Thursday, November 6, 2025
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RBI Names New President of Popeyes and COO of Burger King

by Katie Lee

Miami — According to CEO Josh Kobza, Restaurant Brands International (RBI) has made two key leadership appointments.  Peter Perdue has been appointed president of Popeyes, U.S. and Canada, succeeding Jeff Klein who will be leaving the company. Perdue, a 12-year RBI veteran, most recently served as chief operating officer of Burger King U.S. & Canada, where he was instrumental in the brand’s Reclaim the Flame operations turnaround. His experience spans operations, franchising and finance, including leadership as regional vice president for Burger King in the Asia Pacific region. Nicolas (Nico) Henrich has been appointed …

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Denny’s Corporation to be Acquired in $620 Million Transaction

by Katie Lee

Spartanburg, S.C., and New York — Denny’s Corporation, owner and operator of Denny’s Inc. and Keke’s Inc., has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by a group consisting of TriArtisan Capital Advisors LLC, an established New York-based private equity investment firm and experienced investor in global restaurant and hospitality assets; Treville Capital Group, a leading investment firm focused on alternative assets; and Yadav Enterprises, Inc., owner-operator of approximately 550 restaurants nationwide and one of the largest Denny’s franchisees, in an all-cash transaction with an enterprise value of approximately …

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Church’s Texas Chicken® Appoints New Chief Development Officer

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Church’s Texas Chicken®, one of the largest quick-service chicken restaurant chains in the world, has appointed Bobby Morena as chief development officer, effective Nov. 3, 2025. He joins the company from GoTo Foods. In his new role, Morena will lead all aspects of Church’s domestic development strategy, including franchise sales, real estate, design and construction, with a focus on accelerating the expansion of the brand across the U.S. Morena will report to Roland Gonzalez, CEO and president. Morena has more than 25 years of experience in franchise development …

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Taco John’s Signs 5-Unit Deal in North Dakota

by Katie Lee

  St. Louis Park, Minn. — Taco John’s®, a leading Mexican quick-service restaurant, is bolstering its Midwest presence with a multi-unit signed area development agreement in North Dakota, a key development state for the brand. The agreement will bring five new units to Fargo, with the first slated to open by the end of the year and the second following in early 2026.  Behind the deal is seasoned Taco John’s franchisee Brett Itterman.  Taco John’s is doubling down on its footprint in the Midwest, and North Dakota is positioned as …

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Ascent Hospitality Management Names New CEO

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Ascent Hospitality Management, franchisor to Huddle House and Perkins American Food Co., has appointed Paul Damico as chief executive officer, effective immediately. As CEO, Damico will lead Ascent’s next chapter of growth and modernization, building on the company’s long history of bringing people together around great food and supporting franchisees’ success. He will also explore opportunities to expand Ascent’s portfolio through the acquisition of additional brands that align with the company’s growth strategy, vision and values. Damico brings over four decades of extensive food and beverage experience within …

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Jack in the Box Inc. to Sell Del Taco Holdings Inc. for $115 Million

by Katie Lee

San Diego — Jack in the Box Inc. has entered into a definitive agreement to sell Del Taco Holdings Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of the company which operates and franchises more than 550 Del Taco restaurants, to Yadav Enterprises Inc. for $115 million in cash, subject to certain adjustments. The transaction is expected to close by January 2026. The company expects to use the net cash proceeds after taxes and transaction costs to retire debt within its securitization structure. In line with the company’s “Jack on Track” plan announced …

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Panera Bread Names New Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee

St. Louis — Panera Bread, a leader and pioneer in the fast-casual restaurant industry, has appointed Earl Ellis as chief financial officer, effective immediately. Ellis will report to CEO Paul Carbone and join the executive leadership team. “Earl is a proven finance leader who blends disciplined financial stewardship with an owner’s mindset,” says Carbone. “He has scaled complex, multi-brand organizations, led successful transformations and developed high-performing teams. His experience will help accelerate our plan to strengthen the core business, elevate the guest experience and drive long term, profitable growth. Panera …

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RaceTrac Completes Acquisition of Potbelly Corporation

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — RaceTrac, Inc., a family-owned, high-growth leader in the convenience store industry, confirms it has completed the acquisition of Potbelly Corporation, previously announced in September. As part of the transaction, RaceTrac acquires Potbelly’s iconic neighborhood sandwich shop brand, which includes more than 445 company and franchise-owned shops across the United States, and Potbelly’s franchise development platform with a long term goal of reaching 2,000 shops. “Potbelly has spent more than 40 years creating the neighborhood sandwich shop experience customers love, and we are excited to welcome this beloved brand …

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Wireless Zone, the Nation’s Largest Verizon Franchisor, Names Executive Vice President

by Katie Lee

Fishers, Ind. — Wireless Zone® has appointed an executive vice president from within its franchise system: longtime franchisee Al Pellecchia. Under his leadership, the nation’s largest Verizon franchisor is poised to continue growing its system through improved processes, prioritizing automation and providing ongoing support for the stores. Pellecchia started in the industry selling phones while he was in college. An independent mobile retailer then hired Pellecchia to run multiple locations. He went on to work for brands such as AT&T, Nextel and Sprint, serving as his own agent. Pellecchia was …

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Firehouse Subs® Opens Milestone 1,400th Restaurant

by Katie Lee

Jacksonville, Fla. — Firehouse Subs has officially opened its 1,400th restaurant, marking a significant milestone in the brand’s continued expansion across the U.S. and internationally. The new Clearwater, Fla., restaurant reflects the brand’s growth trajectory as franchisees continue to expand within the Firehouse Subs family. The Clearwater restaurant is owned and operated by Colin Means, a Tampa, Fla.-area franchisee whose journey reflects the opportunities Firehouse Subs provides. Means began his career with the brand at 21 years old as a team member. Over the next several years, he worked his …

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