restaurants

Pokemoto Opens First Mississippi Location

by Katie Lee August 29, 2022

Burleson, Texas — Pokemoto, Muscle Maker, Inc.’s expanding Hawaiian poke bowl restaurant concept, has opende its first Mississippi franchise location in Oxford, Miss. The opening marks the first of three previously inked franchise deals in the Mississippi market. Being near “Ole Miss” provides exposure to Pokemoto’s core targeted audience: Millennials and Gen Zs. The location features Pokemoto’s brand new interior graphic design package, signage and menu items. “We are very excited to be opening our first Pokemoto location in Mississippi, especially in Oxford — the home of the University of …

August 29, 2022

franchise development News restaurants

WaBa Grill Signs 20-Unit Development Deal for Northern California

by Katie Lee August 26, 2022

Anaheim Hills, Calif. — WaBa Grill, one of the nation’s leading healthy rice bowl chains, has signed a 20-unit Northern California development deal during its second quarter. Following an impressive first quarter, second quarter same store sales (SSS) rose to $43.7 million — up 2.2% from the previous year. Second quarter total system sales (TSS) reached $45.1 million — an increase of 4.3% compared to the same prior-year period. WaBa Grill is tracking toward a third-consecutive year of record growth. “The record-breaking success WaBa Grill experienced last year was phenomenal, …

August 26, 2022

News restaurants

French-Mediterranean Restaurant, LouLou, Opens in Santa Monica

by Katie Lee August 24, 2022

Santa Monica, Calif. — Husband-and-wife duo Erik and Florence Chol recently opened an upscale French-Mediterranean concept, LouLou, within the outdoor Santa Monica Place shopping center in the beachside town of Santa Monica, Calif. The new restaurant and lounge, which captivates all five senses, offers an intimate atmosphere featuring eye-catching greenery, candlelit trees and earthy joinery design components where guests can enjoy a European-like dining experience — being directly transported to the Riviera. LouLou guests truly experience the joie de vivre through indulging in dishes prepared with organic and local ingredients, …

August 24, 2022

News people restaurants software/technology

Mongolian Concepts Adds New VP of Technology to Executive Team

by Katie Lee August 24, 2022

Irving, Texas — Mongolian Concepts, the management group behind three fresh bowl brands — Genghis Grill, Flat Top Grill and BD’s Mongolian Grill — has hired Jason Levinson as vice president of technology. He will leverage the latest in technology to enhance the brand’s digital strategy and drive growth across all three brands. “Jason brings a multi-faceted approach to technology and digital innovation and his experience and expertise will help expand our brand’s potential,” says Gregg Majewski, CEO of Mongolian Concepts. “His knowledge in the restaurant industry gives him the …

August 24, 2022

franchise development News restaurants

Juice It Up! Reinvigorates Franchise Growth

by Katie Lee August 23, 2022

Newport Beach, Calif. — Juice It Up! has reinvigorated franchise growth in 2022, ending the first half of the year with 84 locations in various markets, having opened five new locations since the beginning of 2022. The brand remains committed to doubling its unit count to approximately 200 locations in the next 4 years and currently has more than 30 new locations in the pipeline for development. Juice It Up! recently signed four new franchise agreements, including a multi-unit deal in Bakersfield, Calif., that accounts for a total of six …

August 23, 2022

kitchen equipment News restaurants vendors

IBEX Names Business Development Manager

by Katie Lee August 18, 2022

Glenview, Ill. — IBEX, an ITW Food Equipment Group brand, has recently named Lisa Tyler as business development manager. She has more than 20 years of foodservice experience. In this new role, Tyler will be responsible for strategy, implementation and management of all business development activities for IBEX. She will develop new relationships with prospective customers and seek out existing customers who could benefit from using the first of its kind rapid-cook oven. She will develop product mix, programs and services to increase sales volumes. “As IBEX becomes more well-known, …

August 18, 2022

franchise development News restaurants

Jack in the Box Offers Multi-Unit Incentive Program for Franchisees

by Katie Lee August 18, 2022

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, …

August 18, 2022

News people restaurants

Carrabba’s Italian Grill Promotes Pat Hafner to President

by Katie Lee August 17, 2022

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,” …

August 17, 2022

franchise development News restaurants

The Dolly Llama to Open First Florida Location

by Katie Lee August 16, 2022

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, …

August 16, 2022

News people restaurants

Panera Brands Appoints New Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee August 15, 2022

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 …

August 15, 2022

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