Charlotte, N.C. — Bobby’s Burgers By Bobby Flay has appointed Patrick Cunningham as chief development officer (CDO). This move underscores the brand’s continued momentum and dedication to building a powerhouse franchise network. He joins the company from Little Caesars Pizza. With nearly three decades of experience in the QSR and franchising spaces, Cunningham brings a wealth of expertise to Bobby’s Burgers. In his new role, he will oversee all aspects of the brand’s franchise development strategy, with a focus on new market expansion and both traditional and non-traditional growth opportunities …
restaurants
— By Brett Andersen — How to transform your dining experience through architectural lighting design. Lighting can transform a diner’s evening. A restaurant’s lighting should be functional while also providing the right ambiance. Hiring a professional lighting designer ensures a cohesive approach that balances aesthetics and technical considerations, including LED technology and control systems. To better understand what makes for a successful design, our firm conducted a study of the top 50 restaurants in New York City and came up with the following expert tips so you, too, can use …
Atlanta — Smalls Sliders has appointed veteran restaurant operations leader Clint Penfield as its new chief operating officer. In this role, Penfield will oversee systemwide operations and focus on building scalable infrastructure to support franchisee growth, while preserving the brand’s bold identity and relentless focus on guest experience. Penfield brings over two decades of leadership from Raising Cane’s, one of the most admired growth stories in the restaurant industry. During his tenure, he held multiple senior roles — including chief of restaurant services, senior vice president of restaurant services, and …
Atlanta — Ascent Hospitality Management, franchisor to family dining brands Huddle House and Perkins American Food Co., has named Brian Wallunas as chief technology officer. In this role, Wallunas will lead the company’s digital strategy, with a focus on implementing customer-centric technology solutions that drive operational efficiency, elevate the guest experience and fuel brand growth. Most recently, Wallunas served as chief technology officer at Smokey Bones. Under his leadership, online sales tripled, and the brand’s guest engagement capabilities were significantly enhanced. “Brian is a forward-thinking technology leader with a deep …
Houston — Shipley Do-Nuts, a fast-growing donut and kolache brand with more than 375 shops, has opened its first Virginia location in Lynchburg. The new shop marks Shipley’s expansion into its 14th state. Founded in 1936 in Texas and expanding rapidly into new states such as Virginia, Shipley offers more than 60 varieties of fresh donuts, handmade daily. These include its signature hot glazed, cut in the iconic Shipley hexagon shape, plus filled, iced and cake donuts, bear claws, coffee and more. Owned by Lexington, Va.-based businessman and Texas native …
Snow Strategy Starts in Summer: Eight Tips for a Safe and Successful Winter
For restaurants and retailers, customer service doesn’t stop at the front door. It extends to the sidewalks and parking lots. During the winter months, prompt snow and ice clearing is essential for ensuring guest safety and maintaining smooth business operations. “A strategic snow and ice removal program is critical for mitigating safety hazards and preventing downtime and lost revenue,” says Dana Russell, vice president of exterior operations at MCS & Chain Store Maintenance. “Having a program in place as far in advance as possible helps ensure your business can keep …
Louisville, Ky. — The chief financial officer of Texas Roadhouse, Inc., Chris Monroe, is no longer with the company. He was hired on June 28, 2023. The board of directors has appointed Keith Humpich, vice president of finance, as interim CFO until a permanent successor has been identified. Humpich, who served as interim CFO from January 2023 to June 2023, has more than 30 years of accounting, audit and finance experience. He joined Texas Roadhouse in February 2005 as the director and then senior director of internal audit. In 2021, …
Plano, Texas — MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes has appointed Michael Meche as president. A seasoned restaurant executive with significant leadership experience, Meche will lead MOOYAH into its next stage of growth, focusing on franchisee success, operational excellence and people-oriented leadership. Most recently, Meche served as chief restaurant officer for sister brands Capriotti’s and Wing Zone, where he helped to elevate guest experience, enhance franchisee performance and develop strong operating teams. He began his restaurant journey in high school as a team member at Papa John’s and steadily climbed the …
Los Angeles — Fazoli’s, FAT Brands’ fast and fresh Italian chain, has officially reached a new milestone, the opening of its first international location in Canada in Calgary, Alberta. This marks the first of 25 units set to open across the country over the next 9 years in partnership with Briwin Restaurants Inc. “For over 35 years, we have experienced strong growth domestically, and look forward to this new global chapter,” says Gregg Nettleton, president of Fazoli’s. “Our partner, Briwin Restaurants Inc., has also seen great success within this market …
Manasquan, N.J. — Jersey Mike’s Subs, a leading franchisor of fast-casual sandwich shops known for its fresh sliced and fresh grilled subs, has appointed Charlie Morrison, an industry veteran who has driven long term growth and international expansion at several of the world’s most recognizable restaurant brands, as chief executive officer. Most recently, he was CEO as Salad and Go. As CEO of Jersey Mike’s, Morrison will build on the company’s strong momentum and continue to accelerate its expansion in the U.S. and international markets, as well as its ongoing …