On The Border Bets on Bold
— By Katie Lee — Rethinking its operations since the pandemic, On The Border rebrands with bold changes for its food and the guest experience. When the COVID-19 pandemic upended the world’s economy 3 years ago, many
…
Darden Restaurants to Acquire Ruth’s Hospitality Group in $715 Million Transaction
Orlando, Fla. — Darden Restaurants, Inc. and Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. have entered into a definitive merger agreement in which Darden will acquire all of the outstanding shares of Ruth’s in an all-cash transaction with an equity value of approximately
…
Atomic Wings Has 10 New Stores Under Construction; Launches 2023 Remodel Program
New York City — Atomic Wings, a 15-unit brand specializing in flavorful chicken wings, is starting off 2023 with significant Q1 growth. The New York-based wing franchise has 10 locations under construction, with plans to open throughout the year. The
…
Wingstop Names SVP, President of International as Brand Aims for 7,000+ Units Globally
Dallas — Wingstop, the global chicken chain with nearly 2,000 restaurants worldwide, has appointed Raj Kapoor as senior vice president, president of international. Kapoor will be responsible for driving Wingstop’s growth and development strategy for markets outside of the U.S.
…
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc. Names Executive Leadership Appointments
Englewood, Colo. — Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., a full-service restaurant chain, under its North Star growth plan, has made a series of key appointments toward the completion of its executive leadership team. This includes the appointment of Kevin Mayer
…
The Melting Pot to Open a Remodeled Restaurant Each Week Through 2023
Tampa, Fla. — The Melting Pot, the 94-unit fondue concept that provides a unique, experiential dining atmosphere, has been carefully considering its growth efforts in recent months, launching a campaign to remodel all restaurants and embracing what it has coined ‘Melting
…
Following OSHA’s Lead
— By Troy Tepp — What restaurants and retailers can learn from common OSHA violations to protect their employees and business. Each October, OSHA — the Occupational Safety and Health Administration — releases its annual review of the 10
…
Potbelly Continues Growth in Florida with 16 New Units in Development
Chicago — Potbelly Corporation, the iconic neighborhood sandwich shop, has finalized a 16-unit shop development agreement in two Florida markets. This agreement includes 14 shops in Broward County and two shops in Gainesville. “We are enthused to begin a partnership
…
Restaurant Technologies Breaks Own Sustainability Record
Mendota Heights, Minn. — Restaurant Technologies (RT) released its sustainability numbers from 2022, helping over 36,000 customers nationwide reach their ESG goals and create a cleaner, more livable planet. In 2022, RT recycled nearly 290 million pounds of used cooking
…
Caribou Coffee to Open More Than 300 New Franchise Locations
Minneapolis — Caribou Coffee®, a national premium coffeehouse and Panera Brands company, has signed several multi-unit development agreements to franchise more than 300 new locations domestically. Caribou Coffee expanded its franchise program in October 2021, marking the first time interested
…
Subway Continues Double-Digit Global Sales Growth
Miami — In first quarter 2023, Subway saw positive traffic and double-digit growth in global restaurant same-store sales, driven by its continued focus on menu innovation, modernization of restaurants and improvements to the overall guest experience, including digital. Kicking off
…
Texas de Brazil to Open First Location in Hawaii
Dallas — Texas de Brazil Churrascaria, one of the world’s largest Brazilian steakhouse groups, will open a new restaurant in Honolulu, at the Ala Moana Center, later this year. Family-owned and operated, Texas de Brazil will be partnering with Union
…
Captain D’s Fuels Franchise Growth Through Conversions of Vacant Properties
Nashville, Tenn. — Captain D’s, a leading fast-casual seafood restaurant, has converted a former Huddle House restaurant into its newest franchised location in Glennville, Ga. Owned by local entrepreneur Zuber Malek, the new restaurant will open on April 24; its
…
Inflation Response
— By Morven Groves — The benefits of private-equity backing in 2023. It’s no secret that the restaurant industry is facing a significant challenge in the form of inflation, which has led to increased costs on everything from labor
