Louisville, Ky. — With the recently announced departure of CEO Brian Niccol, who is leaving Taco Bell to join Chipotle, Julie Felss Masino, president of Taco Bell North America, and Liz Williams, president of Taco Bell International, will assume leadership of the Taco Bell division in their respective roles, reporting to Yum! Brands CEO Greg Creed.
restaurants
Denver — Chipotle Mexican Grill’s board of directors has appointed Brian Niccol as chief executive officer and a member of the board, effective March 5, 2018. Niccol most recently served as CEO of Yum! Brands’ Taco Bell division, where he was responsible for the highly successful turnaround of the business.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe Promotes Industry Veteran to SVP of Supply Chain and Quality Assurance
by Katie Lee
Atlanta — Tropical Smoothie Cafe has promoted industry veteran Kristi Kingery to senior vice president of supply chain and quality assurance. She will oversee quality assurance, supply chain and culinary for Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s more than 635 locations nationwide.
Cheyenne, Wyo. — Goalz Restaurant Group, recently formed franchise operator for Captain D’s, Church’s Chicken and Dog Haus, has appointed Jeron Boemer as vice president of operations in Arizona. In addition, Boemer is partnering with Goalz to develop Dog Haus locations in Tempe, Ariz., Colorado Springs, Colo., and Castle Rock, Colo.
Atlanta — Arby’s Restaurant Group Inc. has completed its previously announced $2.9 billion acquisition of Buffalo Wild Wings Inc. As part of the transaction, the company launched a new restaurant company known as Inspire Brands Inc. The company will oversee the growth of Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings and an emerging brand, R Taco.
Lebanon, Tenn. — On February 5, 2018, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® opened its newest location in Victorville, Calif. — the first Cracker Barrel store to open in the Golden State. The restaurant combines dining and shopping as a seamless experience in a relaxing, comfortable environment.
Dallas — BRIX Holdings, LLC has named long-time operations executive Craig Erlich as CEO, effective immediately. The current BRIX Holdings franchise portfolio includes the Red Mango® Yogurt Café Smoothie & Juice Bar, Smoothie Factory® Juice Bar, RedBrick Pizza® Kitchen Cafe, Souper Salad® and Greenz® chains.
Franklin, Tenn. — On January 31, 2018, global burger chain Carl’s Jr. opened its first-ever Manhattan restaurant at 425 7th Ave., opposite Madison Square Garden. In addition to its full food menu, the two-story restaurant will serve a selection of local and national beer and wine.