Oklahoma City — Sonic Corp., the nation’s largest chain of drive-in restaurants, has appointed Jose A. Dueñas as executive vice president and chief brand officer. He joins the company from Olive Garden.
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Glendale, Calif. — DineEquity, Inc., the parent company of Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar® and IHOP® restaurants, has appointed Stephen P. Joyce as its new chief executive officer, effective September 12, 2017. He joins DineEquity from Choice Hotels, where he served as CEO.
Trevose, Pa. — Rita’s Italian Ice has a new test store concept in select markets — Rita’s Italian Ice & Creamery — starring a rotating menu of new hand-scooped frozen custard, alongside Rita’s signature Italian ice and other ‘cool treats.’ Ten new Creamery locations will open this year.
Atlanta — The Local Pizzaiolo, a new Neapolitan-inspired pizzeria, is opening four locations across Atlanta. Italy native and globally acclaimed Neapolitan Pizza Master Giulio Adriani will serve as the Master Pizzaiolo and will train the ‘local pizzaioli’ who will maintain quality and taste at the individual restaurants.
Boston — With eight existing locations, including six in Massachusetts and two in New Hampshire, 110 Grill looks to bring at least four additional locations by the end of 2017 and six in 2018. This accelerated growth is a testament to its “scratch kitchen” approach, upscale-casual concept and integration within communities.