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Whataburger Welcomes New Chief Digital and Technology Transformation Officer

by Katie Lee

San Antonio — Whataburger has appointed Rohit Kapoor as executive vice president, chief digital and technology transformation officer. He brings more than three decades of global leadership experience across the restaurant and retail industries, where he has consistently led large-scale digital transformations that elevate both customer and team member experiences while enabling sustainable growth. Before joining Whataburger, Kapoor served as executive vice president and chief information officer at Claire’s, where he modernized the company’s end-to-end technology landscape, strengthening its digital foundations and enhancing omnichannel engagement. He previously held senior leadership …

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Vicious Biscuit to Open First Georgia Location in Early 2026

by Katie Lee

Savannah, Ga. — Vicious Biscuit, an award-winning fast-casual breakfast concept and Southern-grown originator of bold biscuit creations, will debut its first Georgia location in early 2026 in Savannah. Franchise partners Kelly and Tim Paslawski are leading the charge. The Savannah natives are no strangers to the city’s thriving food scene, having successfully operated four Chicken Salad Chick restaurants across Savannah, Pooler, Statesboro and Bluffton, Ga., for the past decade. Their newest venture with Vicious Biscuit is positioned between Savannah’s bustling hospital corridor and vibrant midtown business district. “Savannah has been …

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Reimagining Real Estate

by Katie Lee

— By Lawrence Brown — How Rita’s® is turning former banks and dry cleaners into thriving dessert shops. The retail real estate market is at one of its most challenging points in recent memory. Vacancy rates are low, rents are high and construction costs continue to climb. For restaurants and retailers, those dynamics have turned traditional site development into a steep uphill climb. But for Rita’s® Italian Ice & Frozen Custard, this environment has been a catalyst for creativity and growth. At Rita’s, we’ve embraced adaptive reuse and flexible prototypes …

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Dickey’s Barbecue Pit Expands with 28 New Ghost Kitchens Nationwide

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, the world’s largest barbecue concept, is opening 28 new ghost kitchens across the United States in September 2025. This expansion signals a pivotal moment for the brand, strengthening its footprint in new and existing markets while showcasing its commitment to creativity, growth and adaptability in a rapidly evolving restaurant industry. Ghost kitchens are delivery-only facilities designed to meet the growing demand for convenience and digital ordering. By leaning into this model, Dickey’s is not only scaling faster but also serving barbecue lovers in communities where …

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Toppers Pizza Names New Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee

Whitewater, Wis. — Toppers Pizza has appointed Ian Bruggeman as chief financial officer, adding a seasoned professional to its executive team. He will oversee the company’s finance, supply chain and human resources functions while serving as a strategic partner to the CEO. Bruggeman brings a diverse background that spans consulting, asset management and operational leadership in the restaurant sector. He previously held roles in financial planning and analysis, franchise development and operations at Naf Naf Grill, equipping him with a unique blend of analytical expertise and hands-on operational experience. At …

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ITW Food Equipment Group Appoints New VP of US FEG Dealer Sales Organization

by Katie Lee

Glenview, Ill. — ITW Food Equipment Group has appointed Ray Peden as its new vice president of U.S. FEG dealer sales organization. He will lead the ITW FEG dealer sales team in generating organic growth by providing dealer support and strengthening partner relationships, as well as maintaining a critical focus on key customers. Peden and the sales team will also be responsible for driving growth through their product application expertise across the ITW FEG premium brands, including Hobart, Traulsen, Baxter, Vulcan and Wolf. “We are excited to welcome Ray to …

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Captain D’s Opens First Location in the UK

by Katie Lee

Broadstairs, Kent (UK) — Captain D’s will open its first-ever UK restaurant at Westwood Cross Shopping Centre in Broadstairs, Kent, on Oct. 20. At the new location, Captain D’s will bring its refreshed restaurant design, UK-tailored menu and international expansion strategy to life. This opening is part of a 20-unit master franchise agreement with local partner CD’s Holdings.  The Broadstairs restaurant is the first to showcase Captain D’s modernized UK design, featuring a fresh new color palette, playful seafood and chicken icons and a vibrant, family-friendly vibe. It’s contemporary, fun …

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Smoothie King Opens First Stores in Utah and Minnesota; Also Expands in DFW Airport

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Smoothie King is fueling its national growth with a series of milestone openings this fall, including debuts in two new states and new growth in one of the country’s busiest airports. The brand has officially opened its first-ever Utah location in Washington and its first-ever Minnesota location in Woodbury, marking Smoothie King’s entry into both states. At the same time, Smoothie King is strengthening its presence in Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) with two new locations in Terminal A and Terminal D, joining its existing Terminal A store. …

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Swig Names New President and Chief of Franchise Partnerships

by Katie Lee

Sandy, Utah — Swig, the creator of the dirty soda beverage category, is ramping up its nationwide growth by promoting Todd Smith to president, following his tenure as chief commercial officer, and appointing franchise sales veteran Shannon Swenson as chief, franchise partnerships. “We’re at a major moment for dirty soda,” says Alex Dunn, CEO of Swig. “People crave playful, personalized drinks, and Swig is here to deliver — coast to coast. Todd’s vision, Shannon’s franchising prowess and the talent of Swig’s leaders and team members alike are the perfect combination …

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Matternet Pilots Drone Delivery in L.A. With Dave’s Hot Chicken

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — Matternet, the developer of the world’s leading urban drone delivery system, is partnering with Dave’s Hot Chicken to launch a drone delivery pilot, a first for the fast-casual leader. The service will debut in Northridge, a Los Angeles suburb, where eligible residents will be able to order Dave’s Hot Chicken through the Dave’s app and receive it directly to their homes via Matternet’s autonomous M2 drones — arriving hot, fresh and fast. “Each day, more than 10 million food deliveries move through our cities in 2-ton cars, …

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