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Sweetgreen Opens First Ohio Restaurant

by Katie Lee

Columbus, Ohio — On Sept. 4, 2024 national restaurant brand Sweetgreen opened its first-ever restaurant in Ohio, located near Columbus. Ahead of the opening, Sweetgreen’s co-founder and chief executive officer, Jonathan Neman, had this to say: “We can’t wait to open the doors at our flagship Ohio restaurant in this lively Columbus neighborhood. With local ingredients sourced from across the Midwest, we’re excited to bring the Sweetgreen flavor to Columbus’ iconic food scene. It’s been a long time coming, and we are so grateful to the Columbus community for embracing …

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franchise developmentIndustry Voicesrestaurantssoftware/technology

Transforming Operations

by Katie Lee

— By Gregg Majewski — Propel your restaurant forward with digital transformation. Technology in the restaurant space is rapidly evolving as we enter a digital era. Every day, restaurants are taking new steps toward improving the guest experience. Virtual kitchens, mobile ordering and contactless payments have become commonalities, and while it may seem like a tall order, leaning into digital transformation is imperative for the evolution of a modern-day restaurant. Digital transformation does not always involve leveraging technological advancements. For example, it can also mean compiling dining analytics and using …

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franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Black Bear Diner Taps Industry Veteran as New Chief Operations Officer

by Katie Lee

Redding, Calif. — Black Bear Diner, a leading full-service family dining concept known for its cabin-themed dining experience, has appointed Art Kilmer as chief operations officer (COO), replacing Jeff Guido, who retired on Aug. 14. This strategic hire underscores the company’s commitment to operational excellence and positions Black Bear Diner for continued expansion. Kilmer brings over two decades of restaurant industry experience, most recently serving as COO for P.F. Chang’s for 6 years, where he was responsible for more than 200 domestic restaurants and worked with more than 95 international …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Paris Baguette Names VP of Operations & VP of Development

by Katie Lee

Moonachie, N.J. — Paris Baguette, the renowned global bakery café franchise with over 170 locations across the U.S., has welcomed Norm Ginsberg to the team as its new vice president of operations. After 17 years with Bowlero, working his way up to key leadership positions, Ginsberg has developed a keen sense of what it means to always deliver the best possible experience through proper recruiting, training and operational systems. Ginsberg will oversee all operations aspects of Paris Baguette’s expanding network, focusing on maintaining the elevated guest experience, streamlining operations and …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

FAT Brands Bolsters Development Team with 2 New Senior Hires

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. has hired Ammy Harrison as senior vice president of non-traditional development and Maiyo Hood as vice president of international development. The new team growth underscores FAT Brands’ commitment to driving organic growth, especially non-traditional and international. Year-over-year, the brand continues to build upon its over 2,300-unit global footprint. Harrison brings nearly 25 years of industry experience with high-growth restaurant brands, including spearheading non-traditional growth at Papa John’s International, Inc. Prior to joining FAT Brands, Harrison also served as vice president of …

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construction and designCover Storyfranchise developmentFrom The Magazinekitchen equipmentremodelsrestaurants

A Fresh Spin on Tradition

by Katie Lee

— By Katie Lee — Carvel celebrates 90 years of soft serve ice cream with a new shoppe design and growth in new markets. Success doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen by accident. However, the beloved ice cream brand Carvel may beg to differ. It was way back in 1934, in Hartsdale, New York, when founder Tom Carvel had a flat tire in his ice cream truck. Pulling over, he tried to salvage the product he had left and sold the slightly melted ice cream to people passing by. …

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The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf Debuts First Food Truck

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, the leading global specialty coffee and tea house, will be launching its first permanent food truck location at the Los Angeles Zoo. Local entrepreneur Benjamin Dreicer and operating partner Genadi Orlov signed the franchise agreement. With more than two decades of experience in the retail real estate sector, Dreicer has developed a comprehensive understanding of the restaurant space and honed his skills in strategic site selection. As he grows with The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Dreicer is interested in looking …

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Marco’s Pizza Debuts in New Mexico with 9-Unit Area Development Agreement

by Katie Lee

Albuquerque, N.M. — Marco’s Pizza, one of the nation’s fastest-growing pizza brands, announces a 9-unit area development agreement in New Mexico. This marks a milestone for the brand as it breaks into a new state, with its nationwide footprint now spanning 35 states. Site selection is currently underway, with the first two locations slated to open in the Albuquerque and Rio Rancho areas before the end of first quarter 2025. Seasoned franchisees Chris and Kristian Ornelas are the principal owners of the company developing the units. “When looking to invest …

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MilkShake Factory® Awards 100th Franchise Unit on First Anniversary of Franchise Launch

by Katie Lee

Ann Arbor, Mich. — MilkShake Factory, a Franworth portfolio brand and beloved dessert destination, has reached a milestone by awarding its 100th franchise unit on the first anniversary of its franchising journey. MilkShake Factory, a fourth-generation family business, was built on a legacy of quality. The journey began in 1914 when Charlie and Orania opened their first chocolate shop and soda fountain in Pittsburgh’s Lawrenceville neighborhood. More than a century from its early soda fountain days, the company was renamed “MilkShake Factory” and by 2016, had established itself as the …

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Surcheros to Debut in South Carolina with Multi-Unit Franchise Deal

by Katie Lee

Columbia, S.C. — Surcheros® is expanding into South Carolina. The fast-casual favorite plans to open 4 new locations in the Columbia area over the next 4 years, with the first restaurant in Forest Acres set to open in November 2024. Surcheros also recently announced plans to enter Tennessee. Surcheros currently operates 30 restaurants across Georgia and Florida. Earlier this year, the company announced plans to open 100 restaurants within the next 5 years, with 15 to 20 locations expected to open in the next 10 to 18 months. “This is …

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