173f-8d06-47b9-8b35-30a4f5073323/mty+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - July 2025 - MTY Reports Second Quarter Results for Fiscal 2025</image:title>
      <image:caption>July 11, 2025 06:00 ET Net income attributable to owners increased to $57.3 million, or $2.49 per diluted share compared to $27.3 million, or $1.13 per diluted share in Q2-24. Cash flows provided by operating activities were $40.2 million compared to $40.6 million in Q2-24, a decrease of $0.4 million mainly attributable to lower segment EBITDA. Franchise segment normalized adjusted EBITDA(1) increased by 3% to attain $54.0 million in the quarter, compared to $52.6 million in Q2-24. Normalized adjusted EBITDA(1) decreased 5% to reach $70.0 million in the quarter, compared to $73.7 million in Q2-24. System sales(2) for the quarter increased slightly at $1.5 billion compared to Q2-24. Free cash flows net of lease payments(1) decreased to $23.6 million in the quarter compared to $24.3 million in Q2-24. Free cash flows net of lease payments per diluted share(3) were $1.03 for the quarter compared to $1.01 in Q2-24. Ended the quarter with 7,046 locations compared to 7,079 location at the end of the last fiscal year. Stable store count compared to prior quarter with a net decrease of one location. Adjusted earnings per share(1) of $1.17 per diluted share compared to $1.25 in Q2-24. Repurchased and cancelled 297,000 shares for a consideration of $12.6 million in Q2-25, bringing the year-to-date total to 584,400 shares for a consideration of $26.4 million.</image:caption>
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    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/ca8d5c33-6b7a-471b-889b-644b6bdbfb3b/logo_areas.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - July 2025 - Areas announces agreement to acquire Travel Hospitality Services (THS) Delaware North’s airport hospitality division in the U.S.</image:title>
      <image:caption>July 10, 2025 Areas, a global leader in travel dining and retail, has reached an agreement with Delaware North to acquire its United States-based airport food, beverage, and retail business, Travel Hospitality Services (THS). The transaction is subject to regulatory approval in the U.S. and other customary closing conditions.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/536afe7e-ec91-4b9e-85ed-98171e22f094/kura+sushi+logo.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - July 2025 - Kura Sushi USA Announces Fiscal Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>July 08, 2025 16:05 ET IRVINE, Calif., July 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kura Sushi USA, Inc. (“Kura Sushi” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: KRUS), a technology-enabled Japanese restaurant concept, today announced financial results for the fiscal third quarter ended May 31, 2025. Fiscal Third Quarter 2025 Highlights Total sales were $74.0 million, compared to $63.1 million in the third quarter of 2024; Comparable restaurant sales decreased 2.1% for the third quarter of 2025 as compared to the third quarter of 2024; Operating loss was $0.2 million, compared to an operating loss of $1.2 million in the third quarter of 2024; Net income was $0.6 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, compared to net loss of $0.6 million, or $(0.05) per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2024; Adjusted net income* was $0.6 million, or $0.05 per diluted share, compared to an adjusted net income* of four thousand dollars or $0.00 per diluted share, in the third quarter of 2024; Restaurant-level operating profit* was $13.5 million, or 18.2% of sales; Adjusted EBITDA* was $5.4 million; and Three new restaurants opened during the fiscal third quarter of 2025.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/c8a2b097-efed-4da1-8342-e3550ef60220/darden+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - July 2025 - Darden Restaurants Reports Fiscal 2025 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results; Increases Quarterly Dividend; Authorizes New $1 Billion Share Repurchase Program; And Provides Fiscal 2026 Outlook</image:title>
    </image:image>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/2e4bfc04-09d8-4ae3-90b5-0f05f41dc4f0/thompson_street_capital_partners_logo+2025.jfif</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - July 2025 - Thompson Street Capital Partners Acquires Bubbakoo’s Burritos, a Rapidly Growing Mexican-Fusion Fast-Casual Franchisor</image:title>
      <image:caption>Jun 18, 2025 6:30 AM Eastern Daylight Time ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Thompson Street Capital Partners (TSCP), a private equity firm based in St. Louis, announced today it has acquired Bubbakoo’s Burritos (Bubbakoo’s), a New Jersey-based franchisor of fast-casual Mexican-fusion restaurants. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Founded in 2008 in Wall Township, New Jersey by restaurant industry veterans Bill Hart and Paul Altero, Bubbakoo’s delivers a bold twist on traditional Mexican fare. With a focus on made-to-order food and a vibrant restaurant experience, Bubbakoo’s began franchising in 2015. The brand has since expanded to more than 130 locations across 15 states, primarily along the East Coast and Midwest.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-movements-amp-financials-february-2025-p9dwy-9nymp-hs9h4</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-07-15</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/e5b5a9eb-a5e9-4854-a01f-0af552952e7f/naf+naf+logo.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - July 2025 - Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill CEO Greg Willman Announces His Departure, Current CFO Grady Metoyer will take over on an interim basis</image:title>
      <image:caption>Jul 14, 2025, 09:11 ET CHICAGO, July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill announced today that CEO Greg Willman has notified the board of his intent to retire from his executive role at Naf Naf Grill. Willman joined Naf Naf in 2019 as the brand's first franchisee, bringing the fast-casual Middle Eastern concept to Indianapolis and Carmel, Indiana, where Mr. Willman resides. He was named CEO and appointed to the Board of Directors in 2020, later becoming Board Chair. Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill CEO Greg Willman will retire from his executive role. CFO Grady Metoyer named interim CEO</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/d7e7a7df-cb5b-4cb3-b173-c7d655fac88d/edible+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - July 2025 - Edible Brands Names Hospitality Veteran Matthew Walls President and Chief Stores Officer</image:title>
      <image:caption>Jul 15, 2025, 09:41 ET Veteran Franchise Executive to Drive Company Innovation, Franchisee Performance, and Strategic Growth Walls Brings Extensive Industry Experience and a Passion for Purpose-Driven Leadership New Executive Appointment Comes Amid Brand Renewal and Expansion Across Portfolio</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/b17a15ac-c7e0-4c48-86df-202ee6bbc272/Wendys-Restaurant-Franchise.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - July 2025 - Wendy’s Appoints Ken Cook as Interim CEO</image:title>
      <image:caption>Jul 08, 2025, 08:45 ET Kirk Tanner to Depart Wendy's for CEO Role at The Hershey Company DUBLIN, Ohio, July 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wendy's Company (Nasdaq: WEN) today announced that Kirk Tanner, President and Chief Executive Officer, is leaving to become the President and CEO at The Hershey Company (NYSE: HSY) and will depart The Wendy's Company effective July 18, 2025. Wendy's Board of Directors has launched a comprehensive search process to select a permanent CEO. The Board has appointed Ken Cook, Chief Financial Officer of the Company, as Interim CEO. Cook, who remains CFO, played a major role in developing Wendy's long-term growth strategy. Prior to joining the Company, Cook spent 20 years at United Parcel Service, Inc. in roles of increasing responsibility, including having most recently served as Head of Financial Planning and Analysis. Prior to that, he served as Chief Financial Officer for the $60 billion U.S. Domestic segment of UPS.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/e7ea6939-0133-4aa6-b075-ce699bcad3ce/Krispy-Kreme-Logo-2048x1152.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - July 2025 - Krispy Kreme Appoints Raphael Duvivier as Chief Financial Officer</image:title>
      <image:caption>Jul 3, 2025 8:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time Company Remains Committed to Goal of Achieving Sustainable, Profitable Growth CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Krispy Kreme, Inc. (NASDAQ: DNUT) (“Krispy Kreme” or the “Company”) today announced that Raphael Duvivier, President, International of Krispy Kreme, has been named Chief Financial Officer, effective July 11, 2025. Mr. Duvivier succeeds Jeremiah Ashukian, who decided to leave the Company to pursue an opportunity with a private company.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/cea622a9-fe29-4143-abec-a785fd1b84b7/newks+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - July 2025 - Newk’s Eatery Welcomes Back Industry Veteran Chris Cheek as Chief Development Officer</image:title>
      <image:caption>July 2, 2025 Returning to the brand he helped grow, Cheek brings a renewed vision for franchise development, site selection and strategic expansion as Newk’s prepares for its next chapter. Jackson, MS  (RestaurantNews.com)  Newk’s Eatery, the fast-casual brand known for craveable, made-from-scratch food and category-defining menu innovation, has announced the return of Chris Cheek as chief development officer. A familiar face with deep ties to the brand, Cheek previously served in the same role from 2014 to 2019 – a period of strong growth during which the brand doubled in size. “I was Newk’s very first chief development officer back in 2014,” said Cheek. “During this time, the brand experienced tremendous growth due to our team, our menu and a focus on hospitality. I left in 2019 for another opportunity, but Newk’s has always felt like home.”</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/2b2a055f-703f-4025-9694-3e48a1c872b8/melting+pot+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - July 2025 - Melting Pot Names New CEO, Celebrates 50th Anniversary With Continued Growth and Leadership Promotions</image:title>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/16e2cc53-9fd7-46f2-af49-000099ce85f3/logo_dominos.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - July 2025 - Domino's Pizza® Elects Stephen Kramer to Board of Directors</image:title>
      <image:caption>Jun 30, 2025, 16:15 ET ANN ARBOR, Mich., June 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Domino's Pizza, Inc. (Nasdaq: DPZ), the largest pizza company in the world, today announced the election of Stephen H. Kramer to its Board of Directors.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/4cbd7df3-4d50-4e03-8b6e-27eb40692dd6/panera+bread+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - July 2025 - Panera Bread Creates Transformation &amp; Strategy Office and Announces Nikka Copeland as Senior Vice President</image:title>
      <image:caption>Jun 25, 2025 8:45 AM Eastern Daylight Time ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Panera Bread, a leader and pioneer in the fast casual restaurant industry, today announced Nikka Copeland has joined as Senior Vice President of the newly created Office of Transformation &amp; Strategy. In this role, Copeland will manage the strategic execution of Panera’s three-year growth plan, driving business model clarity that will be instrumental as the company transforms for sustained performance and growth. Copeland joined the Panera Executive Team on June 24, reporting to CEO Paul Carbone. A respected transformation strategist and thought partner, Copeland brings a strong track record of leading complex global transformations, unlocking performance and scaling growth throughout more than 20 years of experience across multiple industries including food service. She is known for leading enterprise-wide initiatives, aligning people, process and technology around strategic outcomes to foster high-performing cultures.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/3d0a711f-fb7f-48d1-92f3-68431b9e7657/jack+in+the+box+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - July 2025 - Jack in the Box Inc. Welcomes Back Shannon McKinney as New Chief Operating Officer</image:title>
      <image:caption>Jun 24, 2025 4:30 PM Eastern Daylight Time Shannon McKinney served as vice president of operations and brand performance from March 2019 to August 2021. Shannon McKinney, Chief Operating Officer, Jack in the Box Inc. SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK) is pleased to announce the return of Shannon McKinney as senior vice president, chief operating officer and new member of the executive leadership team.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/e6dc89be-525c-4ba4-8221-aa0497ddf790/bloomin+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - July 2025 - Rafael Sanchez Joins Bloomin’ Brands as Chief Information Officer</image:title>
      <image:caption>Jun 24, 2025 4:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/2025-compensation-trends-in-portfolio-company-restaurant-brands-aligning-pay-with-performance</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-08-11</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1752407858936-2GUJ1828651XFYD87A4J/unsplash-image-NeTPASr-bmQ.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - 2025 Compensation Trends in Portfolio Company Restaurant Brands: Aligning Pay with Performance and Exit Outcomes&amp;nbsp; - In the evolving landscape of private equity backed restaurant brands, 2025 marks a significant shift in how compensation is structured at both the C-suite and VP levels. As competition for returns increases and exit timelines shorten, portfolio companies are redesigning executive pay systems to drive sustainable growth, reduce turnover, and align leadership with value creation.</image:title>
      <image:caption>Unlike public companies, portcos benefit from greater flexibility in designing compensation, but they also carry sharper accountability. In this environment, compensation is no longer just a recruiting tool; it is a strategic weapon for creating enterprise value and building teams that can execute a focused, high-stakes growth plan.  Here, we’ll analyze how C-level and VP-level compensation is evolving in restaurant portcos and outline emerging best practices in aligning incentives with fund-level outcomes.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1752407937863-1KNH2EOEJ6M7AUFZ5QFX/unsplash-image-VK7jXtOtEuM.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - 2025 Compensation Trends in Portfolio Company Restaurant Brands: Aligning Pay with Performance and Exit Outcomes&amp;nbsp; - VP-Level Compensation: Focused on Execution and Retention</image:title>
      <image:caption>While C-level pay is designed for long-term alignment with fund outcomes, VP pay is more transactional and retention-based. VPs are expected to execute growth plans at scale, often under intense pressure and within lean operating structures.  Base Salary and Bonus  Base salaries typically range from $175K to $250K, depending on function and geography.  Bonus targets are typically 25–50% of base, based on:  Department-specific KPIs (e.g., labor % for Ops, digital engagement for Marketing)  Unit performance (same-store sales, EBITDA)  Budget adherence and team retention  Many portcos now tier bonus pools by brand region, function, or ownership (company vs. franchise) to drive accountability.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/succession-planning-in-the-restaurant-industry</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-07-13</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-succession-in-the-restaurant-and-hospitality-industry</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-08-09</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/restaurants-conditions-beginning-to-normalize</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-07-15</lastmod>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/49bbfb8c-7e31-48aa-abdc-88377498eef7/Screenshot+2025-06-17+175135.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - RESTAURANTS: CONDITIONS BEGINNING TO NORMALIZE - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/2025-compensation-trends-in-private-and-pe-backed-restaurant-companies-executive-pay-in-a-value-creation-era</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-07-13</lastmod>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/8dc3ffa9-6113-4a47-8806-4c16a5b9ea21/Untitled+design+%2825%29.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - 2025 Compensation Trends in Private and PE-Backed Restaurant Companies: Executive Pay in a Value-Creation Era - As 2025 continues, the private and private equity-backed segment is undergoing a transformation in how it approaches executive compensation. Unlike public companies constrained by proxy disclosures and public market expectations, private restaurant brands enjoy more flexibility, but face even greater pressure to tie pay to performance, retention, and enterprise value growth.</image:title>
      <image:caption>From emerging regional concepts to national PE-backed platforms, restaurant organizations are redesigning how they pay C-suite and VP-level leaders. The goal: build high-impact teams that can scale operations, improve unit economics, and ultimately deliver a lucrative exit. We’ll look at the evolving compensation structures across the private restaurant landscape, drawing distinctions between C-level and VP-level roles, and between founder-led and PE-owned environments.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/e0fc27fd-ff5b-4a3b-bc57-c1f500e3f488/Untitled+design+%2824%29.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - 2025 Compensation Trends in Private and PE-Backed Restaurant Companies: Executive Pay in a Value-Creation Era - Equity &amp; Value Creation Incentives</image:title>
      <image:caption>C-suite equity participation is a cornerstone of compensation, especially in PE-backed brands. Typical ownership or incentive equity: 5–10% of fully diluted equity for the CEO (in a shared management pool) 1–3% for other C-level leaders (CFO, COO, CMO, CHRO) Equity vehicles include: Profits interests Incentive stock options or phantom equity Carried interest-style structures, with payout contingent on exceeding a preferred return (e.g., 2x MOIC)</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/top-25-interview-questions-for-restaurant-and-hospitality-cfos-1</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-07-13</lastmod>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/947b1729-6f59-495c-9305-1b8f93587989/cfo1.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Top 25 Interview Questions for Restaurant and Hospitality CFOs - In today’s fast-moving restaurant and hospitality industry, Chief Financial Officers (CFOs) must go beyond financial expertise. They are expected to lead with strategic insight, operational agility, and a deep understanding of industry dynamics. This guide outlines essential CFO interview questions across key categories—from seasonal planning and cost control to risk mitigation, technology adoption, and team leadership. Whether you're hiring your next finance executive or preparing for the role, these questions reveal the competencies that drive enterprise value and long-term success.</image:title>
      <image:caption>Strategic Financial Leadership: Interview Questions for CFOs 1. What is your experience with capital allocation for growth initiatives? Ideal candidates will detail their evaluation process for investments such as property renovations, franchise expansion, or technology upgrades—using metrics like NPV or IRR—and link these to improved guest satisfaction or operational efficiency. 2. How have you driven profitability improvements in previous roles? Candidates should connect initiatives—like streamlining procurement, renegotiating supplier contracts, or optimizing menu costs—with measurable gains in EBITDA or margin performance. 3. Describe your methodology for long-range financial forecasting. Expect a structured approach that begins with historical analysis and incorporates scenario planning, stakeholder input, and ERP forecasting tools.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/5a0c5bc6-2b5a-4cc3-9e3d-3c7ea138fd86/cfo2.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Top 25 Interview Questions for Restaurant and Hospitality CFOs - 11. How do you maintain relationships with auditors and regulators? Top performers highlight proactive scheduling, transparency, documentation, and dashboard tools for compliance visibility.</image:title>
      <image:caption>Technology and Systems: CFO Interview Questions 12. What financial systems and ERP platforms are you proficient in? Look for proficiency with SAP, Oracle, NetSuite, and hospitality-specific platforms. Bonus points for describing how these systems improved financial accuracy and agility. 13. How have you used data analytics to guide financial decisions? Candidates should share how they unified data across POS, PMS, and ERP systems to drive insights—such as reforecasting based on customer trends or optimizing labor allocations. 14. Describe a time you led a financial technology implementation. Top candidates will outline an end-to-end process: identifying needs, selecting vendors, managing implementation, and measuring success. 15. How do you ensure financial data integrity and security? Expect clear processes for encryption, MFA, audit trails, and compliance with GDPR or industry-specific regulations.</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/retirement-announcement-joseph-a-radice-honoring-a-respected-leader-in-hospitality-executive-search</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-06-16</lastmod>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/79ecb8c6-e951-46ab-8acc-72d8f8651b28/Joe.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Retirement Announcement: Joseph A. Radice Honoring a Respected Leader in Hospitality Executive Search - After a remarkable career marked by insight, integrity, and influence, we announce the retirement of Joseph Radice, long time Vice President at Wray Executive Search and a true legend in hospitality executive recruiting.</image:title>
      <image:caption>Joe joined Wray Executive Search in 2008 to lead our Manhattan office, following more than two decades as principal of Hospitality International Executive Search. With deep roots in restaurant, hotel, and foodservice leadership, Joe brought unmatched industry knowledge, strategic foresight, and a client-centered approach that has defined his tenure and elevated countless careers. His own experience—ranging from senior roles in corporate foodservice and hospitality technology to ownership of a fine-dining restaurant—made him uniquely qualified to connect top talent with transformative opportunities. Over the years, Joe partnered with leading national and regional restaurant chains, on-site dining and catering firms, and international hotel groups, helping them build world-class leadership teams. Joe's legacy is not only found in the executives he placed but in the mentorship he offered, the relationships he built, and the trust he earned across the industry. A proud graduate of Cornell University’s School of Hotel Administration, MBA holder, Army veteran, and dedicated member of SHFM, HSMAI, and the Cornell Hotel Society, Joe has also given back by guiding the next generation through career counseling and academic advisory work.</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-chat-w-roland-gonzalez-ceo-of-churchs-chicken</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-08-11</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/c708479d-221b-4488-a918-571d542e3ab3/Roland.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Corner Office Conversations w/ Kevin Stockslager: Roland Gonzalez, CEO of Church’s Texas Chicken - Executive Chat with Roland Gonzalez</image:title>
      <image:caption>I appreciate your time again today. Looking back to the start of your career, what inspired you to get into the restaurant industry, and what continues to motivate you today? Yeah, that’s a great question. I was a student-athlete throughout my career—I played Division I in baseball and then professionally for a bit. When that chapter closed, I went back and got my MBA. At the time, 3G Capital had just acquired Burger King and was launching its first MBA leadership program to help turn around the business. I’ve always been interested in business—specifically international business—and I wanted to apply that knowledge somewhere dynamic. The food and beverage industry turned out to be a natural fit. It's ultra-competitive, much like sports. Every day, you have to bring your best. You’ve got to strategize, pivot, compete, and build the best team around you. That competitive environment really resonated with me, and I fell in love with the industry. That was nearly 15 years ago, and I’ve been in it ever since. You’ve been with the brand for a couple of years now, but you’re just a few months into your role as CEO. What have been some of your early impressions and observations in this new position? First and foremost, the support from our leadership team and board has been phenomenal. When you step into a CEO role and the key stakeholders genuinely believe in you, that’s incredibly motivating. Going back to sports again—someone like Tom Brady wasn’t just driven by his own success. A lot of his motivation came from not wanting to let down the people who believed in him. I feel the same way. To have the opportunity to lead a 73-year-old brand with such a rich history—and to help take it to the next level—is exciting. We’ve done great things over the years, and now it’s about unlocking that next phase of growth, both domestically and internationally.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/ba2f633a-fb27-4010-9929-409af7577877/churchs-texas-logo-enclosed.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Corner Office Conversations w/ Kevin Stockslager: Roland Gonzalez, CEO of Church’s Texas Chicken - During your tenure, what’s the best operational shift you’ve made in recent years to continually drive improvement? The number one thing is becoming hyper-focused on measurement. In the restaurant industry, managers are pulled in a thousand directions every day. While most areas of focus—cleanliness, food quality, etc.—can improve the guest experience, you can’t go after everything equally. We had to identify the top three things that mattered most to our guests and double down on those, while still meeting expectations in other areas. We did that through strong measurement. One of the first things we implemented was an operational performance index scorecard. It’s clear, focused, and aligned to what matters. What’s exciting is that it’s shown a 97% correlation to our sales growth. So we can be confident that improving these key operational indicators—like training, restaurant assessments, feedback, and compliance modules—will result in better traffic and higher sales.</image:title>
      <image:caption>You also mentioned the brand’s investment in technology. What innovations do you see as most impactful to the restaurant industry in the next few years? AI in the drive-thru is a big one, but it's not quite there yet. Several companies have tried and failed. The key is getting it to a level where team members don’t need to step in—because even 5% failure in the drive-thru could mean losing 5% of your customers. So accuracy is everything. But it’s moving in the right direction.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/5-signs-its-time-to-partner-with-executive-recruiters-in-the-restaurant-industry</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-10-24</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-movements-amp-financials-february-2025-p9dwy-9nymp-k2xhg</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-06-17</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/d413531a-d8a5-4747-b4d7-2f4e2a021c33/sizzle+2+logo+2025.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - June 2025 - Sizzle Acquisition Corp. II Completes $230,000,000 Initial Public Offering</image:title>
      <image:caption>June 16, 2025 19:43 ET NEW YORK, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sizzle Acquisition Corp. II (the “Company”) announced today the completion of its initial public offering of 23,000,000 units at a price of $10.00 per unit, resulting in gross proceeds of $230,000,000.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/f756021b-06a2-4baf-9b9e-e39edcc613cd/sizzling+platter+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - June 2025 - Sizzling Platter Announces Proposed Offering of $500 Million Senior Secured Notes to Finance Acquisition by Bain Capital Private Equity</image:title>
