Louisville, Ky. — May 2020 sales at Papa John’s restaurants were up 33.5% in the U.S. and Canada on a year-over-year basis, marking the second month in a row that the pizza chain recorded its highest sales on record, according to Papa John’s Inc. president and CEO Rob Lynch. The May sales period was recorded from April 27 to May 24, and the company said it will continue to provide monthly updates through the end of the second quarter. In April, the Louisville, Ky.-based chain reported a 26.9% increase in …
restaurants
Rosemont, Ill. — US Foods Holding Corp. is giving away free reopening kits to qualifying independent restaurant owners to help support restaurant reopening efforts in communities across the U.S. The reopening kits provide independent restaurant operators with must-have supplies such as masks and safety guidance posters as well as resource guides to navigate state and local COVID-19 reopening requirements and help create a safer environment for staff and customers alike. This initiative builds on the company’s ongoing commitment to providing foodservice operators with the expertise, resources and tools to help …
Glendale, Calif. — The board of directors of Dine Brands Global, Inc. has retained executive search firm Spencer Stuart to assist the company in identifying an individual to succeed its chief executive officer, Steve Joyce. Joyce’s employment agreement expires February 1, 2021. “I am proud of the growth that we have experienced during my tenure as chief executive officer,” says Joyce. “Since 2017, we have established and executed on strategic plans, strengthened the franchisee base, completed a $1.3 billion securitization transaction and returned significant capital to stockholders. With the occurrence …
Irvine, Calif. — Wienerschnitzel, the world’s largest hot dog franchise, has signed a new area development agreement with Lake Charles, La.-based Henderson Family Restaurants, LLC to build 20 new Wienerschnitzel restaurants throughout the state of Louisiana over the next 13 years. Since 1961, Wienerschnitzel has become the nation’s largest hot dog quick-service chain, and with the integration of the iconic Tastee Freeze ice cream, the California-based franchise system has seen 8 years of consecutive same store sales growth. Wienerschnitzel is actively expanding outside its historic footprint and is targeting new …
Savannah, Ga. — Stoner’s Pizza Joint, a quick-service pizza franchise, will expand with three new units from existing franchisee John Stetson in the Georgia market. The first new location, which was slated to open on May 20, is located in Warner Robins, Ga. The next two will open in the Savannah, Ga., market before mid-July. “Since opening my first Stoner’s in Fort Lauderdale, I have been impressed with the consumer’s response to the product and branding,” says Stetson. “The brand appeals to a wide audience of customers who enjoy fresh, …
Durham, N.C. — Rise Southern Biscuits and Righteous Chicken, the nation’s fastest growing biscuits and fried chicken chain with over 100 units in development across the country, has signed an area development agreement for the state of Virginia. BDVA Holdings, LLC has committed to opening at least 25 Rise locations throughout Virginia over the next 9 years. “We’re confident in the economics of Rise to drive sales through delivery and pickup during and after this crisis,” says BDVA’s Nash Osborn. “Tom Ferguson, founder and CEO of Rise, has created a …
Bal Harbour, Fla. — With carefully considered planning, following CDC guidelines and in alignment with state and local officials, Bal Harbour Shops opened on May 18 with increased safety precautions to protect customers, retailers and employees. In keeping with Miami-Dade County and Bal Harbour Village ordinances, retail stores and indoor restaurant seating occupancy will be limited to 50% and salons will limit occupancy to 25%. “For over 55 years, Bal Harbour Shops has maintained an emotional connection with our customer and our community by enhancing the shopping experience. Making our …
Austin, Texas — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott released plans for the second phase of the state’s plan to reopen the economy at a press conference on May 18, notably giving bars the option to begin reopening on May 22. Under the terms of the plan, Texas bars, wine tasting rooms and craft breweries may initially reopen at 25% occupancy with regard to indoor seating only. Restaurants may increase their occupancy levels to 50%. The order stipulates that these businesses must adhere to proper social distancing guidelines and minimum standard health …
Cleveland — Slim Chickens, a leading fast-casual franchise which features dine-in and drive-through in the “better chicken” segment, will open its first location in Cleveland in the first quarter of 2021. The forthcoming restaurant comes out of the brand’s recent six-unit franchise agreement in the Cleveland market. This will mark the brand’s first location in the Cleveland market and second location in Ohio. An experienced restaurant operator, David Giesen is bringing Slim Chickens to the area. He is a multi-unit owner of several fast food and fast-casual restaurants across Ohio …
Los Angeles — sweetgreen, the seasonal restaurant with the mission of connecting people to real food, has hired Starbucks veteran Chris Carr as its new chief operations officer. “Chris’ values and leadership skills will make for an exceptional addition to the sweetgreen team,” says Jonathan Neman, co-founder and CEO of sweetgreen. “With his experience in delivering sustainable growth in retail and supply chain, we’re looking forward to Chris furthering his impact on the future of real food and amplifying our growth ahead.” Carr most recently served as Starbucks’ executive vice …