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Chuck E. Cheese Expands to the UK, Marking First Location in Europe

by Katie Lee

Irving, Texas — Chuck E. Cheese, a global family entertainment brand, will be making its debut in the United Kingdom. In partnership with a dedicated local team, this will mark the brand’s first location in Europe. “Chuck E. Cheese is an incredible global brand that brings families together across cultures through the universal language of fun,” says Mario Centola, chief operating officer of Chuck E. Cheese International. “We’re thrilled to bring our unique magic for family fun to the UK. We have partnered with an outstanding team that shares our …

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Yum! Brands Appoints Key Leaders Under Incoming CEO Chris Turner

by Katie Lee

Louisville, Ky. — Yum! Brands, Inc. has made strategic leadership appointments that will strengthen its enterprise capabilities and drive long term value creation across its global portfolio. The appointments come as Chris Turner, chief executive officer-designate and chief financial & franchise officer, Yum! Brands, Inc., prepares to step into the role of CEO on Oct. 1. Sean Tresvant has been promoted to Yum! Brands’ chief consumer officer and chief executive officer of Taco Bell. Since joining Yum! in January 2022 as the global brand officer at Taco Bell, Tresvant’s leadership …

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Playa Bowls Refreshes Leadership Team; Continues West Coast Growth

by Katie Lee

Belmar, N.J. — Playa Bowls, a leading superfruit bowl brand with more than 340 locations, is fueling franchise expansion under a fresh executive leadership team following its 2024 acquisition by Sycamore Partners. Playa Bowls is poised to deepen its footprint from coast to coast. Since stepping into the CEO role earlier this year, John Cappasola has leveraged his 30 years of accomplished leadership in growing brands to drive Playa Bowls’ next chapter. Cappasola has served on the Playa Bowls board of directors since Sycamore’s acquisition and was previously CEO of …

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Potbelly Corporation to be Acquired by RaceTrac in Approximately $566 Million Transaction

by Katie Lee

Chicago — Potbelly Corporation, an iconic neighborhood sandwich shop concept, and RaceTrac, Inc., one of the largest privately held companies in the United States and a leading convenience retailer, have entered into a definitive merger agreement in which RaceTrac will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Potbelly for $17.12 per share, in an all-cash transaction with an equity value of approximately $566 million. The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Until the transaction …

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TOGO’S Reaffirms Leadership of Chief Executive Officer

by Katie Lee

Campbell, Calif. — TOGO’S Sandwiches, a beloved West Coast sandwich chain, has reaffirmed Glenn Lunde as its chief executive officer. Lunde’s leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the brand’s position in the competitive fast-casual market, and he will continue driving the company’s growth and strategic direction. With Lunde at the helm, TOGO’S will advance several key priorities in the years ahead. These include enhancing loyalty programs, expanding digital and delivery capabilities and driving continued franchise growth. He will collaborate closely with the leadership team and franchise partners to ensure TOGO’S …

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QDOBA Inks 50-Unit Franchise Agreement; Aims to Double Footprint by 2032

by Katie Lee

San Diego — On the heels of a record-breaking year of growth and franchise development, QDOBA, America’s rapidly growing #2 restaurant brand in the Mexican fast-casual category, has signed one of the largest development deals in brand history. Barry Dubin of B Wild Investments, LLC has signed on to develop 50 new QDOBA restaurants across the states of Alaska, Utah, Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico. Initially, Dubin plans to focus on locations in Salt Lake City, St. George, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, and areas surrounding Colorado Springs. Additionally, B Wild Investments …

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Jersey Mike’s Appoints New President and Chief Operating Officer

by Katie Lee

Manasquan, N.J. — Jersey Mike’s Subs has appointed Stacy Peterson as president and chief operating officer. Peterson is a restaurant industry veteran who has led revenue-driving initiatives in various leadership roles, including at fast-growing global brands. In her new role, Peterson will lead Jersey Mike’s U.S. operations and oversee marketing and technology, drawing on her extensive experience to drive innovation and operational excellence, accelerate digital transformation and strengthen the company’s leadership in the marketplace. “As we continue to build out our strategic growth plan to support global expansion, I am …

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The Big Biscuit Names Vice President of Finance

by Katie Lee

Kansas City — The Big Biscuit, a modern All-American breakfast and lunch franchise concept, has named Alexandra (Alex) Clark as its vice president of finance. She joins the team from Jefferson’s, a fast-growing full-service restaurant concept. Clark brings more than 30 years of accounting and financial leadership experience, including two decades focused on the restaurant franchising sector. She most recently served as vice president of finance at Jefferson’s, where she oversaw financial planning and systems. Before that, she was chief financial officer for Goodcents Deli Fresh Subs, where she guided …

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FAT Brands Inc. Announces Return of Andrew Wiederhorn as CEO

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Fatburger, Johnny Rockets, Round Table Pizza and 15 other restaurant concepts, announces the return of Andrew (Andy) Wiederhorn as chief executive officer. Effective Sept. 3, Ken Kuick will be exclusively focused on his roles as chief financial officer of FAT Brands and Twin Hospitality Group Inc., and Taylor Wiederhorn will continue to serve as chief development officer. Kuick and Taylor Wiederhorn had been serving as co-CEOs of FAT Brands. “I am grateful to both Ken and Taylor for …

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Twin Hospitality Group Inc. Names New Leadership & Direction for Smokey Bones

by Katie Lee

Plantation, Fla. — Twin Hospitality Group Inc., the parent company of Smokey Bones, has appointed Ken Brendemihl as president of Smokey Bones, effective immediately. He has over 25 years of restaurant leadership experience, most recently as chief operating officer of Alamo Drafthouse. Prior to that, he held key leadership roles at Velvet Taco, California Pizza Kitchen, Texas Roadhouse and On the Border. “Smokey Bones is a beloved brand that has amassed a loyal following over the years,” says Kim Boerema, CEO of Twin Hospitality Group. “Since joining Twin Hospitality, we …

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