      <image:caption>Jun 16, 2025 8:50 AM Eastern Daylight Time SALT LAKE CITY--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sizzling Platter, one of the largest U.S. restaurant franchisee platforms, today announced that affiliates of Bain Capital Private Equity intend to offer $500 million in aggregate principal amount of senior secured notes due 2032 (the “notes”), subject to market and other customary conditions, to fund the acquisition of Sizzling Platter’s parent (the “Company”) by Bain Capital Private Equity. The affiliates, BCPE Flavor Debt Merger Sub, LLC (“Merger Sub”) and BCPE Flavor Issuer, Inc. (the “Co-Issuer”) intend to use the net proceeds from the notes offering, together with borrowings under new senior secured credit facilities and equity contributions, to fund the acquisition, repay Sizzling Platter’s existing indebtedness and pay related fees and expenses, with the remainder to be used for general corporate purposes. This press release does not constitute a notice of repayment of any outstanding indebtedness of Sizzling Platter.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/e90cabe2-d02f-4e64-8917-4c6ad9645d06/hawkers+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - June 2025 - Savory Fund Invests in Hawkers -- Igniting A Bold New Era for the Asian Street Food Icon</image:title>
      <image:caption>Jun 12, 2025, 09:00 ET The cult-favorite concept known for big flavors and high energy kicks off a monumental expansion with Savory Fund LEHI, Utah and ORLANDO, Fla., June 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Woks are hot, vibes are high, and Hawkers is just getting started. Today, the beloved Asian street food concept announced its official partnership with Savory Fund, setting the stage for a major growth chapter fueled by operational firepower and deep hospitality expertise. Hawkers, the cult-favorite Asian street food concept, is teaming up with Savory Fund to fuel its next phase of growth. Founded in 2011 in Orlando, Florida, by four childhood friends, the brand now boasts 15 vibrant locations across Florida, the Southeast and Texas. Founded in 2011 in Orlando, Florida by four childhood friends, Hawkers has grown into a high-energy, flavor-forward dining experience with 15 thriving locations across the Southeast and Texas. Inspired by the bold flavors found in the vibrant hawker stalls of Asia, the brand delivers authentic street food in an atmosphere made for sharing — and celebrating.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/b1120ca4-5397-468c-a63a-b45ec056c7bc/nathans+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - June 2025 - Nathan's Famous, Inc. Reports Year End And Fourth Quarter Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>June 10, 2025 06:30 ET JERICHO, N.Y., June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nathan's Famous, Inc. (“Nathan’s”, the “Company”, “we”, “us” or “our”) (NASDAQ:NATH) today reported results for its fiscal year and fourth quarter ended March 30, 2025. Effective June 10, 2025, the Board of Directors declared its first quarterly cash dividend for fiscal 2026 of $0.50 per share, which is payable on July 1, 2025 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 23, 2025. For the fiscal year ended March 30, 2025: Revenues were $148,182,000 for the fifty-two weeks ended March 30, 2025 (“fiscal 2025”) as compared to $138,610,000 for the fifty-three weeks ended March 31, 2024 (“fiscal 2024”); Income from operations was $36,497,000 for fiscal 2025 as compared to $32,506,000 for fiscal 2024; Adjusted EBITDA1 for fiscal 2025, a non-GAAP financial measure, was $39,206,000 as compared to $34,843,000 for fiscal 2024; Income before provision for income taxes was $32,761,000 for fiscal 2025 as compared to $27,451,000 for fiscal 2024; Net income was $24,026,000 for fiscal 2025 as compared to $19,616,000 for fiscal 2024; and Earnings per diluted share was $5.87 per share for fiscal 2025 as compared to $4.80 per share for fiscal 2024.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/b2a1f43b-ed33-4649-935e-b0485bdc75a4/cracker+barrel+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - June 2025 - CRACKER BARREL REPORTS THIRD QUARTER FISCAL 2025 RESULTS AND UPDATES OUTLOOK</image:title>
      <image:caption>Jun 05, 2025, 08:00 ET Company increases expectation for fiscal 2025 adjusted EBITDA1 to between $215 million and $225 million2 LEBANON, Tenn., June 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. ("Cracker Barrel" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: CBRL) today reported its financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 ended May 2, 2025. Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 Highlights Third quarter total revenue was $821.1 million. Compared to the prior year third quarter, total revenue increased 0.5%. Comparable store restaurant sales increased 1.0% over the prior year quarter, and comparable store retail sales decreased 3.8%. GAAP earnings per diluted share were $0.56, and adjusted1 earnings per diluted share were $0.58. GAAP net income for the third quarter was $12.6 million compared to the prior year quarter GAAP net income (loss) of ($9.2) million. Adjusted EBITDA1 was $48.1 million, a 0.4% increase compared to the prior year quarter adjusted EBITDA1 of $47.9 million.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/96d14bf2-e127-4340-acae-679064b6c95f/savory+fund+logo.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - June 2025 - Savory Fund Acquires Bonrue Bakery – A Modern Patisserie Blending Culinary Mastery With Scalable Speed</image:title>
      <image:caption>June 4, 2025 Known for its Michelin-trained team and rapid, high-volume service, Bonrue is set to scale with the backing of Savory, which brings deep bakery roots and multi-unit expertise.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/85a519ce-a39f-4655-906a-994d303a7092/red+robin+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - June 2025 - Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. Reports Results for the Fiscal First Quarter Ended April 20, 2025</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 29, 2025, 16:05 ET ENGLEWOOD, Colo., May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (NASDAQ: RRGB) ("Red Robin" or the "Company"), a full-service restaurant chain serving an innovative selection of high-quality gourmet burgers in a family-friendly atmosphere, today reported financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended April 20, 2025. Highlights for the Fiscal First Quarter of 2025, Compared to the Fiscal First Quarter of 2024: Total revenues are $392.4 million, an increase of $3.8 million. Comparable restaurant revenue(1) increased 3.1%. Net income is $1.2 million, compared to a net loss of $9.5 million last year, a $10.7 million increase. Adjusted EBITDA(2) is $27.9 million compared to $13.4 million last year, a 108.2% increase. Completed sale of three owned properties during the first quarter for gross proceeds of $5.8 million. Repaid $17.8 million of debt.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/74c2be4f-cf51-4e92-8882-0659730f29f7/cava+logo+2025.jfif</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - June 2025 - CAVA Group Reports First Quarter 2025 Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 15, 2025 4:10 PM Eastern Daylight Time Year Over Year CAVA Revenue Growth of 28.2% Including CAVA Same Restaurant Sales Growth of 10.8% 15 Net New CAVA Restaurant Openings During Quarter First Quarter 2025 CAVA Restaurant-Level Profit Margin of 25.1% WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CAVA Group, Inc. (NYSE: CAVA) (“CAVA Group” or the “Company”), the category-defining Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant brand that brings heart, health, and humanity to food, today announced financial results for its fiscal first quarter ended April 20, 2025. "In spite of economic uncertainty and challenging weather, CAVA’s first quarter results demonstrate the continued strength of our category-defining brand,” said Brett Schulman, Co-Founder and CEO. “First quarter same restaurant sales grew 10.8%, including traffic growth of 7.5%. We opened 15 net new restaurants during the quarter and with our entry into Indiana we are now in 26 states and the District of Columbia. In addition to these highlights, I’m proud to say that on a trailing twelve-month basis, we have now surpassed a billion dollars in revenue – a milestone that is a testament to Mediterranean becoming the next large scale cultural cuisine category, a category we have firmly established our leadership in.”</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/3d0a711f-fb7f-48d1-92f3-68431b9e7657/jack+in+the+box+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - June 2025 - Jack in the Box Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2025 Earnings</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 14, 2025 4:02 PM Eastern Daylight Time Jack in the Box same-store sales of (4.4%); Del Taco same-store sales of (3.6%) Jack in the Box systemwide sales of (4.9%); Del Taco systemwide sales of (4.5%) Diluted loss per share of ($7.47), including a non-cash goodwill and intangible impairment charge for Del Taco Operating EPS of $1.20</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-movements-amp-financials-february-2025-p9dwy-9nymp-dhcxj</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-06-17</lastmod>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1b037597-1317-4afc-ad7d-eeb86c57e37a/yum-brands-logo-png-transparent.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - June 2025 - Yum! Brands Appoints Chris Turner as Chief Executive Officer Effective October 1, 2025</image:title>
      <image:caption>June 17, 2025 David Gibbs will serve as an adviser to Yum! Brands until the end of 2026 Louisville, KY  (RestaurantNews.com)  Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) today announced that its Board of Directors has unanimously elected Chris Turner, 50, as Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2025. Turner, who currently serves as Chief Financial &amp; Franchise Officer for Yum! Brands, will succeed current Chief Executive Officer David Gibbs, who, in March 2025, informed the Board of Directors of his intention to retire in the next year after 37 years with the Company and a successful tenure as CEO. “I’m deeply honored to step into the role of CEO at Yum! Brands and incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead this global company with such iconic brands,” said Turner. “I want to sincerely thank David Gibbs for his exceptional leadership and partnership. I’m excited to build on all that we’ve accomplished together alongside our talented teams and in partnership with our franchisees around the world, as we innovate, grow our brands and continue delivering exceptional experiences for our consumers.”</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/682f2a2d-ddb5-4ffc-a240-0ab0065acfe4/soulmands+bbq+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - June 2025 - Soulman’s Bar-B-Que Announces Leadership Promotions and New Additions to Support Growth and Excellence</image:title>
      <image:caption>June 17, 2025 Austin Green Promoted to Vice President of Accounting &amp; Finance, Leading a Wave of Empowered Female Leadership at Soulman’s Bar-B-Que Dallas-Fort Worth, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, a North Texas institution known for its authentic, hickory-smoked barbecue and community-first approach, is proud to announce key leadership promotions and additions designed to fuel the brand’s continued growth, innovation, and operational excellence.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/85f29d9c-1ab7-4faf-8dd0-8d19621f1683/smalls+sliders+logo+2022.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - June 2025 - Former Raising Cane's exec named COO of Smalls Sliders</image:title>
      <image:caption>June 16, 2025 Smalls Sliders, a cheeseburger slider concept, has named Clint Penfield as chief operating officer. He brings more than two decades of experience from Raising Cane's, where he held senior roles including chief of restaurant services and senior vice president of restaurant services. His tenure there saw him guide operations across hundreds of locations as the brand expanded nationally. "Smalls Sliders is built on a foundation of operational simplicity and bold hospitality," Penfield said in a company press release. "My goal is to scale what makes Smalls special, while ensuring every Can delivers a standout guest experience, every time." Charles Watson, CEO of Smalls Sliders, highlighted Penfield's "culture-first leader" approach, stating his leadership will help the company grow without losing its unique qualities. Smalls Sliders, known for serving cooked-to-order cheeseburger sliders, seasoned waffle fries and hand-spun milkshakes from its signature "Smorange-colored" shipping containers dubbed "Cans," has expanded rapidly since its 2019 founding. The brand has more than 375 Cans open or under development across 22 states. Investors include 10 Point Capital and former NFL star Drew Brees. View source version at Smalls Sliders</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/f001d211-0c6a-481d-a51c-94816dcfd0cc/portillos+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - June 2025 - Portillo’s Adds Veteran Restaurant Leader Gene Lee to Board of Directors</image:title>
      <image:caption>Former CEO Brings a Wealth of Industry Operations Expertise June 16, 2025 07:00 ET CHICAGO, June 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Portillo’s (NASDAQ: PTLO), the fast-casual restaurant concept known for its menu of Chicago-style favorites, today announced the appointment of Eugene I. Lee, Jr., a respected veteran of the restaurant industry and award-winning foodservice leader, to Portillo’s Board of Directors, effective immediately. "Gene has dedicated his career to the restaurant industry,” said Mike Miles, Chairman of the Board of Portillo’s. “His rise from bussing tables to running the world's premier casual-dining company gives him an understanding of all facets of the business, from how to run a great shift to how to best position brands for growth in new markets. He has a passion for the people who work on the front lines and for delivering value to customers and shareholders. We are excited to have his experience and wisdom on the Portillo’s board."</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - June 2025 - Texas Roadhouse, Inc. Announces Departure of Chief Financial Officer</image:title>
      <image:caption>June 10, 2025 09:00 ET LOUISVILLE, Ky., June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Texas Roadhouse, Inc. (NasdaqGS: TXRH), announced today that Chief Financial Officer Chris Monroe is no longer with the Company. Mr. Monroe was hired by the Company on June 28, 2023. “We appreciate Chris’ nearly two years of service and wish he and his family the best as they transition back to Texas,” said Chief Executive Officer Jerry Morgan. The Company’s Board of Directors has appointed Keith Humpich, Vice President of Finance, as interim CFO until a permanent successor has been identified.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - June 2025 - Eggs Up Grill Appoints Jennifer Folger as Vice President of Franchise Growth</image:title>
      <image:caption>Jun 10, 2025, 08:55 ET Franchise Industry Veteran to Drive Continued Growth and Expansion for Rapidly Expanding "Better Breakfast" Brand</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/85a677f0-9f31-425c-a404-0aed6ac32063/bobbys+burgers+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - June 2025 - Bobby’s Burgers By Bobby Flay Announces New Chief Development Officer</image:title>
      <image:caption>June 10, 2025 Strategic new hire reinforces the brand’s commitment to national expansion and world-class franchise support Charlotte, NC  (RestaurantNews.com)  Plans for Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay to rapidly expand across the country are moving full steam ahead with the brand’s newest appointment of Patrick Cunningham as CDO. This move underscores the brand’s continued momentum and dedication to building a powerhouse franchise network.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - June 2025 - HHC Taps Slim Chickens’ Training Guru as Brand Accelerates Both Corporate and Franchise Growth</image:title>
      <image:caption>June 10, 2025 The award-winning training leader joins to fuel the brand’s explosive expansion and elevate HHC’s operations coast-to-coast Las Vegas, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  Houston TX Hot Chicken (HHC), the fast-growing concept redefining the hot chicken category, announced today the appointment of Chris Patterson as Vice President of Training. With more than 30 years of restaurant industry experience and a proven track record of scaling high-growth brands, Patterson joins HHC at a critical point in its nationwide expansion. Patterson began his restaurant career at just 15 in Lubbock, Texas, working in a local BBQ joint before spending two decades with CiCi’s Pizza. There, he advanced from team member to multi-unit leader, then moved to the brand’s Corporate Training Department – ultimately serving as Director of Training during CiCi’s highest-growth years. He later brought his passion for developing scalable systems to Dickey’s Barbecue as VP of Training, where his team created award-winning educational content and a new franchisee training program.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/d8a52e8c-0713-42b2-91a4-30807ab482df/taco+johns+logo.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - June 2025 - Taco John's Appoints Industry Veteran Jackie Secor to Chief Operating Officer</image:title>
      <image:caption>Jun 09, 2025, 09:42 ET Seasoned Operations Leader Brings Over Two Decades of Experience Across Franchise and Corporate Leadership Appointment is Set to Drive Operational Excellence and Cross-Functional Alignment as Brand Scales Bolstered Executive Bench Supports Taco John's National Growth Strategy and Franchisee-First Focus ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn., June 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Taco John's®, a leading Mexican quick-service restaurant, appoints longtime restaurant industry leader Jackie Secor as its new Chief Operating Officer. With over 25 years of experience leading high-performing teams and driving strategic initiatives, Secor will play a key role in accelerating the brand's growth, enhancing franchisee success, and continuing to streamline system-wide operations.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/2b194d5a-8082-4148-9afa-3586968e4257/bjs+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - June 2025 - Lyle D. Tick Appointed CEO and President of BJ’s Restaurants, Inc.</image:title>
      <image:caption>June 05, 2025 16:01 ET Company announces departure of CFO HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ: BJRI) today announced that Lyle D. Tick, currently BJ’s President and Chief Concept Officer, has been appointed Chief Executive Officer and President, effective June 5, 2025. Interim Chief Executive Officer C. Bradford (“Brad”) Richmond will assume the role of Special Advisor to the CEO during Mr. Tick’s transition into his new role and will remain a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Tick was named President and Chief Concept Officer in September 2024, and in his time with the Company has been instrumental in the creation of the Company’s strategic vision, which is focused on the team member experience, handcrafted food and beverages, delivering WOW hospitality and keeping the atmosphere fresh. His leadership and vision for the brand have allowed the Company to build a strong foundation and a strategic plan to deliver long-term value for shareholders.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/41e6ea93-6999-43af-9b14-04b502b81f01/cke+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - June 2025 - CKE Restaurants Appoints Ewan Davenport as President, International</image:title>
      <image:caption>Jun 04, 2025, 07:47 ET Appointment Brings Deep International Market Development and Brand Growth Expertise to CKE's Global Operations</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/fd1286a2-aad2-4043-b08d-7779f1ef53c5/national+restaurant+association+logo.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - June 2025 - Karl Dahlgren and Judy Mulcahy Join National Restaurant Association Executive Leadership</image:title>
      <image:caption>Jun 02, 2025, 09:00 ET Another stellar placement by Wray Executive Search Will assume roles of Chief Product Officer and Chief Operating Officer to support Association's "Next Era" growth WASHINGTON, June 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Restaurant Association is pleased to announce Karl Dahlgren as its new Chief Product Officer (CPO) and Judy Mulcahy as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO). As CPO, Dahlgren's leadership will shape how the Association delivers value to the industry through the strategy, development and management of ServSafe® and the future growth and development of a full suite of the organization's product portfolio.  As COO, Mulcahy will oversee day-to-day operations to ensure alignment of the Association's people, processes, and systems with long-term strategic goals.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/3d0a711f-fb7f-48d1-92f3-68431b9e7657/jack+in+the+box+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - June 2025 - Jack in the Box Inc. Announces Dawn Hooper as Its Chief Financial Officer</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 28, 2025 4:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time Dawn Hooper had served as interim principal financial officer since October 2024. Dawn Hooper, Chief Financial Officer, Jack in the Box Inc. SAN DIEGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK) and its Board of Directors announced Dawn Hooper as the chief financial officer for Jack in the Box, effective immediately.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/24d394ac-ae73-40ef-8fdf-18d00c8204ad/yoshinoya+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - June 2025 - Yoshinoya America Appoints Paul Nishiyama President</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 28, 2025 Yoshinoya America Appoints Paul Nishiyama President Torrance, CA  (RestaurantNews.com)  Yoshinoya America today announced the appointment of Paul Nishiyama as President of Yoshinoya America effective June 1st, 2025. Paul has had a long and distinguished career in the restaurant industry, specifically QSR, most recently serving as Chief Operating Officer at Better Buzz Coffee and prior to that held several senior executive positions at Rubio’s Restaurants Inc. Paul brings with him a successful track record of sustained growth, improved profitability, and a commitment to quality. Nori Ozawa, chairman of Yoshinoya America, said, “We are delighted to welcome Paul to Yoshinoya America. His record of success and results oriented leadership makes him the perfect candidate to lead Yoshinoya America’s future expansion plans.”</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/18d4858d-16d1-4e31-8e69-b8b39fa1fa95/smoothie+king+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - June 2025 - SMOOTHIE KING APPOINTS GAVIN FELDER AS NEW PRESIDENT</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 22, 2025, 07:00 ET Brand Expands Felder's Leadership Role as He Continues to Serve as CFO, Leading Smoothie King into Next Era of Growth DALLAS, May 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Smoothie King – the world's leading purpose-driven smoothie brand on a mission to inspire healthy and active lifestyles – announced today the appointment of Gavin Felder as its new President. The expansion of Felder's responsibilities reflects the company's continued growth and momentum, as well as his pivotal role in helping shape its long-term strategy. In addition to taking on the President role, Felder will maintain his current responsibilities as Chief Financial Officer.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/fedce4ed-05c4-408c-873f-ec261a56a8a5/hteao+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - June 2025 - HTeaO Strengthens Executive Team With New CFO and VP of Human Resources</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 21, 2025 8:44 AM Eastern Daylight Time Strategic hires bring decades of leadership experience to support continued national growth Corey Horsch has been appointed Chief Financial Officer at HTeaO, the nation’s leading iced tea franchise. Horsch will lead financial strategy as the brand continues its rapid nationwide growth. FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HTeaO, the nation’s leading iced tea franchise, announces two new executive hires as the company continues its rapid nationwide expansion. Corey Horsch has joined the brand as Chief Financial Officer, and Adam Smith will serve as Vice President of Human Resources. Both leaders bring extensive experience in scaling high-growth brands and are well-positioned to support HTeaO’s future growth trajectory.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/ce21ee8e-2b01-4656-adc8-91115da2af83/south+block+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - June 2025 - South Block Taps Industry Veteran Steve Heeley as President</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 21, 2025</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/4cbd7df3-4d50-4e03-8b6e-27eb40692dd6/panera+bread+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - June 2025 - Panera Brands Appoints José Cil as Chairman</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 16, 2025 8:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time Cil to Focus on Working with Panera Leadership to Deliver Value to Panera Guests and Profitable Growth to Franchisee Partners and Investors Neil Golden, Buck Jordan, Andre Molinari, James Pappas, Emiliano Román and José Tomás Also Appointed to Boards of Panera Brand Companies ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Panera Brands Inc. (“Panera” or “the Company”), which includes the iconic fast casual concept Panera Bread, as well as Einstein Bros. Bagels and its regional brands and Caribou Coffee, today announced that José Cil has been appointed Chairman of its Board of Directors. In this role, Mr. Cil will work closely with Panera’s leadership team to drive growth and differentiated value and experiences for guests across its iconic portfolio. Mr. Cil succeeds Patrick Grismer, who served as independent Board Chair since June 2024 and was recently nominated to serve on the Board of Krispy Kreme. “José brings to Panera more than two decades of restaurant industry leadership experience and an impressive track record of innovation and execution to Panera, and I’m tremendously excited to work alongside him to continue powering our growth,” said Paul Carbone, Chief Executive Officer of Panera Brands. “I look forward to working with José and the leadership team to build a strong culture, to deliver an exceptional guest experience and to drive franchise profitability. I would also like to thank Patrick for all of his partnership during his time on the Board and wish him the very best.”</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/95241aad-1cde-4a26-b677-43eec151b6a3/twin+peaks+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - June 2025 - Twin Hospitality Group Inc. Announces Appointment of Kim Boerema as Chief Executive Officer</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 15, 2025 Another stellar placement by Wray Executive Search Fast-Growing Experiential Restaurant Group Hires California Pizza Kitchen and Texas Roadhouse Veteran Dallas, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  Twin Hospitality Group Inc. (Nasdaq: TWNP), the parent company of Twin Peaks Restaurant, today announces the appointment of Kim Boerema as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Boerema will draw on his over 30 years of industry experience, scaling and optimizing high-volume, full-service restaurant operations, to continue driving forward the rapid growth trajectory of the ultimate sports lodge, Twin Peaks.</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/2025-compensation-trends-in-public-restaurant-companies-a-strategic-look-at-c-suite-vs-vp-level-pay</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-05-13</lastmod>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/22bcddea-d9a7-41b0-94da-688b95ef27a8/Compensation1.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - 2025 Compensation Trends in Public Restaurant Companies: A Strategic Look at C-Suite vs. VP-Level Pay - In 2025, compensation structures across public restaurant companies are evolving in response to macroeconomic pressures, shifting consumer behavior, and the accelerated adoption of digital and operational technologies. Executive compensation, particularly at the C-level versus Vice President tiers, reflects these dynamics as companies aim to align leadership incentives with long-term strategic goals, while retaining top talent in a competitive market.</image:title>
      <image:caption>Macro Drivers of Compensation Shifts The restaurant industry in 2025 faces a landscape defined by: Sticky inflation and rising labor costs. Heightened investor scrutiny on profitability and margin expansion. Acceleration of AI and automation in front- and back-of-house operations. Increased M&amp;A activity, especially among fast-casual and QSR chains. Evolving consumer expectations for digital, sustainable, and personalized experiences.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/8a63f804-8b93-4a6b-8b7a-c4a40cede50c/comp2.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - 2025 Compensation Trends in Public Restaurant Companies: A Strategic Look at C-Suite vs. VP-Level Pay - VP-Level Compensation: Competitive, but More Cash-Oriented and Operationally Tied VP-level roles are critical drivers of execution. Compensation trends at this level show a tilt toward retention and operational alignment.</image:title>
