restaurants

Grants Pass, Ore. — A little over a month after unveiling its 1,000th retail location, drive-thru coffee chain Dutch Bros Inc. is expanding its operations with goals to reach 2,029 shops by 2029. Originating in 1992 as a pushcart by the railroad tracks in downtown Grants Pass, Dutch Bros opened its first franchise in 2000. Dutch Bros Coffee now has a significant presence in the Pacific Northwest and is expanding with more locations across the United States, moving eastward to Florida, Texas, Oklahoma and Georgia. Looking further out, Dutch Bros …

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— By Jim Myers — Why I chose to go into business with my family as a Rita’s franchisee. As a seasoned restaurant executive with 41 years at Burger King, where I led operations, franchising and development for North America, I was ready for a new experience that would make a meaningful impact in my community and my family. I was introduced to Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard by the brand’s CEO, Linda Chadwick, whom I had worked with at Burger King. After exploring the franchise opportunity, I knew …

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San Diego — Jack in the Box Inc. and its board of directors has named Lance Tucker as the permanent chief executive officer for Jack in the Box, where he will also serve on the company’s board of directors. Tucker had served as interim CEO since February 2025 after being hired as chief financial officer for the company in November 2024, which followed a previous tenure as CFO of Jack in the Box from March 2018 to September 2020. “Lance brings decades of experience within the restaurant industry as well …

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Louisville, Ky. — The chief executive officer of Yum! Brands, Inc., David Gibbs, has informed the board of directors of his intention to retire from the company in the next year. He has been with Yum! for 36 years and its CEO since January 2020. The board has established a succession planning committee and will work deliberately to identify and appoint the best candidate to lead the company’s next chapter. Gibbs will continue leading the company throughout the search process until his retirement, expected in the first quarter of 2026. …

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Dallas — Joe Hummel, chief executive officer, and Clay Mingus, chief legal officer, both intend to resign from Twin Hospitality Group Inc., the parent company of Twin Peaks Restaurant. The date of their departures will be effective April 10, 2025. Ken Kuick, chief financial officer, has been appointed interim CEO, and Allen Sussman, general counsel of FAT Brands Inc., has been appointed interim chief legal officer. “We would like to thank Joe and Clay for all that they have done for Twin Peaks over the last 14 years,” says Kuick. …

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Denver — REGO Restaurant Group, a leading fast-casual restaurant platform, has named Neel Patel as chief executive officer to lead Quiznos, the quick-service sandwich chain, and Taco del Mar, a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in coastal Mexican cuisine. He joins the group from Church’s Texas Chicken. Previously, Patel served as senior vice president, strategy & growth at Church’s Texas Chicken. He brings a wealth of experience in business transformation, growth strategy and commercial excellence, positioning him to drive the brands’ continued expansion and innovation. “Both Quiznos and Taco del Mar …

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Dallas — Nearly 20 years after cementing a spot in pop culture history thanks to a beloved group of employees at a fictitious Pennsylvania paper company, Chili’s® Grill & Bar is opening its doors to the Chili’s “Scranton Branch” on April 7. The brand-new, permanent restaurant will pay homage to some of Chili’s most notable on-screen moments, with throwback nods and decor, in addition to being the only Chili’s location to include the fan-favorite Awesome Blossom® on menus. “For decades, Chili’s has inserted itself in culture — introducing the now-famous …

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— By Katie Lee — Krystal sets the stage for new growth by focusing on fundamentals: people, processes and prototypes. Atlanta-based Krystal, the second-oldest fast-food chain in the U.S. — and the original home of the slider in the South — is forging a comeback. As it modernizes with new store layouts, technologies and processes, the heritage QSR brand also honors its 92-year history by embracing its roots and prioritizing “good old-fashioned hospitality” and people-first strategies. Leading this brand reinvention is Amanda Hyde, who was promoted to senior vice president …

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St. Louis — Panera Brands Inc., which includes the iconic fast-casual concept Panera Bread, as well as Einstein Bros. Brands and Caribou Coffee, has appointed Paul Carbone as chief executive officer, effective immediately. Carbone previously served as chief financial officer for the company and was appointed to the role of interim CEO in January 2025. “Paul’s commitment and significant contributions to Panera over the past 2 years — coupled with his impressive track record of success with both public and private companies in the industry — demonstrate that he has …

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John Catanese Preventative Maintenance quote

Restaurants and retailers move fast. There’s no time for unexpected maintenance issues to slow you down. Preventive maintenance (PM) programs can help you avoid disruptions. “For retailers and restaurants, preventive maintenance programs are vital, but often overlooked,” says John Catanese, senior vice president at Chain Store Maintenance, an MCS Company. “They ensure your business can provide the best service to your customers consistently, safely, efficiently and cost effectively.” Why PM Matters Preventive maintenance delivers several key advantages: Enhanced reliability. By addressing minor issues before they escalate, you can prevent unexpected …

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