Manasquan, N.J. — Jersey Mike’s Subs held a 12-store opening celebration to mark the company’s 3,000th location on Dec. 18. In 2024 alone, Jersey Mike’s will have opened a record-breaking 322 locations. “Congratulations to all our owners and teams for all they have accomplished with their commitment and hard work,” says Peter Cancro, founder and CEO, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, Inc. “Reaching 3,000 stores is a celebration of all who have helped build Jersey Mike’s into a brand that resonates on a national level due to our powerful giving culture.” …
restaurants
— Interview with Flynn Dekker — With a fresh new development team in place, Shipley Do-Nuts leans into growing digital sales and new product innovation as it enters new states and markets. Shipley Do-Nuts has been a sweet, savory mainstay for many generations, first opening in 1936 and now operating more than 360 units in 12 states — and growing. This year, the Houston-based brand added significant new members to its executive team, as well as more than 100 units to its development pipeline. To support this dynamic growth, Shipley …
Detroit — Savvy Sliders, America’s fastest growing slider brand, has acquired Florida-based BurgerFi, a chef-driven, fast-casual chain. Each of BurgerFi’s 85 restaurants, located in 15 states and counting, will continue to operate as BurgerFi. With this acquisition, BurgerFi will be a sister brand to Savvy Sliders, Happy’s Pizza and Fat Boy’s Pizza, bringing the company’s combined portfolio to 206 stores. “BurgerFi shares our commitment to using the highest-quality, freshest ingredients in each menu item while prioritizing the customer’s dining experience,” says Happy Asker, CEO/founder of Savvy Sliders. “We are pleased …
Los Angeles — ChowNow, a leader in online ordering and delivery for local restaurants, has appointed Kanika Soni as its new chief executive officer. Soni brings over 20 years of experience in the consumer tech sector with a proven track record of driving growth and innovation. As the new CEO, Soni will be responsible for developing and executing strategic initiatives to accelerate growth for ChowNow in this rapidly-changing market for online restaurant delivery platforms while ensuring exceptional customer satisfaction for restaurants and diners alike. Most recently, Soni served as chief …
Atlanta — With a commitment to bringing the authentic taste of New Orleans to coffee enthusiasts nationwide, PJ’s Coffee is paving the way in the Atlanta metropolitan area with 12 locations in development to open in the next 7 years. “Our expansion into Atlanta represents a game-changing opportunity to share PJ’s unique flavors with a vibrant community that values Southern hospitality and exceptional coffee,” says Lory Schwartz, franchise development manager of PJ’s Coffee. “The city’s dynamic economy, strong coffee culture and affinity for innovation make it the perfect place for …
Lake Worth, Fla. — The Florida-based, family-owned restaurant group, Duffy’s Sports Grill, has promoted Joe Webb to chief executive officer. Having served as president for the past 5 years, Webb has played a pivotal role in the brand’s continued success and commitment to excellence. “We are extremely proud of our legacy and being part of the fabric of our Florida communities,” says Geri Emmett, part of the company’s ownership group. “With Joe at the helm, we are confident that Duffy’s Sports Grill will continue to be a leader in food, …
Roswell, Ga. — Voodoo Brewing Co. continues its rapid growth with the grand opening of its newest location in Roswell, Ga. This marks the 24th Voodoo Brewing Co. brewpub and the brand’s first entry into the Georgia market, opening Dec. 14 on Mansell Road in Roswell. “This is just the next step in our growth plans,” says Matteo Rachocki, CEO of Voodoo Brewing Co. “We are pumped to be expanding in Georgia.” As it continues to take hold of its place in the $115 billion U.S. beer market, Voodoo Brewing …
Elsmere, Ky. — Chick-fil-A Supply, a wholly owned subsidiary of Chick-fil-A Inc. that handles the restaurant chain’s logistics and warehousing, has announced plans for a new, $100 million distribution facility in Elsmere, roughly 10 miles outside Cincinnati in Northern Kentucky. Upon completion, the 270,000-square-foot development will be situated on a 28-acre site within 10 miles of Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. Construction of the facility is currently underway, with the distribution center expected to be operational in 2026. According to a press release issued by the office of Kentucky Gov. Andy …
Atlanta — Handel’s Ice Cream, serving handmade ice cream since 1945, is marking a monumental milestone: its 150th location, which is opening on Dec. 12 at Buckhead Landing in Atlanta. “Handel’s continues to attract significant interest as one of the fastest growing concepts in the United States,” says Jennifer Schuler, chief executive officer for Handel’s Ice Cream. “With the Buckhead Landing opening, we mark our 150th scoop shop, laying the foundation for continued brand expansion in 2025.” Adds Schuler: “Building on the success of our recent Midtown Atlanta opening, the …
St. Petersburg, Fla. — Barberitos, a fast-casual burrito brand and member of the better-for-you dining platform WOWorks, is signing a 10-unit franchise agreement that will introduce the brand to multiple locations across Alabama. This expansion follows the recent unveiling of Barberitos’ reimagined look and enhanced menu. The first two Barberitos locations are currently under construction in Wetumpka and Prattville, Ala., with an anticipated opening by March. This rollout will mark the beginning of a broader expansion across the state, with plans for at least four additional stores in 2025. Additionally, …