Portland, Ore. — Killer Burger, a growing better burger concept, has strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Matt Distler as head of operations, effective immediately. In this role, Distler will spearhead the company’s strategic operations and oversee the operations team as they continue to focus on delivering the best possible experience to Killer Burger’s guests. Distler joins Killer Burger with more than 20 years of experience in growing best-in-class teams and a strong understanding of how to enhance successful brands through developing and empowering engaged teams and individuals. …
restaurants
Annapolis, Md. — Fort Worth, Texas-based Trademark Property Company, a mixed-use investor, developer and operator, has completed the initial renovation of Annapolis Town Center, a combined 2 million-square-foot mixed-use property located near the intersection of John Hanson Highway and West Street. These enhancements — such as additional green and community spaces — have driven leasing momentum, leading to 122,000 square feet of new leases with a mixture of retail, food and beverage, and fitness tenants. “One of our guiding principles is to have vision and see beyond, and that is …
Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Buffalo’s Express and 14 other restaurant concepts, has inked a new development deal to open 80 new franchised locations in Texas. In partnership with Brame Holdings LLC, 40 Round Table Pizza restaurants and 40 co-branded Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express locations will open over the next 10 years with the first units slated to open in 2023. “Texas is a priority growth market for Round Table Pizza and Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express as the concepts …
Riverside, Calif. — Farmer Boys®, a Southern California-based fast-casual restaurant chain, has promoted Joseph Ortiz to president and chief operating officer. Most recently, he served as vice president of finance & accounting for the company and replaces Dave Wetzel, former president and COO, who is retiring after 37 years in the restaurant industry. Ortiz has served as vice president of finance & accounting of Farmer Boys since July 2020. In this role, he was responsible for leading the finance and accounting teams, overseeing the information technology team, creating new strategies …
Lansing, Mich. — BIGGBY® COFFEE is well on its way to its 2028 goal: 1,000 units open. There are currently 316 open locations, with an additional 153 in development. “We have had a strong year of openings because of the momentum we built from 2020 and into 2021. Despite the issues most have been facing with inflation, labor shortages, real estate challenges and supply chain impact, we have not been slowing down on our growth,” says Tony DiPietro, vice president of emerging market development at BIGGBY® COFFEE. This year alone, …
Nashville, Tenn. — Restaurant Growth Services, LLC has hired Kara Jacobs as its new chief financial officer. She will also serve as CFO for the O’Charley’s and Ninety Nine restaurant brands. As CFO, Jacobs will be responsible for all financial and technology-related support services for the restaurant brands that are majority owned by Cannae Holdings, Inc. She joins the company from Cracker Barrel. “Kara’s professional experience and capabilities align completely with our commitment to the highest standards for financial reporting, internal controls and effective support of our restaurant operations,” says …
Denver — Teriyaki Madness, the Seattle-style Teriyaki shop franchise, has opened 13 new shops in third quarter of 2022 alone, with 11 more scheduled to open by the end of the year. In addition to welcoming new franchise partners, Teriyaki Madness broke into several markets this quarter, including Missouri and Louisiana. Altogether, the brand has welcomed 32 new franchisees to the system for a total of 102 Teriyaki shops. “The franchise development momentum we are seeing this year is the fastest we’ve ever seen, which is really a testament to …
Oklahoma City — Tropical Smoothie Cafe®, a leading fast-casual restaurant brand, has opened a double drive-thru location in Oklahoma City, the first of its kind for the brand. Franchisee Rohit Patel is opening the uniquely designed location, which features two drive-thru lanes, one standard and the other designated for online, third party and curbside ordering pickup. The new location marks Patel’s 14th cafe. “Opening new locations is always something we look forward to, and there is an extra level of excitement when a new cafe model opens for the first …
Seattle — Starbucks Coffee Company plans to open a new Starbucks Reserve location spanning 23,000 square feet and three floors at the iconic Empire State Building in New York City. Starbucks Reserve® Empire State Building®, to open on Nov. 16, will be a one-of-a-kind destination that celebrates connecting over coffee through innovative coffee house experiences. The store will showcase the imagination of Starbucks with new and classic beverages crafted with Starbucks Reserve® coffee, immersive and imaginative hands-on workshops and tasting flights, and an extensive menu of Princi® shareable plates and …
Denver — Nextbite, a leader in virtual restaurants, has added Kat Cole, a 25-year restaurant industry executive and former president and chief operating officer (COO) of Focus Brands, as advisor. Cole will guide Nextbite with her experience in building high-growth strategies, support the advancement of healthy brands in the portfolio and streamline operations. Cole is currently president and COO of Athletic Greens, one of the fastest growing wellness brands and subscription businesses, where she focuses on driving organizational scale, accelerating business growth and global expansion, innovation and more. Prior to …