Wasilla, Alaska — Jersey Mike’s Subs has achieved a major milestone with the opening of its first restaurant in Alaska. The sub chain now offers its fresh sliced/fresh grilled sub sandwiches in all 50 states. “We now have more than 2,500 Jersey Mike’s locations in all 50 states,” says Hoyt Jones, president, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, Inc. “From the beginning, we’ve believed in smart growth and our success is driven by franchise owners who are passionate about our brand and giving philosophy.” The new Jersey Mike’s is located at 1451 …
franchise development
St. Louis — Panera Brands Inc., which includes the fast-casual and hospitality brand Panera Bread as well as Einstein Bros. Bagels and Caribou Coffee, has established its next generation of CEO leadership and board governance in preparation for its eventual IPO. Current CEO Niren Chaudhary will become chairman of Panera Brands, handing the CEO reins to José Alberto Dueñas, currently president and CEO of Einstein Bros. Bagels, effective July 1, 2023. Former Starbucks CFO and independent director Patrick Grismer will become chairman of the audit committee. Over the last 4 …
Dallas — Bonchon, a global leader in fast-casual Asian fusion dining known for its Korean double-fried chicken, has appointed former global CFO Bryan Shin to lead Bonchon U.S. as CEO. Shin joined Bonchon as head of global finance in 2019 with more than 10 years in the global food and beverage space. He previously served in various top global leadership and senior positions with brands including Goose Island Beer Company, Yum! Brands and CJ Foodville (a subsidiary of Korean conglomerate CJ Group), where he implemented strategies for a global launch …
Miami — Vicky Bakery, South Florida’s original family-owned Cuban bakery since 1972, has named Mauricio Romero as its new chief executive officer. This announcement comes as Vicky Bakery is experiencing record-setting growth, continuous double-digit revenue gains, the opening of multiple new locations, and new strategic investments. Former CEO Alex Santiago will remain dedicated to his leadership role on Vicky Bakery’s board of directors. Romero comes to Vicky Bakery from his nearly 40-year career in the restaurant franchise industry where he has served in a variety of executive roles. Most recently, …
New York City — Lifestyle retailer MINISO officially opened its new global flagship store in New York’s Times Square on May 19, 2023. The opening of the new flagship comes during the brand’s 10th anniversary year, and shortly after the announcement of a new global expansion strategy. With over 70 stores in the U.S., the American market has emerged as MINISO’s top-performing overseas market for two consecutive quarters. Located on the first floor of 5 Times Square, the new flagship has a bright and clean look, with the eye being …
Dallas — Ray Blanchette, chief executive officer of TGI Fridays, is stepping down. Rohit Manocha, chairman of the board and co-founder of TriArtisan Capital Advisors, will be assuming Blanchette’s responsibilities in the interim. The TGI Fridays executive team will report directly to Manocha. Blanchette led TGI Fridays for the past 5 years, managing the company through a successful turnaround that included both national and global growth as well as through the turbulent impacts around the COVID-19 pandemic. TriArtisan is the lead investor in TGI Fridays with extensive holdings in the …
Nashville, Tenn. — On May 22, Island Fin Poké Co. will open its 26th location in the U.S. and second location in Tennessee, in Nashville. Offering Hawaiian-style poké bowls, this fast-casual restaurant is set to become a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. “This is going to be a place where the community can go to get a well-balanced, convenient, healthy and fulfilling meal any day of the week,” says franchisee Tammy Fitzpatrick. “We’re excited to introduce this unique concept to Nashville. Island Fin offers the community a healthy alternative …
Pasadena, Calif. — Wetzel’s Pretzels has appointed Vincent Montanelli to the company’s top leadership position. Montanelli joined Wetzel’s nearly 20 years ago as the senior vice president of operations and most recently held the post of COO. He will maintain the COO title with the promotion, taking on the highest leadership responsibilities for the organization. Promoted following MTY Food Group’s recent acquisition of Wetzel’s, Montanelli aims to build on the brand’s momentum, driving store growth through its multitude of flexible store formats. At the doorstep of the much anticipated 400th …
Los Angeles — Milk Jar Cookies, a growing gourmet cookie shop born in Los Angeles, has launched its franchising program in 39 states across the country. “The Milk Jar Cookies brand has waited 10 years to prove the concept, maintaining our hands-on baking method, perfecting our recipes and protecting the integrity of an extraordinary cookie community bond,” says Courtney Cowan, founder of Milk Jar Cookies and author of “The Milk Jar Cookies Bakebook.” “We are now ready to partner with others to help share this vision; you don’t need to …
Dallas — OHM Fitness will open 70 EMS fitness studios in the Texas Triangle through its newest franchise partner over the next few years. OHM Fitness offers a high-tech, high-energy EMS fitness experience that packs the benefits of an intense 2-hour workout into a low-impact, 25-minute session. Shivam Khanna recently secured the area representative rights to Texas and will bring 70 locations to the state, including 25 in Dallas Fort Worth, 20 in Austin and San Antonio, and 25 in Houston. Khanna plans to open up to 25 locations himself, …