      <image:caption>Base Pay and Cash Bonuses: VP base salaries rose more sharply in 2025 (4–7%), particularly for roles tied to digital transformation and supply chain management. Bonuses are still predominantly cash-based, with 60–80% tied to annual EBITDA, comp sales, and department-specific KPIs (e.g., app conversion rates for Marketing VPs or turnover rates for HR VPs). Equity Participation: VP-level equity grants have increased modestly but are still significantly smaller (often 10–20% of what C-levels receive). Smaller cap and high-growth restaurant chains are using phantom equity or Restricted Stock Units with shorter vesting periods as retention tools.</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/mastering-the-art-and-science-of-restaurant-turnaround</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-05-13</lastmod>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/e386988c-c28d-41f7-8f80-8c13f1a3dffa/turnaround1.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Mastering the Art and Science of Restaurant Turnaround - Most of us aren’t as adept at turnarounds as we’d like to think. I learned this firsthand during my operating years. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of working with—and learning from—leaders who have successfully designed and executed transformative turnaround strategies. Across these experiences, certain principles consistently emerge. These aren’t just worth studying—they’re essential for any executive tasked with revitalizing a business in distress.</image:title>
      <image:caption>There’s an old saying: “When you find yourself in a hole, the first step is to stop digging.” In the restaurant business, this means taking a step back to assess—honestly and thoroughly—your operations, financials, and team. If the core concept is sound, start with a breakeven analysis using activity-based costing. Focus on what drives positive margin. Conduct a four-wall analysis to identify underperforming units that require intervention—or closure.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/8b36ed76-e797-43e4-ac47-5468c28869cf/cash+flow.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Mastering the Art and Science of Restaurant Turnaround - Achieving cash flow neutrality quickly is non-negotiable. Preserve liquidity with discipline: forecast cash weekly, liquidate non-core assets where possible, and safeguard your financial flexibility. Equally critical: ensure the right people are in place. A dedicated turnaround team—focused, agile, and experienced—is essential for swift execution and difficult decision-making.</image:title>
      <image:caption>From there, create a focused plan with a handful of clear, actionable objectives. Communicate it consistently. Stick to it. In times of crisis, clarity and repetition are your strongest tools. Engage all stakeholders—employees, franchisees, customers, and vendors—and remain visible and accessible, even when the situation feels overwhelming. Transparency builds trust. It stops harmful rumors and gives your team a reason to believe in the recovery. And most importantly: execute, execute, execute. Celebrate small wins, stay adaptable, and keep your eyes on the long-term vision. There is light at the end of the tunnel for those who lead with urgency and discipline.</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/restaurant-conditions-challenging-yes-but-still-things-to-donbsp</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-05-13</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/the-top-10-cio-interview-questions-in-the-restaurant-and-hospitality-industry</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-05-12</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-chat-patrick-fore-ceo-of-lime-fresh-mexican-grill</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-05-13</lastmod>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1d3ab057-3adc-46d8-afa7-7a0cad8eada1/Fore+Patrick+headshot.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Chat: Patrick Fore, CEO of Lime Fresh Mexican Grill - At this year’s International Franchise Association (IFA) Convention in Miami Beach, I caught up with Patrick Fore, the dynamic CEO of Lime Fresh Mexican Grill. With a deep history in restaurant leadership and franchising, Patrick is spearheading a vibrant resurgence for the 21-year-old Miami-born brand. From a revitalized store footprint to a new franchise sales push, Patrick shared how Lime Fresh is evolving — and what’s next.</image:title>
      <image:caption>Q&amp;A with Patrick Fore Q: Give us the current snapshot of Lime Fresh. Where are you today? We’re a 21-year-old brand, founded in 2004, with 11 locations — nine in Miami and two company stores in Orlando. The Orlando stores are our innovation hubs and certified training centers. We use them to test menu items, run LTOs, and host Discovery Days as we launch our new franchise sales program — which is why we’re here at IFA. Q: What’s your personal story of joining Lime Fresh? I’m a restaurant lifer — started as a dishwasher and worked my way up. I spent over a decade at Tijuana Flats, helping grow the brand from six company stores to over 130 locations. I eventually sat on the board during the private equity transition. After a detour in software, I was lured back when my now-business partner Vinay bought Lime Fresh and asked for my help. The brand needed fresh energy, so we rebuilt it. We’ve renovated stores, unified the menu, and launched what we call “One Whole Lime.” The new vision includes a bar-forward format, Miami-inspired cocktails, and a more modern, scalable experience. Q: What makes Lime Fresh stand out in a crowded taco market? There’s brand love. People say, “I grew up with Lime.” It’s a Miami staple — and as Miami has evolved into a tier-one city, that energy is baked into our DNA. When we talk about franchising, we’re not just selling tacos — we’re offering a Miami experience. Q: What are you most excited about as you grow the brand? I’m proud of our team. This is their first growth chapter, and they’re learning fast. We’re also adding key roles — a director of marketing and director of IT are top priorities. Right now, my CFO is doubling as CIO, and I’m still acting as head of marketing. It’s time to build that infrastructure so we can scale with strength. Q: If you had to name one thing the brand has always done right, what would it be? Freshness. From day one, Lime Fresh committed to never using frozen or microwaved ingredients. No bags, no shortcuts. Our prep team works 8–10 hours daily to ensure the quality is there. It’s labor-intensive, but it’s worth it — and that standard hasn’t changed.</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-movements-amp-financials-february-2025-p9dwy-9nymp-yna3h</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-05-13</lastmod>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/b15124b2-9e7f-4a3f-97f5-6dd2c0961720/ark+restaurants+logo+2025.jfif</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - Ark Restaurants Announces Financial Results for the Second Quarter of 2025</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 12, 2025 4:20 PM Eastern Daylight Time NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ark Restaurants Corp. (NASDAQ:ARKR) today reported financial results for the second quarter ended March 29, 2025. Financial Results As of March 29, 2025, the Company had cash and cash equivalents of $11,124,000 and total outstanding debt of $4,280,000. Total revenues for the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2025 were $39,725,000 versus $42,257,000 for the 13 weeks ended March 30, 2024. No revenues for El Rio Grande and the Tampa Food Court (see below) are included in the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2025. The 13 weeks ended March 30, 2024 includes revenues of $596,000 and $1,513,000 related to El Rio Grande and the Tampa Food Court, respectively. Excluding revenues related to El Rio Grande and the Tampa Food Court, revenues for the 13 weeks ended March 29, 2025 and March 30, 2024 were $39,725,000 and $40,148,000, respectively.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/262757cd-2153-46e8-a30f-38cfa60ef2d8/papa+johns+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - Papa Johns Announces First Quarter 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 8, 2025 7:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Papa John’s International, Inc. (Nasdaq: PZZA) (“Papa Johns®”) (the “Company”) today announced financial results for the first quarter ended March 30, 2025.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - Sweetgreen, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 8, 2025 4:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sweetgreen, Inc. (NYSE: SG) (the “Company”), the mission-driven, next-generation restaurant and lifestyle brand that serves healthy food at scale, today announced financial results for its first fiscal quarter ended March 30, 2025.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - Good Times Restaurants Reports Results for the Fiscal 2025 Second Quarter Ended April 1, 2025</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 8, 2025 4:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Good Times Restaurants Inc. (Nasdaq: GTIM), operator of the Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar and Good Times Burgers &amp; Frozen Custard restaurant brands, today reported financial results for the fiscal 2025 second quarter.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - Restaurant Brands International Inc. Reports First Quarter 2025 Results</image:title>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - RAVE Restaurant Group, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2025 Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 08, 2025 09:01 ET DALLAS, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RAVE Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: RAVE) today reported financial results for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 ended March 30, 2025. Third Quarter Highlights: The company recorded net income of $0.7 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2025, a 10.4% increase from the same period of the prior year. Income before taxes increased by $0.1 million to $1.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to the same period of the prior year, an 11.2% increase. Total revenue was $3.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2025, the same as it was in the same period of the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA increased by $0.1 million to $1.0 million for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to the same period of the prior year, a 13.2% increase. On a fully diluted basis, net income per share increased by $0.01 to $0.05 for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to $0.04 in the same period of the prior year. Pizza Inn domestic comparable store retail sales increased 2.5% in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to the same period of the prior year. Pie Five domestic comparable store retail sales decreased 5.6% in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to the same period of the prior year. Cash and cash equivalents were $0.7 million on March 30, 2025. Short-term investments were $8.0 million on March 30, 2025. Rave repurchased 500,000 shares of common stock for $1.2 million in the third quarter. Pizza Inn domestic unit count finished at 98. Pizza Inn international unit count finished at 20. Pie Five domestic unit count finished at 19.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - Farmer Brothers Coffee reports third quarter fiscal 2025 financial results</image:title>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/ce7dc260-f500-4f8a-a460-5437b028d65f/texas+roadhouse+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - Texas Roadhouse, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2025 Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>Declares Quarterly Dividend of $0.68 per Share May 08, 2025 16:03 ET LOUISVILLE, KY., May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Texas Roadhouse, Inc. (NasdaqGS: TXRH), today announced financial results for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2025. Financial Results Financial results for the 13 weeks ended April 1, 2025 and March 26, 2024 were as follows:</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/196dc673-2847-46a2-9387-b1960f52227d/fat+brands+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - FAT BRANDS INC. REPORTS FIRST QUARTER 2025 FINANCIAL RESULTS</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 08, 2025 16:05 ET Conference call and webcast today at 5:30 p.m. ET LOS ANGELES, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: FAT) (“FAT Brands” or the “Company”) today reported financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended March 30, 2025. Andy Wiederhorn, Chairman of FAT Brands, said, “We started 2025 with strong momentum, opening 23 new locations in the first quarter, a 37% increase over last year’s quarter. We remain on track to achieve our target of over 100 new restaurant openings this year, supported by our robust development pipeline of approximately 1,000 signed agreements. Our co-branding initiatives continue to gain traction, with successful launches including our first Round Table Pizza and Marble Slab Creamery pairing, demonstrating our commitment to innovative growth strategies. Additionally, we are expanding internationally, having secured new agreements to open 40 locations across France, consisting of both our Fatburger and Buffalo’s Cafe concepts.”</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - TWIN HOSPITALITY GROUP INC. REPORTS FISCAL FIRST QUARTER 2025 FINANCIAL RESULTS</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 08, 2025 16:40 ET Lists as public company on the NASDAQ under the ticker TWNP Completes second company-owned Smokey Bones conversion to Twin Peaks Lodge in Brandon, Florida Opens new franchised Twin Peaks Lodge in Algonquin, Illinois Hosting conference call and webcast today at 5:15 PM ET DALLAS, May 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Twin Hospitality Group Inc. (NASDAQ: TWNP) (“Twin Peaks” or the “Company”) today reported financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended March 30, 2025.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - The ONE Group Reports First Quarter 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 7, 2025 4:05 PM Eastern Daylight Time</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - Bloomin’ Brands Announces 2025 Q1 Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 7, 2025 7:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time Q1 Diluted EPS of $0.50 and Q1 Adjusted Diluted EPS of $0.59</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - Performance Food Group Company Reports Third-Quarter and First-Nine Months Fiscal 2025 Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 7, 2025 7:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time Strong Sales Momentum; Updates Full-Year Financial Guidance</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - Dine Brands Global, Inc. Reports First Quarter 2025 Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 7, 2025 7:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), the parent company of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill &amp; Bar®, IHOP® and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® restaurants, today announced financial results for the first quarter of fiscal year 2025. "As we navigate the current operating environment, the fundamentals of our business remain strong, and since the second half of the quarter, we’re seeing steady improvement across sales, traffic, and our development pipeline," said John Peyton, Chief Executive Officer of Dine Brands Global, Inc. "We're advancing our long-term strategy by executing the near-term priorities outlined last quarter—enhancing the guest experience, strengthening our menu and value platforms, and driving clearer value messaging through marketing. We’re making great progress, and our team and franchisees are focused on continuing the positive momentum." Vance Chang, Chief Financial Officer of Dine Brands Global, Inc., added, "While we continue to see the impact of consumer price sensitivity, our asset-light business model remains steady with solid cash flow, enabling us to invest in our brands and system to drive performance and continue returning capital to our shareholders."</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - Portillo’s Inc. Announces First Quarter Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 06, 2025 08:00 ET CHICAGO, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Portillo’s Inc. (“Portillo’s” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: PTLO), the restaurant concept known for its menu of Chicago-style favorites, today reported financial results for the first quarter ended March 30, 2025. Financial Highlights for the First Quarter 2025 vs. First Quarter 2024: Total revenue increased 6.4% or $10.6 million to $176.4 million; Same-restaurant sales increased 1.8%; Operating income increased $0.3 million to $10.4 million; Net income decreased $1.4 million to $4.0 million; Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA(1) increased $0.3 million to $36.7 million; and Adjusted EBITDA(1) decreased $0.6 million to $21.2 million. (1) Adjusted EBITDA and Restaurant-Level Adjusted EBITDA are non-GAAP measures. Please see definitions and the reconciliations of these non-GAAP measures accompanying this release.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. Reports Q1 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 06, 2025 07:00 ET Total revenues increased 16.4% Net loss of $(0.8) million and Adjusted EBITDA of $22.8 million 13 new system-wide restaurants opened in 10 states BRADENTON, Fla., May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Watch Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: FWRG) (“First Watch” or the “Company”), the leading Daytime Dining concept serving breakfast, brunch and lunch, today reported financial results for the thirteen weeks ended March 30, 2025 (“Q1 2025”). "First quarter same restaurant traffic results are encouraging and continued the trends we experienced exiting 2024, demonstrating both the strength and the resilience of the First Watch brand,” said Chris Tomasso, CEO and President of First Watch. “Additionally, the continuing success from our new restaurant openings serves as a significant long-term value creator. Despite the uncertainty present in the coming macroeconomic environment, both the 2024 and 2025 NRO classes continue to exceed expectations, and our development pipeline for the remainder of the year and beyond remains robust."</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - DoorDash Releases First Quarter 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 6, 2025 7:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DoorDash, Inc. (NASDAQ: DASH) today announced its financial results for the quarter ended March 31, 2025.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - Denny’s Corporation Reports Results for First Quarter 2025</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 05, 2025 16:05 ET SPARTANBURG, S.C., May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Denny’s Corporation (the "Company") (NASDAQ: DENN), owner and operator of Denny's Inc. ("Denny's") and Keke's Inc. ("Keke's"), today reported results for its first quarter ended March 26, 2025 and provided a business update on the Company’s operations. Kelli Valade, Chief Executive Officer, stated, "The beginning of the year has presented significant challenges for consumers, which is evident in our results. Our teams have remained focused on executing against our strategic initiatives and winning with our guests, despite these macro headwinds. This included staying true to our Denny's flagship, by focusing on compelling value, being strategic in reaching new younger demographics through innovative partnerships and new menu offerings. Keke's continued to steal share in its home state of Florida while also growing to its seventh state, Georgia. The dedication of our teams and franchisees continue to push our brands forward and we remain committed to navigating these headwinds together."</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - The Wendy’s Company Reports First Quarter 2025 Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 02, 2025, 07:00 ET Global systemwide sales were $3.4 billion, a decrease of 1.1% Added 68 net new restaurants and remain on track to deliver full-year net unit growth of 2-3% Increased global digital sales mix to a record 20.3% Returned $173.5 million to shareholders through dividends and share repurchases Updates full-year 2025 outlook to reflect the current consumer environment</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/bd19577c-1362-43ec-8a45-8c5bc1222cf6/el+pollo+loco+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. Announces First Quarter 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 01, 2025 16:05 ET COSTA MESA, Calif., May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: LOCO) today announced financial results for the 13-week period ended March 26, 2025. Highlights for the first quarter ended March 26, 2025 compared to the first quarter ended March 27, 2024 were as follows: Total revenue was $119.2 million compared to $116.2 million. System-wide comparable restaurant sales(1) decreased by 0.6%. Income from operations was $9.0 million compared to $9.7 million. Restaurant contribution(1) was $15.8 million, or 16.0% of company-operated restaurant revenue, compared to $17.1 million, or 17.6% of company-operated restaurant revenue. Net income was $5.5 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, compared to net income of $5.9 million, or $0.19 per diluted share. Adjusted net income(1) was $5.5 million, or $0.19 per diluted share, compared to $6.8 million, or $0.22 per diluted share. Adjusted EBITDA(1) was $13.9 million, compared to $15.7 million.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. Reports Fiscal First Quarter 2025 Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>Raises Annual Earnings Outlook and Share Repurchase Range May 01, 2025 16:02 HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., May 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ: BJRI) today reported financial results for its fiscal 2025 first quarter ended Tuesday, April 1, 2025.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - Shake Shack Announces First Quarter 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/b858f36e-a99c-48c5-a657-4eb2e832ec21/McDonalds-Restaurant-Franchise.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - McDonald’s Reports First Quarter 2025 Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 01, 2025, 07:00 ET Global comparable sales decreased 1.0%; excluding Leap Day in the prior year, global comparable sales were essentially flat Systemwide sales* to loyalty members across 60 loyalty markets were more than $31 billion for the trailing twelve-month period and approximately $8 billion for the quarter CHICAGO, May 1, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- McDonald's Corporation today announced results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - The Cheesecake Factory Reports Results for First Quarter of Fiscal 2025</image:title>
      <image:caption>Apr 30, 2025 4:15 PM Eastern Daylight Time CALABASAS HILLS, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated (NASDAQ: CAKE) today reported financial results for the first quarter of fiscal 2025, which ended on April 1, 2025.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - Yum! Brands Reports First-Quarter Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>Apr 30, 2025 7:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time Taco Bell U.S. Same-Store Sales Growth 9%; KFC International Unit Growth 7% GAAP Operating Profit Growth of 5% and Core Operating Profit Growth of 8% Yum! Brands Reports First-Quarter Results LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) today reported results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025. First-quarter GAAP EPS was $0.90 and first-quarter EPS excluding Special Items was $1.30, a 13% increase.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - Wingstop Inc. Reports Fiscal First Quarter Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>Apr 30, 2025, 08:00 ET Record 126 Net New Openings in First Quarter, 18.0% Net New Unit Growth DALLAS, April 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wingstop Inc. ("Wingstop" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: WING) today announced financial results for the fiscal first quarter ended March 29, 2025. Highlights for the fiscal first quarter 2025 compared to the fiscal first quarter 2024: System-wide sales increased 15.7% to $1.3 billion 126 net new openings in the fiscal first quarter 2025 Domestic restaurant AUV increased to $2.1 million Domestic same store sales increased 0.5% Digital sales increased to 72.0% of system-wide sales Total revenue increased 17.4% to $171.1 million Net income increased 221.0% to $92.3 million, or $3.24 per diluted share Adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per diluted share, both non-GAAP measures, were $28.3 million, or $0.99 per diluted share Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, increased 18.4% to $59.5 million</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/f96b76e1-31f9-4a48-8d83-a29545aa0056/brinker+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - Brinker International Reports Third Quarter of Fiscal 2025 Results and Updates Fiscal 2025 Guidance</image:title>
      <image:caption>Apr 29, 2025, 06:45 ET DALLAS, April 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT) today announced its financial results for the third quarter ended March 26, 2025. Third Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial Highlights "Chili's delivered another positive quarter in our turnaround with +31% same store sales driven by +21% traffic," said Kevin Hochman, President &amp; CEO of Brinker International. "Our continued progress on the fundamentals of great food, great service in a fun, friendly atmosphere is clearly winning with guests."</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - Domino's Pizza® Announces First Quarter 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>Apr 28, 2025, 06:05 ET Global retail sales growth (excluding foreign currency impact) of 4.7% U.S. same store sales decline of 0.5% International same store sales growth (excluding foreign currency impact) of 3.7% Global net store decline of 8, including 17 net store openings in the U.S. and 25 net store closures internationally Income from operations decreased 0.2%; excluding the $3.2 million negative impact of foreign currency exchange rates on international franchise royalty revenues, income from operations increased 1.4% ANN ARBOR, Mich., April 28, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Domino's Pizza, Inc. (Nasdaq: DPZ), the largest pizza company in the world, announced results for the first quarter of 2025.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - May 2025 - Chipotle Announces First Quarter 2025 Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>Apr 23, 2025, 16:10 ET CHIPOTLE HIGHLIGHTS BRAND STRENGTH AND INNOVATION IN FIRST QUARTER RESULTS NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., April 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) today reported financial results for its first quarter ended March 31, 2025.</image:caption>
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    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-movements-amp-financials-february-2025-p9dwy-9nymp-cndnf</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
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    <lastmod>2025-05-13</lastmod>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - May 2025 - Brinker International Promotes Aaron White to EVP, Brinker Chief Operating Officer and Chief People Officer</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 12, 2025, 16:30 ET White continues her legacy of impact with an expanded role to lead operations DALLAS, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT) today announced the promotion of longtime Brinker leader Aaron White to Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief People Officer for the company's restaurant brands, Chili's® Grill &amp; Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy®. In this expanded role, she will oversee both Operations strategy and PeopleWorks across the Restaurant Support Center, Chili's and Maggiano's, with her leadership team focused on driving the company's next level of operational improvements to improve the team member and guest experience.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - May 2025 - MGM Resorts International Welcomes Ryan Abboushi as President of Entertainment</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 12, 2025, 16:15 ET Abboushi will lead company's entertainment programming and operations LAS VEGAS, May 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MGM Resorts International (NYSE: MGM) announced today that veteran talent agent Ryan Abboushi is joining the company as President of Entertainment. As leader of its entertainment division, Abboushi will oversee MGM Resorts' unified programming and operations strategy to build on and expand its position as a world-class leader in live entertainment and immersive experiences.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - May 2025 - Chipotle Names Jason Kidd Chief Operating Officer, President and Chief Strategy Officer Jack Hartung Sets Retirement Date</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 06, 2025, 16:10 ET Kidd brings over 25 years of operations and retail experience to the company's Executive Committee Hartung to step down as an executive officer to become a senior advisor for the company effective June 1</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/196dc673-2847-46a2-9387-b1960f52227d/fat+brands+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - May 2025 - FAT Brands Announces Drew Martin as Chief Information Officer</image:title>
