San Diego — Jack in the Box Inc., a leading franchisor in the quick-service restaurant industry, has signed a development agreement to open 15 new Jack in the Box locations throughout Georgia. This expansion marks the company’s entry into the Peach State. “This new franchise commitment represents a significant step forward in our strategic expansion across the southeastern United States,” says Tim Linderman, chief development officer, noting that the 15 new franchise commitments in Georgia come on the heels of 30 recently announced commitments for Jack in the Box in …
restaurants
Denver — Rosso Pomodoro, Italy’s largest Neapolitan pizza franchise, has launched franchise opportunities in the United States. Founded in Naples, Italy, in 1998, the Milan-based pizza chain has expanded globally to 70 locations in Italy and 140 locations worldwide including the operation of restaurants in 12 Eataly locations across the U.S. and Canada. The first two Rosso Pomodoro locations in the U.S. are set to open this month in Denver. Rosso Pomodoro’s U.S. franchise locations will offer a fast-casual concept for authentic Neapolitan pizza and other specialties. Backed by over …
Dallas — TGI Fridays, the world’s first casual bar and grill, has opened a new restaurant inside the Hilton Garden Inn in Hollywood, Calif. The newest Fridays location is core to the brand’s transformation strategy — offering hotel guests a quintessential Fridays experience while creating a model that’s focused on operational value and efficiency within the hospitality industry. To develop the new Fridays location, the brand reimaged existing restaurant space within the Hilton Garden Inn Hollywood to create a profit center for the hotel and a value add for both …
Dallas — Rusty Taco has named Daniel Smith, former chief operating officer at Hopdoddy Burger Bar, as its president. With over two decades in the industry holding executive-level positions, Smith brings a proven track record of high-performing restaurant operations and seamless brand experiences for guests. In his new role, he will lead the brand to strengthen its position in the fast-casual space and execute its strategic growth plans. Smith’s journey in the restaurant industry began with Claim Jumper Restaurants, where he ascended through various roles over his 26 years with …
— By Ty Johnson — Tubular daylighting solutions for modular restaurants. The concept of modularity is not new in the building construction industry. However, in the wake of post-pandemic economies and increasing concerns about climate change, there is a shift in how we approach the built environment. Modular structures offer numerous advantages that are reshaping the landscape of restaurant construction. When combined with advanced daylighting strategies, they can achieve unparalleled benefits in terms of efficiency and sustainability. What is Modular Construction? Modular construction involves the prefabrication of building components or …
Dallas — Smoothie King, the world’s largest smoothie brand and the first health and fitness fast-casual brand of its kind, plans to open its first-ever stores in the Grand Rapids, Mich., market, as well as 100 new units overall in 2024. Smoothie King has signed development agreements for six units set to open in the Grand Rapids DMA starting early 2025. As Smoothie King continues to prioritize development and strong new unit growth, the brand has welcomed Brian Olson as vice president of real estate. Bringing a wealth of knowledge …
Columbus, Ohio — After an exhaustive nationwide search, Condado Tacos has appointed Derrick Pratt as its next chief executive officer, effective July 1, 2024. Previously, he spent many years in leadership operations roles at Starbucks, McDonalds and, most recently, Portillo’s. “On behalf of the entire board of managers, we are thrilled to welcome Derrick as the next CEO of Condado Tacos,” says John G. Troiano, chairman of the board. “Derrick brings a wealth of experience in running successful growth-oriented restaurant brands and has an exceptionally strong track record of guiding …
Orlando, Fla. — Sonny’s BBQ has hired Kris Larson as vice president, franchise development. Larson brings with him a breadth of experience supporting franchised brands Bojangles, School of Rock, Ace Hardware, Dunkin Brands and more. In his new role, he will lead the brand’s growth through strategic expansions and enhancing franchise performance across Sonny’s BBQ’s footprint. “We are beyond thrilled to welcome Kris Larson to our team, and to have him work alongside us as we continue to support our franchisees in this period of growth and expansion,” says Jamie …
Keep Facility Maintenance on Track
Business owners have a lot on their plate; it’s a full-time job to survive in the ultra-competitive fields of restaurants and retail. In this challenging environment, facilities management often takes a back seat. Yet, diligent maintenance not only showcases a business’s care for its premises but also fosters opportunities for success by attracting clientele. Plus, a proactive maintenance strategy can identify necessary repairs long before they escalate into significant issues. A clean, well-maintained facility can bring customers to a store or restaurant, says MaryAnn Velez, a sales executive at Colt …
Irving, Texas — Fuzzy’s Taco Shop® has signed two multi-unit development agreements to mark the Baja-inspired brand’s expansion throughout Arizona and Texas. The deals will bring 40 new restaurants to those markets over the next 8 years. “Fuzzy’s has transformed from a single neighborhood taco shop with a chill vibe in Fort Worth, Texas, into an emerging, nationally franchised concept with an exceptional bar program and a Baja-inspired menu that our guests have come to crave,” says Paul Damico, president of Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. “As we prepare to grow Fuzzy’s …