restaurants

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Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream Expands Leadership Team

by Katie Lee

Youngstown, Ohio — Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream has named two seasoned industry leaders to its executive team as the 80-year-old legacy brand continues its record-breaking expansion across the country: Garrett Snyder joins as vice president of real estate, construction and design, and Deepak Kahlon has been appointed vice president of operations. Snyder brings a proven track record to Handel’s with more than 15 years of franchise development and real estate expertise, previously serving as vice president of development at Mountain Mike’s Pizza and holding leadership roles at Blaze Pizza and …

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QDOBA Plans Nearly 90 New Units Across Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York

by Katie Lee

San Diego — QDOBA Mexican Eats has signed new development agreements with several leading multi-brand operators, totaling nearly 90 new restaurants and fueling growth across the Eastern U.S. With these signings, QDOBA now has more than 650 development commitments in its pipeline. QDOBA signed a 35-restaurant development agreement with The Rose Group, plus two acquired corporate locations in State College and Williamsport, Pa., spanning key markets in Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey. The Rose Group operates 55 Applebee’s Grill + Bar restaurants and Shannon Rose Irish Pubs across the Mid-Atlantic. …

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Marco’s Pizza Names New CFO

by Katie Lee

Toledo, Ohio — Marco’s Pizza has appointed Bill Schaffler, a seasoned financial and operations leader with deep experience in high-growth restaurant and hospitality brands, as its new chief financial officer (CFO). Schaffler joins Marco’s Pizza with a strong foundation in private-equity environments, multi-unit expansion and enterprise-level financial performance. His background includes guiding financial strategy and technology modernization at Hopdoddy Burger Bar, leading brand and operational transformation as president and CEO of Ascension Coffee Company and driving systemwide efficiencies and growth in CFO roles at Nothing Bundt Cakes and La Madeleine. …

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Playa Bowls Ends 2025 with 85 New Shops and 200+ Franchise Commitments

by Katie Lee

Belmar, N.J. — Playa Bowls, the nation’s leading superfruit bowl shop, is closing out a high-growth year with multi-unit agreements signed throughout third and fourth quarters and continued expansion across key U.S. markets. Following the recent launch of its first international development agreement (in Canada), the brand maintained its upward trajectory domestically with 85 new shops opening in 2025, including first-time market entries across multiple states, and more than 200 signed franchise commitments. Playa Bowls enters 2026 with demand rising from both new and existing multi-unit operators. Within the past …

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Newk’s Eatery Opens First Kansas Location

by Katie Lee

Wichita, Kan. — Newk’s Eatery will debut its first location in the state of Kansas on Dec. 10. Opening at The Waterfront on Wichita’s East Side, the new eatery’s dining room can seat up to 146 guests and has one of the largest Wichita flag murals in the city. “We have been looking forward to bringing Newk’s Eatery to Wichita for a long time,” says Melody Matulewic, franchise owner of Newk’s Eatery. “Our team values hospitality and service and we believe this community will connect with that. Opening here allows …

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Boden Opens First U.S. Store

by Katie Lee

Alpharetta, Ga. — British clothing brand Boden opened its first-ever store in the United States on Nov. 21 at mixed-use destination Avalon in Alpharetta, Ga. The 2,000-square-foot retail space marks a key milestone in the brand’s U.S. growth strategy. The new store blends color and wit with the quality craftsmanship that Boden’s customer knows and loves. A bespoke chandelier, commissioned in partnership with British design house Richard Taylor Designs and handcrafted in Italy, lights the space with a gallery-style exhibition featuring iconic British figures personally chosen by its founder and …

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Velvet Taco Names New CEO

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Velvet Taco, the fast-casual restaurant celebrated for its globally inspired tacos and bold flavors, has named Chris Schultz as CEO. He will lead the brand’s next phase of growth in the U.S. and internationally, with a focus on operations, innovation and elevating the overall guest experience. Schultz brings more than 30 years of restaurant leadership experience. Most recently, he served as CEO of Voodoo Doughnut, where he guided the brand’s expansion into new markets while keeping its distinctive culture intact. Before that, he spent 9 years as senior …

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Wingstop Opens 3,000th Restaurant

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Wingstop has opened its 3,000th restaurant globally — a significant milestone as the brand accelerates toward its vision of becoming a Top 10 Global Restaurant Brand with more than 10,000 restaurants worldwide. Wingstop reached this milestone at a record pace, opening nearly 800 restaurants and expanding its global footprint by 50% in just 2 years. During this time, Wingstop entered six new markets: Australia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Puerto Rico, Saudi Arabia and The Netherlands. Wingstop now operates in 47 U.S. states and 15 countries, and expects to soon open …

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Teriyaki Madness Names Chief Restaurant Officer Amid Record Growth

by Katie Lee

Denver — Teriyaki Madness has recruited industry leader Scott Shotter, most recently of Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, as chief restaurant officer. In his new role, Shotter will oversee all aspects of restaurant operations across corporate and franchised locations, advancing the systems and strategies that fuel the brand’s nationwide expansion. This appointment comes as the brand prepares to open 45 new shops and hit 20% systemwide growth this year. With more than 35 years of restaurant leadership experience, Shotter has led operational excellence of some of the industry’s most recognizable brands. Prior …

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Zaxbys Charts a Bold Course

by Katie Lee

— By Katie Lee — Nearing 1,000 locations nationwide, Zaxbys is evolving from a regional Southern favorite to a national QSR staple. As it celebrates its 35th anniversary this year, Zaxbys® has ushered in a new era with a comprehensive refresh. This includes the introduction of its ‘Modern Farmhouse’ restaurant design, as well as an updated visual identity, branding and packaging. Together, these updates reflect a modernized, cohesive look and feel, signaling the next chapter in Zaxbys’ evolution while maintaining the bold flavors and Southern hospitality that guests love.  And …

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