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Diversified Foodservice Supply Appoints New CEO

by Katie Lee

Vernon Hills, Ill. — Diversified Foodservice Supply (DFS), a leading provider of equipment, supplies and parts to the foodservice industry, has appoinnted Lev Peker as chief executive officer. Peker brings a strong track record of leadership and growth from the automotive aftermarket industry, where he excelled as CEO of PartsID and CarParts.com. There, he successfully scaled operations, enhanced customer experience and delivered strong financial results. His deep expertise in e-commerce, operational efficiency and system modernization aligns closely with DFS’s strategic priorities. While foodservice is a new space for him, his …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Bojangles Returning to New York City with 20-Unit Franchise Agreement

by Katie Lee

New York City — Bojangles, the North Carolina-born restaurant chain specializing in craveable breakfast and Southern-style chicken, biscuits and tea, has signed a 20-unit agreement that will bring the concept back to New York City. After a brief chapter in the city during the 1980s, this agreement marks the beginning of a new era for Bojangles in the city. The agreement, spearheaded by experienced restaurant owner and operator Habib Hashimi and Hashimi Holding Corporation, is expected to bring Bojangles to New York City over the next 10 years, with the …

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energy managementgreen newsHVAC/RIndustry Voiceskitchen equipmentrestaurantssupply chainvendors

Cutting Cooler Costs

by Katie Lee

— By Steve Benes — Designing a smarter barrier strategy for your walk-in cooler with air curtains. Walk-in coolers are critical for restaurants and cafeterias to store perishable goods, but they also contribute significantly to energy consumption. To maintain consistent low temperatures, walk-in coolers run continuously with little to no relief. Research from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) suggests that refrigeration accounts for about 20% of the total energy use in restaurants, making it a major driver of utility costs. Every time the cooler door is opened, warm air …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsremodelsrestaurants

Rita’s Italian Ice to Open Nearly 40 New Locations in 2025

by Katie Lee

Philadelphia — With nearly 40 new locations on track to open in 2025 and recognition as one of the nation’s top-performing restaurant brands, Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard is celebrating strong mid-year momentum rooted in innovation, accessibility and franchise growth. In the first half of the year, Rita’s opened 16 new shops, including locations in new and developing markets like Grand Rapids, Mich.; Nexton, S.C.; and Liberty Township, Ohio. With 19 additional shops currently in the pipeline, the brand is poised for continued growth across the U.S. “As we …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Marco’s Pizza Opens 41 New Stores in First Half of 2025

by Katie Lee

Toledo, Ohio — Marco’s Pizza, one of the nation’s fastest-growing pizza brands, is celebrating a powerful first half of 2025, marked by 41 new store openings. If current trends continue, the brand is poised for a 28% year-over-year increase in new store openings — reinforcing its strength in a highly competitive market. “We entered 2025 with momentum from a very intentional development strategy — and that pipeline is now turning into stores,” says Gerardo Flores, chief development officer of Marco’s Pizza. “The potential of our model and the power of …

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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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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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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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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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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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