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HOODZ International: Signature Vendor Spotlight

by Katie Lee

— Interview with Nathan Willard — R&R: Where are you based and how long has the company been in business? Nathan Willard: HOODZ is based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan. We have been in business since 1972 and have provided franchising opportunities since 2009. R&R: What is your name and title, and how long have you been with the company? Willard: My name is Nathan Willard, and I have acted as president of HOODZ International since 2015.    R&R: What trades/services do you offer retailers and restaurants? Willard: As the leading …

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Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay to Enter Canada with 65-Unit Development Agreement

by Katie Lee

Charlotte, N.C. — Bobby’s Burgers by Bobby Flay, the premium handcrafted burger concept co-founded by renowned chef Bobby Flay, has signed a multi-year agreement with The Falcon Capital Group to open 65 locations across Canada. “Expanding into Canada and becoming an international brand is a major milestone,” says Flay. “The Falcon Capital Group brings proven expertise in brand development and retail franchising that makes them the ideal partners to bring our signature handcrafted burgers, fries and milkshakes to a new audience. I look forward to working with the accomplished team …

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Applebee’s Appoints Chief Operations Officer

by Katie Lee

Pasadena, Calif. — Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar has appointed Jerrold (Jay) Wong as chief operations officer, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to bold innovation, operational excellence and long term growth. He will officially join Applebee’s on Sept. 15. As COO, Wong will focus on driving consistency, accelerating growth and working closely with his team and franchisees to elevate restaurant performance and deliver a seamless guest experience across the system. Wong brings extensive leadership experience from across the hospitality industry, having scaled global teams and led transformations at world-class brands including …

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White Castle Plans to Bring its First Restaurant to Texas in 2026

by Katie Lee

Columbus, Ohio — White Castle, America’s fast-food pioneer and the company behind The Original Slider®, has made a monumental announcement. For the first time in its 104 years, the family-owned business is opening a restaurant in Texas. For inaugural location will be in The Colony. The White Castle at Grandscape, is located in The Colony, near the intersection of Destination Drive and Grandscape Boulevard. It plans to serve hot and tasty Sliders, prepared on steamed buns made in White Castle’s own bakeries, beginning in summer 2026. “White Castle has been …

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Inside Bojangles’ Design Strategy

by Katie Lee

— By Jim Cannon — Location design and its impact on operations, franchisee success and guest experience. Restaurant design plays a critical role in the success of any QSR brand. From streamlining operations and supporting menu execution to shaping the guest journey, every design decision has a direct impact on restaurant performance. At Bojangles, our approach to location design evolves as we continue to grow as a brand. And, with nearly five decades of experience behind us, evolving with changing consumer, operations, menu, financial and technology trends is something Bojangles …

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Chicken Salad Chick Plans to Open New Units in 5 New States

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Chicken Salad Chick, the nation’s only fast-casual chicken salad restaurant concept, is ready for expansion into five new states — Arizona, Nevada, New Jersey, New York and Utah — creating opportunities in key markets for experienced franchise owners who are ready to grow quickly. The brand is on pace for a record-setting year through robust sales growth and an ambitious development pipeline. Key Markets for Growth: • Arizona: Flagstaff, Phoenix metropolitan area, Prescott, Tucson • Nevada: Las Vegas metropolitan area • New Jersey: Central and South Jersey • …

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Founder of Wendy’s FreshAi Joins Presto as Co-Founder and President of Presto IQ

by Katie Lee

San Carlos, Calif. — Presto, the company that pioneered drive-thru Voice AI, has tapped Michael Chorey, the founder of Wendy’s FreshAi, to join the company in order to build Presto IQ, the first AI-native dynamic data offering for the quick-service restaurant (QSR) industry. In this role, Chorey will work with Presto to grow its drive-thru Voice AI platform and lead the development of the new Presto IQ business unit. Chorey is widely recognized for pioneering AI experiences that are both operationally sound and emotionally intelligent. Presto IQ will integrate dynamic …

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Dog Haus to Open First Location in Florida

by Katie Lee

Pasadena, Calif. — Dog Haus will soon make its Florida debut. The California-born concept has signed an area development agreement with seasoned restaurant franchisees Livingston and Terri Chatman, marking the brand’s first expansion into the Sunshine State. Livingston, a notable University of Florida basketball alumnus, and his wife, Terri, bring more than 20 years of experience in franchising multiple restaurant concepts. The duo plans to open their first Dog Haus location in Tampa in late 2025 or early 2026. They are exploring potential additional sites across Florida in the years …

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Whataburger Welcomes New Chief Operating Officer

by Katie Lee

San Antonio — Whataburger has hired Jessica Reicher as executive vice president and chief operating officer. She brings more than 30 years of diverse restaurant leadership experience, with a proven track record of operational excellence, brand growth and people-first leadership. Most recently, Reicher served as president of Arby’s at Flynn Group, where she led over 360 locations across 10 states. Under her leadership, Flynn Arby’s consistently ranks at the top of the system on national benchmarks in sales and customer satisfaction. Her people development strategy resulted in industry-leading turnover improvements, …

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SPB Hospitality Promotes Construction VP to SVP of Development

by Katie Lee

Houston — SPB Hospitality, a portfolio company of Fortress Investment Group and a leading operator and franchisor of restaurant brands, has appointed Robert “Bob” J. Fargo as senior vice president of development. Fargo first joined SPB Hospitality in 2023 as vice president of construction and design. In his new role, Fargo will lead all aspects of real estate, design and construction management for SPB Hospitality’s portfolio, including J. Alexander’s, Stoney River Steakhouse and Grill, Amada, Village Whiskey, Krystal and Logan’s Roadhouse. He will be responsible for managing SPB’s national development …

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