      <image:caption>May 05, 2025 09:00 ET Another stellar hire by Wray Executive Search Global Restaurant Franchising Company Hires Seasoned Global IT Executive LOS ANGELES, May 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., announces the hiring of Drew Martin as Chief Information Officer. Martin joins FAT Brands with over 35 years of IT experience, delivering impactful results for a wide range of companies—from Fortune 500 companies to high-growth start-ups. Martin will be focused on delivering scalable technological solutions to progress the growth of FAT Brands. Martin’s diverse background includes serving as Senior Vice President and CIO for Jack in the Box and Senior Vice President and CIO for Sony Electronics. Other previous ventures include PepsiCo, leading the digital transformation/supporting the sale of Jenny Craig, and serving as Executive Vice President and CIO of high-growth software start-up Lytx Inc., where Martin led the development of AI product features.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/196dc673-2847-46a2-9387-b1960f52227d/fat+brands+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - May 2025 - FAT Brands Announces Appointment of Taylor Wiederhorn as Co-CEO</image:title>
      <image:caption>April 30, 2025 Rob Rosen Transitions to Consulting Role at Global Restaurant Franchising Company Los Angeles, CA  (RestaurantNews.com)  FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Johnny Rockets and 15 other restaurant concepts, announces the appointment of Taylor Wiederhorn as Co-Chief Executive Officer. Effective April 29, Rob Rosen will transition from his role as Co-CEO to a consulting position focused on debt/capital markets for the company. Ken Kuick will continue to serve as Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. “For the last eight years, I have served as Chief Development Officer, overseeing the sale of thousands of new franchise locations across our portfolio of brands. Most recently, in 2023, I assumed the role of brand CEO for 15 of our concepts,” said Taylor Wiederhorn, Chief Development Officer of FAT Brands. “Stepping into the Co-CEO role will be a seamless transition as I am confident that my unique background and growth perspective will complement the financial acumen of Co-CEO, Ken Kuick.”</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/a94b215a-d260-43e0-a7c2-38dc7a082420/sweetgreen+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - May 2025 - Sweetgreen Appoints Jason Cochran as Chief Operating Officer</image:title>
      <image:caption>Apr 29, 2025 9:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time Seasoned restaurant and retail executive brings over 25 years of operational leadership experience to Sweetgreen’s executive team Sweetgreen Appoints Jason Cochran as Chief Operating Officer LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sweetgreen, Inc. (NYSE: SG), the mission-driven restaurant brand connecting more people to real food, today announced the appointment of Jason Cochran as the Company’s Chief Operating Officer, effective May 5th. Cochran will oversee Field Operations and as well as Operations Services and Innovation for the Company and will report directly to Sweetgreen’s Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Jonathan Neman.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/85a519ce-a39f-4655-906a-994d303a7092/red+robin+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - May 2025 - Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. Announces Leadership Transition</image:title>
      <image:caption>Apr 24, 2025, 08:00 ET G.J. Hart to Step Down Following Transformative Tenure as President and Chief Executive Officer  Chairman David A. Pace Appointed as Successor Anthony S. Ackil Appointed as Chairman of the Board  ENGLEWOOD, Colo., April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. (NASDAQ: RRGB) ("Red Robin" or the "Company"), a full-service restaurant chain serving an innovative selection of high-quality gourmet burgers in a family-friendly atmosphere, today announced that G.J. Hart will step down as President and Chief Executive Officer. After five-and-a-half years with the Company and the successful implementation of measures to elevate the guest experience and transform Red Robin into an operations-focused restaurant company, Mr. Hart will now transition to serving the industry through his various board commitments and mentoring the next generation of industry leaders.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/471d1ab7-b6a2-4df0-a601-0787bb561de8/jersey+mikes+logo.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - May 2025 - Charlie Morrison Appointed CEO of Jersey Mike’s</image:title>
      <image:caption>April 24, 2025 Distinguished Industry Veteran with a Sustained Track Record of Driving Growth at Wingstop and Other Global Restaurant Brands to Lead Company’s Next Chapter Following Successful 50-Year Career Building Jersey Mike’s, Peter Cancro to Remain Chairman of the Company’s Board of Directors and a Significant Minority Shareholder Manasquan, NJ  (RestaurantNews.com)  Jersey Mike’s Subs (“Jersey Mike’s” or the “Company”), a leading franchisor of fast-casual sandwich shops known for its fresh sliced and fresh grilled subs, today announced the appointment of Charlie Morrison, an industry veteran who has driven long-term growth and international expansion at several of the world’s most recognizable restaurant brands, as Chief Executive Officer, effective April 28th, 2025.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/71280af7-5ed7-43b4-98fb-246709504e08/salad+and+go+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - May 2025 - Salad and Go Names Mike Tattersfield as New CEO</image:title>
      <image:caption>Apr 22, 2025, 09:05 ET Fast-growing drive-thru salad concept taps former Krispy Kreme CEO to lead next phase of expansion DALLAS, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Salad and Go, the one-of-a-kind salad chain on a mission to make nutritious food accessible for everyone, has appointed Mike Tattersfield as its new CEO, effective immediately.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/the-role-of-executive-recruiting-in-scaling-food-service-brands</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-10-24</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/through-history-restaurants-are-versitile</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-04-15</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/emotional-intelligence-in-hospitality-leadership</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-04-14</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/e9eb4214-484b-486b-9bd7-f6845b6afae0/Screenshot+2025-04-14+193729.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Emotional Intelligence in Hospitality Leadership - In the guest-centric world of hospitality, emotional intelligence (EQ) has become a defining trait of successful leadership. While technical skills and operational knowledge are essential, it’s EQ that enables leaders to foster exceptional guest experiences, build high-performing teams, and lead with empathy and composure in high-pressure environments.</image:title>
      <image:caption>What is Emotional Intelligence? Emotional intelligence is the ability to recognize, understand, manage, and influence emotions—both your own and those of others. EQ consists of five core competencies: • Self-awareness – Recognizing your emotions and their impact. • Self-regulation – Controlling emotional impulses and maintaining composure.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/the-executive-edge-a-recruiting-strategy-to-build-a-high-impact-team-for-long-term-successnbsp</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-04-14</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/a15daa2f-4f74-402b-a314-73b4e42efa96/1.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - The Executive Edge: A Recruiting Strategy to Build a High-Impact Team for Long-Term Success&amp;nbsp; - Last month we looked at the reasons to build a team to propel your personal success while still exceeding company goals. This month let’s take a look at some of the ways to do it.  For executive leaders, building a successful team isn’t just a business necessity, it’s a strategic advantage. At the highest levels of leadership, your success is deeply entwined with the people you surround yourself with. The team you build can either accelerate your impact and credibility or drag down your momentum.  Yet, many executives treat recruiting as a functional task, often leaving it to HR or focusing only on filling vacancies. To truly win in the long game of leadership, recruiting must be approached as a high-level, ongoing strategy—one that not only fills roles but aligns talent with your long-term vision, leadership style, and personal success.</image:title>
      <image:caption>Recruit With the End in Mind  Start by identifying your long-term professional goals. Are you building a legacy at your current organization? Positioning yourself for a board seat or a CEO role? Hoping to exit and launch a new venture in a few years?  Whatever the vision, your recruiting efforts should align with that path. For example, if you're aiming to become a thought leader in your industry, you need a team that can run the business while you focus on public presence, speaking, or innovation. If your goal is operational transformation, hire individuals with change management expertise.  This forward-thinking approach to recruiting ensures that every hire is not only a fit for the team but a building block in your professional journey.</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-movements-amp-financials-february-2025-p9dwy-9nymp-lrypp</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-04-15</lastmod>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/b7d7795e-4337-4b4d-aff5-e61e43854f46/mty+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - April 2025 - MTY Reports First Quarter Results for Fiscal 2025</image:title>
      <image:caption>April 11, 2025 06:00 ET Normalized adjusted EBITDA(1) increased 1% to reach $60.2 million in the quarter, compared to $59.5 million in Q1-24. Franchise segment Normalized adjusted EBITDA(1) rose 1% to attain $44.0 million, or 47% of sales. System sales(2) for the quarter improved by 2.5% or $33.1 million to reach $1,364.8 million compared to $1,331.7 million in Q1-24 primarily due to favourable foreign exchange. Cash flows provided by operating activities were $58.8 million compared to $54.2 million in Q1-24, an increase of $4.6 million mostly due to a decrease in interest paid on long-term debt. Free cash flows net of lease payments(1) increased to $43.5 million in the quarter compared to $36.9 million in Q1-24. Free cash flows net of lease payments per diluted share(3) were $1.87 for the quarter compared to $1.52 in Q1-24. Net income attributable to owners of $1.7 million, or $0.07 per diluted share compared to 17.3 million, or 0.71 per diluted share in Q1-24. Adjusted earnings per shares(1) of $0.87 per diluted share compared to $0.69 in Q1-24. Repurchased and cancelled 287,400 shares for a consideration of $13.8 million. Quarterly dividend payment of $0.33 per share on May 15, 2025.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/536afe7e-ec91-4b9e-85ed-98171e22f094/kura+sushi+logo.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - April 2025 - Kura Sushi USA Announces Fiscal Second Quarter 2025 Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>April 08, 2025 16:05 ET IRVINE, Calif., April 08, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kura Sushi USA, Inc. (“Kura Sushi” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: KRUS), a technology-enabled Japanese restaurant concept, today announced financial results for the fiscal second quarter ended February 28, 2025. Fiscal Second Quarter 2025 Highlights Total sales were $64.9 million, compared to $57.3 million in the second quarter of 2024; Comparable restaurant sales decreased 5.3% for the second quarter of 2025 as compared to the second quarter of 2024; Operating loss was $4.6 million, compared to an operating loss of $1.7 million in the second quarter of 2024; Net loss was $3.8 million, or $(0.31) per diluted share, compared to net loss of $1.0 million, or $(0.09) per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2024; Adjusted net loss* was $1.7 million, or $(0.14) per diluted share, compared to an adjusted net loss of $1.0 million or $(0.09) per diluted share, in the second quarter of 2024; Restaurant-level operating profit* was $11.2 million, or 17.3% of sales; Adjusted EBITDA* was $2.7 million; and Three new restaurants opened during the fiscal second quarter of 2025.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/973e5373-7e08-48b8-93de-fbb6da081d25/hooters+logo.gif</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - April 2025 - Hooters Inc. and Hoot Owl Restaurants LLC, Two Leading Hooters Franchisees, Reach Historic Transaction with Hooters of America</image:title>
      <image:caption>Mar 31, 2025, 20:21 ET CLEARWATER, Fla., March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hooters Inc., in partnership with another successful Hooters franchisee, Hoot Owl Restaurants LLC (together, the "Buyer Group"), has reached an agreement in principle with Hooters of America, LLC and certain of its affiliates (collectively, "HOA" or the "Company") to acquire over 100 HOA-owned Hooters restaurants.  In addition, the parties have negotiated the key terms of a management agreement under which Hooters Brand Management, LLC ("HBM"), an entity owned by the Buyer Group and other parties with deep experience with the Hooters brand, will provide the majority of the franchise support functions on behalf of HOA.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/9508b8ae-476d-44b1-8243-4a68406ab60d/barfresh+logo.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - April 2025 - Barfresh Provides Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results and Business Update</image:title>
      <image:caption>March 27, 2025 16:05 ET Company Achieves Highest Fiscal Year Revenue in Company History Revenue of $10.7 Million, Gross Margin of 34% and Adjusted Gross Margin of 37% for Fiscal Year 2024 Pop &amp; Go™ 100% Juice Freeze Pops Launched with Initial Revenue Generation in Fourth Quarter 2024 Company Raises $3 Million in Profitable Growth Financing; Financing to Accelerate Manufacturing and Market Expansion Company Expects Record Revenue for Fiscal Year 2025 of $14.5 Million to $16.6 Million LOS ANGELES, March 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Barfresh Food Group Inc. (the “Company” or “Barfresh”) (Nasdaq: BRFH), a provider of frozen, ready-to-blend and ready-to-drink beverages, is providing a business update for the full year ended December 31, 2024.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/b9c69990-9b51-46bc-9487-79d62c89ca65/darden+logo+2021.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - April 2025 - Darden Restaurants Reports Fiscal 2025 Third Quarter Results; Declares Quarterly Dividend; And Updates Fiscal 2025 Financial Outlook</image:title>
      <image:caption>Mar 20, 2025, 07:00 ET ORLANDO, Fla., March 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Darden Restaurants, Inc. (NYSE:DRI) today reported its financial results for the third quarter ended February 23, 2025. Third Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights, Comparisons Versus Same Fiscal Quarter Last Year Total sales increased 6.2% to $3.2 billion, driven by a blended same-restaurant sales* increase of 0.7% and sales from the acquisition of 103 Chuy's restaurants and 40 net new restaurants Same-restaurant sales: Reported diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $2.74 Excluding $0.06 of Chuy's transaction and integration related costs, adjusted diluted net earnings per share from continuing operations were $2.80, an increase of 6.9%** The Company repurchased $53 million of its outstanding common stock</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-movements-amp-financials-february-2025-p9dwy-9nymp-3dw3z</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-04-15</lastmod>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/8cccb0ab-ccaa-4c0a-abcc-6515c92b03b8/ascent+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - April 2025 - Ascent Hospitality Management Appoints Blain Shortreed as Chief Operating Officer</image:title>
      <image:caption>Apr 09, 2025, 14:30 ET ATLANTA, April 9, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascent Hospitality Management ("Ascent"), franchisor to leading family dining brands Huddle House and Perkins American Food Co., announced today the appointment of Blain Shortreed as Chief Operating Officer. In his new role, Shortreed will oversee the operations of both Huddle House and Perkins, focusing on strategic growth, operational excellence, and franchisee success across both brands.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/2a2871ba-348d-4922-a9ea-c283764a8bad/pf+changs+logo+2023.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - April 2025 - P.F. Chang’s Appoints Brad Hill as Chief Executive Officer and Corey Robertson as Chief Operating Officer</image:title>
      <image:caption>April 2, 2025 Longtime executive and current COO Brad Hill succeeds Eduardo Luz, who will remain with the company as an advisor through April. Scottsdale, AZ  (RestaurantNews.com)  P.F. Chang’s today announced Brad Hill as the company’s new Chief Executive Officer. Hill, who previously served as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer during his eight-year tenure with the company, succeeds Eduardo Luz. Luz will transition into an advisory role through the end of April. “I am very proud to have worked for P.F. Chang’s and its ownership group, Paulson &amp; Company, and TriArtisan Capital Advisors, to position the company for success and having groomed a strong successor in Brad Hill,” said Luz. “I look forward to seeing him excel in this role and wish him the best of luck.”</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/972f77d8-da38-474e-9ebc-356962ac1628/ballard+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - April 2025 - Peter Boylan to Retire from Ballard Brands, David Mesa Named President of Franchise Division featuring PJ’s Coffee and WOW American Eats</image:title>
      <image:caption>April 1, 2025</image:caption>
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    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/a71b0793-c4d0-41fc-aeb3-efb7622c883d/yum+brands+logo+2021.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - April 2025 - Yum! Brands Announces Leadership Transition Plans; David Gibbs to Retire in 2026</image:title>
      <image:caption>Mar 31, 2025 7:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time The Board of Directors is Conducting a Thorough Succession Planning Process Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) today announced that David Gibbs, Chief Executive Officer, has informed the Board of Directors of his intention to retire from the Company in the next year. The Board has established a succession planning committee and will work deliberately to identify and appoint the best candidate to lead the company’s next chapter. Gibbs will continue leading the company throughout the search process until his retirement, expected in the first quarter of 2026. LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) today announced that David Gibbs, Chief Executive Officer, has informed the Board of Directors of his intention to retire from the Company in the next year. The Board has established a succession planning committee and will work deliberately to identify and appoint the best candidate to lead the company’s next chapter. Gibbs will continue leading the company throughout the search process until his retirement, expected in the first quarter of 2026.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/60d4f023-3045-40d9-8fbb-ccedb0a1d254/bojangles+logo+2021.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - April 2025 - Bojangles Appoints Kate Ward as New Chief Legal Officer</image:title>
      <image:caption>Mar 31, 2025 10:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time Former KFC U.S. Executive Brings Extensive Franchise and Compliance Experience CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Bojangles is pleased to announce the appointment of Kate Ward as its new Chief Legal Officer, effective March 31. Ward is a seasoned legal executive with more than 15 years of experience providing strategic leadership and business-focused legal guidance. Ward joins Bojangles after a successful tenure at KFC U.S., where she spent the past nine years progressing from attorney to Chief Legal Officer. In her role at KFC, she led a team of 15 legal professionals, overseeing all aspects of legal strategy, compliance, risk management, and franchise relations for one of the nation’s most recognized restaurant brands. During her time at KFC, Ward played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s growth and operational strategies. She led negotiations for key franchise and development agreements, drove legal strategy enabling the execution of key technology initiatives and served as the trusted advisor to the leadership team.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/3d0a711f-fb7f-48d1-92f3-68431b9e7657/jack+in+the+box+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - April 2025 - Jack in the Box Inc. Names Lance Tucker as Its Chief Executive Officer</image:title>
      <image:caption>March 31, 2025 Tucker, who will also serve on the company’s board of directors, had served as interim CEO since February 2025 San Diego, CA  (RestaurantNews.com)  Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: JACK) and its Board of Directors announced Lance Tucker as the permanent Chief Executive Officer for Jack in the Box, where he will also serve on the company’s board of directors.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/95241aad-1cde-4a26-b677-43eec151b6a3/twin+peaks+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - April 2025 - Twin Hospitality Group Announces Leadership Transition</image:title>
      <image:caption>March 31, 2025 Ken Kuick Named Interim Chief Executive Officer Dallas, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  Twin Hospitality Group Inc. (Nasdaq: TWNP), the parent company of Twin Peaks Restaurant, today announces the resignation of Joe Hummel, Chief Executive Officer, and Clay Mingus, Chief Legal Officer, who are pursuing other opportunities. The date of their departures will be effective April 10, 2025. Ken Kuick, Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer and Allen Sussman, General Counsel of FAT Brands Inc., has been appointed Interim Chief Legal Officer. “We would like to thank Joe and Clay for all that they have done for Twin Peaks over the last 14 years,” said Ken Kuick,” CFO of Twin Hospitality Group. “Starting on the franchisee side of Twin Peaks together and then taking on leadership roles at Twin Peaks and now Twin Hospitality Group, they helped pave the way for the IPO.” Kuick continued, “We will carry the torch forward, having already opened two new lodges in 2025 and targeting approximately seven to nine additional units this year, while building on our robust over 100-unit development pipeline.”</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/934f4978-6326-4a02-b64e-4aa3975143b5/fb+society+logo+2025.jfif</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - April 2025 - FB Society Names Christine Magrann President and COO</image:title>
      <image:caption>March 31, 2025 Dynamic hospitality leader tapped to fuel brand evolution Dallas, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  FB Society, the award-winning hospitality brand known for pushing the boundaries of immersive dining and experiential hospitality, has appointed Christine Magrann as President and Chief Operating Officer of Whiskey Cake Kitchen &amp; Bar and Mexican Sugar. Magrann, a transformative industry leader, will oversee brand strategy and operations, furthering FB Society’s mission to create unforgettable dining experiences. “FB Society is built on a relentless passion for creating unforgettable experiences, and Christine embodies that spirit,” said Jack Gibbons, CEO of FB Society. “She has a track record of shaping brands that truly connect with people, and her leadership will be instrumental as we continue to push boundaries and redefine hospitality. We have exciting things ahead, and Christine’s expertise will be instrumental in bringing those ideas to life.”</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/e0bafe9d-e716-483b-9f3b-6d18318e4f18/sweetgreen+logo+2021.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - April 2025 - Sweetgreen Announces the Nominations of Monty Moran and Dawn Ostroff to the Board of Directors</image:title>
      <image:caption>Mar 28, 2025 9:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sweetgreen, the mission-driven restaurant brand connecting more people to real food, today announced the nominations of Monty Moran, former co-CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill, and Dawn Ostroff, former Chief Content and Advertising Business Officer at Spotify, to stand for election to the company’s Board of Directors at its 2025 annual meeting of stockholders. “Monty and Dawn bring a wealth of experience in scaling brands, driving operational excellence, and building strong company cultures,” said Jonathan Neman, Co-Founder and CEO of Sweetgreen. “Monty’s leadership in transforming Chipotle into one of the most successful restaurant companies in the world, combined with Dawn’s expertise in content, brand storytelling, and digital innovation, will help us continue redefining fast food and deepening our connection with customers. We’re thrilled about the prospect of welcoming them to the Sweetgreen team.”</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - April 2025 - Soulman’s Bar-B-Que Promotes Amber Polk to Vice President of Sales and Marketing</image:title>
      <image:caption>March 27, 2025 North Texas’ Growing Bar-B-Que Mainstay Has Continued Success in its Sights Dallas, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  Soulman’s Bar-B-Que, the beloved North Texas barbecue institution celebrating 50 years of family tradition, is proud to announce the promotion of Amber Polk from Catering Director to Vice President of Sales and Marketing. In her new role, Polk will oversee the brand’s growth strategy, community engagement, and customer outreach as Soulman’s expands beyond its current 20 locations.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - April 2025 - Panera Brands Names Paul Carbone Chief Executive Officer</image:title>
      <image:caption>March 26, 2025 St. Louis, MO  (RestaurantNews.com)  Panera Brands Inc., which includes the iconic fast casual concept Panera Bread, as well as Einstein Bros. Brands and Caribou Coffee, today announced that it has appointed Paul Carbone as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Carbone previously served as Chief Financial Officer for the company and was appointed to the role of Interim CEO in January 2025. “Paul’s commitment and significant contributions to Panera over the past two years – coupled with his impressive track record of success with both public and private companies in the industry – demonstrate that he has both the experience and the vision to lead the company through a period of transformation,” said Patrick Grismer, Board Chair of Panera Brands. “Paul’s tremendous focus on building talented teams who are passionate about delivering exceptional guest experiences and best-in-class franchisee profitability make him the right person to lead Panera into this next chapter of growth.”</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/988d63e7-838c-49b3-8309-e7586abd210d/firebirds+wood+fired+logo+2023.jfif</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - April 2025 - Firebirds Announces Key Executive Promotions</image:title>
