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Playa Bowls Enhances Leadership to Support North American Expansion

by Katie Lee

Belmar, N.J. — Playa Bowls, the nation’s leading superfruit and acai bowl brand, is expanding its leadership team with a series of key appointments and promotions as it prepares to grow beyond 400 shops nationwide. Jayson Tipp, formerly chief development officer, has been named chief growth officer, expanding his role to oversee development, technology and digital marketing while leading the brand’s enterprise growth strategy. In his stead, Playa Bowls has appointed Patrick Turek as chief development officer. In this role, Turek will lead franchise development, real estate, design and construction, …

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Wendy’s Appoints New President and CEO

by Katie Lee

Dublin, Ohio — The Wendy’s Company’s board of directors has appointed Robert D. “Bob” Wright as Wendy’s new president and chief executive officer, effective May 21, 2026. Most recently with Potbelly, Wright also joins the Wendy’s board of directors. Prior to his current post, Wright served as president and chief executive officer of Potbelly Corporation. Prior experience includes multiple senior leadership roles at Wendy’s, including as executive vice president, chief operations officer, as well as leadership positions at Charleys Philly Steaks, Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, Inc. and Domino’s Pizza, Inc. “Following …

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Bojangles Installs First EV Charging Station

by Katie Lee

Savannah, Ga. — As electric vehicle (EV) adoption continues to grow nationwide, Bojangles is reimagining the future of the roadside stop, debuting its first EV charging station at 4401 Ogeechee Rd. in Savannah, Ga. The Savannah location marks the first milestone in a larger initiative to bring EV charging infrastructure to Bojangles restaurants across the country. Developed in partnership with XLR8 America, a leader in EV charging and sustainable infrastructure, and Energy and Environmental Design Services, the new hub signals Bojangles’ evolution beyond traditional quick-service dining and positions the brand …

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Wetzel’s Pretzels and Cold Stone Creamery to Open Over 17 Co-Branded Locations in 2026

by Katie Lee

Pasadena, Calif. — Wetzel’s Pretzels is teaming up with Cold Stone Creamery to expand its national footprint through co-branded locations. The brands currently have three co-branded locations in development for May, with plans to open an additional eight units by the end of 2026. This pipeline is on top of several new co-branded locations that opened earlier this year. Recent or upcoming openings include: • Clifton Park, N.Y. • Columbus, Ohio • Alamo Ranch, Texas • Bennington, Neb. • Bronx, N.Y.  • Lewisville, Texas • Burleson, Texas • Mt. Washington, …

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Taco Bueno Launches Drone Delivery in North Texas

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Taco Bueno has brought fresh food delivery to new heights with the launch of drone delivery in partnership with Zipline. As of May 7, residents within 3 miles of the 7400 block of North Beach Street in Watauga, Texas, can order Taco Bueno through the Zipline app and have it delivered directly to their doorstep via drone. “The drone-delivery partnership with Zipline is just one more example of the work we are doing to combine the heritage of Taco Bueno with innovations across products, service, technology and customer …

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Rōti Modern Mediterranean Debuts in London; Expands in Atlanta

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Rōti Modern Mediterranean®, the fast-casual Mediterranean restaurant concept part of Edible Brands®, is expanding into the London market for the first time through three delivery-first kitchens. The brand is also expanding in the Atlanta area with a new delivery-first store opening in Smyrna, Ga. “What makes Rōti work is simple. It’s bold food, real hospitality and shows up the same way every time,” says Matthew Walls, president and chief stores officer of Edible Brands. “Atlanta is about building depth in a market we not only work in, but …

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Jack in the Box Inc. Names Interim CEO

by Katie Lee

San Diego — The board of directors of Jack in the Box Inc. has appointed Mark King as executive chairman and interim chief executive officer, effective immediately. King, a member of the board since November 2025 and its chair since March 2026, succeeds Lance Tucker. Alan Smolinisky, a member of the board since November 2025, has been appointed lead independent director. King previously served as CEO of Taco Bell Corp., where he led franchise operations and enhanced consumer engagement during a period of significant growth. He also served as CEO …

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Black Rock Coffee Bar Names Chief Development Officer

by Katie Lee

Scottsdale, Ariz. — Black Rock Coffee Bar, Inc. has appointed Jon Vingo as chief development officer. In this role, Vingo will oversee Black Rock Coffee Bar’s restaurant development strategy, including real estate and site selection, prototype design and construction. “I’m very pleased to welcome Jon to the Black Rock team. Jon brings extensive experience leading disciplined, multi-market store expansion across a range of brands, and we’re confident his leadership will play an important role as we continue to execute our development strategy and scale the brand,” says Mark Davis, chief …

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Hungry Howie’s Pizza Selects Toast for 500-Location Footprint

by Katie Lee

Boston — Toast, the global technology platform built for restaurants and retail businesses, is bringing its enterprise technology suite to Hungry Howie’s where it will be implemented across the pizza brand’s entire footprint of approximately 500 restaurant locations. Toast’s platform supports high-volume operations while Toast’s Partner Ecosystem — with integration partners like Cartwheel, Stream and others — allow pizza operators to build the ultimate, customized tech stack to keep their pies moving, staff and guests happy and business running smoothly. Hungry Howie’s selected Toast to modernize its technology, attract new …

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Dunkin’ to Open Hundreds of Locations in Canada

by Katie Lee

Montreal — Foodtastic, one of Canada’s leading restaurant operators, has signed a master franchising agreement with Inspire Brands to open hundreds of Dunkin’ locations across Canada. The first Dunkin’ location in Canada is expected to open in late 2026 or early 2027. Foodtastic will manage market development, franchisee recruitment and operations in Canada. Foodtastic will have exclusive rights to develop the Dunkin’ brand nationally through both corporate and franchise-operated locations. This expansion strengthens Foodtastic’s relationship with Inspire Brands and adds a globally recognized coffee and donut concept to its Canadian …

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