restaurants

San Diego — As part of its aggressive franchise growth strategy, Jack in the Box Inc. is sharing an incentive program with multi-unit franchisees that offers significant financial benefits to those who enter into a minimum 3-unit development agreement. “We have a clear vision for growth, and offering this industry-leading incentive to new and existing franchisees moves Jack in the Box to the top of the list for QSR opportunities,” says Tim Linderman, chief development officer of Jack in the Box. “The more we’re able to support our multi-unit operators, …

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Tampa, Fla. — Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. has promoted Pat Hafner to president of Carrabba’s Italian Grill. He will be responsible for leading the operations and development for approximately 220 Carrabba’s restaurants across the United States. Hafner started his career with the company in 1996 and spent 21 years with Outback Steakhouse before moving to Carrabba’s Italian Grill to serve as vice president of operations. “Pat’s commitment to growth and development not only propelled his own career, but the success of the Carrabba’s brand and its expansion of off-premises, including catering,” …

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Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla. — The Dolly Llama, the L.A.-based waffle and artisanal ice cream sensation, plans to open in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla., as part of the concept’s current 40-store national expansion plan. Projected to open within the next month, this location marks The Dolly Llama’s entry into the Sunshine State. The shop will be located within the Tournament Plaza. “Our family is originally from Los Angeles and learned about the Dolly Llama through our son, who happened to be in school with the co-founder’s daughter,” says Josh Popkin, …

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St. Louis — Panera Brands Inc., whose brands include Panera Bread, Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Brands, has appointed Konrad Meyer as chief financial officer, effective August 22, 2022. Meyer joins Panera Brands from JAB, where he has been a partner helping to source and oversee its investments, including its fast-casual restaurant portfolio. He brings significant experience in the industry, including previously serving as interim CFO of Pret a Manger. Ted Stedem, current Panera Brands CFO, is stepping down from his role to pursue other interests after supporting the company …

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Los Angeles — On August 9, sweetgreen, the mission-driven restaurant brand serving healthy food at scale, opened its first Michigan location in the metropolitan Detroit suburb of Birmingham. The new restaurant, which is the 170th for the brand, is located at 167 North Old Woodward Ave. The Birmingham opening will be followed by two additional Michigan restaurants — in Ann Arbor on the University of Michigan campus, and in Troy, both slated to open this fall. “When we began to explore our expansion into the Midwest, we took notice of …

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St. Louis — Interface Systems, a leading managed service provider delivering business security, managed network, UCaaS and business intelligence solutions to distributed enterprises, has teamed up with WKS Restaurant Group, one of the fastest growing multi-brand restaurant franchisees in the U.S. WKS is deploying Interface’s Virtual Guard interactive remote video monitoring solutions across its major restaurant brands including El Pollo Loco, Wendy’s, Denny’s, Krispy Kreme Doughnuts and Blaze Pizza. By implementing virtual guard services, WKS will offer better security for its employees and customers while reducing the cost of securing …

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Seattle — Starbucks Corporation, in partnership with Volvo Cars, has named the first Starbucks stores where new electric vehicle (EV) chargers, powered by ChargePoint Holdings, Inc., will be available to customers and members of the public — part of the company’s commitment to a sustainable future. Four charging stations have been installed at the first Starbucks location in Provo, Utah, and additional places to charge will be positioned along a 1,350-mile route that winds through national forests and major community hubs from the Colorado Rockies to Starbucks’ headquarters in Seattle. …

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San Diego — Jack in the Box Inc. has promoted Del Taco’s chief operating officer, Chad Gretzema, to Del Taco brand president. He replaces John Cappasola, who has stepped down from his role as Del Taco president & chief executive officer. “Chad has been an instrumental part of the executive team at Del Taco that has compiled an impressive 8 consecutive years of positive franchise same-store sales,” says Darin Harris, CEO of Jack in the Box. “He has been a champion for Del Taco operators, franchisees and guests as the …

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Louisville, Ky. — Yum! Brands, Inc. has named Allyson Park to the role of Yum! Brands’ chief corporate affairs officer, effective August 15, 2022. An accomplished corporate affairs leader with more than 25 years of strategic communications and government relations experience, Park will join the company’s global leadership team, and report to Yum! Brands’ chief operating officer and chief people officer, Tracy Skeans. “Allyson’s proven record serving some of the world’s most recognizable brands makes her an ideal fit for the role, and she brings a wealth of expertise about …

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Atlanta — Church’s Texas Chicken™ and Texas Chicken™, one of the largest quick-service chicken restaurant chains in the world, has named industry veteran Joe Guith as the brand’s new CEO, effective August 1, 2022. As Church’s Texas Chicken looks to accelerate a new phase of growth, Guith brings extensive experience in the consumer and restaurant businesses as well as deep expertise working in a highly franchised organization. “I’m impressed with this brand’s resiliency and its ability to navigate a challenging environment over the past few years. With a strong base …

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