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Industry Voicesrestaurantssoftware/technology

Automatic Value

by Katie Lee

— By Les Tomlin — How automated vending machines are churning out QSR solutions. Quick-service restaurants (QSRs) are embracing artificial intelligence platforms to boost productivity, increase security and make operations more user-friendly. On paper, things should be getting easier for restaurant owners; however, in the face of rampant labor shortages, skyrocketing minimum wage laws and exorbitant real estate costs, restaurant owners and managers have an uphill battle to face in getting a new business off the ground. Since the nineteenth century, vending machines have provided an autonomous alternative to full-service …

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Beneficial Buildouts

by Katie Lee

— By David Gabbai — How restaurant tenants can be built to save. Due to challenges like high interest rates and construction costs, the price of owning, building, remodeling and leasing restaurant space has gone through the roof. It can be a difficult time to own and maintain a restaurant business and restaurant space. However, forward-thinking restaurant tenants and retail landlords are finding creative ways to make things work. We are seeing these imaginative solutions play out in lease terms and structures, which can be done in a way that …

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Dunkin’ Celebrates July 4th with 4,000th NextGen Location

by Katie Lee

Canton, Mass. — This Fourth of July, Dunkin’ is celebrating its 4,000th NextGen location now open in Jacksonville, Fla., operated by franchisee Rima & Raj, LLC. This marks a major milestone for the brand as Dunkin’ continues to open and remodel existing locations as innovative NextGen restaurants, offering guests a more modern design with premium beverages, creating an elevated in-restaurant and drive-thru experience. “NextGen is propelling the brand forward and continuing to exceed growth targets,” says Scott Murphy, chief brand officer of Inspire Brands, which acquired Dunkin’ in late 2020. …

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FAT Brands Names EVP and Head of Debt Capital Markets

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. has hired Jordan Chirico as executive vice president and head of debt capital markets. He joins FAT Brands with nearly 20 years of Wall Street experience and will be focused on the company’s balance sheet including its $1.2 billion Whole Business Securitization portfolio, additional acquisition financings, preferred stock and other debt-related strategies. Chirico spent the first half of his career in structured finance at Bank of America, Robert W. Baird and Credit Suisse before pivoting to the asset management side of …

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Perkins Restaurant & Bakery Unveils New Brand Identity

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Perkins Restaurant & Bakery is rebranding as Perkins American Food Co., where modern American hospitality is reimagined to both take you back and move you forward. The humble pancake house from 1958 in the heartland of the Midwest is now a leading family dining brand with nearly 300 locations across the United States and Canada. In addition to its new name, Perkins has a new logo, restaurant design and elevated services. “Our rebrand is way more than a new logo and descriptor,” says Toni Ronayne, president of Perkins …

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Rreal Tacos Founder Returns as Culinary Director

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Adrian Villarreal, the founder of Rreal Tacos, has returned to the company he founded in Atlanta almost a decade ago, according to Rreal Tacos owners Damian Otero and Miguel Hernandez. Villarreal is back now as culinary director, a role he most recently held for Rye Restaurants since selling Rreal Tacos to Otero and Hernandez in 2021. Now, the trio is ready to continue growing the brand throughout metro Atlanta and the Southeast region together. “Adrian has been one of our biggest supporters as we put our vision for …

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Shipley Do-Nuts Hires Design & Construction Project Managers

by Katie Lee

Houston — Shipley Do-Nuts has further built out its development team to include experienced construction project managers to help franchisees through every aspect of design, permitting and construction, including overseeing timelines and conducting site visits to ensure quicker shop openings without costly delays. Ryan Pullin, Shipley’s new director of design, has nearly 15 years’ experience in commercial and retail construction project management, with a focus on cost control. He joined the company after serving as president of Elite 3 Construction. Korelle Dickson, who joined the company as construction project manager, …

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810 Billiards & Bowling to Open First Location in California

by Katie Lee

Corona, Calif. — 810 Billiards & Bowling, an emerging bowling, dining and entertainment franchise, will debut in California with a new development at The Shops at Dos Lagos in Corona, projected to open in spring 2025. “This will be our first location in California, which is a big step, but we’re also excited about our role in making Dos Lagos the entertainment destination for the Corona community. The market in Corona is underserved for safe, high-quality entertainment venues, and we’re excited to be able to provide that,” says Michael Siniscalchi, …

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Layne’s Chicken Fingers Welcomes New Senior Director of Operations and Director of Marketing

by Katie Lee

College Station, Texas — With 16 restaurants open and another 212 awarded, including 91 in the first quarter alone, chicken finger franchise Layne’s Chicken Fingers is building a team to support its rapidly growing system. The team recently welcomed Alex Camp as senior director of operations and Ashley Reynolds as director of marketing. The brand also recently moved into a new office, which accommodates more team members and provides them with the space they need as the brand scales. Layne’s has welcomed several new experts to the family to bolster …

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I Heart Mac & Cheese Makes 2 Key Hires in Operations and Marketing

by Katie Lee

Boca Raton, Fla. — I Heart Mac & Cheese has hired Angelo Freites as vice president of franchise operations and Rafael Romero as director of marketing. Freites has 40 years of experience in the franchise industry, previously as a franchisee of Wendy’s and Checkers. Romero joins the company from YUM! International (KFC) and Wendy’s International as brand strategist and marketing director across Latin America and the Caribbean. “I am so pleased to have such top industry veterans as Angelo Freites and Rafael Romero join the I Heart team,” says Steve …

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