Louisville, Ky. — Yum! Brands, Inc. has hired Clay Johnson as the company’s chief digital and technology officer, and has promoted Gavin Felder to chief strategy officer. These newly created positions will partner with the global brand divisions to elevate the customer experience and accelerate global growth. Both Johnson and Felder will report to Yum! CFO Chris Turner. Johnson will join the Yum! Brands Global Leadership Team and oversee the company’s global technology strategy, partnering with the KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell divisions to ensure the company provides a …
restaurants
— By Katie Lee — Pasadena, California-based Dog Haus is entering new markets through franchising and partnerships with Kitchen United and Live Nation. Dog Haus is an emerging new restaurant concept that, frankly, isn’t that new. But it is new to much of the country. Next year, the Pasadena, California-based eatery will mark its 10th anniversary as a creatively crafted hotdog joint that also offers burgers, sausages and brews. While many of its 30+ brick-and-mortar locations are 2,500-square-foot Biergartens with 24 beers on tap, a large sit-up bar, expansive …
Syracuse, N.Y. — Carrols Restaurant Group, Inc. has named Timothy J. LaLonde as interim chief financial officer, interim treasurer and interim vice president. The company is conducting a search for a permanent CFO to replace the late Paul R. Flanders, who passed away on September 7, 2019. “We greatly appreciate Tim for stepping into the CFO role on an interim basis until we identify and appoint a quality candidate to fill the position permanently,” says Daniel T. Accordino, chairman and CEO. “Tim is a seasoned professional with over four decades …
Irvine, Calif. — Juice It Up!, one of the nation’s leading handcrafted smoothie, raw juice and superfruit bowl chains, has appointed Susan Taylor as vice president of operations. Leveraging over 26 years of experience in the restaurant industry, Taylor has served in various leadership roles for national franchise chains including 14 years at Jamba, where she was the senior director of franchise operations; Sharky’s Woodfired Mexican Grill; Baja Fresh; and Chevy’s Fresh Mex. “Susan is not only well versed in our particular segment, she is passionate about the booming industry …
Charlotte, N.C. — Bojangles’, Inc. has hired Jose R. Costa as its first chief development officer, reporting to CEO Jose Armario. In this new role, Costa will be responsible for driving the overall unit growth of the company, recruiting new franchisees, real estate strategy, equipment and new restaurant design and construction. “Jose joins our executive team at a pivotal time as Bojangles’ charts our strategic path forward,” says Armario. “His 20 years of experience in marketing, franchising, multi-unit retailing and customer experience for well-known brands will play a crucial role …
Las Vegas — Potbelly Sandwich Shop has signed a franchise agreement to open 10 shops in the Las Vegas market. Eric Persson, an experienced, multi-brand restaurant operator and owner, will be bringing Potbelly to the area. The deal marks the brand’s entry into the region. “I’m thrilled to break into the fast-casual restaurant segment with a proven brand,” says Persson, who is a longtime local Las Vegas resident and an accomplished entrepreneur. “Potbelly hits the mark on exactly what I am seeking to diversify my portfolio. I’m excited to help …
Dallas — Fuzzy’s Taco Shop has named Jessica Wescott as chief financial officer. She previously served as the executive vice president of finance for the Baja-inspired franchise. Wescott began her career in wealth management before moving into the franchising world and working her way up to vice president of development and finance with MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes. In January 2018, Wescott was named executive vice president of Finance at Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, where she oversaw many aspects of financial operations, as well as marketing and technology strategies, and fed …
Atlanta — Erik Hess joins the Moe’s Southwest Grill® brand with more than 25 years of global experience in the food and beverage industry. Hess will be leading as president of the Moe’s brand, a fast-casual Mexican concept with more than 725 operating units, where he will oversee franchise and company operations, marketing, supply chain and product innovation. Previously, Hess spent 25 years at McDonald’s Corporation in a wide variety of senior leadership positions responsible for product development, innovating the customer experience, strategy and insights, restaurant development among many other …
Sacramento, Calif. — Round Table Pizza® has reopened its first location to undergo a complete redesign to embody Round Table’s recently updated logo and brand identity: “Pizza Royalty.” The Round Table store, located at 398 Florin Rd. in Sacramento, Calif., is the first location in the 440-unit system to undergo a full renovation that will dramatically upgrade the dine-in experience to create a store that reflects the same passion Round Table puts into its pizza. “Pizza Royalty,” which was announced earlier this year, reinforces Round Table Pizza’s iconic legacy and demonstrates a commitment to …
Atlanta — Tropical Smoothie Cafe, a leading national fast-casual cafe concept, is opening its 800th location. The location will open on September 6, 2019 in Arlington Heights, Ill. This milestone opening comes on the heels of a tremendous growth year for the brand, with the opening of its 750th location in May. “Just last August we were celebrating the opening of our 700th location, and now 1 year later we will be celebrating the opening of our 800th location in the Chicago area,” says Charles Watson, CEO of Tropical Smoothie …