restaurants

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill Names Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee April 13, 2026

Charlotte, N.C. — Firebirds Wood Fired Grill has named restaurant industry veteran Jeff Uttz as its new chief financial officer, effective May 18, 2026. This comes as Firebirds continues to grow across the U.S. In addition to its current system footprint of nearly 70 restaurants, the company plans to open seven new locations in 2026, which includes its anticipated entrance into the Lexington, Ky., market — its first restaurant in the state. “We are thrilled to welcome Jeff Uttz to the Firebirds family,” says Steve Kislow, chief executive officer of …

April 13, 2026

construction and design franchise development News restaurants

Marco’s Pizza Signs 12-Unit Agreement in Southern California

by Katie Lee April 13, 2026

Toledo, Ohio — Marco’s Pizza has signed a 12-unit franchise agreement with experienced multi-unit operator Baljit Gill, accelerating the brand’s expansion across Southern California. Today, three Marco’s Pizza locations are open in Upland, Fontana and Hesperia, with two additional stores in development in Yucaipa and Highland slated to open in April. The remaining units are currently in site selection throughout Southern California. Headquartered in Toledo, Ohio, Marco’s Pizza is one of the fastest-growing pizza brands in the United States. Marco’s was founded in 1978 by Italian-born Pasquale (“Pat”) Giammarco. The …

April 13, 2026

construction and design franchise development News restaurants

Huey Magoo’s Expands in Texas with New 15-Unit Agreement

by Katie Lee April 6, 2026

Orlando, Fla. — Huey Magoo’s has signed a development agreement in Texas, continuing its rapid national expansion. The development of 15 new restaurants in the Lone Star State will span Brazoria, Chambers, Fort Bend, Galveston and Montgomery counties. Overall, Huey Magoo’s is on track to reach 100 locations in 2026. The latest agreement brings on the SMR Capital Group. Led by its managing partner, Muhammad Ali Akbar, and its operating partner, Jason Gilbert, the group offers a blend of multi-unit operating expertise, franchise growth leadership, and real estate-backed investment experience. …

April 6, 2026

construction and design franchise development News restaurants

Playa Bowls to Make International Debut with First Shop in Canada

by Katie Lee April 3, 2026

Toronto — Playa Bowls, the U.S.’s leading superfruit bowl shop with nearly 400 locations, is officially bringing its tropical vibe north of the border. Eat Up Canada, Inc., the restaurant development group leading Playa Bowls’ Canada expansion, has signed a lease for the brand’s first Canadian shop in downtown Toronto. The shop will mark Playa Bowls’ international debut when it opens this spring. The new shop is part of Playa Bowls’ master franchise agreement with Eat Up Canada, led by George Heos and Alex Gerzon. The pair previously built a …

April 3, 2026

construction and design News restaurants

CRAFT Restaurant & Beer Market Opens First U.S Location

by Katie Lee April 1, 2026

Dallas — CRAFT Restaurant & Beer Market has officially opened its first U.S. location in Dallas’ Preston Center, bringing a 500-seat, high-energy dining and social destination featuring over 100 taps, a chef-driven menu and one of the area’s first rooftop patios. The restaurant opened on April 1. CRAFT’s expansion into Texas marks a major milestone for the brand as it brings its community-driven hospitality model to the U.S. market. “Dallas is an exciting market for us, and opening here represents an important next step for the brand,” says founder PJL’Heureux. …

April 1, 2026

Industry Voices kitchen equipment kitchen exhaust/grease control restaurants vendors

Seasonal Impact

by Katie Lee April 1, 2026

[EDITOR’S NOTE: This article originally published in December, in the December 2025/January 2026 issue of Retail & Restaurant Facility Business.] — Interview with Nathan Willard — HOODZ’s Nathan Willard talks preventative maintenance: steps your facility should take to clean & maintain kitchen exhaust systems this holiday season. R&R: Why is kitchen exhaust cleaning especially important during the busy holiday season? Nathan Willard: During the holidays, families are not only eating together in the comfort of their own homes; they are also sharing meals at local restaurants. While kitchen exhaust cleaning …

April 1, 2026

construction and design franchise development News restaurants

PopUp Bagels® Makes Midwest Debut with First Chicago Location

by Katie Lee March 31, 2026

Chicago — PopUp Bagels is expanding across Illinois, with the first of 25 Chicago locations set to open in Lincoln Park. Expanding to the Chicago area marks a major milestone for PopUp Bagels as it expands the brand’s footprint to the Midwest for the first time. The brand, which debuted in Westport, Conn., in 2021, serves hot, whole bagels straight from the oven — never sliced, never toasted — designed to be torn apart and dipped into schmear. The Chicago locations will deliver the same bagel experience as those in …

March 31, 2026

franchise development News people restaurants

Zaxbys Appoints New Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee March 30, 2026

Atlanta — Zaxbys® has appointed Michael Dixon as its new chief financial officer, effective March 30. Dixon will report to Bernard Acoca, chief executive officer at Zaxbys. “Mike’s demonstrated success in accelerating and scaling financial performance across QSR organizations, maximizing unit economics and managing complex financial environments makes him a perfect fit for Zaxbys next chapter,” says Acoca. “As Zaxbys continues the brand’s national growth and expansion I am confident in our ability to grow to win with Mike’s leadership.” Dixon brings over 30 years of accomplished financial leadership experience …

March 30, 2026

franchise development News people restaurants

Mike’s Red Tacos Names Chief Development Officer

by Katie Lee March 27, 2026

San Diego, Calif. — Mike’s Red Tacos, a San Diego-born beef Birria brand, has brought on Patrick Cunningham as chief development officer. The appointment comes on the heels of the company’s recent franchising strategy announcement and continued development momentum, with more than 200 franchise locations already in the pipeline. Cunningham previously served as chief development officer at Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay, and before that, vice president of U.S. development for Little Caesars. Cunningham also spent more than 20 years at Dunkin’ and Inspire Brands. He joins newly named company …

March 27, 2026

News people restaurants

Golden Corral Names New Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee March 26, 2026

Raleigh, N.C. — Golden Corral®, America’s leading buffet chain, has appointed Trona Balkissoon as chief financial officer, effective March 26, 2026. Balkissoon steps into the role following the retirement of CFO Jim Laverty. Balkissoon brings more than 25 years of global experience with Nestlé, spanning both retail and foodservice channels. She joined Golden Corral in April 2025 as senior vice president of finance, after most recently serving as chief financial officer for Nestlé’s out-of-home division, where she oversaw operations throughout the United States and Puerto Rico. Since joining the brand, …

March 26, 2026

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