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REGO Restaurant Group Names New CEO to Lead Quiznos and Taco del Mar

by Katie Lee

Denver — REGO Restaurant Group, a leading fast-casual restaurant platform, has named Neel Patel as chief executive officer to lead Quiznos, the quick-service sandwich chain, and Taco del Mar, a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in coastal Mexican cuisine. He joins the group from Church’s Texas Chicken. Previously, Patel served as senior vice president, strategy & growth at Church’s Texas Chicken. He brings a wealth of experience in business transformation, growth strategy and commercial excellence, positioning him to drive the brands’ continued expansion and innovation. “Both Quiznos and Taco del Mar …

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Chili’s® to Open a Scranton Branch, in Nod to “The Office”

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Nearly 20 years after cementing a spot in pop culture history thanks to a beloved group of employees at a fictitious Pennsylvania paper company, Chili’s® Grill & Bar is opening its doors to the Chili’s “Scranton Branch” on April 7. The brand-new, permanent restaurant will pay homage to some of Chili’s most notable on-screen moments, with throwback nods and decor, in addition to being the only Chili’s location to include the fan-favorite Awesome Blossom® on menus. “For decades, Chili’s has inserted itself in culture — introducing the now-famous …

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Southern Hospitality

by Katie Lee

— By Katie Lee — Krystal sets the stage for new growth by focusing on fundamentals: people, processes and prototypes. Atlanta-based Krystal, the second-oldest fast-food chain in the U.S. — and the original home of the slider in the South — is forging a comeback. As it modernizes with new store layouts, technologies and processes, the heritage QSR brand also honors its 92-year history by embracing its roots and prioritizing “good old-fashioned hospitality” and people-first strategies. Leading this brand reinvention is Amanda Hyde, who was promoted to senior vice president …

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Panera Brands Promotes CFO to Chief Executive Officer

by Katie Lee

St. Louis — Panera Brands Inc., which includes the iconic fast-casual concept Panera Bread, as well as Einstein Bros. Brands and Caribou Coffee, has appointed Paul Carbone as chief executive officer, effective immediately. Carbone previously served as chief financial officer for the company and was appointed to the role of interim CEO in January 2025. “Paul’s commitment and significant contributions to Panera over the past 2 years — coupled with his impressive track record of success with both public and private companies in the industry — demonstrate that he has …

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John Catanese Preventative Maintenance quote
Content Partnerexterior services/landscapingfacilities managementHVAC/RIndustry Contentkitchen equipmentkitchen exhaust/grease controllightingparking lotsplumbingproperty managementrestaurantsretailerswaste management/recycling

11 Preventive Maintenance Services Retailers, Restaurants Need

by Sarah Daniels

Restaurants and retailers move fast. There’s no time for unexpected maintenance issues to slow you down. Preventive maintenance (PM) programs can help you avoid disruptions. “For retailers and restaurants, preventive maintenance programs are vital, but often overlooked,” says John Catanese, senior vice president at Chain Store Maintenance, an MCS Company. “They ensure your business can provide the best service to your customers consistently, safely, efficiently and cost effectively.” Why PM Matters Preventive maintenance delivers several key advantages: Enhanced reliability. By addressing minor issues before they escalate, you can prevent unexpected …

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Cilantro Taco Grill Set for Nationwide Growth, Secures 110 Units Across 4 States

by Katie Lee

Chicago — After a record year of growth, Cilantro Taco Grill is set to open outside Chicagoland for the first time in April 2025, a significant milestone following the brand’s first franchise opening in November. The nation’s fastest-growing authentic Mexican fast-casual franchise secured six franchise agreements in 2024, bringing 110 units into development in its first full year of franchising. “As we continue to expand into new communities, it’s fulfilling to know more guests will taste the authentic flavors of Jalisco and the love my family has put into the …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Nathan’s Famous Opens Location Featuring New Freestanding Restaurant Design

by Katie Lee

Jericho, N.Y. — Nathan’s Famous, Inc., an American tradition serving New York favorites for more than 100 years, has opened a new franchised restaurant in Rock Hill, S.C.; the location features Nathan’s new freestanding restaurant design and its full menu. The new freestanding restaurant design features modern New York City loft-style elements next to classic features of historic architecture while boasting a state-of-the-art drive-thru experience with a double drive-thru and enhanced POS system. “We’ve opened and remodeled many new franchised and licensed locations in travel plazas, airports and other inline …

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Firebirds Promotes 2 Key Team Members to COO and Executive Chef

by Katie Lee

Charlotte, N.C. — Firebirds Wood Fired Grill, a polished-casual American restaurant and steakhouse, has promoted Steve Sturm to chief operating officer (COO) and Andy Seiple to corporate executive chef. Both leaders have and will continue to play key roles in driving the company’s growth by enhancing operational efficiency and elevating menu offerings to deliver an exceptional guest experience. Sturm has been with Firebirds since its inception in 2000 and was the first executive chef at Firebirds’ first restaurant in Charlotte, where he played an instrumental role in the development and …

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Yum! Brands to Accelerate AI Innovation with NVIDIA

by Katie Lee

Louisville, Ky. — Yum! Brands, the parent company of KFC, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut and Habit Burger & Grill, is partnering with NVIDIA to accelerate the development of innovative AI technologies for Yum! restaurants around the globe. Yum! Brands, the world’s largest restaurant company with over 61,000 locations, is NVIDIA’s first AI restaurant partner. This collaboration brings the two powerhouses together to integrate AI into the restaurant and retail industry at an unprecedented scale. Yum! Brands has begun piloting multiple AI solutions in select Taco Bell and Pizza Hut locations …

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Industry Voicesrestaurants

Need a Skilled Workforce?

by Katie Lee

— By George Lessmeister — Navigating staffing trends for 2025. As 2024 wound down and the new year came into view, we asked our managers across the country for their insights about what’s happening in staffing. They were asked similar questions that resulted in some consistent trends. The team also offered input about how retail and restaurant business owners can navigate the sometimes-tricky waters of staffing while continuing to provide high level customer service. While regional variations exist, these are the trends our managers identified most consistently. Budget Consciousness From …

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