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Convenience Through COVID

by Katie Lee

— By Katie Lee — Farmer Boys marks its 40th anniversary with a new post-pandemic appreciation for quality and convenience.   As Farmer Boys celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, the Riverside, California-based fast-casual concept recalls a memorable, milestone 2020 in which it opened four new restaurants, entered a new state (Arizona) and saw its total systemwide sales increase by $17 million — all during a global pandemic. Also in summer 2020, Farmer Boys’ senior vice president of operations transitioned to president and chief operating officer — during perhaps the …

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Taco John’s Signs Biggest Franchise Agreement in Brand History

by Katie Lee

Cheyenne, Wyo. — Taco John’s International Inc., a leading quick-service Mexican franchise, has inked its biggest area development agreement to date with the largest Wendy’s franchisee, Meritage Hospitality Group, Inc. The group will build 50 new Taco John’s restaurants by March 31, 2026 with options to develop an additional 150 restaurants. “Taco John’s is the perfect fit for our company. While exploring concepts to expand our portfolio, we were quickly attracted to Taco John’s,” says Gary Rose, president and COO of Meritage Hospitality Group. “We are excited about the Mexican …

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Potbelly Corporation Appoints New Chief Marketing Officer

by Katie Lee

Chicago — Potbelly Corporation, the iconic neighborhood sandwich shop, has appointed David Daniels as its chief marketing officer (CMO) effective August 23, 2021. In this senior leadership role, he will report to Bob Wright, president and chief executive officer of Potbelly. Daniels will lead the branding, marketing and digital teams. “We are very excited to welcome David to the Potbelly family,” Wright says. “He brings significant executive experience and success leading some of the world’s best-selling brands, delivering top- and bottom-line growth. We will immediately benefit from his broad experience …

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Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Names New Chief Experience Officer

by Katie Lee

Wichita, Kan. — One of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers’ co-founders, Scott Redler, has been appointed to the new role of chief experience officer (CXO). In 2002, Redler co-founded Freddy’s alongside business partners, Bill and Randy Simon. With 45 years of industry experience, Redler spent the last 19 years serving as COO of Freddy’s. The creation of this new role follows Freddy’s recent acquisition by private equity firm Thompson Street Capital Partners in March 2021. “Who better than Scott to continue the work of providing our guests with a truly …

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Dunkin’ Continues to Target Non-Traditional Development in 2021

by Katie Lee

Boston — Dunkin’ unveiled its most recent non-traditional openings and growth plans for the year. Thus far in 2021, the coffee company has expanded across Las Vegas at the Convention Center, LINQ Hotel and Arizona Charlie’s Boulder Casino, as well as reopened with the unveiling of the new Virgin Hotel. Additionally, the brand opened its 12th location with Great Wolf Resorts at the Manteca, Calif., park and further strengthened its presence in the healthcare setting with locations debuting at the Oak Hill Hospital in Brooksville, Fla., and UMass Memorial Medical …

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Paytronix Order & Delivery Powers KC Hopps to Open Takeout-Only Sites

by Katie Lee

Newton, Mass. — Paytronix Systems, Inc., an advanced digital guest experience platform, has partnered with Kansas City restaurant management group KC Hopps to leverage its Paytronix Order & Delivery to open two takeout-only establishments bearing the name Stroud’s Express. The new restaurants are located in Lee’s Summit, Mo., and Mission, Kan. When COVID-19 restrictions shut down indoor dining rooms, KC Hopps took advantage of Paytronix Order & Delivery to start a new brand, Stroud’s Express. An offshoot of the original Stroud’s, a Kansas City institution since 1933, the Express locations …

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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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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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