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Donatos Pizza to Open Fully Autonomous Restaurant in Partnership with Appetronix

by Katie Lee

Columbus, Ohio — Donatos Pizza plans to open its first fully autonomous pizza restaurant in June. Donatos and its sister company Agápe Automation partnered with Appetronix to bring the robot operated restaurant to life. The new fully automated restaurant will debut before security in front of Concourse B at the John Glenn Columbus International Airport and will be operated by restaurateur HMS Host. The new autonomous kitchen will deliver a fast and delicious made-to-order pizza for travelers. “We’re not just adding tech to a restaurant; we’re jumping in with a …

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HTeaO Strengthens Executive Team With New CFO

by Katie Lee

Fort Worth, Texas — HTeaO, a leading iced tea franchise, has hired Corey Horsch as chief financial officer. He bring extensive experience in scaling high-growth brands and is well-positioned to support HTeaO’s future growth trajectory. “As HTeaO continues to grow across the country, we’re focused on building a world-class leadership team that will help us scale with excellence,” says Justin Howe, CEO and co-founder of HTeaO. “Corey’s financial background across some of the most recognized names in the industry will play a key role in strengthening our infrastructure, supporting our …

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Gong Cha Names Vice President of U.S. Non-Traditional Franchise Development

by Katie Lee

Boston — Gong cha, a premier bubble tea brand with more than 240 locations across 21 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico, and nearly 2,200 stores across the globe, has appointed Michael Nedelkovich Jr. as vice president of U.S. non-traditional franchise development. A franchise executive with over 15 years in the industry, Nedelkovich’s expertise spans franchising, site selection and strategic partnerships — expanding F&B concepts into non-traditional venues, with a consistent focus on scalable growth and long term value creation. In his new role, Nedelkovich will lead Gong cha’s non-traditional …

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Smoothie King Appoints New President

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Smoothie King has named 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. As president and CFO, Felder will take on a larger role in the day-to-day management of the business while continuing to lead the company’s financial strategy, ensuring Smoothie King is well-positioned for its next chapter …

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Taco John’s Bolsters Leadership Team

by Katie Lee

Cheyenne, Wyo. — Taco John’s®, a leading Mexican quick-service restaurant, enhances its leadership team with an internal promotion and new hires. Taco John’s welcomes Tom Perella as vice president of technology and Damian Hanft as vice president of human resources and promotes Kristin Nuss to general counsel and corporate secretary.   Nuss was promoted to general counsel and corporate secretary in January 2025. She joined Taco John’s in May 2021 as associate general counsel and director of franchise compliance and contracts. With over 25 years of experience in the legal field, …

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Pokeworks Sells Out Houston and Signs 10-Unit Agreement in San Antonio

by Katie Lee

Irvine, Calif. — Pokeworks, a fast-growing fast-casual poke brand has finalized a 10-unit deal in San Antonio and is selling out its available Houston territories. With a goal to open 10 stores in two years, Agustin Guzman will be developing the greater San Antonio market as well as the Rio Grande Valley. Guzman, a former Olympic swimmer and seasoned entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience across various industries, currently operates Pokeworks’ McAllen, Texas, location and is in the process of opening his second location in Mission, Texas. “I’ve experienced …

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Sweetgreen Making Arkansas Debut with 2 Units, Including at Walmart’s New Home Office

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — Sweetgreen plans to open its first two locations in Arkansas — a significant step in its expansion across the southern United States. The brand will open in Fayetteville, Ark., later this year, with a second location to follow at Walmart’s new home office in Bentonville, Ark. “Northwest Arkansas is quickly becoming a hub for innovation and growth, and we’re excited to be part of it,” says Christopher Tarrant, chief development officer at Sweetgreen. “Opening on Walmart’s forward-thinking new home office campus and in Fayetteville, home of the …

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Twin Hospitality Group Inc. Appoints Chief Executive Officer

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Twin Hospitality Group Inc., the parent company of Twin Peaks Restaurant, has appointed Kim Boerema as chief executive officer. 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. Boerema most recently served as president and chief operating officer of Parry’s Pizzeria & Taphouse, where he helped to significantly scale the brand, taking it from a 10-unit concept to an approximately 30-unit concept in the …

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Sweet Paris Debuts in Arkansas and Missouri with 4-Unit Agreement

by Katie Lee

Rogers, Ark. — Sweet Paris Crêperie & Café, a restaurant brand serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and specializing in sweet and savory crêpes, hot drinks and more, is expanding its national presence by entering two new states: Arkansas and Missouri. In a four-unit signed agreement, two restaurants will be opening in Arkansas metropolitan cities, and two restaurants will be opening in Kansas City, Mo. The first restaurant is slated to open in fall 2025, at Pinnacle Hills Promenade in Rogers, Ark. Pinnacle Hills Promenade is a luxury retail lifestyle center …

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Brinker International Promotes Longtime Leader to EVP, COO and Chief People Officer

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Brinker International, Inc. has promoted longtime Brinker leader Aaron White to executive vice president, chief operating officer and chief people officer for its restaurant brands, Chili’s® Grill & Bar and Maggiano’s Little Italy®. She has been with the company for 29 years. In this expanded role, White will oversee both operations strategy and personnel 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. White began her Brinker …

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