Monday, December 15, 2025
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Industry Voiceskitchen equipmentplumbingProduct Spotlightrestaurantsvendors

Optimizing Efficiency

by Katie Lee

— By Sharon Cho and Justin Shreiner — Selecting optimal water heating systems to meet the needs of full-service restaurants. Full-service restaurants are harsh environments for commercial water heaters. They operate for long hours, often from early morning to midnight, with continuous 140° hot water necessary for food prep, cooking and cleaning. This constant demand places a significant strain on water heating equipment and requires units that can withstand heavy use and provide consistent performance. For this reason, selecting the proper water heater is necessary to keep restaurants operational, remain …

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Industry Voiceskitchen equipmentkitchen exhaust/grease controlProduct Spotlightrestaurantsvendorswaste management/recycling

Exhaustive Analysis

by Katie Lee

— By Christopher Collins, AIA, NCARB — The good, the bad & the ventless …exhaust hoods. The look of dismay on the chef’s face told me everything I needed to know: the vent hood was not cutting it and big money was going to be burned trying to remedy his woes. The issue was the ventless hood that was used for the cooking appliances. And not really the exhaust type that was being employed, but more of the expectations around that piece of equipment. That’s when I realized what ventless …

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franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Smalls Sliders Welcomes New Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Smalls Sliders has appointed industry veteran and financial expert Dan Hurwitz as its new chief financial officer. In his new role, Hurwitz will focus on supporting investment decisions to drive profitable growth for Smalls Sliders as the brand continues expanding its capabilities as an industry disruptor. With over two decades of experience managing and overseeing the financial growth of several known brands, Hurwitz will play a key role in Smalls Sliders’ growing leadership team. Hurwitz’s background includes his most recent position as CFO of Philz Coffee, where he …

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franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers Strikes 4 Franchise Deals for 21 New Locations

by Katie Lee

Wichita, Kan. — Fast-casual restaurant concept Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers® has signed four separate development deals that will build the brand’s presence across Washington, Illinois, Iowa, New Jersey and Texas. These deals are being individually spearheaded by a mix of both current and new Freddy’s franchisees and will add a total of 21 restaurant locations to the franchise system.   Among these deals, Freddy’s is planning its first restaurants in the state of Washington, with a 10-unit development agreement for the Seattle market. Another franchise deal, this time in the …

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franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Smashburger Appoints Chief Development Officer

by Katie Lee

Denver — Smashburger® has appointed Jim Sullivan as chief development officer. In his new role, Sullivan is responsible for overseeing all facets of restaurant development, including market planning, site selection and franchise sales, with a strategic focus on elevating Smashburger’s brand identity in the fast-casual space. “We are thrilled to welcome Jim Sullivan as Smashburger’s new chief development officer,” says Denise Nelsen, CEO of Smashburger. “Jim brings unparalleled expertise, passion and a deep understanding of the fast-casual industry that will be instrumental in driving our ambitious expansion plans both domestically …

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KPOT Opens 80th Location, First in New York City

by Katie Lee

New York City — KPOT Korean BBQ & Hot Pot, a unique, hands-on, all-you-can-eat dining experience that merges traditional Asian Hot Pot with Korean BBQ flavors, has opened its 80th location, which is also the brand’s first location in New York City. The new restaurant is located at 310 W. 38th St. in Manhattan’s Midtown West neighborhood. “We’re thrilled to bring KPOT’s unique dining experience to the vibrant culinary landscape of New York City,” says Margaret M. Farrell, head of marketing for Vertex Hospitality. “New York is home to diverse …

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BurgerFi Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection

by Katie Lee

Fort Lauderdale, Fla. — BurgerFi International has filed for voluntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection. The Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based company operates under two brands: BurgerFi and Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings. The two entities have a total of 144 locations open across the United States, Puerto Rico and Saudi Arabia. The filing pertains to 67 corporately owned locations operating under both the BurgerFi and Anthony’s banners. The remaining 77 franchisee-owned locations are excluded from the filing, with the company’s total portfolio expected to remain open and continue normal operations. BurgerFi …

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Newspeoplerestaurantssoftware/technology

Papa Johns Names New Chief Digital and Technology Officer

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Papa John’s International, Inc. has appointed Kevin Vasconi to chief digital and technology officer. He brings proven enterprise technology leadership to the company, having most recently served as chief information officer for The Wendy’s Company. While at Wendy’s, Vasconi led the team to triple its e-commerce business in 3 years through a consumer-centric approach, leveraging technology to build loyalty with Wendy’s customers. In his new role, Vasconi will be responsible for guiding the development and execution of Papa Johns long term strategy across the entire digital and technology …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Little Caesars Marks 65 Years in Business with 23+ New Openings Planned in U.S.

by Katie Lee

Detroit — Little Caesars celebrates its 65th anniversary with another successful development period, signing numerous new multi-unit development agreements to expand its footprint across the U.S. These agreements will translate into more than 23 new restaurants opening in Dallas; Los Angeles; San Antonio, Texas; Charlotte, N.C.; Albuquerque, N.M.; Brooklyn, N.Y.; Baltimore, Md.; and Greenville, S.C. Recent grand openings have also included three new restaurants in New York City. “Over the past few years, we’ve taken steps to continue to meet the demands and preferences of franchisees and guests alike. As …

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Newspeoplerestaurants

Mr Gatti’s Pizza Promotes Key Executives to Drive Continued Growth and Expansion

by Katie Lee

Fort Worth, Texas — Mr Gatti’s Pizza has promoted two key executives. Travis Smith has been promoted to executive vice president, and Ryan Morris has been promoted to senior vice president of real estate and general counsel. “Travis and Ryan have demonstrated incredible dedication and played key roles in our brand’s success,” says Jim Philips, CEO of Mr Gatti’s Pizza. “With Travis focused on increasing the brand’s presence and revenue and Ryan leading our Walmart project, we know we are in great hands. These promotions are a testament to our …

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