      <image:caption>Mar 20, 2025 9:00 AM Eastern Daylight Time Steve Sturm promoted to Chief Operating Officer Andy Seiple promoted to Corporate Executive Chef Steve Sturm Promoted to Chief Operating Officer. CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Firebirds Wood Fired Grill (“Firebirds” or the “Company”), the award-winning, polished-casual American restaurant and steakhouse, today announced the promotion of Steve Sturm to Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Andy Seiple to Corporate Executive Chef. Both leaders have and will continue to play key roles in driving the company’s growth by enhancing operational efficiency and elevating menu offerings to deliver an exceptional guest experience. Steve Sturm has been with Firebirds since its inception in 2000 and was the first Executive Chef at Firebirds’ first restaurant in Charlotte, where he played an instrumental role in the development and evolution of the company’s original menu. Most recently, he served as Senior Vice President, Food &amp; Beverage and has shaped Firebirds’ distinctive offerings for the past 25 years, as the brand has grown its footprint to more than 60 locations across 22 states. Previously, Chef Sturm served in Executive Chef, Corporate Chef, and Corporate Sous Chef roles for various restaurants and restaurant groups. He trained at the St. Augustine Culinary Arts School and the FCCJ Culinary Arts Program.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/25ba9f85-4361-4558-818d-cbb2777a6e67/dairy+queen+logo+2022.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - April 2025 - International Dairy Queen Hires Art D’Elia as Chief Operating Officer</image:title>
      <image:caption>March 18, 2025 D’Elia to lead DQ business in the U.S. and Canada, including nearly 275 DQ employees, 3,700 DQ franchise owners and nearly 5,000 DQ restaurants. Minneapolis, MN  (RestaurantNews.com)  International Dairy Queen, Inc. (IDQ) today announced Art D’Elia joined the company as chief operating officer, U.S. and Canada, reporting to the president and CEO. He will lead a team of nearly 275 DQ® employees in operations, training and marketing to achieve the company’s financial objectives, grow franchisee sales and profits, and maintain and grow the strength and reputation of the DQ system. “Art’s strategic vision for the DQ business and strong leadership in brand strategy, marketing, operations and system sales growth position him well to lead our business in the U.S. and Canada,” said Troy Bader, president and CEO at International Dairy Queen. “His proven record of success in the quick-service restaurant industry paired with compelling marketing leadership in consumer packaged goods will elevate our franchise business to the next level and deliver on our vision to become the world’s favorite quick-service restaurant.”</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/chief-operating-officer-interview-questions-10-must-asks-for-restaurant-amp-hospitality-leaders</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-04-10</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/6035150c-e9c1-46df-bde5-c97d239be7a8/operations.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Chief Operating Officer Interview Questions: 10 Must-Asks for Restaurant &amp;amp; Hospitality Leaders - Hiring the right Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a critical decision—especially in the fast-paced, margin-sensitive world of restaurants and hospitality. The right COO ensures operational consistency, financial discipline, and brand alignment across multiple locations and service models.</image:title>
      <image:caption>At Wray Executive Search, we’ve helped the nation’s top brands build leadership teams that drive long-term success. Whether you’re scaling your concept or stabilizing operations across regions, here are ten essential Chief Operating Officer interview questions designed to uncover the expertise that sets high-impact leaders apart. Why Interviewing for a COO Role Is So Strategic In today’s environment, COOs must balance efficiency with experience, technology with team culture, and growth with guest satisfaction. The COO is often the glue between the executive vision and day-to-day execution. Asking the right questions can help you identify not just a capable operator—but a transformational leader.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/from-resorts-to-qsr-how-hospitality-executive-recruiters-adapt-across-sectors</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-10-24</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/the-decline-of-job-switching-rewards-in-2025-a-shift-in-the-labor-market</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-03-17</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-movements-amp-financials-february-2025-p9dwy-9nymp-antxk</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-03-17</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/7727fb81-19bf-43cd-93b4-9d9e583c66bc/NRA+logo.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - March 2025 - Leslie Nagao Appointed Chief Marketing Officer for the National Restaurant Association</image:title>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/0ccd4274-9b0c-4470-8fd4-7cfee2bac8cc/mountain+mikes+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - March 2025 - Mountain Mike’s Pizza Elevates Steven Adyani to Chief Operations Officer</image:title>
      <image:caption>March 10, 2025 Mountain Mike’s Pizza Names Industry Veteran Steven Adyani as Chief Operations Officer Fast-growing Franchise Chain Expands C-Suite with In-house Promotion of Operations V.P.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/41e6ea93-6999-43af-9b14-04b502b81f01/cke+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - March 2025 - CKE Restaurants Appoints Joe Guith as Chief Executive Officer</image:title>
      <image:caption>Mar 06, 2025, 09:35 ET FRANKLIN, Tenn., March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. ("CKE"), parent company of Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's®, today announced the appointment of Joe Guith as chief executive officer, effective immediately.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/fedce4ed-05c4-408c-873f-ec261a56a8a5/hteao+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - March 2025 - HTeaO Welcomes Jodie Chau as Vice President of Supply Chain</image:title>
      <image:caption>Experienced Industry Leader to Enhance Operations and Support Nationwide Growth Jodie Chau, Vice President of Supply Chain at HTeaO, brings over 20 years of expertise in procurement, global sourcing, and operational excellence to support the brand’s continued growth. February 28, 2025 09:03 AM Eastern Standard Time</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/171986dc-b6fd-4494-a82c-94b0043ec0f9/huddle+house+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - March 2025 - Huddle House Announces Stephanie Mattingly as Vice President of Marketing</image:title>
      <image:caption>Feb 25, 2025, 09:52 ET ATLANTA, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascent Hospitality Management ("Ascent"), franchisor to leading family dining brands Huddle House and Perkins American Food Co., announced today that it has named Stephanie Mattingly as Huddle House Vice President of Marketing. In this role, Mattingly will be responsible for overseeing Huddle House's marketing efforts, including brand strategy, digital marketing operations, and customer engagement initiatives to further growth and brand loyalty across Ascent's portfolio. "Huddle House is committed to cultivating a high-performing leadership team, and the addition of Stephanie as our Vice President of Marketing will be invaluable to enhancing our marketing strategy," said Blain Shortreed, Huddle House Brand President. "We're pleased to welcome her to our team where her expertise in brand development will play a key role in expanding our market presence. The team looks forward to her leadership as we further strengthen the connections to our guests."</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/a386cb47-ec01-4792-bc75-2978e6be8ff3/churchs+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - March 2025 - Church’s Texas Chicken® Appoints Roland Gonzalez as New Chief Executive Officer to Lead Legendary Brand’s Next Phase of Global Growth</image:title>
      <image:caption>Gonzalez Assumes Role Having Been Instrumental in Accelerating Church’s Transformation as Chief Operations Officer since 2023 Church’s Texas Chicken®, one of the largest quick-service chicken restaurant chains in the world, has named Roland Gonzalez as its new Chief Executive Officer. With a wealth of experience in the global quick-service restaurant industry, Gonzalez will lead the legendary brand’s next phase of global growth and evolution, having played a key role in its transformation over the last two years as Chief Operations Officer. February 21, 2025 07:00 AM Eastern Standard Time</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/faf74ce5-823a-4f59-9143-87da7db739f0/nothing+bundt+cakes+logo+2025.jfif</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - March 2025 - NOTHING BUNDT CAKES® APPOINTS CHARLIE MORRISON TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS</image:title>
      <image:caption>Feb 19, 2025, 09:07 ET Former Wingstop, Salad and Go CEO to help guide fast-growing category leader as expansion accelerates DALLAS, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nothing Bundt Cakes, the nation's largest specialty cake company, has added Charlie Morrison, former CEO of large, fast-growing franchise systems Wingstop and Salad and Go, to its board of directors. Morrison, who stepped down in October 2024 as CEO of Salad and Go after growing the company to 150 stores from 20, is an industry veteran with 35 years of experience. Career highlights include leading Wingstop in the completion of its 2015 initial public offering, which is regarded as the most successful IPO in the history of the restaurant industry. He joins Nothing Bundt Cakes' board of directors as the company experiences unprecedented growth. The company doubled in size from 2019 to 2024 and is accelerating plans in 2025, with the goal of opening its 1,000th bakery by 2027.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/2f8012b0-ffcf-4ced-a147-6497e27e7271/dominos+logo+2025.jfif</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - March 2025 - Domino's® Announces Executive Promotions</image:title>
      <image:caption>Mar 10, 2025, 16:05 ET ANN ARBOR, Mich., March 10, 2025  /PRNewswire/ -- Domino's Pizza Inc. (Nasdaq: DPZ), the largest pizza company in the world, is pleased to announce the promotion of three company executives into new roles. Joseph Jordan is being elevated to the position of chief operating officer and president – Domino's U.S., Weiking Ng is being promoted to executive vice president – International, and Ryan Mulally is being promoted to executive vice president – general counsel and corporate secretary. All three executives will report to Russell Weiner, Domino's chief executive officer. "Joe, Weiking, and Ryan are talented and respected leaders of our Company, and we are extremely fortunate to have such a strong bench of talent to move into these important roles," said Weiner. "All three embody our Hungry for MORE strategic mindset and I am looking forward to the positive impact they'll continue having on the brand." Jordan will serve as the Company's chief operating officer and president – Domino's U.S., overseeing domestic operations and marketing, while expanding his existing oversight of global services to now include Domino's technology. Jordan has served as Domino's president, U.S. and global services since May 2022.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/04f1a278-47ce-4e9a-a886-73bcb04f8e84/lunchbox+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - March 2025 - Lunchbox Selects James Walker as CEO and Announces New Funding Round Led by Shift4</image:title>
      <image:caption>Mar 10, 2025, 08:30 ET Shift4 has made a capital investment in Lunchbox, selecting the technology solution provider as the enterprise partner for its SkyTab POS solution. The news comes alongside Lunchbox's appointment of James Walker as its new CEO.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/aa24a36a-182d-4320-8842-47ebb5da8e61/coffee+bean+and+tea+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - March 2025 - The Coffee Bean &amp; Tea Leaf® Appoints Tara Hinkle as President and Head of Americas</image:title>
      <image:caption>Feb 19, 2025, 09:00 ET Former Starbucks and Taco Bell Executive Joins the Leading Global Specialty Coffee and Tea House LOS ANGELES, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Coffee Bean &amp; Tea Leaf®, global specialty coffee and tea house, has announced the appointment of Tara Hinkle as the new President and Head of Americas. In this pivotal role, The Coffee Bean &amp; Tea Leaf is well-positioned to advance its franchise expansion and foster innovation while broadening its industry presence. "We are thrilled to welcome Tara Hinkle as The Coffee Bean &amp; Tea Leaf's new President and Head of Americas," said CEO for The Coffee Bean &amp; Tea Leaf, Jose Pepot Miñana Jr. "With her leadership in franchise growth and strategy, Tara is set to drive our expansion across the Americas. Her expertise and passion for the customer experience make her the ideal leader to strengthen our brand and community."</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-movements-amp-financials-february-2025-p9dwy-9nymp-cnrmr</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-03-17</lastmod>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/6a234fc9-1b16-4089-bb31-1c99ccefa8cc/one+group+logo+2025.jfif</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2025 - The ONE Group Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>DENVER--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The ONE Group Hospitality, Inc. (“The ONE Group” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: STKS) today reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/b2a1f43b-ed33-4649-935e-b0485bdc75a4/cracker+barrel+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2025 - Cracker Barrel Reports Second Quarter Fiscal 2025 Results And Increases Guidance</image:title>
      <image:caption>Mar 06, 2025, 08:00 ET Company now expects fiscal 2025 adjusted EBITDA1 of $210 million to $220 million2 LEBANON, Tenn., March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. ("Cracker Barrel" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: CBRL) today reported its financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 ended January 31, 2025. Second Quarter Fiscal 2025 Highlights Second quarter total revenue was $949.4 million. Compared to the prior year second quarter, total revenue increased 1.5%. Comparable store restaurant sales increased 4.7% over the prior year quarter, and comparable store retail sales increased 0.2%. GAAP earnings per diluted share were $0.99, and adjusted1 earnings per diluted share were $1.38. GAAP net income for the second quarter was $22.2 million, a 16.3% decrease compared to the prior year quarter GAAP net income of $26.5 million. Adjusted EBITDA1 was $74.6 million, a 19.6% increase compared to the prior year quarter adjusted EBITDA1 of $62.4 million.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/dd5f514a-b2ff-4cab-8732-bd461f352565/gen+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2025 - GEN Restaurant Group, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>March 06, 2025 16:05 ET 2024 Total Revenue of $208.4 Million Exceeds Company’s Full Year Outlook Strong Start to 2025 with Comparable Restaurant Sales for Q1 Quarter-to-Date Increasing 1% Through the End of February, a 6% Improvement Compared to Q4 2024 Company Remains on Track with New Unit Openings for 2025 CERRITOS, Calif., March 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GEN Restaurant Group, Inc. (“GEN” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: GENK), owner of GEN Korean BBQ, a fast-growing casual dining concept with an extensive menu and signature “grill at your table” experience, is announcing financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/2a15a9e2-9c99-4e90-b6a6-fc98260bbd06/noodles+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2025 - Noodles &amp; Company Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>March 06, 2025 16:05 ET BROOMFIELD, Colo., March 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Noodles &amp; Company (Nasdaq: NDLS) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, and provided a 2025 business outlook.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/bd19577c-1362-43ec-8a45-8c5bc1222cf6/el+pollo+loco+logo+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2025 - El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>March 06, 2025 16:05 ET COSTA MESA, Calif., March 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: LOCO) today announced financial results for the 13- and 52-week periods ended December 25, 2024. Highlights for the fourth quarter ended December 25, 2024 compared to the fourth quarter ended December 27, 2023 were as follows: Total revenue was $114.3 million compared to $112.2 million. System-wide comparable restaurant sales(1) increased by 0.5%. Income from operations was $9.0 million compared to $7.5 million. Restaurant contribution(1) was $16.0 million, or 16.7% of company-operated restaurant revenue, compared to $14.8 million, or 15.8% of company-operated restaurant revenue. Net income was $6.0 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, compared to net income of $4.4 million, or $0.14 per diluted share. Adjusted net income(1) was $5.9 million, or $0.20 per diluted share, compared to $5.2 million, or $0.16 per diluted share. Adjusted EBITDA(1) was $14.3 million, compared to $13.6 million.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/9e1c862a-87ea-4e47-a820-74a94a756c3f/dine+brands+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2025 - Dine Brands Global, Inc. Reports Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>March 05, 2025 07:00 AM Eastern Standard Time PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), the parent company of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill &amp; Bar®, IHOP® and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® restaurants, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024. “Our financial results have demonstrated that this continues to be a dynamic operating environment and underscores our commitment to refreshing, reinvesting, and reinforcing our brands in the year ahead. For 2025, we have a clear plan that addresses both the short-term and long-term and are confident that, in partnership with our franchisees, we will elevate the guest experience and enhance our value propositions,” said John Peyton, chief executive officer, Dine Brands Global, Inc. Vance Chang, chief financial officer, Dine Brands Global, Inc., added, “Against a backdrop of market volatility, Dine continued to generate strong free cash flow in 2024. It speaks to our overall financial stability and highlights the resilience of the Dine platform through market cycles. Going into 2025, we will remain prudent with our capital and make the necessary investments and changes to drive improved performance.”</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/95241aad-1cde-4a26-b677-43eec151b6a3/twin+peaks+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2025 - Twin Hospitality Group Inc. Reports Fiscal Fourth Quarter And Full Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>February 27, 2025 16:10 ET Opened Nine Twin Peaks Lodges in 2024 Completed First Smokey Bones Conversion in September 2024 and Second Smokey Bones Conversion in February 2025 Hosting Inaugural Conference Call and Webcast Today at 5:15 PM ET LOS ANGELES, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Twin Hospitality Group Inc. (NASDAQ: TWNP) (“Twin Peaks” or the “Company”) today reported fiscal fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2024 financial results for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2024. “2024 marked a year of significant strategic progress and we are thankful to our franchise partners, team and loyal guests for their contributions to strengthening the Twin Peaks brand,” said Joe Hummel, Chief Executive Officer of Twin Peaks. “We expanded our footprint opening nine new Twin Peak lodges and signed four area development agreements with a commitment to open 24 lodges, increasing our development pipeline to over 100 lodges. In 2025, we are targeting approximately nine to eleven Twin Peaks openings as we pursue our long-term goal of 650 domestic and 250 international lodges,”</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/196dc673-2847-46a2-9387-b1960f52227d/fat+brands+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2025 - Fat Brands Inc. Reports Fiscal Fourth Quarter And Full Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>February 27, 2025 16:05 ET Conference call and webcast today at 4:30 p.m. ET LOS ANGELES, Feb. 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: FAT) (“FAT Brands” or the “Company”) today reported fiscal fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2024 financial results for the fiscal year ended December 29, 2024. Andy Wiederhorn, Chairman of FAT Brands, said, “During 2024, we successfully expanded our footprint by opening 92 restaurants and signed over 250 new franchise agreements which increased our development pipeline to 1,000 locations. For 2025, we expect to add more than 100 additional restaurants across our portfolio. Our ability to grow demonstrates both strong consumer demand for our brands and the significant opportunities provided to our franchisee base.”</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/262757cd-2153-46e8-a30f-38cfa60ef2d8/papa+johns+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2025 - Papa Johns Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>February 27, 2025 07:00 AM Eastern Standard Time LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Papa John’s International, Inc. (Nasdaq: PZZA) (“Papa Johns®”) (the “Company”) today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 29, 2024. Fourth Quarter Highlights North America comparable sales(a) were down 4% from a year ago as Domestic Company-owned restaurants were down 6% and North America franchised restaurants were down 4%; International comparable sales(a) were up 2% compared with the prior year period.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/e6dc89be-525c-4ba4-8221-aa0497ddf790/bloomin+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2025 - Bloomin’ Brands Announces 2024 Q4 Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>Q4 Diluted EPS of $(0.93) and Q4 Adjusted Diluted EPS of $0.38 Provides Full Year 2025 Financial Outlook</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/74c2be4f-cf51-4e92-8882-0659730f29f7/cava+logo+2025.jfif</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2025 - CAVA Group Reports Fourth Quarter and Full Year Fiscal 2024 Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>Full Year CAVA Revenue Growth of 35.1% (Excluding 53rd Week of Fiscal 2023) Driven by CAVA Same Restaurant Sales Growth of 13.4% 58 Net New CAVA Restaurant Openings During Fiscal 2024 Full Year CAVA Restaurant-Level Profit Margin of 25.0% February 25, 2025 04:10 PM Eastern Standard Time WASHINGTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CAVA Group, Inc. (NYSE: CAVA) (“CAVA Group” or the “Company”), the category-defining Mediterranean fast-casual restaurant brand that brings heart, health, and humanity to food, today announced financial results for its fiscal fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 29, 2024. “2024 was another year of extraordinary growth and success for CAVA as we established Mediterranean as the next major cultural cuisine category and delivered our unique value proposition, that is clearly resonating with modern consumers. CAVA Same Restaurant Sales grew 13.4% in 2024, including traffic growth of nearly 9%. We opened 58 net new restaurants and, driven by our</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/35dcb2dd-3966-461b-b08a-219ce0cbad84/olo+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2025 - Olo Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>Fourth Quarter Revenue of $76.1 million, up 21% Year-over-Year February 25, 2025 04:05 PM Eastern Standard Time NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Olo Inc. (NYSE:OLO), a leading restaurant technology provider, today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2024.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/3d0a711f-fb7f-48d1-92f3-68431b9e7657/jack+in+the+box+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2025 - Jack in the Box Inc. Reports First Quarter 2025 Earnings</image:title>
      <image:caption>Jack in the Box same-store sales growth of 0.4% Del Taco same-store sales of (4.5%)Jack in the Box systemwide sales growth of 0.5% Del Taco systemwide sales of (1.9%) Diluted earnings per share of $1.75; Operating EPS of $1.92 Jack in the Box completed development agreements for 2 new franchisees to expand in Chicago, in addition to the 8 company-owned restaurants set to begin opening in Summer of 2025</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/03e4f366-a210-44f5-8b31-0a6a127e94a8/dominos+logo+2025.jfif</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2025 - Domino's Pizza® Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal 2024 Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>Feb 24, 2025, 06:05 ET Global retail sales growth (excluding foreign currency impact) of 4.4% for the fourth quarter; 5.9% growth for fiscal 2024 U.S. same store sales growth of 0.4% for the fourth quarter; 3.2% growth for fiscal 2024 International same store sales growth (excluding foreign currency impact) of 2.7% for the fourth quarter; 1.6% growth for fiscal 2024 Global net store growth of 364 for the fourth quarter; 775 for fiscal 2024 Income from operations increased 6.4% for the fourth quarter; 7.3% for fiscal 2024 (excluding the $0.2 million and $5.8 million negative impacts of foreign currency exchange rates on international franchise royalty revenues, income from operations increased 6.5% and 8.0% for the fourth quarter and fiscal 2024, respectively) Board of Directors approves 15% increase in quarterly dividend to $1.74 per share</image:caption>
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    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/8d0b6c0a-61fe-476e-a538-7bc8ac9e9dfa/shake+shack+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2025 - Shake Shack Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>Financial Highlights for the Fourth Quarter 2024: Total revenue of $328.7 million, up 14.8% versus 2023, including $316.6 million of Shack sales and $12.1 million of Licensing revenue. System-wide sales of $500.7 million, up 13.3% versus 2023. Same-Shack sales up 4.3% versus 2023. Operating income of $10.2 million.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/ce7dc260-f500-4f8a-a460-5437b028d65f/texas+roadhouse+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2025 - Texas Roadhouse, Inc. Announces Fourth Quarter 2024 Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>Increases Quarterly Dividend 11% to $0.68 per Share and Approves Stock Repurchase Program of $500 Million February 20, 2025 16:03 ET LOUISVILLE, Ky., Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Texas Roadhouse, Inc. (NasdaqGS: TXRH), today announced financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. Results for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2024, as compared to the prior year as applicable, included the following: Comparable restaurant sales increased 7.7% at company restaurants and increased 6.3% at domestic franchise restaurants; Average weekly sales at company restaurants were $153,867 of which $20,067 were to-go sales as compared to average weekly sales of $141,653 of which $17,793 were to-go sales in the prior year;</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/2b194d5a-8082-4148-9afa-3586968e4257/bjs+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - March 2025 - BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. Reports Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2024 Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>February 20, 2025 16:02 ET HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., Feb. 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BJ’s Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ: BJRI) today reported financial results for its fiscal 2024 fourth quarter and year ended Tuesday, December 31, 2024. Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2024 Compared to Fourth Quarter 2023, as applicable Total revenue increased 6.4% to $344.3 million Comparable restaurant sales increased 5.5% Diluted net loss per share was $0.23, a decrease from diluted net income per share of $0.34 Adjusted diluted net income per share(1) was $0.47, an increase of 5.1% from $0.45 Restaurant level operating profit(1) was $52.9 million, an increase of 13.8%, with restaurant level operating profit margin of 15.4%, an increase of 100 basis points Adjusted EBITDA(1) was $33.1 million, an increase of 21.1% from $27.3 million The Company repurchased and retired approximately 234,000 shares of its common stock at a cost of approximately $8.0 million</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/building-the-right-team-the-key-to-personal-success-for-c-level-executives</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-03-17</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/b181520e-6c24-4497-a58a-cc9d282aca7c/ray+2.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Building the Right Team: The Key to Personal Success for C-Level Executives</image:title>
