Charlotte, N.C. — Bojangles, known for its iconic Southern food, has promoted Nick Swanson as the new vice president of business insights and analytics. In addition to experience with Bojangles, Swanson has a wealth of knowledge in leveraging consumer insights and data-driven decision-making to foster growth among notable brands in retail and consumer packaged goods. Since joining Bojangles in 2019, Swanson has been instrumental in fostering a strong data-driven culture within the company. His efforts have accelerated growth in both existing and new markets by closely partnering with marketing, operations, …
restaurants
— By Frank Mataipule and Megan Freckelton — Elevated, upscale dining experiences are moving to more suburban markets. In the past couple years, the restaurant sector has seen a strong movement in bringing what was once an urban, downtown experience into a more suburban market. As designers focused on restaurants and hospitality, our strategies have also shifted. Whereas we once focused primarily on urban, downtown concepts, we are now working with several restaurant groups looking to move their work into suburban locations as these sites create more revenue, have added …
Dallas — Nothing Bundt Cakes, famous for its handcrafted Bundt Cakes, Bundtlets and Bundtinis®, is celebrating the opening of its 600th bakery, located in Tampa, Fla., as the brand continues its strategic expansion. The brand has ambitious plans to open its 1,000th location by 2027. The Dallas-based company has grown into the nation’s largest specialty cake company, with locations throughout more than 40 states and Canada. Nothing Bundt Cakes opened 84 bakeries in 2023. Its 600th bakery is the 41st new location so far in 2024. The brand is on …
Dallas — Galleria Dallas, a 1.9 million-square-foot shopping center managed by Trademark Property Group, will have a new anchor in fall 2025: a hotly anticipated entertainment venue called Netflix House. This will be the first Netflix House in Texas, and only one of two to be announced in the United States. Netflix House will be a permanent experiential venue featuring Netflix stories and characters beyond the screen year-round. Netflix House will offer regularly updated immersive experiences, Netflix related retail merchandise and unique, Netflix-inspired food and drink offerings. “Welcoming Netflix House …
Franklin, Tenn. — CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. (CKE), parent company of Carl’s Jr.® and Hardee’s®, has appointed Justin Falciola as chief technology & growth officer for both brands. He joins CKE from Papa Johns. In this new role, Falciola will align business goals with information technology, digital strategy and operations, as well as guide the implementation of new technologies and support the digital evolution of loyalty, first-party and third-party digital channels. “We are excited to welcome Justin to the organization,” says Max Wetzel, CEO of CKE. “As technology continues to …
New York City — Shake Shack Inc. has appointed Stephanie Sentell to the role of chief operations officer, effective July 1, 2024. She is a seasoned restaurant executive and most recently served as senior vice president of company operations at Inspire Brands, where she oversaw the operations of more than 1,100 company-owned Arby’s restaurants across the United States. “I have known Stephanie for more than 10 years and she is one of the most dynamic and compassionate leaders that I have ever worked with,” says Rob Lynch, CEO of Shake …
Checklist for 2024 Hurricane Preparation
People and businesses across the United States are bracing for what could be the most active hurricane season on record. Forecasts predict that the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season alone is predicted to have five major hurricanes — those of Category 3 or greater, with sustained winds of at least 111 miles per hour. Compare this to 2023, when there were only three major hurricanes in the United States. The potential for storm damage to homes and businesses is greater in 2024’s especially active hurricane season. “While the development of technology …
Culver City, Calif., and Austin, Texas — Sony Pictures Entertainment has acquired theater chain Alamo Drafthouse Cinema from Altamont Capital Partners, Fortress Investment Group and founder Tim League for an undisclosed price. Alamo Drafthouse was founded in 1997 in Austin, Texas, and has grown from a single mom-and-pop location to 35 cinemas across 25 metropolitan areas. The company is the seventh-largest theater chain in North America and was one of the pioneers of the in-theater elevated food and drink concept. Alamo Drafthouse will maintain its headquarters in Austin and will …
San Carlos, Calif. — Presto Automation Inc., one of the largest AI and automation technology providers to the restaurant industry, has been collaborating with Taco John’s® and Qu to implement a Presto Voice™ drive-thru pilot at select Taco John’s restaurants. Presto Voice enhances the drive-thru staff’s productivity by reducing the time they devote to taking orders, allowing them to focus on more critical tasks and reducing associated labor costs. It also provides customizable upsells to increase revenue and improve the guest experience with immediate, friendly service around the clock. Qu’s …
Atlanta and New York City — Private equity funds managed by Blackstone have completed the acquisition of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, a leading franchisor of fast-casual restaurants, from Levine Leichtman Capital Partners. This marks the first transaction in Blackstone’s most recent vintage of its flagship private equity vehicle. “Tropical Smoothie Cafe is a nationally recognized brand with an impressive growth trajectory underpinned by a base of loyal franchisees and guests,” says Peter Wallace, a senior managing director, and Michael Staub, a managing director, in Blackstone’s private equity business. “With Blackstone’s capital …