Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Fatburger, Round Table Pizza and 16 other restaurant concepts, has officially opened its first-ever co-branded Fatburger and Round Table Pizza location near Dallas. Situated in the vibrant Lantana neighborhood, in Bartonville, Texas, the 3,500-square-foot restaurant offers a full-service, full-bar casual dining experience great for game day. It is the first of four co-branded Fatburger and Round Table Pizza locations planned for the greater Dallas area operated by SNM Management Group. “We are beyond thrilled to introduce our first …
restaurants
Nashville, Tenn. — Captain D’s, a leading fast-casual seafood restaurant, has signed its first franchise development agreement in the greater New York City area. This agreement will bring three Captain D’s to the city led by experienced multi-brand franchisees Kelly Moughal and Muhammad Saleem (pictured below), who first introduced the Checkers brand to Manhattan. The couple resides in New York and also owns multiple Subway and Little Caesars locations throughout the state. Sites are currently being considered throughout Manhattan and Long Island, with the first location expected to open in …
San Carlos, Calif. — Presto Automation Inc., an enterprise-grade AI and automation solutions provider to some of the nation’s largest restaurant brands, has promoted Justin Foster to chief revenue officer. In addition, after nearly 3 years at Presto serving as both president and chief revenue officer, Dan Mosher is leaving the company. Foster brings 15 years of experience leading go-to-market efforts at emerging high-growth technology companies. As chief revenue officer, he will be responsible for all facets of the company’s revenue generation, including growing Presto’s footprint in the emerging voice …
Orlando, Fla. — Sonny’s BBQ has launched Flybuy and Koala technology across all of its locations to help improve the guest’s off-premise experience. The move marks another important milestone in the brand’s evolution, on top of last year’s decision to optimize its restaurant prototype and invest in new technology to accommodate for changing customer preferences. “Since our founding, we have remained committed to providing the highest quality of customer service for our guests,” says Billy Brewer, COO of Sonny’s BBQ. “The implementation of Flybuy and Koala technology allows us to …
Webinar: How to Plan & Finance a Successful QSR Remodel
The Oct. 12 webinar “How to Plan & Finance a Successful QSR Remodel,” hosted by Retail & Restaurant Facility Business and sponsored by First Franchise Capital, discussed best practices and strategies for planning, financing and executing remodels for quick-service restaurant (QSR) projects. In this brief, 30-minute webinar, expert panelists covered financing options, industry challenges and information on how to drive more traffic through remodeling. Why is remodeling important and how can it fit into a franchise’s growth strategy? What options do franchisees have when it comes to remodeling, refreshing or re-imaging their …
Spartanburg, S.C. — Denny’s Corporation, owner and operator of Denny’s Inc. and Keke’s Inc., has hired Pankaj Patra as chief digital and technology officer (CDTO). This is a newly created enterprise role that will include support for Denny’s and Keke’s. Patra, who joins Denny’s from Brinker International, will be responsible for accelerating Denny’s capabilities across all specialties within the digital, technology and information functions. “Our restaurant teams and our guests rely on technology to enable a seamless experience, which makes the work that our IT team does absolutely critical,” says …
Addison, Ill. — Parts Town, the technology innovator and market-leading distributor of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) foodservice, residential appliance and HVAC equipment repair parts, recently named the recipients of the Technician Scholarship Awards at this year’s CFESA Annual Conference. Parts Town has earmarked $22,500 in scholarships and cash prizes to support individuals in the technician community. In 2023, Parts Town has already awarded scholarships to technicians from A+ Commercial Gaskets of Minneapolis, JK Services, A+ Commercial Kitchen Repair and Windy City Equipment Service during their respective region conferences. “We are …
Meadville, Pa. — Since launching franchising in 2012, Voodoo Brewing Co. has experienced explosive growth, awarding almost 80 agreements, with 17 locations open and 25 brewpubs projected to open by the end of 2023. According to CEO Matteo Rachocki, Voodoo Brewing Co. has already sold out the Dallas market and has established itself in other major markets, including Pittsburgh; Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada; and Knoxville, Tenn. “We’re looking to bring Voodoo to communities across the U.S.,” Rachocki says. “At this point, we’re only going to award 50 more franchises. …
Atlanta — Focus Brands®, parent company of Auntie Anne’s®, Carvel®, Cinnabon®, Jamba®, McAlister’s Deli®, Moe’s Southwest Grill® and Schlotzsky’s®, has added three new leaders to its supply chain, digital and customer engagement functions. The following executives will be leading these key business functions within the company: Christopher McNutt, senior vice president, supply chain; Christopher McNutt, senior vice president, supply chain; Urvi Patel, senior vice president, customer experience & engagement; and Manuel Valdes, senior vice president, digital, data & marketing technology. “At Focus Brands, we’ve invested in platforms, tools and resources …
Irving, Texas — Fuzzy’s Taco Shop has entered into a 20-restaurant agreement with new franchisee Mark Justice, who will expand the brand’s footprint into Nevada, marking its first units in the state. Justice is eyeing Las Vegas for his first Fuzzy’s Taco Shop location, with expansion into other markets in Nevada over the next 7 years. In addition to Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Justice owns and operates IHOP restaurants in eight states. Notably, Justice is the first IHOP franchisee to enter into a franchise agreement with Fuzzy’s Taco Shop after its …