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Wendy’s and REEF to Develop 700 Delivery Kitchens by 2025

by Katie Lee

Dublin, Ohio and Miami — The Wendy’s Company and REEF, the largest operator of mobility, logistics hubs and kitchens, have formed a new development commitment to open and operate 700 delivery kitchens over the next 5 years across the U.S., Canada and the United Kingdom. The commitment builds upon the successful test of eight delivery kitchens in Canada beginning in late 2020. Through this commitment, REEF will become the first Wendy’s® franchisee in the United Kingdom. Wendy’s and REEF expect to open approximately 50 delivery kitchens in 2021, with the …

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German Doner Kebab Begins U.S. Expansion at American Dream in New Jersey

by Katie Lee

East Rutherford, N.J. — German Doner Kebab (GDK), the global fast-casual restaurant chain revolutionizing the kebab, is set to open its first restaurant in the United States at American Dream, an entertainment/retail center in Bergen County, N.J. The new location will open in August. “The U.S. offers a huge opportunity for GDK, and we are excited to be opening our first U.S. restaurant at American Dream,” says Nigel Belton, managing director of German Doner Kebab North America. “German Doner Kebab is exciting consumers across Europe and Canada, offering a fast-casual …

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Wagamama to Open 1st Restaurant in Georgia and 7th in the U.S.

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — The Allen Morris Company, one of the largest diversified real estate firms in the Southeast, and SRS Real Estate Partners are bringing Wagamama, a renowned restaurant brand featuring fresh, Asian-inspired dishes served in a vibrant, social setting, to the newly-built Star Metals District in West Midtown Atlanta. This will be the company’s first location in Georgia and seventh location in the U.S. Wagamama first opened in London in 1992 and quickly expanded to over 200 locations in 27 countries. Wagamama takes its inspiration from the best flavors of …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

KFC Expands Urban Footprint with New Inline Design

by Katie Lee

Louisville, Ky. — Through 2022, KFC will accelerate development in more urban, metropolitan areas in an effort to serve a younger and more diverse customer. Traditionally a brand known for its suburban footprint, KFC will aggressively enter more densely populated areas, where the real estate doesn’t allow for a traditional drive-thru model, with its urban inline design. Following positive second quarter earnings results, KFC U.S. opened 19 new restaurant locations, resulting in a plus three net-new unit growth year-to-date for the first time since 2004. KFC will continue its aggressive …

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Krystal Names Vice President, Information Technology

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Krystal Restaurants LLC, the original quick-service restaurant chain in the South, recently named Steve Patel its new vice president of information technology. Patel will lead information technology for the brand and its nearly 300 restaurants. He is a seasoned IT professional with more than 22 years of experience. “Steve’s extensive experience and proven results in IT paired with his innovative and strategic mindset makes him a valuable asset for our organization as we look to expand our brand with systems that will improve services and processes for our …

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Industry Voicesrestaurantssoftware/technology

Counter Attack

by Katie Lee

— By Ara Aslanian — How to reopen your restaurant free of cyber concerns.   Despite an apocalyptic prediction last year, only 14% of restaurants closed permanently during the pandemic. After a dark winter of to-go-only orders or limited capacity, restaurants are finally seeing the light and preparing for the coming summertime boom as the dining restrictions lift across the country. However, while restaurants are rushing back to full operation, many are doing so without running a thorough IT upgrade and cybersecurity check. The pandemic has seen a surge in …

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Emerging Franchise Happy Joe’s Prepares for Expansion with Redesign by Harrison

by Katie Lee

Bettendorf, Iowa — Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream has partnered with global design consultant firm Harrison to utilize its award-winning strategic branding, interior design and architectural expertise to create a new image and brand design for the family-centric concept, in preparation for expansion. Through its strategic storytelling approach, Harrison is tasked to create a look and feel that connects Happy Joe’s nostalgic 49-year-long past with elements of today’s dining and “eatertainment” venues. With plans to expand across the U.S. and beyond, Harrison will also keep growth top-of-mind in order …

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Church’s Chicken to be Acquired by Owners of Quiznos and Taco Del Mar

by Katie Lee

San Diego — High Bluff Capital Partners, supported by various alternative investment funds managed by FS Investments, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Church’s Chicken®, one of the world’s largest quick-service chicken restaurant chains, from FFL Partners. Subject to customary closing conditions, the transaction is expected to be completed during third quarter 2021. Based in Atlanta and founded in 1952, Church’s® has more than 1,500 locations in 26 countries and international territories. Demonstrating considerable resiliency in the face of a devastating global pandemic, the brand in 2020 leveraged …

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Topgolf Expands & Strengthens Executive Leadership Team

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Global sports and entertainment leader Topgolf Entertainment Group has named Genifer (Gen) Gray as the chief operating officer of U.S. venues; Geoff Cottrill will join the company as chief marketing officer; and Kristi Maynor will join as chief people officer. The three leaders bring a wealth of experience in building consumer-facing brands and will report to Artie Starrs, who came to Topgolf as chief executive officer earlier this year and continues to scale the company’s leadership team to match its rapid expansion. “The addition of Gen, Geoff and …

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Chicken Salad Chick to Open 200th Location in Georgia

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Chicken Salad Chick, the nation’s only Southern-inspired, fast-casual chicken salad restaurant concept, will open its 200th location in LaGrange, Ga., on August 11. The milestone follows a robust pipeline of development, with Chicken Salad Chick already welcoming over 20 new locations in the first half of 2021 alone. Under the leadership of CEO Scott Deviney, the brand has doubled its footprint in just 3 years. Located at 1509 Lafayette Pkwy and featuring a drive-thru, the LaGrange restaurant will celebrate its grand opening on August 11 by offering free …

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