      <image:caption>For C-level leaders, the conventional wisdom is that building a great team is essential for company success. While this is true, a more nuanced and often overlooked perspective is how team building directly impacts a leader’s personal career trajectory and professional goals. The reality is that the best leaders do not just assemble teams to drive corporate results—they build teams that enable them to elevate their own influence, legacy, and long-term success. The Strategic Imperative of Team building A C-level executive’s success is not just measured by quarterly earnings or shareholder value; it is also determined by their ability to lead effectively, scale their impact, and position themselves for greater opportunities—whether within their current organization or beyond. The right team plays a pivotal role in achieving these outcomes by enabling: Leverage and Delegation: Executives who assemble strong teams free themselves from operational minutiae, allowing them to focus on strategic vision, industry thought leadership, and high-value initiatives that elevate their professional standing. Enhanced Decision-Making: A well-structured team provides diverse perspectives, mitigating blind spots and ensuring that the executive consistently makes informed and impactful decisions—an essential component of maintaining credibility and authority.</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/2025-restaurant-hospitality-c-suite-insights</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-03-17</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/dining-dilemma-how-consumer-confidence-shifts-are-impacting-restaurants</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-03-17</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/06fc7429-3cf8-4479-aa7b-2168c9eda149/john+blog+2.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Dining Dilemma: How Consumer Confidence Shifts Are Impacting Restaurants</image:title>
      <image:caption>In the US right now, consumer facing business, when factoring in seasonality, the sales and traffic numbers “wiggle” around the prevailing norm, by moving slightly above the trend or prior year. The wiggling up and down is expected. However, when the wigging becomes a “zoom” up or down, that should be the time of greatest interest and focus. After getting off to a fair start in mid-December to mid-January , restaurant sales and traffic results began to weaken by the week of January 26. Since that period, we have had six weeks of decline, currently in negative territory below the zero trend line.  There were many factors involved of course; weather, calendar shifts, promotional ebb, and flow. What is different about February is that there were numerous other more macro, red blinking lights seen. The University of Michigan Consumer Index has been falling, including a large decline noted in February on March 14[1]. The index fell 10.5% month to month, and a whopping 27.1% from March 2024. It was a change in expectations rather than actual economic conditions. Reasons cited were, inflation resuming, the high level of uncertainty due to conditions in Washington including fear (and now, actually) of tariffs and other frequent gyrations in economic policy. Declines were seen across the political spectrum; Republicans, Democrats, and Independents[2]. Other indices and surveys pointed it down also. For example, last week four major US airlines decreased 2025 guidance, citing a fall off of demand.</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/how-to-select-an-executive-search-firm</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-03-12</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/87e6be1e-e46b-46b5-9394-35065ea4d257/select+search+firm+2.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - How to Select an Executive Search Firm - Choosing the right executive search firm is a crucial decision that can impact your company’s leadership and long-term success. Whether you’re looking to fill a C-suite position or other senior roles, working with a reputable search firm can ensure access to top-tier talent. This guide will help you understand the essential factors to consider when selecting an executive search partner.</image:title>
      <image:caption>Understanding the Role of an Executive Search Firm What Is an Executive Search Firm? An executive search firm specializes in identifying and recruiting high-level executives for organizations. Unlike traditional recruitment agencies, these firms focus on leadership roles and use targeted methodologies to attract top talent. Wray Executive Search specifically specializes in connecting companies with top leadership talent in the restaurant, hospitality, food service, and franchise industries. With a proven track record of identifying executives who drive business success, Wray offers a hands-on, consultative approach to every search.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/5cac5d0e-d891-4a12-a67f-fb9089fc12be/select+search+firm+3.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - How to Select an Executive Search Firm - Key Factors to Consider When Selecting an Executive Search Firm</image:title>
      <image:caption>Choosing an executive search firm is a strategic decision that requires careful evaluation. The right firm should align with your business needs, industry, and leadership expectations. Below are the key factors to consider when making your selection. 1. Industry and Functional Expertise Not all executive search firms are created equal. Some specialize in specific industries, while others focus on broader executive placements. ·       Industry Knowledge: A firm with deep expertise in your industry understands market trends, leadership expectations, and the competitive landscape. This ensures they can identify candidates who align with your company’s needs. ·       Functional Specialization: Some firms focus on specific leadership roles, such as finance, operations, or technology. If you’re hiring for a niche executive position, partnering with a firm that has specialized knowledge is crucial. ·       Past Placements: Reviewing a firm's history of successful placements within your industry can provide insights into their effectiveness. Ask for case studies or references from similar companies.</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/b4b71cdd-c162-4fc8-8e17-f8c398632cfa/select+search+firm+1.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - How to Select an Executive Search Firm - Evaluating the Firm’s Process and Communication</image:title>
      <image:caption>A successful executive search requires clear communication, transparency, and a well-defined process. The best search firms keep clients informed at every stage, ensuring alignment and minimizing surprises. Transparency in Search Execution A reputable executive search firm should provide a structured, step-by-step process outlining how they source, evaluate, and present candidates. The process should include clear expectations regarding: ·       Initial Consultation &amp; Search Strategy: Understanding your company’s needs, culture, and leadership gaps. ·       Candidate Identification &amp; Outreach: How the firm targets and attracts top executives. ·       Evaluation &amp; Shortlisting: Methods used to assess skills, experience, and cultural fit. ·       Final Selection &amp; Offer Negotiation: Supporting both the employer and candidate in finalizing an agreement. Before committing to a firm, ask for a detailed breakdown of their search process, including expected timelines and key milestones.</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/what-makes-franchise-executive-search-different-from-other-industries</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-10-24</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/improving-employee-engagement</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-02-19</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/8e198126-695c-4c28-8602-4f37fe3ca483/3.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Improving Employee Engagement - In 2024, only 19% of global workers were fully engaged at work, according to an ADP survey of nearly 38,000 employees across 34 markets. This marks a record high since ADP began tracking engagement a decade ago and a notable increase from the 14% low recorded in 2020. However, one in five employees reporting full engagement remains relatively low, signaling the need for employers to enhance workforce engagement.</image:title>
      <image:caption>https://www.adpresearch.com/assets/people-at-work-2025-skills-development . “While engagement is low, employers can take steps to improve it,” said Mary Hayes, director of research on people and performance at ADP’s research institute. The report identified two key factors that significantly impact engagement: work location and team dynamics. Work Location Matters Where employees work plays a major role in engagement. As return-to-office mandates increased, 56% of global workers (and 65% in the U.S.) reported working on-site daily in 2024—a two-percentage-point rise from 2023. Despite this, hybrid workers remained the most engaged, reinforcing previous research findings. Flexibility in where and when employees work is one of three primary engagement drivers, Hayes noted. The other two are the freedom to choose how work gets done and the autonomy to make decisions. While hybrid and remote workers may enjoy greater flexibility, in-office employees often have more freedom and autonomy.</image:caption>
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    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1a3b7808-d821-4ba3-bf60-c8d81c8ac206/1.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Improving Employee Engagement - The Future of Workplace Engagement Successful managers prioritize engagement by continuously discussing it with their teams and incorporating feedback into solutions. Companies that excel in engagement will drive stronger financial returns, outperform competitors, and rank among the best workplaces. To thrive in 2025, organizations must address: Reskilling &amp; Lifelong Learning: Invest in continuous education, e-learning partnerships, and automation to bridge skill gaps. Talent Attraction &amp; Retention: Offer competitive salaries, clear career paths, and meaningful DEI initiatives to attract diverse talent. Employee Well-Being &amp; Mental Health: Provide counseling, flexible hours, and wellness programs to prevent burnout in an “always-on” digital world. Evolving Leadership Styles: Move from hierarchical models to collaborative, emotionally intelligent leadership that prioritizes transparency and results. Generational Workforce Dynamics: With five generations in the workforce, organizations must balance different work styles, communication preferences, and technological adaptability. Compliance with Labor Laws &amp; AI Regulations: Companies must navigate evolving labor policies and ensure ethical AI use in hiring and performance evaluations. Organizations that embrace flexibility, innovation, and employee-centric policies will lead the future workplace and sustain long-term success.</image:title>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/what-is-the-executive-search-process</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-02-20</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/a546c970-b6ea-40c8-b8c2-e50ff3c08b53/1.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - What is the Executive Search Process? - Finding the right leadership—especially for managerial and executive roles—can be a challenge for many organizations, even those in the restaurant and hospitality industries. A well-structured executive search process is key to making successful hires. In this article, we’ll break down the essential stages of executive search, highlight the role of client collaboration, and explore key metrics that define success.</image:title>
      <image:caption>Key Takeaways A strategic approach in executive search aligns talent acquisition with organizational culture and objectives Effective communication fosters collaboration between clients and recruiters throughout the hiring process Tailored candidate profiles enhance recruitment outcomes by aligning skills with organizational needs Regular feedback mechanisms refine search strategies and improve alignment with changing organizational requirements</image:caption>
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    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/8e6ddb82-7e41-4c0f-89f9-118471314fcd/Untitled+design+%2819%29.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - What is the Executive Search Process? - Crafting the Ideal Candidate Profile</image:title>
      <image:caption>Crafting the ideal candidate profile involves a thorough understanding of the specific skills and experiences required for roles in diverse sectors. By focusing on these elements, recruiters can better articulate the client’s expectations and attract candidates who truly fit their strategic objectives. A well-defined candidate profile details the necessary expertise and incorporates the desired cultural attributes that align with the organization's vision. This holistic approach helps in identifying candidates who possess the right balance of technical skills and interpersonal abilities, ultimately ensuring a stronger alignment with the company’s goals. Such clarity in defining the candidate's characteristics can significantly reduce hiring mismatches and enhance team performance across various business functions. Sourcing Potential Candidates Through Various Channels Sourcing potential candidates through various channels is a critical phase in the executive search process, particularly for positions involving risk management and asset management. By utilizing diverse recruiting methods—including industry events, professional networks, and online platforms—executive search professionals can identify individuals with the skills necessary to meet the specific needs of a company. Active engagement with these channels enhances the ability to find candidates who align with the board of directors' strategic objectives and values.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/restaurant-industrys-rollercoaster-economic-shocks-consumer-trends-and-the-2025-outlook</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-02-18</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/how-ai-can-help-restaurant-executives-identify-the-best-real-estate-for-brand-and-franchise-growth</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-02-20</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/229ea835-3b80-49cb-be7f-680008891911/Untitled+design+%2817%29.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - How AI Can Help Restaurant Executives Identify the Best Real Estate for Brand and Franchise Growth - Following up last months article about how AI can help restaurant executives mitigate real estate cost, lets dig a little deeper and see how AI can assist restaurant decision makers in finding and choosing real estate to grow brands.</image:title>
      <image:caption>For restaurant executives looking to expand their brands and franchise networks, selecting the right commercial real estate is one of the most crucial decisions. The success of a new location depends on multiple factors, including demographics, foot traffic, competitor presence, and lease terms. Traditionally, real estate decisions have relied on experience, intuition, and historical market data, but these methods can fall short in predicting long-term success. 1. AI-Powered Site Selection for Optimal Growth One of the biggest challenges in restaurant expansion is choosing locations with high potential for profitability. AI enables a data-driven approach by analyzing vast amounts of information that influence site performance. · Demographic and Market Analysis: AI tools process population density, household income, age distribution, and spending behavior to determine the best locations for a restaurant’s target customer base. This ensures that new locations align with brand positioning and market demand.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-movements-amp-financials-february-2025-p9dwy</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-02-19</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/c8dec8ce-cfa8-4ecf-9c53-9de065e7ff74/wingstop+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - February 2025 - Wingstop Inc. Reports Fiscal Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>Feb 19, 2025, 08:00 ET Record 349 Net New Restaurants and 15.8% Unit Growth in 2024 Delivers 21st Consecutive Year of Same Store Sales Growth with 19.9% in 2024 DALLAS, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Wingstop Inc. ("Wingstop" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: WING) today announced financial results for the fiscal fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 28, 2024. Highlights for the fiscal fourth quarter 2024 compared to the fiscal fourth quarter 2023: System-wide sales increased 27.6% to $1.2 billion 105 net new openings in the fiscal fourth quarter 2024 Domestic restaurant AUV increased to $2.1 million Domestic same store sales increased 10.1% Digital sales increased to 70.3% of system-wide sales Total revenue increased 27.4% to $161.8 million Net income increased 42.2% to $26.8 million, or $0.92 per diluted share Adjusted EBITDA, a non-GAAP measure, increased 44.2% to $56.3 million</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/b17a15ac-c7e0-4c48-86df-202ee6bbc272/Wendys-Restaurant-Franchise.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - February 2025 - The Wendy’s Company Reports Fourth Quarter and Full-Year 2024 Results, Provides 2025 Outlook, and Updates its Capital Allocation Policy</image:title>
      <image:caption>Feb 13, 2025, 07:00 ET Wendy's systemwide sales grew 5.4% in the fourth quarter, reaching $3.7 billion,* including same-restaurant sales growth of 4.3%. For the full year systemwide sales grew 3.1%, reaching $14.5 billion, including same-restaurant sales growth of 1.5%. Total revenues for the fourth quarter were $574.3 million and adjusted revenues were $459.3 million, an increase of 6.4%.* Total revenues for the full year were $2.2 billion and adjusted revenues were $1.8 billion, an increase of 2.0%.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/3b0ca26f-f23a-42c5-9dd3-1ece22332786/Resturant_Brands_International.svg.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - February 2025 - Restaurant Brands International Inc. Reports Full Year and Fourth Quarter 2024 Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>Feb 12, 2025, 06:30 ET Global system-wide sales grow 5.6% for the fourth quarter and 5.4% for 2024 Global comparable sales up 2.5% in Q4, led by 4.7% at INTL and 2.5% at TH Canada 2024 Income from Operations grows 17.9% year-over-year and Organic Adjusted Operating Income grew 9% ~$1.0 billion of capital returned to shareholders in 2024 while investing for growth and reaching net leverage target RBI declares target total of $2.48 in dividends per common share and partnership exchangeable unit for 2025</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - February 2025 - Denny’s Corporation Reports Results for Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024</image:title>
      <image:caption>February 12, 2025 07:00 ET SPARTANBURG, S.C., Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Denny’s Corporation (the "Company") (NASDAQ: DENN), owner and operator of Denny's Inc. ("Denny's") and Keke's Inc. ("Keke's") today reported results for its fourth quarter and full year ended December 25, 2024 and provided a business update on the Company’s operations. Kelli Valade, Chief Executive Officer, stated, "We are proud of our progress through 2024, culminating in strong performances from both Denny's and Keke's, which outperformed their respective BBI Family Dining indices in the fourth quarter. We have made significant progress in our strategy to enhance the overall health of our flagship brand by accelerating the closure of lower-volume restaurants and completing 23 remodels, and also opened a record number of Keke’s cafes while expanding into six new states. Looking ahead to 2025, there is still work to be done within our brands, particularly as we navigate near-term consumer sentiment that has been affected by macroeconomic factors. With the actions we are taking to maintain our position as a value leader, invest in our brands, reduce costs, and drive traffic, we are well positioned to deliver shareholder value.”</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - February 2025 - DoorDash Releases Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Financial Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>February 11, 2025 04:05 PM Eastern Standard Time SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--DoorDash, Inc. (NASDAQ: DASH) today announced its financial results for the quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. In addition to our financial results below, our annual letter to shareholders is available on the DoorDash investor relations website at http://ir.doordash.com.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - February 2025 - Ark Restaurants Announces Financial Results for the First Quarter of 2025</image:title>
      <image:caption>February 10, 2025 04:15 PM Eastern Standard Time NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Ark Restaurants Corp. (NASDAQ:ARKR) today reported financial results for the first quarter ended December 28, 2024. Financial Results Total revenues for the 13 weeks ended December 28, 2024 were $44,988,000 versus $47,487,000 for the 13 weeks ended December 30, 2023. The 13 weeks ended December 30, 2023 includes revenues of $764,000 related to El Rio Grande. No revenues for El Rio Grande are included in the 13 weeks ended December 28, 2024 (see below). Excluding revenues related to El Rio Grande and the Tampa Food Court (see below), Company-wide same store sales decreased 2.3% for the 13 weeks ended December 28, 2024 as compared to the same period of the prior year.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - February 2025 - Yum! Brands Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>Fourth-Quarter Same-Store Sales Growth at Taco Bell of 5%; KFC International Unit Growth of 8% Full-Year GAAP Operating Profit of 4% and Core Operating Profit Growth Excluding 53rd Week of 8% Yum! Brands Reports Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results February 06, 2025 07:00 AM Eastern Standard Time LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) today reported results for the fourth quarter and year ended December 31, 2024. Fourth-quarter GAAP EPS was $1.49 and EPS excluding Special Items was $1.61. Full-year GAAP EPS was $5.22 and EPS excluding Special Items was $5.48, an increase of 6%. DAVID GIBBS &amp; CHRIS TURNER COMMENTS David Gibbs, CEO, said “2024 was marked with exceptional core operating profit growth given the complex consumer environment. 2024 again demonstrates the resilience of our business model and the agility of our world-class teams. Our twin growth engines remain strong with Taco Bell U.S. delivering same-store sales growth of 5% in the fourth quarter, meaningfully outpacing the industry, and KFC International delivering its second consecutive year with over 2,000 net new units. Our advantaged brand position, together with our industry-leading talent, franchisees, and technology, position us for another excellent year in 2025.”</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - February 2025 - Farmer Brothers Coffee reports second quarter fiscal 2025 financial results</image:title>
      <image:caption>February 06, 2025 16:15 ET Second quarter fiscal 2025 net sales of $90 million Second quarter fiscal 2025 gross margin increase of 270 basis points year-over-year to 43.1% Reported second quarter net income of $210,000 and improved adjusted EBITDA1 of $5.9 million</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/7a2fbffd-bec4-4524-a3c1-c7a62a761fca/rave+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - February 2025 - RAVE Restaurant Group, Inc. Reports Second Quarter 2025 Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>February 06, 2025 09:01 ET DALLAS, Feb. 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RAVE Restaurant Group, Inc. (NASDAQ: RAVE) today reported financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 ended December 29, 2024. Second Quarter Highlights: The company recorded net income of $0.6 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, a 9.8% increase from the same period of the prior year. Income before taxes increased by $0.2 million to $0.7 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to the same period of the prior year, a 39% increase. Total revenue increased by $0.1 million to $2.8 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to the same period of the prior year, a 4% increase. Adjusted EBITDA increased by $0.3 million to $0.8 million for the second quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to the same period of the prior year, a 51% increase. On a fully diluted basis, net income was $0.04 per share for the second quarter of fiscal 2025, the same as it was in the same period of the prior year. Pizza Inn domestic comparable store retail sales increased 0.8% in the second quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to the same period of the prior year. Pie Five domestic comparable store retail sales decreased 11.4% in the second quarter of fiscal 2025 compared to the same period of the prior year. Cash and cash equivalents were $2.9 million on December 29, 2024. Short-term investments were $6.0 million on December 29, 2024. Pizza Inn domestic unit count finished at 102. Pizza Inn international unit count finished at 27. Pie Five domestic unit count finished at 20.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - February 2025 - Good Times Restaurants Reports Results for the 2025 First Fiscal Quarter Ended December 31, 2024</image:title>
      <image:caption>February 06, 2025 04:05 PM Eastern Standard Time</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Financials - February 2025 - Performance Food Group Company Reports Second-Quarter and First-Six Months Fiscal 2025 Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>Strong Independent Restaurant Case Volume, Net Sales and Cash Flow Second-Quarter Fiscal 2025 Highlights Total case volume increased 9.8% Total Independent Foodservice case volume increased 19.8% Organic Independent Foodservice case volume increased 5.0% Net sales increased 9.4% to $15.6 billion Gross profit improved 14.4% to $1.8 billion Net income decreased 45.8% to $42.4 million Adjusted EBITDA increased 22.5% to $423.0 million1 Diluted Earnings Per Share (“EPS”) decreased 46.0% to $0.27 Adjusted Diluted EPS increased 8.9% to $0.981</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/7070a0af-ed18-4fe0-9e6b-3b17a769537a/Chipotle-Restaurant.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - February 2025 - Chipotle Announces Fourth Quarter and Full Year 2024 Results</image:title>
      <image:caption>Feb 04, 2025, 16:10 ET FOURTH QUARTER COMPARABLE SALES INCREASE 5.4% DRIVEN BY 4.0% TRANSACTION GROWTH FULL YEAR 2024 COMPARABLE SALES INCREASE 7.4% DRIVEN BY 5.3% TRANSACTION GROWTH NEWPORT BEACH, Calif., Feb. 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. (NYSE: CMG) today reported financial results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year ended December 31, 2024. Fourth quarter highlights, year over year: Total revenue increased 13.1% to $2.8 billion Comparable restaurant sales increased 5.4% Operating margin was 14.6%, an increase from 14.4% Restaurant level operating margin was 24.8%1, a decrease from 25.4%1 Diluted earnings per share was $0.24, a 20.0% increase from $0.202 Adjusted diluted earnings per share was $0.251, a 19.0% increase from $0.211, 2 Opened 119 company-owned restaurants with 95 locations including a Chipotlane, and one international licensed restaurant</image:caption>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/f96b76e1-31f9-4a48-8d83-a29545aa0056/brinker+logo+2025.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Financials - February 2025 - Brinker International Reports Second Quarter of Fiscal 2025 Result and Updates Fiscal 2025 Guidance</image:title>
      <image:caption>Jan 29, 2025, 06:45 ET DALLAS, Jan. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT) today announced its financial results for the second quarter ended December 25, 2024. Second Quarter Fiscal 2025 Financial Highlights "Improving fundamentals continues to drive a better guest experience and sustained business results," said President and CEO Kevin Hochman. "Chili's sales comps accelerated to +31%, driven both by new guests trying Chili's and return guests coming more frequently despite a more competitive promotional environment. These results would indicate we are building a much stronger business for the long term."</image:caption>
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    <lastmod>2025-02-19</lastmod>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - February 2025 - Brinker International Appoints Timothy (TJ) Johnson to its Board of Directors</image:title>