…
sweetgreen Releases 2022 Impact Report Detailing Progress Toward ESG Goals
Los Angeles — This month, sweetgreen released its first 2022 Impact Report, detailing the company’s ongoing initiatives to build a sustainable food system and responsible business. The report highlights sweetgreen’s Fiscal Year 2022 progress toward its Environmental, Social, and Governance
…
Fiesta Restaurant Group Appoints President and CEO
Dallas — Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., parent company of the Pollo Tropical® brand, has appointed Dirk Montgomery as its permanent president and chief executive officer, effective April 13, 2023. He has served as interim CEO since December 8, 2022 and
…
Wetzel’s Pretzels to Debut New Street Concept, Twisted by Wetzel’s
Pasadena, Calif. — Wetzel’s Pretzels is introducing Twisted by Wetzel’s, a never-before-seen street concept that amplifies the iconic brand’s classic pretzels to satisfy today’s millennial and Gen Z generations. From savory to sweet, the menu features new creations that are
…
Starbucks Appoints Executive Vice President and General Counsel
Seattle — Starbucks Coffee Company has appointed Brad Lerman as executive vice president and general counsel following an extensive internal and external search. Lerman will serve on the executive leadership team, reporting directly to CEO Laxman Narasimhan, effective May 8,
…
Designing the Details
— By Sarah Schanke — Designer replicates Tujague’s iconic Mardi Gras flair down to the last detail. Tujague’s, an iconic French Quarter fixture of the New Orleans cultural landscape, has been serving culinary delights to customers for
…
Playa Bowls Names New Chief Executive Officer
Belmar, N.J. — Playa Bowls, a leading superfruit bowl shop, has appointed Dan Harmon as its new chief executive officer. As CEO, Harmon will leverage his extensive industry experience to accelerate the company’s overall growth strategies and performance. He succeeds
…
Chipotle Pilots New Responsible Restaurant Design Alongside Sustainability Campaign
Newport Beach, Calif. — Chipotle Mexican Grill has unveiled a new all-electric restaurant design that works to maximize energy efficiency in its equipment and systems and utilizes 100% renewable energy from wind power and solar through the purchase of certified
…
Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay to Open First Restaurants in Chicago
Chicago — Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay is coming to the Windy City. Intelligration Capital BB, LLC (ICBB), the licensor and franchisor company for Bobby’s Burgers, has finalized the brand’s first franchise deal to propel the brand’s footprint across the
…
Smashburger Unveils Virtual Drive-Thru Design in Houston
Denver — Smashburger, a leading fast-casual restaurant chain known for its smashed-to-order-burgers, has launched its first Virtual Drive-Thru located at the newest corporate-owned restaurant in Houston. An extension of the traditional drive-thru experience, the Virtual Drive-Thru allows customers to seamlessly
…
Bruxie to Open its First Georgia Location in Athens
Athens, Ga. — Bruxie, an up-and-coming Southern California-based fast-casual concept known for its waffle sandwiches, chicken tenders and custard shakes, is set to open its first Georgia restaurant this spring in the Classic City. The Athens location will operate across
…
Presto Promotes 2 Executives to President and COO
San Carlos, Calif. — Presto Automation Inc., one of the largest drive-thru automation technology providers in the hospitality industry, has promoted Dan Mosher to president and Xavier Casanova to chief operating officer, effective immediately. “Dan and Xavier have been key
…
Berner Air Curtains Honors 3 Foodservice Manufacturer’s Reps at NAFEM
Orlando, Fla. — Berner International LLC, a New Castle, Pa.-based manufacturer and innovator of air curtains, has honored foodservice manufacturer’s representative Swanson-Girard Associates (SGA), based in Pineville, N.C, with its Presidential Gold Award for Outstanding Sales Achievement–2021-2022. Brian Paolucci, sales
…
Imperial Dade Hires First Chief Digital Officer
Jersey City, N.J. — Imperial Dade, a leading distributor of foodservice packaging and janitorial supplies, has hired Devashish Saxena as its first chief digital officer. He will be focused on identifying how the organization can use the latest digital technologies
…