Atlanta — Smalls Sliders has appointed veteran restaurant operations leader Clint Penfield as its new chief operating officer. In this role, Penfield will oversee systemwide operations and focus on building scalable infrastructure to support franchisee growth, while preserving the brand’s bold identity and relentless focus on guest experience. Penfield brings over two decades of leadership from Raising Cane’s, one of the most admired growth stories in the restaurant industry. During his tenure, he held multiple senior roles — including chief of restaurant services, senior vice president of restaurant services, and …
franchise development
Atlanta — Ascent Hospitality Management, franchisor to family dining brands Huddle House and Perkins American Food Co., has named Brian Wallunas as chief technology officer. In this role, Wallunas will lead the company’s digital strategy, with a focus on implementing customer-centric technology solutions that drive operational efficiency, elevate the guest experience and fuel brand growth. Most recently, Wallunas served as chief technology officer at Smokey Bones. Under his leadership, online sales tripled, and the brand’s guest engagement capabilities were significantly enhanced. “Brian is a forward-thinking technology leader with a deep …
Houston — Shipley Do-Nuts, a fast-growing donut and kolache brand with more than 375 shops, has opened its first Virginia location in Lynchburg. The new shop marks Shipley’s expansion into its 14th state. Founded in 1936 in Texas and expanding rapidly into new states such as Virginia, Shipley offers more than 60 varieties of fresh donuts, handmade daily. These include its signature hot glazed, cut in the iconic Shipley hexagon shape, plus filled, iced and cake donuts, bear claws, coffee and more. Owned by Lexington, Va.-based businessman and Texas native …
Plano, Texas — MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes has appointed Michael Meche as president. A seasoned restaurant executive with significant leadership experience, Meche will lead MOOYAH into its next stage of growth, focusing on franchisee success, operational excellence and people-oriented leadership. Most recently, Meche served as chief restaurant officer for sister brands Capriotti’s and Wing Zone, where he helped to elevate guest experience, enhance franchisee performance and develop strong operating teams. He began his restaurant journey in high school as a team member at Papa John’s and steadily climbed the …
Livonia, Mich. — With the franchise industry expected to generate $936.4 billion in economic output this year, pet retail franchise leaders Pet Supplies Plus and Wag N’ Wash are capitalizing on the record-setting momentum with double-digit growth through the first half of 2025. The two brands have secured 15 new franchise agreements so far and are on track to open more than 25 stores in 2025, with a goal of selling 35 locations by year’s end. “The first half of 2025 has been incredibly successful and speaks to the strength …
Los Angeles — Fazoli’s, FAT Brands’ fast and fresh Italian chain, has officially reached a new milestone, the opening of its first international location in Canada in Calgary, Alberta. This marks the first of 25 units set to open across the country over the next 9 years in partnership with Briwin Restaurants Inc. “For over 35 years, we have experienced strong growth domestically, and look forward to this new global chapter,” says Gregg Nettleton, president of Fazoli’s. “Our partner, Briwin Restaurants Inc., has also seen great success within this market …
Manasquan, N.J. — Jersey Mike’s Subs, a leading franchisor of fast-casual sandwich shops known for its fresh sliced and fresh grilled subs, has appointed 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. Most recently, he was CEO as Salad and Go. As CEO of Jersey Mike’s, Morrison will build on the company’s strong momentum and continue to accelerate its expansion in the U.S. and international markets, as well as its ongoing …
— By Katie Lee — Founder Peter Cancro looks back on 50 years of Jersey Mike’s ownership — and what the next 50 could bring. When he was 17, it was a very good year for Peter Cancro. The high school senior was president of his class. He was on track to study law and political science at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill; he might even play football there. He’d worked part-time at the local sandwich shop since he was 14. Summers were a blast because the sub shop, …
Petoskey, Mich. — Kilwins, a beloved American confectionery brand known for hand-crafted chocolates, super-premium ice cream and warm, nostalgic in-store experiences, is set to expand its footprint in Texas in a big way, announcing plans for 10 new locations across the state. With store openings scheduled to begin this summer, the expansion marks a strategic move into one of the fastest-growing regions in the country. “Texas is a natural fit for Kilwins,” says Brian Britton, president and CEO of Kilwins. “The climate supports year-round ice cream sales, the population is …
St. Petersburg, Fla. — Saladworks, a growing fast-casual salad franchise and a leading brand under the dining platform WOWorks, has signed a 10-unit development agreement that will bring its health-forward dining experience to several communities in North Carolina. The first location is expected to open in Greenville, N.C., in spring 2026, with additional locations planned for the Greenville-New Bern-Washington, Raleigh-Durham (Fayetteville) and Wilmington DMAs. Driving this growth is local restaurateur and CEO of Mixon Foods, Zack Mixon. Mixon also plans to explore other WOWorks concepts such as Frutta Bowls, a …