Atlanta — Smalls Sliders has appointed veteran restaurant operations leader Clint Penfield as its new chief operating officer. In this role, Penfield will oversee systemwide operations and focus on building scalable infrastructure to support franchisee growth, while preserving the brand’s bold identity and relentless focus on guest experience. Penfield brings over two decades of leadership from Raising Cane’s, one of the most admired growth stories in the restaurant industry. During his tenure, he held multiple senior roles — including chief of restaurant services, senior vice president of restaurant services, and …
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Atlanta — Ascent Hospitality Management, franchisor to family dining brands Huddle House and Perkins American Food Co., has named Brian Wallunas as chief technology officer. In this role, Wallunas will lead the company’s digital strategy, with a focus on implementing customer-centric technology solutions that drive operational efficiency, elevate the guest experience and fuel brand growth. Most recently, Wallunas served as chief technology officer at Smokey Bones. Under his leadership, online sales tripled, and the brand’s guest engagement capabilities were significantly enhanced. “Brian is a forward-thinking technology leader with a deep …
Louisville, Ky. — The chief financial officer of Texas Roadhouse, Inc., Chris Monroe, is no longer with the company. He was hired on June 28, 2023. The board of directors has appointed Keith Humpich, vice president of finance, as interim CFO until a permanent successor has been identified. Humpich, who served as interim CFO from January 2023 to June 2023, has more than 30 years of accounting, audit and finance experience. He joined Texas Roadhouse in February 2005 as the director and then senior director of internal audit. In 2021, …
Plano, Texas — MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes has appointed Michael Meche as president. A seasoned restaurant executive with significant leadership experience, Meche will lead MOOYAH into its next stage of growth, focusing on franchisee success, operational excellence and people-oriented leadership. Most recently, Meche served as chief restaurant officer for sister brands Capriotti’s and Wing Zone, where he helped to elevate guest experience, enhance franchisee performance and develop strong operating teams. He began his restaurant journey in high school as a team member at Papa John’s and steadily climbed the …
Manasquan, N.J. — Jersey Mike’s Subs, a leading franchisor of fast-casual sandwich shops known for its fresh sliced and fresh grilled subs, has appointed Charlie Morrison, an industry veteran who has driven long term growth and international expansion at several of the world’s most recognizable restaurant brands, as chief executive officer. Most recently, he was CEO as Salad and Go. As CEO of Jersey Mike’s, Morrison will build on the company’s strong momentum and continue to accelerate its expansion in the U.S. and international markets, as well as its ongoing …
Newton, Mass. — Paytronix, an Access Group company, and the leader in guest engagement for restaurants and convenience stores, has appointed technology industry veteran Nonita Verma as its new general manager. A seasoned executive with over two decades of leadership experience, Verma brings a proven track record of scaling global platforms and driving hyper-growth. Verma’s appointment, along with changes to Paytronix’s executive team, will help accelerate its growth and provide its customers with a flexible, industry-leading guest engagement platform that meets their challenges. Verma previously served as a chief strategy …
St. Petersburg, Fla. — Saladworks, a growing fast-casual salad franchise and a leading brand under the dining platform WOWorks, has signed a 10-unit development agreement that will bring its health-forward dining experience to several communities in North Carolina. The first location is expected to open in Greenville, N.C., in spring 2026, with additional locations planned for the Greenville-New Bern-Washington, Raleigh-Durham (Fayetteville) and Wilmington DMAs. Driving this growth is local restaurateur and CEO of Mixon Foods, Zack Mixon. Mixon also plans to explore other WOWorks concepts such as Frutta Bowls, a …
Fort Mill, S.C. — Shoe Carnival, Inc. has appointed Kerry Jackson as senior vice president, new business development. In this newly created role, he will report directly to Shoe Carnival’s president and chief executive officer, Mark Worden, and spearhead the company’s merger and acquisition activities, integration of acquired businesses and synergy capture initiatives as part of the company’s strategic vision to become the nation’s leading family footwear retailer. Jackson brings 35 years of experience with Shoe Carnival, including 27 years serving as chief financial officer before retiring in 2023. He …
Batavia, Ill. — ALDI U.S. has promoted Jason Hart, currently ALDI U.S. chief executive officer, to join the executive board of ALDI South as group chief operating officer. Hart will help oversee the company’s global operations in Salzburg, Austria, effective Sept. 1. Atty McGrath, currently chief operating officer, will assume the ALDI U.S. chief executive role. During his decade-long leadership as ALDI U.S. CEO, Hart has led the rapid expansion and development of the ALDI brand, overseeing the store count nearly double from 1,300 in 32 states to 2,500 across …
Atlanta — The Home Depot® has named Angie Brown as executive vice president (EVP) and chief information officer (CIO). As CIO, she will be responsible for all aspects of the company’s technology strategy, infrastructure, cybersecurity and software development for The Home Depot’s 2,350 retail stores and more than 790 branches, its supply chain facilities, store support centers and online systems. “Angie is an exceptional leader whose customer-first mindset consistently drives meaningful innovation across our business,” says Ted Decker, chair, president and CEO. “Her strategic vision and deep expertise have been …