restaurants

Sweetgreen Appoints New Chief Operating Officer

by Katie Lee April 30, 2025

Los Angeles — Sweetgreen, Inc. has appointed Jason Cochran as its chief operating officer, effective May 5, 2025. Cochran will oversee field operations and as well as operations services and innovation for the company and will report directly to Sweetgreen’s co-founder and chief executive officer, Jonathan Neman. Cochran joins Sweetgreen from past positions with Pizza Hut, Chipotle and GameStop. “Jason is a trusted and visionary leader with hands-on operational experience at growth-oriented brands,” says Neman. “His strategic mindset, operational discipline and ability to inspire teams make him uniquely positioned to …

April 30, 2025

construction and design franchise development News restaurants

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop Opens First California Location

by Katie Lee April 29, 2025

Barstow, Calif. — Fuzzy’s Taco Shop has made its highly anticipated debut in California with a new location in Barstow, which opened on April 28, 2025. Located at 1523 East Main St., this marks the brand’s first foray into the California market, bringing its signature tacos, memorable drinks, and laid-back vibe to the West Coast. The new shop is owned and operated by the Soleimani Group, an experienced multi-unit franchisee group with over 30 IHOP locations. “Fuzzy’s Taco Shop has built a passionate following across the country, and we’re confident …

April 29, 2025

franchise development News people restaurants

TGI Fridays Appoints President of International Franchising

by Katie Lee April 28, 2025

Dallas — TGI Fridays has appointed Phil Broad as president of TGI Fridays International Franchising. Based in Dubai, Broad will oversee the brand’s international operations and franchise partnerships, with a focus on accelerating global growth and delivering exceptional guest experiences worldwide. Broad served as managing director of TGI Fridays UK from 1997 to 2000. In addition to his deep understanding of the brand, he has over 30 years of global leadership experience in the food and beverage, hospitality and retail sectors. “Phil’s return to the Fridays family comes at a …

April 28, 2025

construction and design franchise development News restaurants store closings

Jack in the Box to Close 150-200 Units; Company to Explore Possible Sale of Del Taco

by Katie Lee April 25, 2025

San Diego — Jack in the Box Inc. has unveiled a series of actions to improve long term financial performance across its restaurant system, including the closure of 150-200 underperforming Jack in the Box restaurants and, with the help of BofA Securities, possible strategic alternatives for its Del Taco brand, including a potential divestiture of the business. “In my time thus far as CEO, I have worked quickly with our teams to conclude that Jack in the Box operates at its best, and maximizes shareholder return potential, within a simplified …

April 25, 2025

construction and design Industry Voices restaurants

Balancing Intimacy & Efficiency

by Katie Lee April 24, 2025

By Griz Dwight, AIA, LEED AP Crafting smaller, purposeful F&B spaces. In the dining landscape, the mantra “smaller is better” has become increasingly relevant. This shift emphasizes the industry’s move toward compact yet highly impactful restaurant designs; in line with changing consumer habits, there is a renewed focus on creating intimate and highly efficient spaces that deliver exceptional experiences. By examining these changes through the lens of Oyster Oyster — a 1,047-square-foot restaurant in Washington, D.C. — we can explore how thoughtful design helps achieve both intimacy and efficiency in …

April 24, 2025

News people restaurants

Salad and Go Names Former Krispy Kreme Chief as New CEO

by Katie Lee April 24, 2025

Dallas — Salad and Go, a one-of-a-kind salad chain, has appointed Mike Tattersfield as its new CEO, effective immediately. Tattersfield, who is now a minority owner of the brand, brings over 30 years of retail and restaurant industry leadership experience to the expanding drive-thru-only salad concept. Most recently, he served as president and CEO of Krispy Kreme for nearly a decade. Other top roles included CEO of Caribou Coffee Company and Einstein Noah Restaurant Group, president at YUM! Brands and COO at Lululemon. “Salad and Go has built something special …

April 24, 2025

green news kitchen exhaust/grease control News restaurants software/technology vendors waste management/recycling

Restaurant Technologies Surpasses Sustainability Goals

by Katie Lee April 23, 2025

Minneapolis — Restaurant Technologies recycled over 363 million pounds of used cooking oil in 2024, exceeding its own record of 314 million pounds set in 2023 by over 15%. Restaurant Technologies partners with renewable energy partners, such as Chevron Renewable Energy Group and Phillips 66, to convert used cooking oil (UCO) into renewable diesel or biodiesel for vehicles to use on the road. At Sheetz, a regional convenience store located in seven states, Restaurant Technologies and Sheetz have created a closed loop economy where fresh oil is delivered, used, then …

April 23, 2025

construction and design energy management green building/LEED green news News restaurants waste management/recycling

Starbucks Verifies Over 9,000 Stores for Sustainable Practices

by Katie Lee April 22, 2025

Seattle — As of the end of 2024, Starbucks had verified more than 9,000 stores for meeting robust standards, as verified by an outside auditor, across eight environmental impact areas such as energy efficiency, water stewardship and waste diversion. These measures — taking steps toward a more sustainable build, design and operations — are planned to be implemented across 10,000 stores in 2025. Of the 9,000 stores, Starbucks is celebrating five stores for excelling in innovation, environmental impact, community connection, inspiration, and customer and partner experience. These stores reflect Starbucks …

April 22, 2025

construction and design News restaurants

Guthrie’s to Open First Restaurants in the Carolinas

by Katie Lee April 22, 2025

Lexington, S.C. — Guthrie’s, the original chicken finger restaurant, is bringing its iconic chicken fingers to the Carolinas in 2025. The expansion officially kicked off on April 22 with the opening of a new location in Lexington, S.C., at 2404 Mineral Springs Rd. Additional restaurants across both North and South Carolina will open later this year. “Guthrie’s has a deep-rooted history in the South, and we are excited to strengthen that connection by bringing our signature chicken fingers to the Carolinas. As a family-owned restaurant with our name on the …

April 22, 2025

construction and design franchise development News restaurants

Chipotle Signs Development Agreement to Open in Mexico for the First Time

by Katie Lee April 21, 2025

Newport Beach, Calif. — Chipotle Mexican Grill has signed a development agreement to open restaurants in Mexico for the first time. In partnership with Alsea, S.A.B. de C.V. (Alsea), a leading restaurant operator in Latin America and Europe, Chipotle will open a location in Mexico by early 2026 and begin exploring additional expansion markets in the region. “We are confident that our responsibly sourced, classically-cooked real food will resonate with guests in Mexico,” says Nate Lawton, chief business development officer at Chipotle. “The country’s familiarity with our ingredients and affinity …

April 21, 2025

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