Charlotte, N.C. — Bojangles, one of the nation’s leading franchises famous for its chicken, biscuits and tea, has achieved significant growth in the first quarter of 2022, signing agreements to add 46 new units to its growing pipeline. The development includes significant expansion in Texas, growth in Virginia Beach and a multi-unit development agreement to bring Bojangles to Northern New Jersey. Additionally, Bojangles executed a trio of multi-unit agreements that will bring restaurants to Northeast Ohio; Baltimore, Md.; and Washington, D.C. “Our team is proud of what we’ve been able …
restaurants
Wichita, Kan.— In first quarter 2022, Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has signed six new multi-unit agreements that will bring a total of 64 new Freddy’s locations to new and existing markets. Most notably, existing Freddy’s franchisees of more than a decade, M&M Custard, inked an agreement to expand the brand’s growing footprint in Chicago with a commitment to develop 13 locations. Additionally, Freddy’s opened 11 new locations nationwide in first quarter and is on track to open over 50 locations throughout 2022. “As we celebrate the 1-year anniversary of …
Los Angeles and Denver — Nextbite, a leader in virtual restaurants, has hired Dominic Calcagno, a supply chain leader experienced in national QSR foodservice supply chain management, as director of supply chain. Calcagno will lead Nextbite’s supply chain team focusing on driving operational excellence, introducing new capabilities, controlling costs and building its supply chain partnerships. Prior to Nextbite, he held leadership positions at HAVI, a supply chain services company, where he managed various aspects of the supply chain for McDonald’s North America. During this time, he led source & spend …
— Interview with Jeff Crivello — Famous Dave’s expands its first line-service model and even adds a drive-thru as it grows through ghost kitchens, virtual brands, dual concepts, and strategic acquisitions of complementary brands. Nearly 30 years after the first Famous Dave’s opened in Hayward, Wisconsin, BBQ Holdings, Inc. continues to innovate and invigorate. Testing new prototype designs — including its first drive-thru model — and acquiring complementary brands are just two of the ways in which Famous Dave’s propels its impressive growth trajectory. In mid-March, Retail & Restaurant …
Coral Gables, Fla. — Fogo de Chão has unveiled a new high-profile restaurant in Coral Gables, Fla. Located at 2801 Ponce de Leon Blvd., the new, two-story flagship features an expansive, 280-seat dining room and open-air churrasco bar. The design by Harrison also features The Butchery, a grab-and-go market that celebrates the art of churrasco, and Next Level lounge, an exclusive lounge located on the mezzanine level. “What started in the foothills of Brazil over 40 years ago has now grown to become so much more than just a steakhouse, …
Charlotte, N.C. — Bojangles has named senior restaurant executive David Whitaker as its new chief operating officer. He will join Bojangles on May 2, succeeding Brian Unger, who is retiring after 3 years at Bojangles and a career in the restaurant business that spans four decades. “I can’t say enough about Brian’s contributions to Bojangles,” says Jose Armario, CEO of the Southern food chain known for its chicken, biscuits and legendary tea. “He represents the very best in our industry and has helped our company navigate the past few years …
— By Aliyah Kaye Crawley — How is inflation affecting the restaurant industry? Inflation impacts everyday decisions in restaurants: how they price their food, what type of service they provide, which menu items they can afford to serve, etc. The fiscal conservatism that comes with inflation can also negatively impact a restaurant’s overall brand image, if marketing and maintenance are allowed to slide. This was discussed in Retail & Restaurant Facility Business’ February 2021 article titled “Maintain Your Brand,” written by Trip Jobe of the strategic marketing …
Columbus, Ohio — Sunny Street Café, the Columbus-based breakfast and lunch restaurant chain, reported double-digit growth in 2021 — despite the pandemic — and is debuting an energetic new design that provides an even brighter spot for guests to dine, with enhancements to the concept’s interior and exterior dining. The reworked layout comes equipped with a designated to-go area featuring built-in shelving for organizing delivery and third-party pickup, allowing for less disruption to the dine-in experience. In addition, the service area now showcases the café’s expanded beverage program, which includes …
Atlanta — Church’s Chicken™, one of the largest quick-service chicken restaurant chains in the world, has hired a franchise industry veteran, Frank Costello, for the position of vice president of U.S. franchise development. Costello joins the brand with years of impressive leadership and advisory experience, including being a former multi-brand franchisee, and will support the brand’s expansion goals as it seeks to become the global franchisor of choice. Most recently, he was senior director of franchise development for TBC Corp., owned by Michelin/Sumitomo Tire. “I’m honored and excited to join …
Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. has opened Fatburger’s first theme park location at Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson, N.J. The restaurant marks the second Fatburger in the state. “We have been exploring opportunities to make this growth move for some time and are pleased that we are able to make our foray into this space with such a strong partner as Six Flags,” says Jake Berchtold, chief operating officer of FAT Brands’ fast casual division. The first Fatburger opened in Los Angeles 70 years ago, …