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Krystal Promotes Amanda Hyde to COO

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Krystal has promoted Amanda Hyde to chief operating officer. Hyde will report directly to SPB Hospitality’s chairman and CEO, G.J. Hart, and take on expanded responsibility for systemwide operations as the brand continues its growth strategy. Hyde brings more than two decades of restaurant industry experience spanning operations, brand leadership and multi-unit management. Since joining SPB Hospitality, she has played a central role in improving operational performance and supporting the company’s strategy to revitalize and expand the Krystal brand. “Amanda is a respected operator with deep knowledge of …

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IKEA to Open 10 New U.S. Stores in 2026

by Katie Lee

Conshohocken, Pa. — IKEA plans to open four additional U.S. stores in 2026 — in Chicago; Tulsa, Okla.; Fort Collins, Colo.; and Los Angeles — further building on the six locations previously announced and bringing the current total number to 10 new stores slated to open in 2026. “FY25 was a year of meaningful connection and growth despite a challenging external environment. We strengthened our ability to serve customers through new store formats, digital innovation and expanded rewards, all while reinforcing our commitment to communities and the environment,” says Rob …

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HTeaO Strengthens Leadership Team with Appointments in Store Development and Operations

by Katie Lee

Fort Worth, Texas — HTeaO, the nation’s leading iced tea franchise, has appointed two key executive leadership appointments: Jerry McClain as vice president of store development and Brian Aga as senior vice president of operations. These additions follow the recent appointment of a new chief financial officer, Chris Phillips. With more than 40 new store openings projected for 2026 and sustained double-digit growth, HTeaO continues to invest in leadership that supports franchise partners and protects the consistency of the brand experience. “As HTeaO continues to grow, building the right leadership …

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Starbird to Debut in Texas with 36-Unit Franchise Deal

by Katie Lee

San Francisco — Starbird, the Bay Area-based super-premium fast-casual brand, is launching its first Texas locations through a 36-unit franchise agreement with Mac Haik Restaurant Group. The partnership will bring locations to Houston, Austin and San Antonio beginning in 2027, marking a pivotal milestone in the 10-year-old brand’s broader national expansion strategy. The agreement represents the largest development deal in Starbird’s history and a significant step in the brand’s long term growth strategy as it enters its second decade. “This agreement reflects the strength of our business model and the …

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Marco’s Pizza Targets 80+ New Store Openings in 2026

by Katie Lee

Toledo, Ohio — Marco’s Pizza, one of the nation’s fastest-growing pizza brands, kicks off 2026 with deliberate development plans following a year of strategic expansion and systemwide investment. In 2025, Marco’s opened more than 60 new stores and this year, it plans to surpass 80 new store openings while continuing to accelerate growth across new domestic markets, international territories and non-traditional venues. Complementing its expansion, Marco’s is rolling out advanced digital tools, operational enhancements and menu innovations, strengthening franchisee support and setting the stage for sustainable, long term operations. In …

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Shipley Donuts Names New COO, CDO and CFO

by Katie Lee

Houston — Shipley Donuts, the nation’s largest brand of fresh, handmade donuts and kolaches, has expanded its senior leadership team with the addition of a new chief operating officer, Matt Kafka; chief development officer, Todd Brin; and chief financial officer, John Feray. The three appointments follow the addition of its chief marketing officer, Bill Leibengood, who joined Shipley in late 2025. The expanded leadership team joins the brand as it celebrates its 90th anniversary this year and rapidly approaches the opening of its 400th location. Kafka brings nearly 30 years …

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Buffalo Wild Wings GO Opens in West Virginia

by Katie Lee

Hurricane, W.Va. — On March 4, Buffalo Wild Wings GO — a fast, order-ahead destination built around the brand’s wings, sauces and shareables — opened in Hurricane, W.Va. This opening marks an exciting expansion of the brand’s footprint in West Virginia. Designed for speed, Buffalo Wild Wings GO focuses on the menu items guests crave most — traditional and boneless wings, chicken dippers, burgers, fried chicken sandwiches and wraps, cauliflower wings, fries, tater tots and desserts — all paired with 26 signature sauces and dry rubs. The Hurricane location features …

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Eggs Up Grill Names New Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee

Spartanburg, S.C. — Eggs Up Grill, a fast-growing “better breakfast” restaurant franchise, has appointed Kayla Money as chief financial officer. She brings more than a decade of financial leadership experience in the restaurant industry to the growing breakfast, brunch and lunch franchise. Money joins Eggs Up Grill from Denny’s Corporation, where she most recently served as senior director of enterprise FP&A and investor relations. Money’s appointment comes on the heels of record-setting momentum for Eggs Up Grill. In 2025, the brand opened 18 new restaurants, the most in company history, …

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RNR Tire Express Signs First International Franchise Agreement to Enter Canada

by Katie Lee

Oshowa, Ontario (Canada) — RNR Tire Express (RNR), a leading franchise retailer for tires and custom wheels, is officially entering Canada with the signing of its first international franchise agreement. The new location is currently under construction at 1080 Simcoe St. N in Oshawa, Ontario, and is anticipated to open in March 2026. “Expanding into Canada is a natural next step for RNR as we continue to grow alongside our franchisees and the communities we serve,” says Adam Sutton, CEO of RNR Tire Express. “Our focus has always been on …

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Chicken Salad Chick Enters Nevada with 6-Unit Development Agreement

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Chicken Salad Chick, the nation’s only fast-casual chicken salad restaurant concept, is making its Nevada debut with a six-unit franchise agreement in the Las Vegas metropolitan area. The deal marks the brand’s first development in Nevada and underscores continued momentum as Chicken Salad Chick strategically expands beyond the Southeast and into the growing Southwest market. Leading the development is husband-and-wife team Mark and Cayla Rubalcaba, longtime Las Vegas residents who will spearhead the rollout of six restaurants across the market. Their connection to Chicken Salad Chick began at …

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