      <image:caption>Feb 18, 2025, 16:30 ET DALLAS, Feb. 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), one of the world's leading casual dining restaurant companies and home of Chili's® Grill &amp; Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy®, today announced the appointment of Timothy (TJ) Johnson to its Board of Directors. Brinker International appoints Timothy (TJ) Johnson to its Board of Directors. Johnson is a financial, strategic, and operational leader with more than 30 years of experience with consumer-facing, global retail brands and more than a decade of experience as a public company Chief Financial Officer. He has served as Chief Financial and Chief Administrative Officer for Victoria's Secret &amp; Co (VS&amp;Co) since 2021 leading up to his recently announced retirement planned for June 2025. Prior to VS&amp;Co, he served as the Chief Financial and Chief Administrative Officer for Big Lots. He started his career in public accounting at Coopers &amp; Lybrand, followed by corporate finance roles at then Limited Brands. Johnson has previous public company board experience, having served on the board of directors of The Aaron's Company. Johnson qualifies as a financial expert and has significant experience in financial planning and analysis, strategy development, accounting, investor relations, capital allocation, mergers and acquisitions, and risk management.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - February 2025 - Torchy’s Tacos Appoints Paul Macaluso as Chief Executive Officer February 18, 2025 Restaurant industry leader brings more than three decades of experience driving results at respected brands Torchy’s founder Mike Rypka to transition to Chief Innovation Officer Austin, TX  (RestaurantNews.com)  Torchy’s Tacos (“Torchy’s”), a fast-casual restaurant known for their award-winning queso and “Damn Good” tacos, today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Paul Macaluso as Chief Executive Officer, effective February 24, 2025. He succeeds founder Mike Rypka, who will transition into a new role as Chief Innovation Officer.</image:title>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - February 2025 - Kelia Bazile To Lead Carrabba’s Italian Grill</image:title>
      <image:caption>February 17, 2025 09:00 AM Eastern Standard Time TAMPA, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kelia Bazile has been promoted to President of Carrabba’s Italian Grill where she will be responsible for leading the operations and development for more than 190 Carrabba’s locations. Carrabba’s offers authentic Italian cuisine passed down from the restaurant’s founders’ family recipes. It’s one of four brands in the Bloomin’ Brands (Nasdaq: BLMN) portfolio. “Kelia has a proven track record of creating and maintaining high executional standards that drive sales and a warm guest experience,” said Mike Spanos, CEO of Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. “She builds strong teams with a hospitality-first mindset and is a true servant leader.” Bazile joined Bloomin’ Brands in 2012 as a Joint Venture Partner at Carrabba’s and was promoted to Regional Vice President in 2014. In 2022, Bazile was promoted to Vice President of Operations, where she helped drive sales and profits through elevating the guest experience as well as a focus on off-premises and catering. In 2024, she moved to Bonefish Grill as Vice President of Operations.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - February 2025</image:title>
      <image:caption>Sonny’s BBQ Names George McAllan as New Chief Growth Officer February 7, 2025 Industry leader to drive operational excellence and ignite brand’s growth Orlando, FL  (RestaurantNews.com)  Sonny’s BBQ, the industry-leading BBQ restaurant rooted in quality food and spreading kindness, announced today the addition of George McAllan, new Chief Growth Officer, to the Sonny’s leadership team. George brings decades of experience working in both the franchisor and franchisee roles. “George’s extensive experience leading operations for some of America’s most-loved restaurant brands is an incredible asset to our team as we continue to expand our footprint and serve our famous BBQ to fans across the South and beyond,” said Jamie Yarmuth, Sonny’s BBQ CEO. “George will serve</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - February 2025 - White Castle names Melissa Palmisciano Vice President, General Counsel</image:title>
      <image:caption>Feb 11, 2025, 11:57 ET Palmisciano joined the company in 2018 after a distinguished military career and is the first female to hold the top legal position at White Castle COLUMBUS, Ohio, Feb. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- White Castle, the pioneer of The Original Slider® and renowned restaurant and consumer packaged goods (CPG) brand, announced that Deputy General Counsel Melissa Palmisciano has been promoted to vice president and general counsel. Palmisciano, who joined White Castle as corporate counsel in 2018 and has provided key legal leadership in areas including intellectual property, real estate, litigation and employment law, will fill the role formerly held by new White Castle President Anthony Joseph.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - February 2025</image:title>
      <image:caption>Erin Walter Steps into Chief Marketing Officer Role at Freddy's Frozen Custard &amp; Steakburgers Freddy's Frozen Custard &amp; Steakburgers has appointed Erin Walter as the new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), marking a significant step for the fast-casual restaurant chain's marketing strategies and business growth. Feb 11, 2025 - 13:40 Erin Walter The fast-casual restaurant, Freddy's Frozen Custard &amp; Steakburgers, recently announced the promotion of Erin Walter to the position of Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). Walter, in her new role, will manage all aspects of the company's marketing strategies in close collaboration with the executive team. The main focus of her leadership will be to increase brand recognition, guest engagement, and overall business expansion.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - February 2025 - Panera Bread Announces Santhosh Kumar as Chief Information Officer February 06, 2025 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Panera Bread, a leader and pioneer in the fast casual restaurant industry, today announced that Santhosh Kumar has joined the company as Chief Information Officer, effective February 12, reporting to Interim CEO Paul Carbone. Kumar will lead the company’s technology organization, responsible for the development, integration and deployment of technology across more than 2,200 Panera cafes. In his new role, Kumar will partner with the Panera Bread leadership team and franchisees to drive an exceptional team member and guest experience. “I’m thrilled to welcome Santhosh to the Panera Bread leadership team” Post this “I’m thrilled to welcome Santhosh to the Panera Bread leadership team,” said Paul Carbone, Interim CEO, Panera Bread. “As the technology landscape continues to evolve, Santhosh brings the right combination of strategic technology expertise, industry experience and proven ability to build high-performing teams that will help drive Panera’s continued success.” A seasoned IT executive and expert in digital transformation, Kumar brings deep expertise in core application modernization, retail POS and in-store systems and electronic payment technologies. Kumar joins Panera from United Natural Food, Inc. (UNFI), where he led a multi-year warehouse transformation</image:title>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - February 2025 - Dine Brands Announces Executive Leadership Changes Dine Brands CEO John Peyton to serve as Interim Applebee’s President Tony Moralejo to Step Down as Applebee’s President February 05, 2025 04:00 PM Eastern Standard Time PASADENA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dine Brands Global, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), the parent company of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill &amp; Bar®, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop®, and IHOP®, today announced that Tony Moralejo will step down as Applebee’s President, effective March 4, 2025, and will serve as an advisor to the company through June 4, 2025. John Peyton, CEO, Dine Brands, will assume the role of Interim Applebee’s President while continuing in his current capacity. “It has been an absolute honor and privilege to serve as President of this exceptional brand. Leading this remarkable team and working alongside our dedicated franchise partners over the past two years has been an incredible experience” "Tony and I share a deep respect for the DNA of Applebee’s and we are all grateful for his contributions since he took on this role two years ago. He has navigated a challenging economic environment, led an outstanding team, and strengthened our relationships with franchisees. I’m incredibly thankful for his leadership—he embodies what great leadership looks like. I look forward to</image:title>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - February 2025 - Fogo de Chão Announces Appointment of New Chief Marketing Officer</image:title>
      <image:caption>Georgeanne Erickson Joins the International Brand Amid Continued Growth February 05, 2025 09:00 ET DALLAS, Feb. 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fogo de Chão, the internationally renowned restaurant from Brazil known for its elevated churrasco dining experience, today announced the appointment of Georgeanne Erickson as its new Chief Marketing Officer. In this role, Georgeanne will lead the company’s global marketing strategy, brand evolution, menu innovation and guest engagement initiatives as Fogo continues its strategic expansion. Georgeanne has extensive marketing and advertising experience, with over a decade in the restaurant industry, specifically. Most recently, she served as the U.S. Chief Marketing Officer of Krispy Kreme. Her expertise in brand building, customer experience and digital transformation complements Fogo’s continued growth plans and its commitment to delivering exceptional dining experiences and fostering strong guest connections.</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - February 2025 - Rita’s Italian Ice &amp; Frozen Custard Bolsters Leadership Team to Propel Growth February 12, 2025</image:title>
      <image:caption>Seasoned executives Lawrence Brown and Carmela Hughley to drive development, innovation and brand expansion Philadelphia, PA  (RestaurantNews.com)  Rita’s Italian Ice &amp; Frozen Custard is strengthening its leadership team with the addition of two seasoned industry veterans, reinforcing the brand’s focus on growth and innovation. Lawrence Brown joins as Chief Development Officer, bringing a proven track record in franchising, business development and real estate strategy. Carmela Hughley steps in as Senior Vice President of Marketing Insights and Innovation, bringing deep expertise in brand growth, operations and customer engagement. Together with CEO Linda Chadwick, they will shape the next phase of expansion for the iconic frozen treat brand. View full version at Rita’s Italian Ice</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - February 2025 - SMOOTHIE KING APPOINTS CLAUDIA SCHAEFER AS NEW CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER</image:title>
      <image:caption>Jan 29, 2025, 07:00 ET DALLAS, Jan. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Smoothie King, the world's largest smoothie brand and the first health and fitness fast casual brand of its kind, today announced the appointment of Claudia Schaefer as the company's new Chief Marketing Officer. With an exceptional track record in transforming and elevating well-known restaurant and retail brands, Claudia brings a wealth of experience in driving revenue growth, enhancing profitability, and elevating the customer experience, making her the ideal leader to guide Smoothie King into its next phase of growth. Schaefer will oversee all marketing efforts for Smoothie King, where she'll focus on further defining the brand's purpose and positioning by leveraging consumer insights to ultimately drive traffic and accelerate sales growth. "Claudia's expertise in brand-building and strategic marketing will be critical as we continue to strengthen our brand and drive growth in 2025 and beyond," said Wan Kim, CEO of Smoothie King. "We've built some very meaningful momentum in recent quarters, and with Claudia's leadership, I believe we are poised to make 2025 our best year yet. We're so excited to welcome her to the Smoothie King team."</image:caption>
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      <image:title>Blog - Executive Movements - February 2025 - Panera Bread Announces Brian Krause as Chief Development Officer</image:title>
      <image:caption>January 22, 2025 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time ST. LOUIS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Panera Bread, a leader and pioneer in the fast casual restaurant industry, today announced that Brian Krause has joined the company as Chief Development Officer. Krause will be responsible for driving strategic new store growth for Panera Bread, leading development planning, franchise development and sales, design &amp; construction and real estate. Krause joined the company on January 13 and reports to Interim CEO Paul Carbone. An industry veteran in franchise development and sales, Krause joins the company from GoTo Foods where he oversaw growth-driving efforts for all seven brands including Auntie Anne’s, Jamba, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Schlotzsky’s and more. Previously, he worked at Inspire Brands serving as Chief Development Officer of Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches, responsible for franchising, real estate, development, and design and construction. Prior to that, Krause was Senior Vice President, Franchise Development for Wyndham Hotels and Resorts.</image:caption>
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    <lastmod>2025-01-27</lastmod>
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    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/welcome-monica-de-la-nuez-to-the-wray-executive-search-team</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-27</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/2e66259d-9d81-403e-b36f-c0abee923dca/Monica+Updated+Headshot+2025.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Welcome Monica de la Nuez to the Wray Executive Search Team - We pride ourselves in recruiting superstars for our clients and history proves we have done this well. It is with great excitement and pride that we introduce to you the newest recruit to the Wray Executive Search team: Monica de la Nuez is the Vice President of Recruiting at Wray Executive Search. She helps top companies recruit elite talent including C-level, Vice Presidents and Directors for both domestic and international entities.  Monica is passionate about assisting her clients in recruiting top talent for even the most difficult searches.</image:title>
      <image:caption>Prior to her role at Wray Executive Search, Monica worked in Executive Talent Management for over 17 years. She is experienced supporting executive search in a variety of industries including Restaurants, Retail, Hospitality, Facility Maintenance, and Software Development. Her ability to connect with professionals, fostering rapport and developing positive relationships, has assisted in a successful career with hundreds of placements, happy clients and grateful professionals. Her passion is making the perfect match!  She started her Recruiting Career in her hometown of Miami, Florida after graduating from college. Monica has a Bachelor of Arts &amp; master's degree from the University of Central Florida. Monica is fluent in English and Spanish. She resides in St. Petersburg, Florida with her husband and son. In her spare time, she enjoys going to the beach, traveling, photography, and spending time in downtown St. Pete. Monica de la Nuez Monica@wraysearch.com (786) 218-3135</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/handling-workplace-challenges</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-27</lastmod>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/bf3c2711-1a91-4cb3-b507-9570853595cd/Workplace+Challene+Article.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Handling Workplace Challenges - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/supporting-food-service-workers-amid-the-la-wildfires-giving-kitchen</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-28</lastmod>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/91cd5b6b-7e73-4d4c-bc7b-cf54e6ab48fe/Giving+Kitchen+2.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Supporting Food Service Workers Amid the LA Wildfires - Giving Kitchen - Supporting Food Service Workers in Crisis: Giving Kitchen’s Role Amid the LA Wildfires</image:title>
      <image:caption>As the recent wildfires in Los Angeles devastate communities, food service workers—often facing financial insecurity and limited access to benefits—are among those most impacted. Giving Kitchen, a nonprofit committed to supporting food service workers in crisis, has mobilized its resources to help workers rebuild their lives during this challenging time. “Food service workers are the backbone of our communities,” says Jen Hidinger-Kendrick, founder of Giving Kitchen. “When a crisis strikes—whether it’s a wildfire, a hurricane, or a personal emergency—our goal is to be a safety net they can count on.”atever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/using-ai-to-mitigate-real-estate-costs</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-30</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/28254098-1f15-488c-86f6-8ba77d0d16c4/Untitled+design+%286%29.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Using AI to Mitigate Real Estate Costs - How AI Can Help Restaurant Executives Mitigate Real Estate Costs While Growing Their Brands</image:title>
      <image:caption>We consistently hear from our clients about their three biggest challenges: labor cost, food cost and real estate cost/real estate availability. In this article, we’ll look at ways the AI can help mitigate real estate cost. Real estate is one of the most significant fixed costs for restaurants, often determining whether a location is profitable or a financial liability. For restaurant executives planning to grow their brands, finding the right location at the right cost is critical. Yet, navigating real estate challenges—rising rental rates, limited prime locations, and unpredictable market conditions—requires a strategic approach. By leveraging AI-driven insights, restaurant executives can identify optimal locations, negotiate favorable terms, and reduce costs, all while positioning their brands for scalable growth. 1. Lease Optimization and Negotiation Real estate leases are often one of the most significant expenses for restaurants, and negotiating favorable terms requires deep market knowledge. AI can assist restaurant executives in securing advantageous lease agreements and reducing occupancy costs. Market Rent Benchmarking: AI can analyze real estate market data to determine fair rental rates for a given location, considering factors like property type, local market conditions, and lease terms. Armed with this data, executives are better equipped to negotiate favorable rental rates. Dynamic Lease Structuring: AI can model different lease structures (e.g., fixed rent vs. revenue-based rent) and predict their financial impact under various scenarios. This enables executives to choose lease terms that align with their revenue projections and reduce financial risk. Portfolio Optimization: For multi-unit brands, AI can analyze the performance of existing locations and suggest renegotiation opportunities or closures for underperforming sites. By rebalancing the real estate portfolio, executives can allocate resources to more profitable locations.</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/ai-to-mitigate-labor-cost-challenges</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-27</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/78a8dca2-58ef-4ebc-b0b1-6b59b2758300/Untitled+design+%287%29.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - AI to Mitigate Labor Cost Challenges - How AI Can Help Mitigate Labor Cost Challenges</image:title>
      <image:caption>With labor costs being one of the most significant operating expenses in the restaurant industry, and decision makers grappling with rising wages, staffing shortages, and fluctuating customer demand, managing labor costs has become a critical priority. AI can offer innovative solutions to these challenges, helping executives optimize labor efficiency, enhance workforce management, and reduce unnecessary expenses. This article explores how AI-powered tools can empower decision makers to effectively address labor cost issues while improving operational performance and employee satisfaction. Optimized Workforce Scheduling Labor inefficiencies often arise from poorly optimized staff schedules that lead to overstaffing during slow periods or understaffing during peak hours. AI-powered scheduling platforms can analyze historical sales data, customer traffic patterns, and employee availability to create optimized schedules that balance labor costs with service quality.</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/restaurants-the-need-for-meaningful-catalysts</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-28</lastmod>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1737998336388-IKL3PQA0QC49ABCG95IC/unsplash-image-N_Y88TWmGwA.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Restaurants - The Need for Meaningful Catalysts</image:title>
      <image:caption>With thoughts and hopes building for 2025, developments in 2024 help to set the foundation. Like every year since 2019 and the Pandemic onset in 2020, the Restaurant Industry continues to be ever dynamic. 2024 was overall a weak year unfortunately, with soft sales and traffic declines across the board, except for the major players in the fast casual segment. Six US brands continue to be very strong. Even with a weak year, there is still plenty to do, for operators, franchisees, investors, suppliers, consultants and advisors, journalists  and others in this huge industry, to get ready for the next positive cycle. The need for restaurant catalysts This business needs catalysts to move. We are at a weakened position , and meaningful catalysts are needed to move the needle. Several Q3 earnings calls forecasts pointed to a better “second half of 2025”.  It seems to me for that to happen we need much better people development at all levels, including at the CEO level. We need to work our way out of the almost world wide price angst problem. We need more focus to the middle of the P&amp;L and CAPEX  costs and discipline. We need to rationalize the number of restaurants in the US. And finally, new product and concept development to fix legacy problems and attract core and aspirational guests.</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/building-a-championship-team</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-27</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-chat-with-rebecca-patt-featuring-mary-jane-riva-pizza-factory-ceo</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-28</lastmod>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/67e71977-dc46-4540-9ad9-3bb40063602f/mary-jane-riva-500x500.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Chat with Rebecca Patt - Featuring Mary Jane Riva - Pizza Factory CEO - Executive Chat</image:title>
      <image:caption>As the CEO of Pizza Factory, Mary Jane Riva leads the beloved pizzeria chain, known for its community-focused initiatives and commitment to quality. With over three decades of experience in the brand, Mary Jane helped guide its evolution from a small regional chain in California to a thriving franchise network making a difference in local communities throughout the Western US. To start, can you share a bit about your journey with Pizza Factory? Of course. It started back in 1990 when my husband and I opened our first Pizza Factory location in Murrieta, California. Over the years, we became multi-unit operators and area developers. In 2012, the founders approached us with the opportunity to buy the company. It’s been a little over 12 years since then, and it’s been an incredible journey. Let’s look back for a moment—what year was Pizza Factory established? Pizza Factory began franchising in 1985, but the founders opened their first stores in 1979. Franchising was really where the brand took off.</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/viewpoint-mastering-the-art-of-listening</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-27</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/652813b9-150a-4012-944c-75d8b65ccf15/Untitled+design+%288%29.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Viewpoint - Mastering the Art of Listening</image:title>
      <image:caption>Great leaders possess a variety of skills and qualities that drive their success. Among these, one of the most critical is the ability to listen. While many of us may lean toward being verbose, mastering the art of listening is essential. Listening effectively to stakeholders, adapting to change, and engaging actively in conversations pave the way for success. This skill can mean the difference between fostering empowered, growing teams and allowing stagnation. Truly great leaders excel at listening, employing active listening techniques to promote team growth and individual empowerment. Effective leadership hinges on trust and listening plays a foundational role in building it. Exceptional leaders recognize that understanding their teams, employees, and customers is key to leading a successful organization. Active listening requires being fully present and appreciating diverse perspectives, enabling genuine growth. Leaders who listen foster open communication, creating an environment of trust and respect. By actively engaging in conversations and reflecting with clarity, leaders demonstrate they value their team’s input. Active listening not only shows respect but also strengthens collaboration. Leaders who engage openly empower team members to take ownership of tasks and projects, increasing their willingness to contribute ideas and work cooperatively. By understanding each individual’s strengths and areas for improvement, leaders can make better decisions and cultivate a more collaborative organizational culture.</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/ai-to-mitigate-food-costs</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-28</lastmod>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/4957e56e-defb-4220-b5fe-793b404675a9/Untitled+design+%288%29.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - AI to Mitigate Food Costs - Talking with clients we consistently hear about three consistent pain points: Food Cost Labor Cost Real Estate Cost Let’s look at how AI can potentially alleviate some of the pressure.</image:title>
      <image:caption>How AI Can Help Mitigate Food Cost Challenges Inventory Management and Waste Reduction Food waste is one of the most significant contributors to high food costs, accounting for approximately 6-14% of food purchased. By integrating AI-driven inventory management systems, decision makers can drastically reduce waste and improve inventory efficiency. AI systems, such as predictive analytics, allow restaurants to analyze historical sales data, track real-time usage, and predict future demand with remarkable accuracy. Predictive Analytics for Inventory Control: AI-powered inventory management tools can forecast food usage based on historical data, seasonal trends, and special events. By accurately predicting demand, these tools can help minimize over-ordering, leading to reduced waste and fewer spoilage issues.</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/restaurants-hoping-for-a-better-2025</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-28</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/98d71996-0ad4-48f1-a680-4cfd04ac166d/Untitled+design+%289%29.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Restaurants: Hoping for a Better 2025 - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>As observed at the outstanding Restaurant Finance and Development Conference (RFDC2024) last week, the question de jour was of course, what does 2025 look like. Without question, the restaurant lending community, which was present in force, was cautiously optimistic. Many felt that the concluded election, a now cumulative year 75 basis points decline in the Fed Funds Rate, the building impact of some weaker restaurant locations being closed via bankruptcies, more positive signs from lenders, and improved October sales via Census Department’s Advance Food Service Sales tracker is setting the stage for an improved 2025. The upcoming ICR Conference will tell you more. Here, 25-30 public restaurant brands are present, along with 10-15 up-and-coming brands. I will attend as usual and will report more about brand outlook for 2025. We as an industry want it and need a better 2025. We have continued backwash from the 2020 Pandemic. We lost a full year of normalized sales in most casual dining brands, raging double impact food and labor cost inflation, especially in 2022-2023. The industry, both in the US and international markets finally had our cumulative price increases catch up with us. We now have a negative reaction worldwide. And now, to no surprise, we have experienced a dramatic US price war, especially centered in the QSR sector. This was led by McDonald’s, which talked about sales softness for three quarters, and then finally rolled out a $5 “Mead Dea” which improved the US traffic trend, but did not generate material positive SSSs and profitability.</image:caption>
