franchise development

San Diego — Darin Harris, the chief executive officer of Jack in the Box Inc., has resigned and accepted a new position outside of the restaurant industry. The board of directors has appointed Jack in the Box’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, Lance Tucker, as interim principal executive officer, effective Feb. 24, 2025. Harris will remain as a consultant through March 14, 2025, to ensure a smooth leadership transition. Tucker has served as the company’s chief financial officer since Jan. 13, 2025. He previously served in this same …

Broomfield, Colo. — Noodles & Company has appointed Joe Christina as its president and chief operating officer. A seasoned restaurant executive with more than three decades of leadership experience, Christina will oversee operations and human resources and help further elevate the Noodles & Company experience for both guests and team members. “Joe is a highly accomplished leader with deep operational expertise and a proven track record of driving growth and innovation in the restaurant industry,” says Drew Madsen, chief executive officer at Noodles & Company. “His experience as both a …

Atlanta — Church’s Texas Chicken® has named Roland Gonzalez as its new chief executive officer. 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 2 years as chief operations officer. He succeeds Joe Guith, who was named to the post in 2022. Prior to joining Church’s Texas Chicken®, Gonzalez held senior leadership roles at major quick-service restaurant brands, including Burger King, Tim Hortons and Popeyes, where he implemented successful global growth strategies and delivered high-impact …

Los Angeles — The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®, global specialty coffee and tea house, has appointed Tara Hinkle as the new president and head of Americas. She joins the company from Taco Bell and Starbucks. “We are thrilled to welcome Tara Hinkle as The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s new president and head of Americas,” says Jose Pepot Miñana Jr., CEO for The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. “With her leadership in franchise growth and strategy, Tara is set to drive our expansion across the Americas. Her expertise and …

Tampa, Fla. — 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 and is one of four brands in the Bloomin’ Brands portfolio. “Kelia has a proven track record of creating and maintaining high executional standards that drive sales and a warm guest experience,” says Mike Spanos, CEO of Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. “She builds strong teams with a hospitality-first mindset and is a true servant leader.” …