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Wetzel’s Pretzels Opens First New Mexico Location

by Katie Lee

Albuquerque, N.M. — Wetzel’s Pretzels is now open in Coronado Center in Albuquerque. Wetzel’s joins more than 130 retail shops at the mall, which is the state’s largest shopping center. The new location also marks the first Wetzel’s Pretzels in the state of New Mexico.  The debut New Mexico location is owned and operated by Tamanna Sayed and Md Abul Kalam Azad. “As existing franchise owners in California, we were ready to start a journey with Wetzel’s into a region with tons of growth potential,” says Sayed. “We’re drawn to …

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Dave’s Hot Chicken to Enter Missouri with 7-Unit Agreement in St. Louis

by Katie Lee

St. Louis, Mo. — Dave’s Hot Chicken, a Los Angeles-based street food sensation turned breakthrough fast-casual brand, has signed a multi-unit agreement for seven locations across St. Louis — the brand’s first in Missouri — with established entrepreneur Raj Patel and his company, The Hari Group. The Hari Group now owns and operates over 100 franchise locations across major food brands like McAlister’s Deli, Dunkin’ and Dave’s Hot Chicken. “I’ve always believed in leading by example and ensuring that each location is effectively set up operationally to thrive,” says Patel, …

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Shipley Do-Nuts Inks 14 Deals for 61 New Units; Expands Development Team

by Katie Lee

Houston — Shipley Do-Nuts continues its trend of positive same-store sales and bolsters its rapid growth trajectory with an expanded development team, 14 signed deals for 61 new locations throughout Texas and six shops opened so far in 2024. Shipley’s development team, headed by its senior vice president of franchise development, Keith Sizemore, has expanded with two key employees. Jonathan Massey joined Shipley in March as vice president of sales after serving as director of franchise development at Wingstop and, prior to that, at Pizza Hut. Also joining the team …

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Sage Restaurant Concepts Names New COO

by Katie Lee

Denver — Sage Hospitality Group has named Justin Fowler as the new chief operating officer for Sage Restaurant Concepts (SRC), overseeing operations of Sage’s growing list of more than 50 restaurants, bars, cafes and venues in the SRC portfolio, effective June 1.  “Our award-winning restaurants and bars are community cornerstones in the many cities and destinations where we operate,” says Daniel del Olmo, president of hotels and restaurants at Sage Hospitality Group. “Justin’s proven track record of delivering results, operational excellence as well as his deep knowledge of the fine …

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Bloomin’ Brands CEO to Retire

by Katie Lee

Tampa, Fla. — The chief executive officer of Bloomin’ Brands, Inc., David Deno, will be retiring after 12 years with the company, including the last 5 years as CEO and a member of the board of directors. Deno will continue in his current role until a successor is named and a successful transition period is completed. The board of directors will conduct a search for Deno’s successor. “David has strengthened the financial foundation at Bloomin’ Brands through better profitability and a stronger balance sheet, which is especially impressive given nearly …

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Craveworthy Brands Adds Sigri Indian BBQ to Restaurant Portfolio

by Katie Lee

Chicago — Craveworthy Brands, an innovative fast-casual restaurant platform company with 12 brands under its umbrella, has a new addition to its portfolio with the acquisition of Sigri Indian BBQ. Craveworthy Brands is also the parent company of Bd’s Mongolian Grill, Dirty Dough, Flat Top Grill, Genghis Grill, Krafted Burger Bar + Tap, Lucky Cat Poke Co., Pastizza Pizza & Pasta, Scramblin’ Ed’s, Soom Soom Mediterranean, The Budlong Southern Chicken and Wing It On! The company will infuse its operating procedures, marketing strategies and finance processes to optimize restaurant operations …

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Pizza Hut Names New President of Pizza Hut U.S.

by Katie Lee

Plano, Texas — On May 6, Pizza Hut announced that Juan Carlos “Carl” Loredo will join the company as the president of Pizza Hut U.S., reporting to Pizza Hut division CEO Aaron Powell, effective June 3. Loredo joins Pizza Hut from Wendy’s. “Carl comes to Pizza Hut with a strong track record of positioning brands for success and delivering results in highly competitive markets. He is adept at helping brands show up in novel and authentic ways at the right intersection of customer need and culture,” says Powell. “The Pizza …

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Fogo de Chão to Open First Oklahoma Location

by Katie Lee

Oklahoma City — Fogo de Chão, the internationally renowned restaurant from Brazil, has signed a lease agreement to open its first Oklahoma location in Oklahoma City. The new 8,439-square-foot restaurant is scheduled to open later this year at 13710 Pennsylvania Ave. in Memorial Square. “We are excited to introduce Fogo to the Oklahoma market and expand our Southwest footprint with our first restaurant in Oklahoma City,” says Barry McGowan, chief executive officer of Fogo de Chão. “Our restaurant will serve as a memorable addition to Oklahoma City’s dining scene and …

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Voodoo Brewing Company Promotes Employee Owner to CFO

by Katie Lee

Meadville, Pa. — Voodoo Brewing Company, a pioneer in the craft brewing industry, has promoted Isaiah Fitzgerald-Palacio to the position of chief financial officer (CFO). A proud employee owner, Fitzgerald-Palacio brings a wealth of financial expertise and a passion for promoting community to Voodoo Brewing Company. As CFO, he will play a pivotal role in guiding Voodoo Brewing Company’s financial strategy, fostering sustainable growth and ensuring fiscal responsibility. With over 15 years of experience in financial management and a proven track record of success, Fitzgerald-Palacio brings invaluable expertise to the …

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Burger King to Invest $300 Million to Remodel 1,100 U.S. Restaurants by 2028

by Katie Lee

Miami — Burger King plans to invest $300 million to modernize 1,100 U.S. restaurants by 2028, according to parent company Restaurant Brands International Inc. Each restaurant will be renovated in a new layout, called Sizzle, that emphasizes flexibility as well as the digital, pickup and drive-thru experiences. In addition to the planned renovations, the investment will also cover cash incentives for top-performing operators. “We are committed to giving our guests the very best experience in all our restaurants and that includes a modern, exciting restaurant image and digital experience that …

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