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    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/2dfb1808-da39-44b9-bbd5-1fc3bd073e3b/Screenshot+2025-01-27+133031.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Restaurants: Hoping for a Better 2025 - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/the-benefits-of-mentoring</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-28</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/d5f4c349-824f-4e61-85d7-3a8df05e8977/Untitled+design+%2810%29.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - The Benefits of Mentoring - The Benefits of Mentoring</image:title>
      <image:caption>Mentoring programs create partnerships between experienced leaders and newer team members, offering a wide range of benefits to both the mentor and the mentee. These programs not only enhance personal and professional growth but also create significant value for organizations. While mentoring relationships can form naturally, structured programs provide a more organized and impactful experience for all involved. Mentors guide mentees based on their expertise, helping them develop professionally and personally. Mentorship relationships can be established through networking, professional contacts, or formal mentorship programs. Benefits for the Mentee Mentors play a crucial role in facilitating the professional and personal development of their mentees. By helping set objectives and providing regular feedback, mentors enable individuals to stay focused on their goals and measure progress. This process also helps build skilled, effective teams within an organization. Many companies implement mentorship programs to foster employee growth, demonstrating a commitment to their employees' success and career advancement. Employees tend to favor workplaces that support professional development, as it shows they are valued.</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/rebecca-patts-top-10-fast-casual-restaurants-in-miami</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-27</lastmod>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/dc2b86fd-3941-48c5-bf07-a614b8905c63/Untitled+design+%289%29.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Rebecca Patt's Top 10 Fast Casual Restaurants in Miami - Top 10 Fast-Casual Restaurants in Miami You Need to Try</image:title>
      <image:caption>Miami, a city I’ve been lucky enough to call home for the last few years, is known for its diverse, vibrant, and ever-evolving food scene. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a laid-back meal, the fast-casual restaurants in Miami offer top-tier dining without the need for a reservation. Here’s my list of top ten fast-casuals with multiple locations you need to try: 1. Coyo Taco For fresh, authentic Mexican street food, Coyo Taco tops the list. Known for its handcrafted tortillas and sustainable ingredients, the restaurant delivers flavor in every bite. Whether you go for the Pollo al Carbon or the Carne Asada, you can’t go wrong. The Wynwood location even has a secret back lounge for those in the know, making it a hidden gem for both food and a fun night out. 2. Suviche Suviche is a bold fusion of Peruvian and Japanese flavors, offering everything from fresh sushi rolls to ceviche with a twist. Happy hour is a favorite, and you’ll often find me there ordering the Salmon Crispy Rice or Chicharron de Hongo, a delightful mushroom dish. Don’t miss out on the bowls of crunchy Peruvian corn they serve at every table—an addictive start to the meal.</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/restaurant-industry-hot-topics-heading-into-rfdc-2024</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-27</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/restaurants-details-emerge-on-thorny-issues</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-28</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1738003986242-BEDHVD4YZGOGFNYO9T8E/unsplash-image-ZJsVCbFO8FU.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Restaurants: Details Emerge on Thorny Issues - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Through mid-October, macro conditions facing the US restaurant industry have not changed materially. We are still facing a near worldwide “pricing shock” as to our prices. Many guests view things in a 2019 framework, unfortunately. We continue to face traffic challenges generally. Prices per BLS were up about 4% last month, exceeding grocery stores’ prices. The fast food price wars continued, but to little effect (see below). The few top momentum brands continue to outperform: Texas Roadhouse, Chipotle, Cava, Wingstop. Chili’s are now beginning to catch up. Most other brands are trying extremely hard to get momentum. Industry Wide QSR Price War Result Becoming Clearer On October 16, Restaurant Business Online authored a report titled, “The value wars don’t appear to be making a dent in restaurant traffic”. It led off with “The value wars are apparently being fought to a standstill, at least as far as the fast food customer is concerned.”  Further, …” there is little real evidence to</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/no-tax-on-tips</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-28</lastmod>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/ea55f55a-a8cc-4458-ad3a-7e64f0c111ae/Untitled+design+%2810%29.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - No Tax on Tips?</image:title>
      <image:caption>Tipping, oh such an American cultural norm. We love to tip for good service, and for waitstaff, hair stylists, delivery drivers, taxi and ride share drivers it is obligatory. For limited or self-service applications, perhaps not so much. Being intimidated by a touch screen suggesting a 20%, 25% or 30% gratuity is a discussion we can leave for another day. As a restaurant industry veteran for more years than I’d like to admit, I’ve long been a proponent of any policy that helps our hard-working staff. But is no tax on tips good policy? In 2023, there were roughly 4 million U.S. workers in tipped occupations, representing 2.5% of all employment, according to estimates from The Budget Lab at Yale University. According to the Fair Labor and Standards Act, a tipped worker is defined as one who “customarily and regularly” receives $30 or more in tips monthly, a wide definition that encompasses millions of Americans. Tipped workers tend to be younger — the median age is 31, compared to 41 for the median non-tipped worker — and earn lower wages, the Budget Lab found. Of the more than 2 million food servers across the country, half earn less than $37,000 a year, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. Those workers can largely claim the standard deduction, reducing their tax burden. But they also likely can claim other forms of tax relief, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) and the Child Tax Credit (CTC).</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/using-ai-to-attract-and-retain-guests</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-28</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/7255a828-efd5-4892-b1e3-1f08a6115168/Untitled+design+%2811%29.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Using AI to Attract and Retain Guests - Attract. Maximize. Retain:  How to use AI to get customers in the door, maximize their visit, and keep them engaged after they leave.</image:title>
      <image:caption>Here are some ideas to utilize AI’s power to enhance every stage of a customer’s journey. From attracting customers, to maximizing revenue per visit, to maintaining relationships after a meal. AI provides data-driven solutions that can supercharge your restaurant’s growth. Attracting Customers: Using AI to Drive Traffic In a crowded market, getting customers through the door is the first and often the toughest challenge. AI enables restaurants to use customer data in ways that were once unimaginable, offering new strategies to attract diners. Hyper-Personalized Marketing: AI analyzes vast amounts of customer data, including dining history, preferences, and behavior patterns, to create tailored marketing campaigns. These AI-driven insights can help deliver hyper-</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-chat-betsy-hamm-duck-donuts-ceo</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-28</lastmod>
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      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/a138ac40-3f36-4c70-8570-4b7294b2db9b/Betsy+Hamm.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Chat - Betsy Hamm - Duck Donuts CEO - Executive Chat featuring Betsy Hamm, CEO of Duck Donuts</image:title>
      <image:caption>Betsy Hamm, CEO of Duck Donuts, shares her insights on the brand’s rapid growth, the exciting digital initiatives transforming the customer experience, and the innovative products that keep fans coming back for more. What new initiatives and projects are you most excited about at Duck Donuts? The biggest initiative I'm excited about is enhancing our digital customer journey. We're working on several projects to improve the digital experience for our customers, making it easier and more convenient to order donuts. We're about to launch a new website and online ordering platform. We also recently signed on to use a Customer Data Platform (CDP), which will allow us to be more targeted with our messaging and understand customer behaviors better. I believe these digital initiatives will have the greatest impact on our sales moving forward. Duck Donuts has grown significantly since you joined and became CEO. What strategic decisions do you think have been the most impactful? There have been so many! This week marks my eighth anniversary with Duck Donuts, and I’ve been in the CEO role for three years. When I first joined, we had 20 shops and a handful of franchisees, and I was the first hire outside of the founders’ friends and family.</image:caption>
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  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/restaurants-consumers-slide-back-and-forth</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-28</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/ddd3b285-a134-4d74-9270-9705ce524110/Untitled+design+%2812%29.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Restaurants: Consumers Slide Back and Forth - Reflecting on Change and Challenges in the Restaurant Industry</image:title>
      <image:caption>I remember in early 2020, I wrote a column for Executive Connection that had the theme “not much was new from the January 2000 ICR Conference”, which is a good beginning of year proxy. Wow, how things have changed now! We are still being rocked by the effects of the Pandemic in many ways. We really have a price perception. One aspect is that some of today’s consumers cannot understand why prices are so much higher now than in 2019. The fact that we had to increase prices is a part of the business, but I see now we have failed to educate our guests. There is some finger pointing going on now in the franchise sector whether franchisees are responsible for over pricing. NO-I do not buy that--the franchisor is the steward of the brand, sets the marketing (mostly) and certainly sets the standards and procedures. If there is pressure for new units and remodels in a down market, of course there will be pressure on price. Collectively, we all failed to communicate with our guests. Consumer Momentum is back and forth. Per the Bank of America August restaurant consumer tracking, one year restaurant spending was up 3.4% month to month vs. July, which was a down month. Independent restaurants rose 840 pts to +4.3% Smaller Coffee small and midsized chains rose plus 17.3% [Wow]. Fast casual remained slightly positive. QSR less pizza moved up moderately 350bts to barely positive .1%. Casual dining improved sharply. All restaurant segments including both online and brick and mortar moved positively.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/the-dynamic-state-of-the-restaurant-industry-challenges-trends-and-opportunities</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-27</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/36c4dcea-bb80-4c68-8a98-a378be4873b9/Untitled+design+%2814%29.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - The Dynamic State of the Restaurant Industry: Challenges, Trends, and Opportunities - Restaurants: Context Really Matters</image:title>
      <image:caption>The restaurant industry, always dynamic, has gotten even more dynamic. A foggy logic seen in the past has now given way to an element of mania in it. The industry survived the Pandemic, but we are still rocking in its aftermath. Tension has spiked in the last 50 to 80 days; no wonder that most stocks are down. But of course, restaurants are always investable, there are things to do no matter the cycle, to get well positioned for the next. There are so many meaningful issues and contrasts now, that we have to step back and ponder the overall situation. Context really matters in the analysis: the natural reaction of human principals to recite conclusions that support their position, and what is good for them personally. As such, opinions, management systems, data, and courses of action need special review. Not endless cycles of analysis as we are in an ever-changing consumer, but our systems need to be better grounded. Consider the following in real-time: ·       How did Starbucks get the most expansive CEO succession to Howard Schultz so wrong in 2022-2023? Along the way, how did Starbucks over invest in the China market which is now jammed full of lower-priced coffee brands? And how did basic café operations deteriorate such that Starbucks US is known in some quarters as both slow and expensive?</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/great-leaders-drive-change-but-changing-leaders-is-not-easy</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-28</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/f05da914-0a53-4fe5-af52-810ad9c78d2f/Untitled+design+%2813%29.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Great Leaders Drive Change but Changing Leaders is not Easy - Great Leaders Drive Change but Changing Leaders is not Easy</image:title>
      <image:caption>Leaders who create dramatic changes in organizations have an almost legendary status in our culture and industry and for good reason. The ability to drive change is a key leadership skill. In fact, most leaders will be called on to initiate or oversee large-scale change during their tenures. Brian Niccol did so at Chipotle brilliantly. Laxman Narasimhan at Starbucks, not so much! When Brian Niccol took over as CEO of Chipotle Mexican Grill in 2018, he revitalized the brand after it had suffered from several food safety incidents. Under his leadership, Chipotle saw significant growth through digital transformation, menu innovation, and operational improvements. (Shout out to Scott Boatwright, interim CEO, for being the exceptional strategic operations leader at his side during his entire tenure) This change in leadership was pivotal in restoring consumer trust and boosting the brand’s market position. Great leaders are able to foresee industry trends, inspire their teams, and implement strategies that lead to substantial change, proving that they are indeed the drivers of meaningful transformation. Their ability to lead through change, manage resistance, and navigate uncertainty is what sets them apart and ensures their organizations thrive in a competitive landscape.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-chat-with-rebecca-patt-pepper-lunch-ceo-troy-hooper</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-28</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/89387cc8-c1dc-463f-ba1e-645fbffb42cd/troy-hooper-500x500.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Chat with Rebecca Patt - Pepper Lunch CEO Troy Hooper - Executive Chat Featuring Troy Hooper, CEO of Pepper Lunch</image:title>
      <image:caption>Troy Hooper is the CEO of Pepper Lunch, a Tokyo-based fast-casual franchisor with over 500 locations across 15 countries. He’s leading a significant U.S. franchising push for a concept focused on delivering a delicious experience and excellent value atop its patented, 500-degree iron plates. Pepper Lunch serves up sizzling hot plates with an array of mouth-watering, customizable menu options. What has been the most remarkable part of your journey so far as Pepper Lunch CEO? The phenomenal opportunity to work and travel to Japan and Singapore multiple times, experiencing the incredible hospitality that those cultures offer. The food is fantastic, but getting to know how these cultures operate, both in business and consumer behavior, outside of a tourist perspective, has been eye-opening. I experience it daily and nightly due to the time difference. Tonight, for example, I’ll be on a call for about three hours into the late evening. It’s been very rewarding to exchange cultures—not only learning about Japanese and other Asian cultures associated with our brand but also sharing American cultural perspectives and insights.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/leveraging-ai-for-profitability</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-28</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1738024698172-8ILALPFQJ2CH1KT05V8K/unsplash-image-UqILKDhWiFw.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Leveraging AI for Profitability - How AI is Revolutionizing the Restaurant Industry: Case Studies and Actionable Insights.</image:title>
      <image:caption>Staying ahead requires more than just exceptional cuisine and stellar service. As margins tighten and customer expectations evolve, restaurant executives are turning to AI to optimize operations, enhance customer experiences, and ultimately, increase profitability. Below are some specific AI initiatives that have proven successful, as well as some actionable steps for implementing similar strategies within your own organization. AI-Powered Inventory Management Case Study: Domino’s AI-Powered Supply Chai Domino’s has integrated AI into its supply chain management to predict inventory needs more accurately. By analyzing historical sales data and incorporating machine learning algorithms, Domino’s can forecast demand for specific ingredients at each location. This minimizes waste, reduces stockouts, and optimizes supply chain efficiency.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/developing-an-effective-human-capital-strategy</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-28</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/e4054a7b-e693-4ca7-a36a-7ffe4b121f66/Untitled+design+%2815%29.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Developing an Effective Human Capital Strategy - The complex challenges we face in the business arena today require innovative human capital strategies and frankly a major realignment of focus on the part of our human resource professionals.</image:title>
      <image:caption>HR functions, capabilities and competencies need to be tightly correlative to the critical business priorities of the company.  Traditionally, the methodologies and metrics used to measure success in other disciplines escape the norms of the profession.  The dated model mired in compliance needs to morph into a function in which business results are pivotal and cross-functional forces are convergent. We spend an inordinate amount of time planning comprehensive multi-year strategies, but neglect the people plan that will enable these very strategies. An impactful people strategy is essential to execute on a well-conceived business strategy. Creating an effective Human Capital Strategy involves several key steps to ensure that your organization's human resources are aligned with its overall goals and objectives. Further, we must understand what drives business success and how human capital can support these drivers. Effective human capital management necessitates a comprehensive strategy that includes funding employee growth, promoting a culture of ongoing learning and feedback, and building a diverse and inclusive workforce.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/restaurants-big-bets-underway</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-28</lastmod>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/conducting-stay-interviews-to-improve-employee-retention</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-26</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1737934359046-YKOXMPKGJ1Z4VAHL6E9P/unsplash-image-JaoVGh5aJ3E.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Conducting Stay Interviews to Improve Employee Retention - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/biggest-challenges-facing-restaurant-industry-2024</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-26</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1737933652223-JVJ4S4JKTLS2ONWFDMN1/unsplash-image-kgjQ1AGDwE0.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Biggest Challenges Facing the Restaurant Industry in 2024 - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/restaurants-pricing-problem</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-28</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1737933103594-SK5VQY2T88JBMNQEV58S/unsplash-image-ztYmIQecyH4.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Restaurants: How Did We Get Into This Pricing Problem? - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/understanding-your-ai-journey</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-26</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1737931217826-MP80ZT9NBAOGUDZTOK6M/unsplash-image-tZc3vjPCk-Q.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Understanding Your AI Journey: Implementing the Crawl, Walk, Run, Fly Strategy - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-chat-paul-baldasaro</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-26</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/6e769bfa-5ebd-4826-9f89-1b763edbdfec/Paul+Baldasaro.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Chat - Paul Baldasaro - Taco Mac COO</image:title>
      <image:caption>Paul Baldasaro is the COO and an investor in Taco Mac, the beer-and-wings, sports-bar focused casual-dining concept founded in Atlanta in 1979. The chain currently has 28 stores in three states, primarily in Georgia. Paul is a restaurant industry veteran who previously held leadership roles at Landry’s, Buckhead Life Restaurant Group, Mellow Mushroom, and The Hickory Tavern.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/7b004828-fa0d-4d02-af32-15fd0d013aca/Rebecca+New+2019.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Chat - Paul Baldasaro - Taco Mac COO</image:title>
      <image:caption>Want to have an Executive Chat with Rebecca Patt? Or know someone who might? Contact rebecca@wraysearch.com</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/great-leaders-build-great-teams</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-26</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1737925095392-3X0FOKMOSDZOJI5SISDR/unsplash-image-iuqmGmst5Po.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Great Leaders Build Great Teams - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/ai-strategy-key-components</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-26</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1737924538753-GX6ZUG2P93ROZMN719R3/unsplash-image-Q1p7bh3SHj8.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - AI Strategy: Key Components to Consider - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/terrible-january-ruined-q1-earnings-cycle</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-28</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1737923704485-MP9IH50YU04G5J8530EJ/unsplash-image-8l8Yl2ruUsg.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Restaurants: A Terrible January Ruined the Q1 Earnings Cycle - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1737923746825-KYANBPG06D6F76I9X1NJ/unsplash-image-X_bbCAYzlTs.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Restaurants: A Terrible January Ruined the Q1 Earnings Cycle - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/learning-from-failure</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-26</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1737916304213-NCL96CV76NUEJ4RWN29K/unsplash-image-fTdnRCpRTdE.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Learning from Failure - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/executive-chat-sam-stanovich</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-26</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/10103da0-539a-4dc8-b73d-a59a03474a9b/Sam-Stanovich.png</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Chat - Sam Stanovich - SVP Franchise Leadership - Shaq's Big Chicken</image:title>
      <image:caption>How does Shaq's Big Chicken Soar Above the Competition Inside the Phenomenon of Big Chicken with Sam Stanovich, SVP Franchise Leadership Ever wondered how a fast-casual joint, born out of the mind of NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, could soar above the competition? Meet Sam Stanovich, the powerhouse steering development and alliances, one of the masterminds behind Big Chicken's meteoric rise. Hatched from the glitz of Vegas in 2018 and growing to over twenty booming locations nationwide, Big Chicken has become a force to reckon with, boasting a whopping 370 more in the pipeline. Big Chicken isn't just a restaurant; it’s where celebrity-backed charisma and a carnival of bold flavors collide, from finger-lickin' fried chicken options to tantalizing shakes. Get ready for an exclusive peek into the heart of Big Chicken, where Sam shares the behind-the-scenes magic that propels Big Chicken into a league of its own.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/7b004828-fa0d-4d02-af32-15fd0d013aca/Rebecca+New+2019.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Executive Chat - Sam Stanovich - SVP Franchise Leadership - Shaq's Big Chicken</image:title>
      <image:caption>Want to chat with Rebecca Patt? Email rebecca@wraysearch.com</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/minimum-wage-debate-complexities</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-26</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1737914059122-2OQG8IHBVL04WXSBN13S/unsplash-image-maJDOJSmMoo.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Exploring the Complexities of the Minimum Wage Debate - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/restaurant-industry-hot-topics</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-26</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1737912225465-JKEC5VJYR139Y7TEBLGO/unsplash-image-0uAVsDcyD0M.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Restaurant Industry Hot Topics - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/restaurants-rough-waters-for-now</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-28</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1737914736139-E3EWAWLG4JZAQVOJ6YHO/unsplash-image-IPMhOu5d3XA.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Restaurants: Rough Waters for Now - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/restaurants-creative-catalysts-needed-for-2024</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-28</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1737911601980-I6FYDD2MDHUEFWQSN5RP/unsplash-image-tv8e9oQx-H4.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Restaurants: Creative Catalysts Needed for 2024 - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/benefits-of-culture-alignment</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-26</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/cd342d1e-4319-4bd6-9ea1-eca64457e3f5/Culture+Alignment.jpeg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - The Benefits of Culture Alignment - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/the-automated-dining-experience</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-26</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1737910306154-EGY3Z3PBXOQ5DEYLZ44J/unsplash-image-klXhDG8Roj4.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - The Automated Dining Experience - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
  </url>
  <url>
    <loc>https://www.wraysearch.com/restaurant-hospitality-franchise-foodservice-insights/great-leaders-great-communicators-sb4sf</loc>
    <changefreq>monthly</changefreq>
    <priority>0.5</priority>
    <lastmod>2025-01-28</lastmod>
    <image:image>
      <image:loc>https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/67800bb11cf8531643786d86/1737854619059-UO311GXDBV072QDJJ9QU/unsplash-image-gHCbgGN5TCA.jpg</image:loc>
      <image:title>Blog - Restaurants: 2024 Comes Into View - Make it stand out</image:title>
      <image:caption>Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.</image:caption>
    </image:image>
    <image:image>
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