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Retro Fitness Names Restaurant Franchise Growth Veteran as Chief Development Officer

by Katie Lee

West Palm Beach, Fla. — Retro Fitness, a leader in high-value, low-price fitness, has appointed Larry Strain, CCIM as chief development officer. Strain brings more than 25 years of experience in driving multi-unit development for top-tier franchise growth brands such as Starbucks, McDonald’s and Dunkin’ Donuts. Most recently, he helped lead the successful transition of Potbelly Sandwich Works to a franchise-focused growth model. “Bringing in an industry heavyweight like Larry was a strategic move that adds serious muscle to an already strong management team,” says Andrew Alfano, CEO of Retro …

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franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Toastique Marks Q3 with 9 New Openings and Several Leadership Additions

by Katie Lee

Chatham, N.J. — Toastique, a rapidly growing gourmet toast franchise, is wrapping up Q3 with nine new franchise openings — eight of which saw record-breaking grand opening sales. In June, Toastique opened its Chatham, N.J., store, which became the busiest in the system. The brand also opened its first California location in August and had two more openings in July. In total, Toastique now has 20 locations open across the country. “This quarter has been exceptionally strong for us, and we anticipate this momentum to carry into Q4,” says Toastique …

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Presto Names Chief Revenue Officer as President Departs

by Katie Lee

San Carlos, Calif. — Presto Automation Inc., an enterprise-grade AI and automation solutions provider to some of the nation’s largest restaurant brands, has promoted Justin Foster to chief revenue officer. In addition, after nearly 3 years at Presto serving as both president and chief revenue officer, Dan Mosher is leaving the company. Foster brings 15 years of experience leading go-to-market efforts at emerging high-growth technology companies. As chief revenue officer, he will be responsible for all facets of the company’s revenue generation, including growing Presto’s footprint in the emerging voice …

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Academy Promotes 2 Executives to President & SVP, Retail Operations

by Katie Lee

Katy, Texas — Effective Oct. 23, 2023, Sam J. Johnson, executive vice president of retail operations, has been promoted to president of Academy Sports and Outdoors, Inc., succeeding Michael P. Mullican, who is stepping down to pursue other personal and professional opportunities. Johnson will continue to report to CEO Steve Lawrence, and his responsibilities will include continued oversight of retail operations and real estate & construction, as well as new responsibility for logistics & supply chain. Mullican will serve the company in an advisory capacity through a brief transition period. …

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AEO Inc. Names Key Appointments as Part of COO Transition

by Katie Lee

Pittsburgh, Pa. — American Eagle Outfitters, Inc. has named the appointment of two executive leaders following the previously announced departure of the company’s executive vice president – chief operations officer, Michael Rempell. Sarah Clarke has been named executive vice president – chief supply chain officer and will be responsible for managing AEO’s global supply chain from sourcing through distribution. Clarke joins AEO from PVH Corporation, where she held the role of global chief supply chain officer. Before joining PVH, Clarke held various leadership roles at Gap Inc. across sourcing, merchandising, …

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Newspeoplerestaurantssoftware/technology

Denny’s Hires New Chief Digital and Technology Officer

by Katie Lee

Spartanburg, S.C. — Denny’s Corporation, owner and operator of Denny’s Inc. and Keke’s Inc., has hired Pankaj Patra as chief digital and technology officer (CDTO). This is a newly created enterprise role that will include support for Denny’s and Keke’s. Patra, who joins Denny’s from Brinker International, will be responsible for accelerating Denny’s capabilities across all specialties within the digital, technology and information functions. “Our restaurant teams and our guests rely on technology to enable a seamless experience, which makes the work that our IT team does absolutely critical,” says …

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Focus Brands Appoints New Supply Chain, Customer Engagement and Digital Leaders

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Focus Brands®, parent company of Auntie Anne’s®, Carvel®, Cinnabon®, Jamba®, McAlister’s Deli®, Moe’s Southwest Grill® and Schlotzsky’s®, has added three new leaders to its supply chain, digital and customer engagement functions. The following executives will be leading these key business functions within the company: Christopher McNutt, senior vice president, supply chain; Christopher McNutt, senior vice president, supply chain; Urvi Patel, senior vice president, customer experience & engagement; and Manuel Valdes, senior vice president, digital, data & marketing technology. “At Focus Brands, we’ve invested in platforms, tools and resources …

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Dollar General Brings Back Todd Vasos as CEO

by Katie Lee

Goodlettsville, Tenn. — Dollar General Corporation has appointed its former CEO and current board member, Todd Vasos, as its next CEO. Vasos previously served as Dollar General’s CEO from June 2015 until November 2022. He will remain a member of the board of directors, a role he has held since 2015. Vasos succeeds Jeff Owen, whose separation from the company and resignation from its board was effective Oct. 12, 2023. “The board has tremendous respect for Jeff and greatly appreciates his many contributions to the company, especially during his long …

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Newspeoplesoftware/technology

Sonny’s BBQ Names Senior Director of Information Technology

by Katie Lee

Orlando, Fla. — Sonny’s BBQ has hired Keith Berger as the senior director of information technology. Berger brings with him a wealth of IT experience and proven leadership to the brand. In his role, Berger will spearhead the development and implementation of Sonny’s BBQ’s information technology strategy, provide expert and strategic counsel to the leadership team and drive transformational change and innovation within the company. “We’re excited to welcome Keith and leverage his knowledge and expertise to shape a new vision for technology that supports our people-first strategic priorities,” says …

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Superior Group of Companies Names New Chief Information Officer

by Katie Lee

St. Petersburg, Fla. — Superior Group of Companies, Inc. has appointed Soo-Jin Behrstock as the company’s chief information officer (CIO). The appointment was effective Oct. 9, 2023. Behrstock will report to SGC’s chief strategy officer, Phil Koosed. Behrstock, with more than 25 years of broad technology and information systems experience in both business-to-business and e-commerce industries, has an impressive record of strategic thought leadership and transformational implementations. Most recently, she was the chief information officer at King’s Hawaiian, a 70-year-old internationally-renowned bakery. Prior to that, Behrstock served as chief information …

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