Frederick, Md. — Roy Rogers® Restaurants has named Frank Cleveland senior manager of information technology. Based in the company’s Frederick, Md., headquarters, he reports to Jeremy Biser, executive vice president, and is responsible for directing all IT operations to meet internal and external customer requirements and developing new technical solutions to meet current and future needs for the brand. Cleveland previously worked at Marriott International as a senior infrastructure analyst overseeing maintenance and evolution of systems. He also has provided IT support to small to mid-sized companies through PB Networking …
restaurants
New York City — Catch Hospitality Group, known for its successful seafood-centric CATCH restaurants with locations in New York City; Los Angeles; Playa del Carmen, Mexico; and Las Vegas, will open its first-ever sister restaurant, CATCH STEAK. Michael Vignola, former corporate executive chef at BR Guest Hospitality overseeing Strip House & Bills Bar and Burger, will serve as executive chef. The new concept steak house created by Eugene Remm and Mark Birnbaum and Tilman J. Fertitta, the power players behind Catch Hospitality Group, will combine the authority of a classic steakhouse with the fun, sexy vibe …
Riverside, Calif. — Farmer Boys®, a farm-fresh fast-casual concept, has hired restaurant industry and human resources veteran Arlene Estrada Petokas to serve as its new vice president and chief people officer. Petokas brings with her more than 20 years of human resources experience, with over a decade spent at quick-service restaurant companies. Her previous positions include human resources director at Del Taco, LLC and vice president of human resources at both BLD Brands, LLC and CKE Restaurant Holdings Inc., which owns Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s Green Burrito and Red Burrito. “We …
San Francisco — Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, the iconic San Francisco sandwich chain with a cult-like following, has launched its national franchise program with Fransmart to expand the concept across the country. Ike’s currently has more than 55 units open in California, Nevada and Arizona, along with locations opening soon in Texas. Founded by Ike Shehadeh in 2007, the San Francisco-based concept grew to wide foodie acclaim with lines around the block. “The idea behind Ike’s Love & Sandwiches was simple: putting customers’ happiness first while celebrating their unique and …
San Francisco — Flynn Restaurant Group, the largest restaurant franchisee in the U.S., has made some recent promotions in its operations team. The new promotions will include two new vice presidents of operations as well as two new directors of operations. The largest Applebee’s franchisee in the country, Apple American Group, a subsidiary of Flynn Restaurant Group, welcomes the new positions as additional leadership to the 458 Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar restaurants it currently owns and operates. First, Flynn’s market president, Tim Flatley, will step in for Mike Hebert, …
Los Angeles — Benihana Inc., the nation’s leading operator of Japanese-inspired teppanyaki and sushi restaurants, and AEG, the world’s leading sports and live entertainment company, have partnered to bring world-class culinary and dining experiences to fans at Dignity Health Sports Park (DHSP) in Carson, Calif., and Sprint Center in Kansas City, Mo. This is Benihana’s first-ever debut at a professional arena or sports complex and a market introduction for the brand to Kansas City, with the next closest Benihana location more than 400 miles away. As part of the agreement, …
Paradise, Calif. — On April 1, 2019, Dutch Bros Coffee reopened its doors in Paradise, Calif., nearly 5 months after the community was devastated by wildfires. This was California’s most destructive fire in history, with over 14,000 homes lost and approximately 25,000 people affected. “The hope is that the reopening will help customers feel a sense of normalcy and comfort again, even if it’s for 5 minutes going through the drive-thru,” says Matt Long, operator of Dutch Bros Paradise. “Our community has been through so much, and whatever we can …
Co-Branded Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express Debuts Remodeled HQ Location in Beverly Hills
by Katie Lee
Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Fatburger, has opened its newly remodeled location in Beverly Hills, Calif. This co-branded Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express restaurant is located steps away from FAT Brands’ headquarters and opened in late March. Fatburger, the beloved Hollywood burger chain, maintains and upholds its unique L.A. culture and trademark menu offerings crafted by founder Lovie Yancey when she launched the brand almost 70 years ago in Southern California. This remodeled location features vintage-inspired pendant lighting, the brand’s signature pop of blue, …
Milwaukee — Marcus Theatres®, a division of The Marcus Corporation, is planning to bring Movie Tavern® by Marcus to Brookfield Square in Brookfield, Wis., a suburb of Milwaukee. Given the company’s recent acquisition of Movie Tavern, the timing is right to introduce a new theatre brand into the marketplace. The concept would replace the previously announced Brookfield BistroPlex℠ and is anticipated to open in October 2019. “Movie Tavern by Marcus is an extension of the Marcus Theatres brand with its own personality and some unique attributes,” says Rolando Rodriguez, chairman, …
New York City — Shake Shack has appointed a new chief development officer, chief global licensing officer, chief information officer and chief marketing officer, as well as the addition of its ninth board member. All four positions represent new roles at the company, filled with a balanced team of internal and external talent. With sizeable growth ahead, Shake Shack’s team of senior leaders will be instrumental in its strategic growth. Andrew McCaughan, formerly vice president of development at Shake Shack, has been promoted to chief development officer. He will be …