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 …
franchise development
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Jimmy John’s Opens Second Location in Canada, With 12 More Scheduled to Open by Year’s End
Montreal — Jimmy John’s has opened its second location in Canada, inside Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls. The opening is part of a wave of new stores — 12 according to the last count — that will open across Canada by year’s end. New stores are expected to open in Winnipeg, Ottawa, Edmonton, Barrie, Windsor and additional locations in the Greater Toronto Area. “We have a big appetite for opening new stores because we know how much our fellow Canadians appreciate a fantastic-tasting sandwich with fresh ingredients,” says Peter Mammas, …
Spartanburg, S.C. — Eggs Up Grill, a fast-growing “better breakfast” restaurant franchise, wil open its 100th location next month. This milestone follows 4 years of rapid expansion during which the brand nearly doubled in size, driven by consistent positive guest counts, a 40% increase in average restaurant volumes, and strong same-store sales performance as Eggs Up Grill approaches its 19th consecutive quarter of growth. “This milestone is not just about reaching our 100th location; it is another in our growing list of accomplishments built on our unique brand positioning and …
Charlotte, N.C. — Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay, the premium handcrafted burger concept co-founded by renowned chef Bobby Flay, has signed a multi-year agreement with The Falcon Capital Group to open 65 locations across Canada. “Expanding into Canada and becoming an international brand is a major milestone,” says Flay. “The Falcon Capital Group brings proven expertise in brand development and retail franchising that makes them the ideal partners to bring our signature handcrafted burgers, fries and milkshakes to a new audience. I look forward to working with the accomplished team …