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Ahold Delhaize USA Names New SVP to Lead Data and AI

by Katie Lee

Salisbury, N.C. — Grocery retail group Ahold Delhaize USA has named Vipin Gopal, Ph.D., as senior vice president. In the role, he will serve as the chief data and artificial intelligence (AI) officer for the U.S. businesses. Reporting to the chief information officer, Ann Dozier, he will lead data, analytics and artificial intelligence strategy and advance Ahold Delhaize USA’s efforts to further embed data-driven decision-making and AI capabilities into its business. He will play a critical role in transforming enterprise data foundations, accelerating responsible AI adoption and enabling greater value …

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Shake Shack Appoints New Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee

New York City — Shake Shack Inc. has appointed Michelle Hook as its chief financial officer, effective May 11, 2026. She brings more than two decades of financial and operational leadership experience in the restaurant industry, with a proven track record of scaling growth companies and building high-performing teams. “We are thrilled to welcome Michelle to the Shake Shack team,” says Rob Lynch, chief executive officer of Shake Shack. “She brings deep restaurant industry expertise and significant public company experience to the role.” Hook joins Shake Shack from Portillo’s, where …

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Rosa Mexicano Names Chief Executive Officer

by Katie Lee

New York City — Rosa Mexicano, a pioneering brand in elevated Mexican dining, has appointed Richard Zoob as chief executive officer. Zoob’s appointment marks a full-circle return to Rosa Mexicano, where he previously served as both a consultant and board advisor. Having worked closely with the brand over the years, he brings a nuanced understanding of its legacy, its operational opportunities and its untapped potential in today’s evolving dining landscape. “Rosa Mexicano is an iconic brand with a powerful legacy and tremendous opportunity ahead,” says Zoob. “I’ve had a long …

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Sweetgreen Names New Chief Development Officer

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — Sweetgreen, Inc. has appointed Ryan Slemons as its new chief development officer, effective May 4, 2026. He now leads all aspects of real estate, design, construction, facilities and portfolio management, and he reports directly to Jonathan Neman, co-founder and CEO. Slemons brings nearly two decades of experience in real estate, franchising and store development across various industries. Most recently, he served as chief development officer of Unleashed Brands, a portfolio of franchise brands including Urban Air Adventure Park, The Little Gym, Sylvan Learning Centers and more. “Ryan …

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Publix Executive Chairman to Retire

by Katie Lee

Lakeland, Fla. — Publix Super Markets’ executive chairman, Todd Jones, intends to retire, effective May 31, 2026. He will remain actively involved in the company as chairman of the Publix board of directors. “We celebrate Todd’s 46-year career and are thankful for his exemplary service to our company, our associates and customers, and the communities we serve,” says Kevin Murphy, CEO of Publix. “In addition to being an outstanding operator and mentor, Todd has led with integrity and a deep commitment to our mission that will have lasting impact. We …

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RNR Tire Express to Debut in Massachusetts with New Franchise Agreement

by Katie Lee

Boston — RNR Tire Express (RNR), the nation’s leading franchise retailer for tires and custom wheels and part of the multi-brand franchisor company DX3 Brands, has signed a franchise agreement that will bring the brand to Massachusetts for the first time. The new location is expected to open in summer 2026 at 995 N Montello St., in Brockton, Mass. “This marks a significant step forward in our New England development strategy,” says Adam Sutton, CEO of DX3 Brands and RNR Tire Express. “Matt’s leadership, operational expertise and commitment to community …

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Freddy’s Strengthens Development Leadership Team

by Katie Lee

Wichita, Kan. — Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is strengthening its development team. Rafik Farouk has joined as vice president of business development, and Jackie Lobdell has been named vice president of franchise sales. As Freddy’s approaches 600 restaurants, the addition of these experienced leaders reinforces the team driving the brand’s expansion. Together, Farouk and Lobdell bring more than four decades of restaurant industry experience, adding significant depth to Freddy’s development bench. “Freddy’s is entering an exciting phase of growth, and Rafik and Jackie are two important additions to our …

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Bagels & Co. Names CEO Promotion and CFO Addition

by Katie Lee

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — Bagels & Co. has added to its leadership team (CEO and CFO) as the brand continues to expand in Florida and Pennsylvania with plans to also open in Ohio, Arizona, Georgia and Alabama. Kevin Armantrout, who joined Bagels & Co. in 2025 as chief operating officer, has been promoted to chief executive officer, succeeding Bagels & Co. co-founder and board member Mike Marsh. Armantrout previously served as president and COO of Another Broken Egg Café and franchise president & corporate vice president of operations for Ruth’s …

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Best Buy Unveils CEO Succession Plans

by Katie Lee

Minneapolis — The board of directors of Best Buy Co., Inc. has selected Jason Bonfig, the company’s chief customer, product and fulfillment officer, to succeed Corie Barry as the next chief executive officer at Best Buy. Barry will step down from her roles as CEO and member of the board at the end of third quarter on Oct. 31 of this year. Bonfig will also join the board at that time. Bonfig’s appointment as the sixth CEO in the company’s 60-year history is the result of an extensive process conducted …

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Presto Co-Founder Returns as CEO

by Katie Lee

San Mateo, Calif. — Presto Phoenix, Inc., a leader in enterprise-grade Voice AI for quick-service restaurants (QSRs), has welcomed back Presto’s co-founder, Krishna Gupta, as chief executive officer. Gupta, a co-founder and longtime strategic leader at Presto, stepped back into the CEO role as the company accelerates deployment of its drive-thru Voice AI platform across major national restaurant brands. Presto will be showcasing this expertise at its Restaurant Leadership Conference (RLC) panel, “Deploying Voice AI at America’s Iconic Brands,” on April 20 in Phoenix. “Presto is entering its defining chapter, …

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