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Shake Shack to Make Hawaii Debut in 2027

by Katie Lee

New York City — Shake Shack Inc. has partnered with Union MAK Corporation, a leading Hawaii-based company with decades of experience across hospitality and retail, to bring the Shake Shack experience to the Aloha State with the first Shack set to open on Oahu in 2027. Union MAK is a Honolulu-based company deeply rooted in the Hawaii community through its restaurant operations. Union MAK’s proven track record, commitment to excellence and dedication to local communities makes it an ideal partner to introduce Shake Shack to Hawaii. “Bringing Shake Shack to …

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Chipotle to Open First Restaurants in Asia in 2026

by Katie Lee

Newport Beach, Calif. — Chipotle Mexican Grill has signed a joint venture to open restaurants in Asia for the first time. In partnership with SPC Group, a leading South Korea-based food company, Chipotle plans to open its first restaurants in South Korea and Singapore in 2026. “With a rapidly evolving dining-out business, fueled by preferences for variety and convenience, expanding into Asia presents an incredible growth opportunity for Chipotle,” says Scott Boatwright, chief executive officer of Chipotle. “Real food prepared fast is in high demand in these markets and with …

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Groucho’s Deli Partners with Square Across 30+ Locations

by Katie Lee

Columbia, S.C. — Groucho’s Deli, a South Carolina-based sandwich shop with an 84-year legacy, has chosen Square’s comprehensive commerce platform to power its operations across more than 30 locations. By leveraging Square’s integrated hardware, software and partner ecosystem, Groucho’s is unifying its operations, streamlining service and preparing for its next phase of franchise expansion — without losing the neighborhood hospitality that has defined the brand for generations. “As we look toward our next phase of growth, we needed a technology partner that could unify our operations across corporate and franchise …

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Chuck E. Cheese Expands to the UK, Marking First Location in Europe

by Katie Lee

Irving, Texas — Chuck E. Cheese, a global family entertainment brand, will be making its debut in the United Kingdom. In partnership with a dedicated local team, this will mark the brand’s first location in Europe. “Chuck E. Cheese is an incredible global brand that brings families together across cultures through the universal language of fun,” says Mario Centola, chief operating officer of Chuck E. Cheese International. “We’re thrilled to bring our unique magic for family fun to the UK. We have partnered with an outstanding team that shares our …

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Yum! Brands Appoints Key Leaders Under Incoming CEO Chris Turner

by Katie Lee

Louisville, Ky. — Yum! Brands, Inc. has made strategic leadership appointments that will strengthen its enterprise capabilities and drive long term value creation across its global portfolio. The appointments come as Chris Turner, chief executive officer-designate and chief financial & franchise officer, Yum! Brands, Inc., prepares to step into the role of CEO on Oct. 1. Sean Tresvant has been promoted to Yum! Brands’ chief consumer officer and chief executive officer of Taco Bell. Since joining Yum! in January 2022 as the global brand officer at Taco Bell, Tresvant’s leadership …

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Playa Bowls Refreshes Leadership Team; Continues West Coast Growth

by Katie Lee

Belmar, N.J. — Playa Bowls, a leading superfruit bowl brand with more than 340 locations, is fueling franchise expansion under a fresh executive leadership team following its 2024 acquisition by Sycamore Partners. Playa Bowls is poised to deepen its footprint from coast to coast. Since stepping into the CEO role earlier this year, John Cappasola has leveraged his 30 years of accomplished leadership in growing brands to drive Playa Bowls’ next chapter. Cappasola has served on the Playa Bowls board of directors since Sycamore’s acquisition and was previously CEO of …

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Potbelly Corporation to be Acquired by RaceTrac in Approximately $566 Million Transaction

by Katie Lee

Chicago — Potbelly Corporation, an iconic neighborhood sandwich shop concept, and RaceTrac, Inc., one of the largest privately held companies in the United States and a leading convenience retailer, have entered into a definitive merger agreement in which RaceTrac will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Potbelly for $17.12 per share, in an all-cash transaction with an equity value of approximately $566 million. The acquisition is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2025, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals. Until the transaction …

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TOGO’S Reaffirms Leadership of Chief Executive Officer

by Katie Lee

Campbell, Calif. — TOGO’S Sandwiches, a beloved West Coast sandwich chain, has reaffirmed Glenn Lunde as its chief executive officer. Lunde’s leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the brand’s position in the competitive fast-casual market, and he will continue driving the company’s growth and strategic direction. With Lunde at the helm, TOGO’S will advance several key priorities in the years ahead. These include enhancing loyalty programs, expanding digital and delivery capabilities and driving continued franchise growth. He will collaborate closely with the leadership team and franchise partners to ensure TOGO’S …

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QDOBA Inks 50-Unit Franchise Agreement; Aims to Double Footprint by 2032

by Katie Lee

San Diego — On the heels of a record-breaking year of growth and franchise development, QDOBA, America’s rapidly growing #2 restaurant brand in the Mexican fast-casual category, has signed one of the largest development deals in brand history. Barry Dubin of B Wild Investments, LLC has signed on to develop 50 new QDOBA restaurants across the states of Alaska, Utah, Nevada, Colorado and New Mexico. Initially, Dubin plans to focus on locations in Salt Lake City, St. George, Albuquerque, Las Vegas, and areas surrounding Colorado Springs. Additionally, B Wild Investments …

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Jersey Mike’s Appoints New President and Chief Operating Officer

by Katie Lee

Manasquan, N.J. — Jersey Mike’s Subs has appointed Stacy Peterson as president and chief operating officer. Peterson is a restaurant industry veteran who has led revenue-driving initiatives in various leadership roles, including at fast-growing global brands. In her new role, Peterson will lead Jersey Mike’s U.S. operations and oversee marketing and technology, drawing on her extensive experience to drive innovation and operational excellence, accelerate digital transformation and strengthen the company’s leadership in the marketplace. “As we continue to build out our strategic growth plan to support global expansion, I am …

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