Monday, January 27, 2025
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Just Salad Opens First-Ever Drive-Thru Location

by Katie Lee

New York City — Just Salad has opened its first-ever drive-thru location, marking a major milestone in the brand’s mission to bring healthy food options to more communities. Located in Livingston, N.J., in The Shoppes at the Livingston Circle, this store is the first of multiple Just Salad drive-thru locations expected to open throughout 2025. “This new location reflects our belief that fast food can be redefined — it can be fresh, it can be sustainable, and it can still be convenient,” says Nick Kenner, founder and CEO at Just …

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Firehouse Subs to Debut in Brazil With 500+ Locations Over Next 10 Years

by Katie Lee

Toronto — Firehouse Subs® plans to debut in Brazil with ambitious growth plans, building on its international expansion. The brand plans to open more than 500 restaurants in 10 years across the country. The first restaurant is expected to launch in 2025 and will mark Firehouse Subs’ debut in South America. The expansion into Brazil is part of a joint venture supported by parent company Restaurant Brands International (RBI), one of the world’s largest QSR companies, in partnership with Iuri Miranda, former CEO and board member of Zamp S.A., master …

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Bloomin’ Brands Promotes Carrabba’s President to EVP, President of Outback Steakhouse

by Katie Lee

Tampa, Fla. — Bloomin’ Brands, Inc. has promoted Pat Hafner to executive vice president, president of Outback Steakhouse. He will be responsible for leading operations and development for the company’s largest brand. He most recently served as president of Carrabba’s Italian Grill. “Pat is an ‘operator’s operator’ who has held a variety of roles and led special projects at Bloomin’ Brands,” says Mike Spanos, chief executive officer of Bloomin’ Brands. “He is a guest-centric leader who builds high-capability teams that deliver outstanding business results.” Hafner’s restaurant career began with Outback …

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Taco John’s Unveils Optimized Business Model to Accelerate Franchise Growth

by Katie Lee

Cheyenne, Wyo. — Taco John’s® is charting a bold new course for franchise growth with its optimized business model. Focused on driving unit-level profitability and expanding market reach, the brand has introduced strategic improvements in operations, franchise development, branding and technology. “There’s never been a more opportune time to grow with Taco John’s,” says Heather Neary, president and CEO. “With prime territories available for growth, our enhanced development and performance strategies remain centered on finding franchisees who align with our business strategy and rich culture, while continuing to prioritize innovation …

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Panera Brands Appoints Interim CEO

by Katie Lee

St. Louis — Panera Brands Inc., which includes the iconic fast-casual concept Panera Bread as well as the Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. brands, has named Paul Carbone, currently its chief financial officer, as interim chief executive officer of Panera, effective Jan. 7, 2025. Carbone, who joined Panera in 2023, brings decades of experience in the restaurant, consumer goods and retail industries, including as long-time CFO of Dunkin’ Brands. Carbone will lead the company while the board of directors completes a comprehensive search process, considering both internal and external candidates …

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Blaze Pizza Plans 25 New Units in Southern California

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Blaze Pizza has signed a 25-unit expansion agreement with longtime franchisee SoCal Blazers, Inc. The agreement spans Southern California counties, including Los Angeles, San Bernadino, Riverside, Orange and San Diego. Led by Reza Medali, Mehdi Khosh and Ryan Khosh Medali, the franchisee group currently operates 21 locations in the region. The agreement includes the opening of four new restaurants in 2025. “Reza and his team exemplify what it means to be exceptional operators, and we couldn’t be more excited to champion their continued success with Blaze,” says Beto …

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Smalls Sliders Makes Texas Debut

by Katie Lee

Willis, Texas — Smalls Sliders, the industry-disrupting cheeseburger slider brand, is hosting an opening celebration on Jan. 4 for its first Texas location, situated in the suburban Houston town of Willis. “The excitement of bringing Smalls Sliders to Texas is something I’m proud to be part of, and there’s no better place to start than Willis,” says Preston Cunningham, local franchisee and operator. “This community has a unique charm and a welcoming spirit that makes it the perfect home for our first Texas Can. The city has grown tremendously over …

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Jersey Mike’s Subs Opens 3,000th Location

by Katie Lee

Manasquan, N.J. — Jersey Mike’s Subs held a 12-store opening celebration to mark the company’s 3,000th location on Dec. 18. In 2024 alone, Jersey Mike’s will have opened a record-breaking 322 locations. “Congratulations to all our owners and teams for all they have accomplished with their commitment and hard work,” says Peter Cancro, founder and CEO, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, Inc. “Reaching 3,000 stores is a celebration of all who have helped build Jersey Mike’s into a brand that resonates on a national level due to our powerful giving culture.” …

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Cover Storyfranchise developmentFrom The Magazinerestaurants

Sweetening the Deal

by Katie Lee

— Interview with Flynn Dekker — With a fresh new development team in place, Shipley Do-Nuts leans into growing digital sales and new product innovation as it enters new states and markets. Shipley Do-Nuts has been a sweet, savory mainstay for many generations, first opening in 1936 and now operating more than 360 units in 12 states — and growing. This year, the Houston-based brand added significant new members to its executive team, as well as more than 100 units to its development pipeline. To support this dynamic growth, Shipley …

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Savvy Sliders Acquires All 85 BurgerFi Locations

by Katie Lee

Detroit — Savvy Sliders, America’s fastest growing slider brand, has acquired Florida-based BurgerFi, a chef-driven, fast-casual chain. Each of BurgerFi’s 85 restaurants, located in 15 states and counting, will continue to operate as BurgerFi. With this acquisition, BurgerFi will be a sister brand to Savvy Sliders, Happy’s Pizza and Fat Boy’s Pizza, bringing the company’s combined portfolio to 206 stores. “BurgerFi shares our commitment to using the highest-quality, freshest ingredients in each menu item while prioritizing the customer’s dining experience,” says Happy Asker, CEO/founder of Savvy Sliders. “We are pleased …

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