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Swig Names New President and Chief of Franchise Partnerships

by Katie Lee

Sandy, Utah — Swig, the creator of the dirty soda beverage category, is ramping up its nationwide growth by promoting Todd Smith to president, following his tenure as chief commercial officer, and appointing franchise sales veteran Shannon Swenson as chief, franchise partnerships. “We’re at a major moment for dirty soda,” says Alex Dunn, CEO of Swig. “People crave playful, personalized drinks, and Swig is here to deliver — coast to coast. Todd’s vision, Shannon’s franchising prowess and the talent of Swig’s leaders and team members alike are the perfect combination …

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Matternet Pilots Drone Delivery in L.A. With Dave’s Hot Chicken

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — Matternet, the developer of the world’s leading urban drone delivery system, is partnering with Dave’s Hot Chicken to launch a drone delivery pilot, a first for the fast-casual leader. The service will debut in Northridge, a Los Angeles suburb, where eligible residents will be able to order Dave’s Hot Chicken through the Dave’s app and receive it directly to their homes via Matternet’s autonomous M2 drones — arriving hot, fresh and fast. “Each day, more than 10 million food deliveries move through our cities in 2-ton cars, …

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Ralph Lauren to Open ‘The Polo Bar Ralph Lauren’ in London

by Katie Lee

New York and London — Ralph Lauren will open a new restaurant as part of its renowned hospitality portfolio, The Polo Bar Ralph Lauren, in London. The restaurant will be located at 1 Hanover Square and is set to open in 2028. Building on the international acclaim of The Polo Bar, which opened in New York in 2015 and quickly became a widely celebrated and iconic restaurant, the London location will showcase the brand’s signature charm and timeless elegance with a refined, yet welcoming dining experience. “I have always been …

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Cracker Barrel Makes Changes to Leadership Team

by Katie Lee

Lebanon, Tenn. — Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. is making changes to its leadership and organizational structure. Doug Hisel, previously vice president, field operations, has been promoted to senior vice president, store operations, overseeing field operations and operations services. Hisel is an 18-year veteran of Cracker Barrel and brings a strong ability to balance operational excellence with a deep understanding of people and Cracker Barrel’s processes and standards. He started at the company as an associate manager in Indianapolis in 2007 and has served in various other operations roles …

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Donatos Pizza Aims to Develop 50+ Locations Across the Carolinas

by Katie Lee

Columbus, Ohio — Donatos Pizza is partnering with new franchise owners to begin adding more than 50 new locations across the Carolinas over the next several years. Cities in North Carolina include Charlotte, Raleigh, Wilmington, High Point and Greensboro. Cities in South Carolina include Greenville, Spartanburg and Columbia. In North Carolina, Donatos already serves guests through 16 Red Robin locations. South Carolina has Donatos Edge to Edge® pizzas available in four Red Robin locations in addition to four traditional restaurants in Summerville, Boiling Springs, West Ashley and Fort Mill. “This …

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Happy Joe’s Expands Leadership Team

by Katie Lee

Davenport, Iowa — Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream has added several seasoned leaders to its executive team, including Jenny Culp as vice president of purchasing and supply chain and Christopher Anschutz as vice president of restaurant operations. Culp has played a major role within the brand’s operations and supply chain since 2007, most recently serving as the director of purchasing and supply chain. In her new role as vice president, she will oversee sourcing, vendor partnerships and distribution strategies that position franchisees for success while ensuring consistency, quality and …

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FEP Invests in 7 Brew Franchisee, Signs Development Deal for Over 200 Units

by Katie Lee

New York City — Private investment firm Franchise Equity Partners (FEP) has acquired a majority stake in 7 Crew, the second-largest franchise owner of 7 Brew Drive-Thru Coffee. As part of the agreement, FEP will continue to execute 7 Crew’s existing development agreement with 7 Brew, which includes opening more than 200 new stands in addition to the 50 currently operating. FEP has taken a selective approach to investing in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector. After evaluating numerous opportunities, 7 Brew stood out as a differentiated, category-defining brand. 7 Brew …

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Starbucks to Close Stores, Lay Off Workers in $1 Billion Restructuring Effort

by Abby Cox

Seattle — Starbucks Coffee has announced that it will be eliminating roughly 900 non-retail U.S. jobs, with additional plans to close several hundred underperforming company-operated stores, as part of a broader $1 billion restructuring effort. The company’s store count will decrease by about 1 percent, which translates to roughly 500 closures for the company, as reported by CNBC. Starbucks plans to end its fiscal year with almost 18,300 North American locations, including both company-operated and licensed cafés. “In fiscal year 2026, we’ll grow the number of coffeehouses we operate as we …

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Mokas Coffee & Eatery Signs First Franchise Location in Kansas, Celebrates 20th Anniversary

by Abby Cox

Salina, Kan. — Salina, Kan.-based Mokas Coffee & Eatery, known for its roasted coffee, freshly baked pastries and breakfast and lunch offerings, has announced the upcoming opening of its first franchise location ahead of the brand’s 20th anniversary this November. Entrepreneur and hospitality veteran Christian Coleman has signed a six-unit agreement to bring Mokas Coffee to Johnson, Douglas and Shawnee counties. The first location is scheduled to open in Olathe, a suburb of Kansas City, Mo., in March 2026. Coleman launched his career in professional tennis at the BNP Paribas Open …

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Texas de Brazil
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Texas De Brazil Opens First Western Michigan Location at Woodland Mall

by Abby Cox

Grand Rapids, Mich. — Brazilian-American steakhouse, Texas de Brazil, is opening its newest location at Woodland Mall in Grand Rapids, marking the brand’s first restaurant in West Michigan and its third overall in the state. The new location at Woodland Mall will showcase Texas de Brazil’s signature rodizio-style service, where guests will enjoy a continuous rotation of flame-grilled meats, which are carved tableside. Complementing the grilled selections of meat is a gourmet salad area featuring over 50 seasonal items, including fresh vegetables, artisan breads, charcuterie, imported cheeses and house-made soups. “We are excited to bring …

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