Jericho, N.Y. — Nathan’s Famous has hired James Walker, CFE, as the company’s senior vice president, restaurants. He joins the company from Subway where he was vice president, North America, overseeing all franchised restaurants in the U.S. and Canada. “We are excited to have James on board to lead our all-important restaurant division,” says Eric Gatoff, CEO of Nathan’s Famous. “While our success over the last decade has largely come from our product licensing and foodservice businesses, Nathan’s started as a restaurant company in 1916. James’ skill set includes extensive …
restaurants
North Miami, Fla. — South Florida’s iconic Krispy Kreme, located on 167th Street in North Miami, has been replaced with a larger, more modern version of the famous Hot N’ Ready doughnut shop with a few additional features. FRONTIER Building has completed the construction of the new 3,576-square-foot restaurant that now includes a drive-thru and 11 parking spaces. The new structure features an updated store design and will also serve as a distribution center. FRONTIER Building’s director of construction, Andrew Goggin, was the lead on the project. “We’re excited to …
Columbia, Md. – The board of directors of The Greene Turtle has named Geovannie “Geo” Concepcion, formerly COO of Minneapolis-based Famous Dave’s, as president/CEO. He plans to guide the 44-unit casual dining chain to the next stage in its growth and success. During his time with Famous Dave’s, Concepcion oversaw company and franchise operations, marketing, IT, culinary, franchise sales and training, and compiled a stellar track record overseeing initiatives in many areas on which The Greene Turtle is now focused. Under his leadership, same-store sales at company-owned stores grew for …
Costa Mesa, Calif. — Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar, the casual dining restaurant known for its handcrafted American food and drink, plans to open its first restaurant in Florida next year, which will be located at the Westfield Broward Mall in Plantation. Designed to feel like a Rocky Mountain Wyoming escape, Lazy Dog’s warm interior will feature lodge-inspired furnishings such as cozy fireplaces, ledge stone, a chandelier crafted from Aspen logs, and artwork reminiscent of the Cowboy State. Multiple flat-screen TVs will be installed throughout the bar and patio areas …
Covington, Ky. — Braxton Brewing Co., a local brewery with national recognition, plans to expand its presence to Fort Mitchell, Ky., with the opening of the area’s first barrel-aging brewery and taproom. Expected to open in fall 2019, the Braxton Barrel House will offer a unique experience for patrons by giving them the opportunity to create custom private barrel picks of barrel-aged brews. The location of the brewery and taproom is a unique space. Once a Remke grocery store, the 2,000-square-foot loading dock will be redeveloped with large glass garage …
Pacific Construction Services Transforms Parking Garage Space into Bar Louie Restaurant
by Katie Lee
Chicago — PCS, a Chicago-based fully-integrated construction management firm, has provided construction management and advisory services to Poag Shopping Centers, LLC that resulted in the transformation of a portion of a parking garage into a high-profile restaurant for its LaCenterra retail center in suburban Houston. Throughout the entire development process from lease negotiations to the opening of the restaurant, PCS advised the lifestyle center’s owners and the tenant on the various challenges for transforming a portion of the parking facility into a Bar Louie restaurant. With PCS’ support, the local …
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, …
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 …