Seattle — Starbucks Corporation has made several leadership promotions to advance the company’s strategic business goals and position Starbucks on a clear growth path for the future. The company promoted John Culver as group president, North America and chief operating officer; Michael Conway to group president, international and channel development; and Michelle Burns to executive vice president, Global Coffee, Tea and Cocoa. These changes are effective as of June 28, 2021. “As we plan for the 2022 fiscal year and beyond, Starbucks is fortunate to have a deep, talented and …
restaurants
Las Vegas — Dina Mitchell, one of the driving forces behind Tropical Smoothie Cafe, which grew to over 900 stores nationwide, will debut a new quick-service restaurant project: PowerSoul Cafe. The chain is set to be the world’s first 100% gluten-free fast-food restaurant chain, offering both vegan and keto options, no GMOs and real fruit blended smoothies. Nevada has been selected as the launching pad for the new venture that projects 159 stores and thousands of jobs nationwide over the next decade. The first location is scheduled to open in …
Las Vegas — Capriotti’s, known for its award-winning cheese steaks and hand-crafted subs, is celebrating 45 years this month. Recently, the brand introduced virtual restaurants, opened its first ghost kitchens and partnered with Reef Kitchens to open shops in Baltimore, Chicago, Atlanta, Washington D.C., and New York City. “It is hard to believe that our brand is turning 45 this year. We truly don’t feel a day over 30,” says Ashley Morris, CEO of Capriotti’s. “All kidding aside, Capriotti’s is an iconic brand and our are roots deep in the …
Huntsville, Ala. — Slim Chickens, a leading fast-casual franchise in the “better chicken” segment, has inked a deal to bring nine locations to cities throughout Alabama. Legends Development, LLC will be bringing the restaurants to Huntsville, Marshall, Etowah, Auburn, Montgomery, Mobile and Talladega. Slim Chickens first opened in 2003 in Fayetteville, Ark. Today, there are more than 125 Slim Chickens locations open and 500 restaurants in development. The brand recently launched a strategic multi-unit franchise growth initiative to reach 600 units in 10 years. For more information, visit www.slimchickensfranchise.com. …
Franklin, Tenn. — CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. (CKE), parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, has appointed Matthew Walls as the company’s first chief global development officer. In this new role, Walls will be responsible for creating a Global Development Center of Excellence to increase the footprint of both brands domestically and internationally. He joins the company from Domino’s. “Walls, as he is known in our industry, is experienced in delivering progressive business development strategies, innovative designs and solid partnerships with franchisees,” say CEO Ned Lyerly. “His global experience, strategic …
Charlotte, N.C. — Clean Juice®, a USDA-certified organic juice bar franchise, has relocated its flagship store to Birkdale Landing in Huntersville, N.C. The move coincides with the sixth anniversary of the opening of the first Clean Juice store at Birkdale Village. The new Birkdale Landing location will officially open at the end of June. “It’s hard to fathom that it’s been 6 years since we first started our journey with Clean Juice and how we’ve grown as an award-winning brand with more than 100 open locations nationwide,” says Landon Eckles, …
Greenbelt, Md. — The board of directors of ZIPS Dry Cleaners® has appointed Bob Barry as president/CEO of the network of dry-cleaning stores, effective immediately. He succeeds Drew Ritger, who held the role for the past 3.5 years and has accepted a position with a Midwestern chain of gourmet coffee restaurants. Barry has been a member of the ZIPS board of directors for the past 8 years and he will retain that position. He spent 12 years as president/CEO of The Greene Turtle Sports Bar & Grille, growing that chain …
Wichita, Kan. — Leading fast-casual restaurant concept Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has broken ground on a new site set to host the brand’s newest restaurant prototype. Located in Salina, Kan., this prototype marks a new chapter for the brand’s design evolution as this option is its first model without a dining room, hosting a double drive-thru and a walk-up ordering station. With more than a dozen restaurants set to open in the first half of 2021, Freddy’s is poised to continue making significant development growth in the coming months …
Broomfield, Colo. — TCBY, the world’s original frozen yogurt brand, is celebrating its 40th anniversary with the brand continuing to expand rapidly and thrive as communities reopen amid the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine. TCBY opened 12 new U.S. locations in the past year and six additional locations are set to open in the coming months. This summer, TCBY will open a new drive-thru in St. Augustine, Fla.; a new self-serve store in Bayonne, N.J., focused on catering with a late-night walk-up window; and a counter-service store in Navarre, Fla., …
Chicago — First Watch, the award-winning brunch restaurant that made its Chicagoland debut in Oak Brook in March, continues to expand into the region with the opening of a new restaurant in the suburb of Kildeer on June 7. The new 5,605-square-foot standalone restaurant is located in the Shops at Kildeer. The brunch spot offers a unique indoor/outdoor dining space and cocktail bar, where it will serve fresh breakfast, brunch and lunch 7 days a week. “Since opening our doors in Oak Brook a few short months ago, the Chicagoland …