San Francisco — Starbird, one of the nation’s first super-premium fast food concepts, has signed its inaugural franchise development agreement with Whiplash Holdings to bring seven new locations to the greater Denver market. The first Starbird location is expected to open in Denver by mid-2025, with all seven locations set to roll out over the next few years. This partnership marks Starbird’s initial expansion beyond California. “Expanding beyond California for the first time is a landmark moment for Starbird and a testament to the demand for a new kind of …
restaurants
Atlanta — Since opening its first location in 1993, the Flying Biscuit Café franchise has taken off as a leader within the breakfast and brunch industry. This year, Flying Biscuit opened five new locations and anticipates opening 15 new locations in 2025. Having just celebrated its 30th anniversary, Flying Biscuit Café currently has 35 locations, with a strong presence in Georgia, Texas, Alabama, Florida and the Carolinas. 2024 openings brought more than 150 jobs to local communities in Charleston, S.C., and throughout Texas. In 2025, the chain is excited to …
Costa Mesa, Calif. — El Pollo Loco, a premier fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain, has unveiled its new restaurant prototype showcasing an enduring, yet modern and efficient, design. As the brand approaches its 50th anniversary next year, it looks to create a modern legacy of curated experiences, inspired by place and punctuated by new menu innovation. While the new restaurant prototype includes existing brand elements — such as the fire stack gradient, logo and font — that fans have come to know and love, these elements now reflect an updated color …
Wilmington, N.C. — Clean Eatz, a health-focused lifestyle brand and meal plan franchise, has appointed 30-year restaurant and retail industry leader Eric Wyatt as the first CEO of the brand. Wyatt most recently served as CEO of California-based NORMS Restaurants and has held C-level leadership roles at Boston Market and Corner Bakery Cafe. He also held senior positions at Hardee’s Restaurants, Panera Bread and Starbucks, where he consistently demonstrated his ability to mentor and support team members, improve operational efficiency and lead successful market expansions. “Eric’s journey brings our founding …
Dallas — Dallas-based global consultant firm Harrison is currently designing 33 global Fogo de Chão locations, including remodels and new builds. As global design lead, Harrison has helped evolve the Fogo restaurant designs since 2018. The firm’s work covers the spectrum from interior design and architecture to development of the Butchery brand identity including graphics, logo creation and packaging design. “As Fogo de Chão continues to expand its presence internationally, Harrison remains dedicated to delivering innovative design solutions that reflect the brand’s design pillars to create authentic guest experiences,” says …
Portland, Ore. — Killer Burger, a fast-growing better burger concept, has implemented technology to increase its operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. The company has launched a test with Toast on self-serving kiosks that allows guests to browse the menu, customize their orders and pay at their own pace — reducing wait times and improving the overall guest experience. Killer Burgers has also launched Toast’s Kitchen Display System to streamline back-of-house operations. Since implementing Toast’s Kitchen Display Systems (KDS), and launching its single-ticket flow operating system, Killer Burger has cut its …
Atlanta — Zaxbys™, a rapidly expanding Georgia-based QSR franchise, plans to open its first-ever location in New Jersey. The first two locations, set to open in South Jersey in summer 2025, mark the beginning of a major expansion into the Garden State. This ambitious move is being made by the GSP Group, led by Premanand Gupta, a longtime New Jersey resident. Currently, the GSP Group has signed on to open six Zaxbys locations across south, central and north New Jersey, with plans to open more in the future. Its first …
Atlanta — Smalls Sliders, known for its innovative modular restaurant design, has named six new states that are now open for franchise development: Illinois, Nevada, Ohio, South Dakota, Virginia and West Virginia. The brand now has active development across 30 states. In addition to its expansion into these new states, Smalls Sliders has officially sold out in eight states, with Arizona and Georgia being the latest states to sell our initial phase development. These states join Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri and Mississippi, which sold out initial phase development earlier …
Orlando, Fla. — Red Lobster® has appointed Bob Baker as chief financial officer (CFO). A seasoned leader with diverse experience across full-service, fast-casual and quick-service restaurant brands, Baker will report to CEO Damola Adamolekun as part of the company’s executive leadership team. “Bob brings not only deep financial expertise but also a passion for restaurant operations,” says Adamolekun. “His wealth of experience gained across the restaurant industry, combined with his hands-on approach, will be invaluable as we continue to position Red Lobster for long term growth. Bob thrives on the …
Campbell, Calif. — TOGO’S Sandwiches, a beloved West Coast sandwich chain, has appointed its chief financial officer, Matt Dowling, to CEO following Glenn Lunde’s decision to step down. Lunde’s leadership helped position the brand for growth, and Dowling will follow suit in overseeing overall operations, set strategic goals, focus on growing unit count and drive financial performance while continuing his role as CFO. Dowling has more than 40 years of experience leading operations, company finances, analyzing financial data to guide strategic decisions, managing risks and communicating financial performance to stakeholders. …