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Sonny’s BBQ Strengthens Leadership Team with Key Executive Hires

by Katie Lee

Orlando, Fla. — Sonny’s BBQ, an industry-leading BBQ restaurant, has added Matt Zeiger to its team as chief financial & development officer. In this key leadership role, he will oversee finance and development, bringing his strategic vision and deep expertise to support Sonny’s growth plan. “Matt brings an impressive 25 years of exceptional financial and operational leadership, having worked with some of the most respected restaurant franchise brands in the industry,” says George McAllan, chief growth officer at Sonny’s BBQ. “His depth of expertise will help guide Sonny’s BBQ as …

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kitchen equipmentmanagementNewsProduct Spotlightrestaurantssoftware/technologyvendors

Push Operations and Crumbl Cookies Partner to Streamline Restaurant Management

by Katie Lee

Vancouver, B.C. — Push Operations, the all-in-one cloud-based workforce management platform built uniquely for the hospitality industry, has forged a strategic partnership with Crumbl Cookies, one of North America’s fastest-growing dessert chains. This collaboration makes Push’s integrated HR, payroll, scheduling and time-tracking solutions available to Crumbl’s 1,000+ locations, enabling franchise owners who adopt the platform to optimize operations through data-driven decisions. The partnership addresses challenges faced by multi-location franchisees with automated solutions that reduce administrative tasks while enhancing labor cost management. Participating franchise owners can leverage real-time analytics to balance staffing …

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Newspeopleretailers

The Vitamin Shoppe Names EVP, Chief Strategy Officer

by Katie Lee

Secaucus, N.J. — On Aug. 5, The Vitamin Shoppe® appointed Mike Forbes as executive vice president and chief strategy officer. In this newly created role, Forbes will lead enterprise-wide strategy and long term growth planning, with a focus on digital acceleration, innovation and organizational transformation. He will report directly to CEO Sharon Leite. Forbes brings more than 20 years of leadership experience in the retail and consumer packaged goods sectors, including CEO roles at MaryRuth Organics, Alter Eco Foods and Safely. His proven track record of scaling digital-first brands and …

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Newspeoplerestaurants

Luna Grill Names New CEO; Founder Transitions to Executive Chairman

by Katie Lee

San Diego — Luna Grill Mediterranean Kitchen has named Rich Pinnella as chief executive officer, marking a pivotal leadership transition as the fast-casual brand enters a new phase of rapid expansion. The move comes as its founder and longtime CEO, Sean Pourteymour, steps into the role of executive chairman and chairman of the board. Pinnella, who joined Luna Grill 6 years ago as president, has been a key architect of the brand’s operational evolution, customer experience and expansion strategy. “After 20 incredible years as CEO, it fills me with pride …

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Claire’s Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Again for U.S. Operations, Aims to Close Underperforming Stores

by Katie Lee

Hoffman Estates, Ill. — Claire’s U.S., the operator of Claire’s and Icing stores across the United States, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in Delaware. The jewelry retailer listed both its liabilities and assets between $1 billion to $10 billion. Hoffman Estates-based Claire’s previously filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2018. Claire’s says that the proceedings will enable the company to immediately commence the monetization process for its assets to maximize value for the business. The retailer is continuing a comprehensive review of strategic alternatives, including discussions with potential …

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franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Bloomin’ Brands Makes Several Executive Leadership Changes

by Katie Lee

Tampa, Fla. — Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. has implemented a series of senior leadership appointments designed to support the company’s ongoing business turnaround, focusing on the Outback Steakhouse brand. “The Bloomin Brands leadership team has broad operational and restaurant experience across diverse consumer facing businesses. As we reinvigorate sales and profit growth in our restaurants, our leaders are committed to our founder’s values of leading growth that is enabled by our people with a passion for guest hospitality,” says Mike Spanos, chief executive officer. “These organizational updates enhance our bench strength, …

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Newspeopleretailers

Academy Sports + Outdoors Names New Executive Vice President

by Katie Lee

Katy, Texas — Academy Sports + Outdoors has appointed Brandy Treadway to the role of executive vice president, chief legal officer and corporate secretary. She will oversee all enterprise legal, compliance and risk management functions supporting the company’s corporate, distribution centers and retail initiatives. Most recently, Treadway served as senior vice president, chief legal officer and corporate secretary for RumbleOn, Inc., based in Irving, Texas, and was previously a corporate partner at Martin Powers & Counsel, PLLC. She also served as senior vice president, general counsel & secretary at JCPenney. …

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franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Ascent Hospitality Management Promotes Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Ascent Hospitality Management, franchisor to Huddle House and Perkins American Food Co., has promoted Nicholas Mason to chief financial officer. In this role, Mason will oversee financial operations for Ascent, including strategic financial planning, capital management, and supporting the company’s long term growth strategy. Formerly Ascent’s vice president of finance, Mason joined the company in October 2024 and has played a pivotal role in strengthening Ascent’s financial infrastructure. He brings more than 15 years of experience in restaurant finance, with previous leadership roles at Papa Johns and Craftwork …

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Newspeopleretailers

PetSmart Appoints EVP, Chief Commercial Officer

by Katie Lee

Phoenix — PetSmart, a leading omnichannel pet retailer, has appointed Jesica Duarte as executive vice president and chief commercial officer. In this role, Duarte will oversee merchandising, proprietary brands, merchandise planning & allocation, digital and marketing organizations at PetSmart. She joins PetSmart from Albertsons. “Jesica is a strategic and growth-minded leader, with an impressive career tenure working across successful retail brands,” says Ken Hicks, PetSmart’s president and CEO. Duarte has more than 30 years of leadership experience, having worked for some of the world’s most recognized brands across retail, grocery, …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Smalls Sliders® Inks First Deal in Tennessee

by Katie Lee

Knoxville, Tenn. — Smalls Sliders, a leading cheeseburger slider brand growing nationwide, has signed its first-ever development agreement in Tennessee. The multi-unit deal will bring four locations to the Knoxville metro region with Tennessee-based entrepreneur Blake McDavid, a multi-unit franchise owner and commercial real estate investor. This agreement officially marks Smalls Sliders’ entry into the Tennessee market. McDavid is actively identifying real estate throughout the Knoxville area and plans to open the first of his four locations by fall 2026. “Blake represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking operator we look …

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