Dallas — MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes, the “better burger” fast-casual franchise, has hired key executives — including president and COO — that will enhance franchisee support and prepare for rapid franchise development. The company has added a new president and COO, Tony Darden, who comes to MOOYAH after serving as COO at Taco Bueno. Prior to Taco Bueno, Darden spent more than a decade at Panera Bread and more than 15 years at Bennigan’s. MOOYAH also added a new director of supply chain, a real estate and development manager, …
restaurants
Atlanta — Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC, a leading national fast-casual cafe concept, is opening the 750th location in its system on May 17, 2019 in Sugar Land, Texas. This major milestone showcases Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s rapid growth and sets the company one step closer to reaching its goal of opening 130 new cafes in 2019. “We continue to experience tremendous growth year after year and are extremely proud to announce the opening of our 750th cafe,” says Charles Watson, CEO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC. “We are excited to celebrate …
Irvine, Calif. — Potbelly Sandwich Shop opened its first shop in California on May 6, 2019. The new shop in Irvine, a franchise location, is located at the Walnut Village Center. First announced in August 2018, this is the first shop to come out of a multi-unit franchise development deal the brand signed in California. Local resident and experienced entrepreneur Sameer Bhatia, the franchise owner, will bring three more locations to the area, with considerations for shops in Costa Mesa, Laguna Hills, Lake Forest or Mission Viejo during the next …
Franklin, Tenn. — CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. (CKE) parent company of Carl’s Jr.® and Hardee’s®, has promoted Mike Woida to president of its International division, and will report to CEO Ned Lyerly. In his new role, Woida will oversee all international operations for the nearly 1,000 international locations of both Carl’s Jr.® and Hardee’s® Restaurants spanning 43 countries. A 40-year industry veteran, Woida began his career with Burger Chef Systems in 1976 in Detroit, and continued growth within the company following its acquisition by Hardee’s Food Systems in 1982. Since …
Craton, Calif. — Taco Bell’s Las Vegas flagship cantina, located in the heart of The Strip, is a world apart from the traditional, tiny Taco Bell drive-through. The cantina is a two-story restaurant with a large central atrium that looks more like a hot dance club than a fast food outlet, and is pumped full of music to match. Upstairs is the wedding chapel, a more brightly lit dining room with flat screens on the side walls, and an enormous backlit graphic at the far end of the room with …
McKinney, Texas — Dunkin’s newest store of the future opened its first next generation restaurant in McKinney, Texas, on April 25, 2019. The brand’s next generation design features a modern atmosphere and innovative technologies to make running on Dunkin’ faster and more convenient than ever before. New elements of the McKinney restaurant include: Modern Design: The openness, colors and materials used in the design help to create an approachable, positive and energetic environment. Premium Pours: Dunkin’s signature cold beverages are now served through an innovative tap system serving eight consistently …
Dallas — MUTTS Canine Cantina®, the fastest growing pet eatertainment brand in America, is partnering with Fransmart to bring its unique urban oasis for dogs and their owners to cities across the country. Fransmart is a global leader in franchise development. MUTTS Canine Cantina is already thriving in Texas, with successful locations in Dallas and Fort Worth and five additional locations opening in the Lone Star State over the next 3 years. Together with Fransmart, the concept is seeking out experienced franchisees to bring the rapidly-growing concept to major markets …
Oklahoma City — Coolgreens, a fast-casual concept that focuses on providing fresh and high-quality food, has hired Kathy Davidson to join the brand’s leadership team as its new vice president of franchise development. Davidson brings nearly 10 years of foodservice franchise development experience to the role. Previous positions include stints with Church’s Chicken, Cowboy Chicken and, most recently, Fazoli’s. The industry veteran said she is excited to join a smart, strong leadership team with more than 55 years of collective experience, including CEO Robert Lee; Todd Madlener, vice president of …
Pasadena, Calif. — Kitchen United, the GV-backed startup creating a new way for restaurant brands to expand via off-premise optimized kitchen centers, has signed lease agreements bringing new locations to San Francisco and Los Angeles, and a second location to Chicago in the Fulton Market District. The off-premise kitchen concept currently has locations in Pasadena, Calif., and Chicago’s River North neighborhood; new kitchen centers are scheduled to open this year in Atlanta; Columbus, Ohio; Austin, Texas; and Scottsdale, Ariz. “The popularity of off-premise consumption in the restaurant industry — through …
Boca Raton, Fla. — I Heart Mac & Cheese, a rapidly expanding fast-casual concept specializing in customizable, made-to-order macaroni and cheese bowls, grilled cheese sandwiches and specialty salads, has sold its corporate store in Patchogue, N.Y., as part of a multi-year New York City development deal. A private entity will operate the Patchogue store as a franchise, effective immediately, and begin executing a plan to expand the I Heart Mac & Cheese brand into all five boroughs of New York City. “Our first corporate owned restaurant in Patchogue opened in …