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Smalls Sliders Names New CEO

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Smalls Sliders has appointed seasoned restaurant and hospitality executive Charles Watson as its new chief executive officer. In his new role, Watson will prioritize franchisee success while accelerating the brand’s impressive expansion. Watson brings nearly three decades of experience driving substantial growth, most recently as chief executive officer for Tropical Smoothie Cafe, where he expanded the brand to over 1,500 locations nationwide and tripled systemwide revenue to $1.42 billion. Prior to his CEO role, Watson led franchise growth and brand development strategies for multiple brands at Wyndham Hotels …

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Fatburger to Open 30 Units in France Over Next 3 Years

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Fatburger and 17 other restaurant concepts, has formed a new partnership with the group behind Big M CIE, to expand Fatburger across France, opening 30 units over the next 3 years with five new units set to open in 2026. “Since opening our first location nearly 3 years ago in Sarcelles, we have been looking for the right strategic opportunities to continue our expansion in France,” says Taylor Wiederhorn, chief development officer of FAT Brands. “Mehdi Bella and …

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Church’s Texas Chicken and Texas Chicken Plan 900 New Units in Europe and Beyond

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Church’s Texas Chicken® and Texas Chicken™, one of the largest quick-service chicken restaurant brands in the world, continues its international expansion into Europe while strengthening its presence in key global markets. The company has recently signed multiple development agreements, including one in Germany. With additional deals in other parts of Europe, this marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth strategy. Building on this momentum, the company is setting its sights on the UK, France, Italy and Spain. “We are experiencing tremendous growth both domestically and internationally, with …

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Hooters Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Plans to Remain Open

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — HOA Restaurant Group, parent company of restaurant chain Hooters, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection, entering into a Restructuring Support Agreement (RSA) that will facilitate the continued operation of the company’s restaurants under new ownership. A partnership between two existing Hooters franchises, Hooters Inc. and Hoot Owl Restaurants, reached an agreement with Hooters of America (HOA), to acquire more than 100 HOA-owned Hooters restaurants, which, when added with the franchisees’ existing holdings, will account for approximately 70% of Hooters’ domestic locations. Upon completion of the Chapter 11 …

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Dutch Bros Coffee Aims to Double Store Count to 2,029 Locations by 2029

by Katie Lee

Grants Pass, Ore. — A little over a month after unveiling its 1,000th retail location, drive-thru coffee chain Dutch Bros Inc. is expanding its operations with goals to reach 2,029 shops by 2029. Originating in 1992 as a pushcart by the railroad tracks in downtown Grants Pass, Dutch Bros opened its first franchise in 2000. Dutch Bros Coffee now has a significant presence in the Pacific Northwest and is expanding with more locations across the United States, moving eastward to Florida, Texas, Oklahoma and Georgia. Looking further out, Dutch Bros …

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Building A Legacy

by Katie Lee

— By Jim Myers — Why I chose to go into business with my family as a Rita’s franchisee. As a seasoned restaurant executive with 41 years at Burger King, where I led operations, franchising and development for North America, I was ready for a new experience that would make a meaningful impact in my community and my family. I was introduced to Rita’s Italian Ice & Frozen Custard by the brand’s CEO, Linda Chadwick, whom I had worked with at Burger King. After exploring the franchise opportunity, I knew …

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Jack in the Box Names New CEO

by Katie Lee

San Diego — Jack in the Box Inc. and its board of directors has named Lance Tucker as the permanent chief executive officer for Jack in the Box, where he will also serve on the company’s board of directors. Tucker had served as interim CEO since February 2025 after being hired as chief financial officer for the company in November 2024, which followed a previous tenure as CFO of Jack in the Box from March 2018 to September 2020. “Lance brings decades of experience within the restaurant industry as well …

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Yum! Brands CEO to Retire in 2026

by Katie Lee

Louisville, Ky. — The chief executive officer of Yum! Brands, Inc., David Gibbs, has informed the board of directors of his intention to retire from the company in the next year. He has been with Yum! for 36 years and its CEO since January 2020. The board has established a succession planning committee and will work deliberately to identify and appoint the best candidate to lead the company’s next chapter. Gibbs will continue leading the company throughout the search process until his retirement, expected in the first quarter of 2026. …

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Twin Hospitality Group CEO and Chief Legal Officer to Resign

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Joe Hummel, chief executive officer, and Clay Mingus, chief legal officer, both intend to resign from Twin Hospitality Group Inc., the parent company of Twin Peaks Restaurant. The date of their departures will be effective April 10, 2025. Ken Kuick, chief financial officer, has been appointed interim CEO, and Allen Sussman, general counsel of FAT Brands Inc., has been appointed interim chief legal officer. “We would like to thank Joe and Clay for all that they have done for Twin Peaks over the last 14 years,” says Kuick. …

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REGO Restaurant Group Names New CEO to Lead Quiznos and Taco del Mar

by Katie Lee

Denver — REGO Restaurant Group, a leading fast-casual restaurant platform, has named Neel Patel as chief executive officer to lead Quiznos, the quick-service sandwich chain, and Taco del Mar, a fast-casual restaurant chain specializing in coastal Mexican cuisine. He joins the group from Church’s Texas Chicken. Previously, Patel served as senior vice president, strategy & growth at Church’s Texas Chicken. He brings a wealth of experience in business transformation, growth strategy and commercial excellence, positioning him to drive the brands’ continued expansion and innovation. “Both Quiznos and Taco del Mar …

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