New York City — Randy Garutti, chief executive officer of Shake Shack Inc., has informed the board that, after more than two decades with the company, he will retire in 2024 upon the selection of his successor. He will continue to lead the company as its CEO and as an executive board member through that time. The company intends to retain Garutti as an advisor following his CEO service through the end of 2024 to ensure a proper transition. The board of directors has launched an external search led by …
restaurants
Lansing, Mich. — BIGGBY® COFFEE, a high-energy coffee franchise with 379 units nationwide, is pursuing the 500-unit mark across markets nationwide. With 150+ stores currently in development, the franchise is on pace to achieve its goal. “This year, we opened 48 new locations and awarded another 88 franchises,” says Tony DiPietro, vice president of emerging market development. “Around one-third of our franchise agreements came from existing franchise owners, and that’s a great indicator of franchisee happiness and success in the system.” BIGGBY® COFFEE awarded franchises in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, Ohio, …
McDonald’s to Test Small-Format, Beverage-Led CosMc’s Concept with First Location in Metro Chicago
Bolingbrook, Ill. — McDonald’s has announced plans to test CosMc’s, a new smaller format concept featuring a beverage-led menu with new food and drink items. The first location will open this month in the Chicago suburb of Bolingbrook, where the first McDonald’s franchise location opened in 1955. By the end of 2024, the company plans to open 10 pilot locations for the concept, with target markets set to include the Dallas-Fort Worth and San Antonio metropolitan areas. CosMc’s will offer digital and drive-thru ordering formats only, with dynamic menu boards, …
Charlotte, N.C. — Firebirds Wood Fired Grill has appointed Caren Prince as chief financial officer. Prince, who formerly held executive roles at both Krispy Kreme and Mars Inc., succeeds now-retired Firebirds CFO Christopher Olson. Earlier this year, Firebirds was acquired and re-capitalized by Garnett Station Partners, a New York-based principal investment firm that manages over $2 billion of assets. The award-winning restaurant concept operates 58 restaurants in 20 states and has aggressive growth plans, which Prince’s strategic financial expertise will help fuel. “Caren brings a brilliant and unique perspective to …
— By Alicia Chandler — Franchise remodeling for maximum benefits. If you’ve been notified that your franchisor is requiring you to remodel your restaurant, you may be thinking of the headaches you’re likely to encounter. While it’s true that remodeling a franchise restaurant comes with challenges, it can have big payoffs in terms of increased sales. Planning for challenges can help you manage any difficulties that do arise and maximize the benefits to come. Why Remodel? Outside of the obvious reason — the franchisor requires it — remodeling can lead …
Atlanta — Huddle House has named Blain Shortreed as its new brand president. Shortreed is a career restaurant professional with more than 30 years of experience leading top brands, most recently as CEO of Long John Silver’s. As Huddle House brand president, he will oversee company operations, the franchise system, marketing and culinary innovation. “We are thrilled to welcome Blain to the Ascent Hospitality Management senior executive team as he assumes leadership of the Huddle House system,” says James O’Reilly, chief executive officer for Ascent Hospitality Management®. “He brings extensive …
Addison, Ill. — Parts Town, the technology innovator and market-leading distributor of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) foodservice equipment parts, has expanded its Same Day Delivery service, now available from over 125 Parts In Town locations across the U.S. Parts Town’s Same Day Delivery is designed to provide customers with lightning-fast order fulfillment, aiming for delivery within 2 hours or less from the time of order placement. When shopping on partstown.com, customers will now find a “Same Day Delivery” shipping option available for eligible items within a 20-mile radius of local …
— By Ray Hatch — 3 ways retailers and restaurants can get ahead of a potential recession and avoid greenwashing. A possible recession, the risk of ESG-related litigation and allegations of greenwashing are troubling to navigate, making transparency and analytics a vital check and balance in today’s market. Whether you’re a retail grocer, restaurant executive or otherwise, investing in a waste audit and data reporting platforms are effective routes to avoiding the chopping block. According to a recent survey from Deloitte, 49% of respondents said data and reporting helped them …
Orlando, Fla. — The chief operating officer of Sonny’s BBQ, Billy Brewer, and its chief brand officer, Peter Frey, share their key learnings from 2023 that have positioned the brand to remain top of its class through an enhanced guest experience, training and development for team members, strengthening foundational operations, and delivery on quality and value. Sonny’s BBQ has made meaningful progress and remained competitive despite industry-wide struggles to drive in-store traffic since the pandemic. As guest preferences continue to shift toward more off-premise dining options, Sonny’s BBQ prioritized the …
Pabst Farms, Wis. — Clean Juice®, the first and only USDA-certified organic juice and food bar franchise, has opened its newest store in Pabst Farms, Wis., the first in the state. Franchise owners Claudia and Charlie Wiggins will officially open their new store on Dec. 2, situated in the township of Oconomowoc. “We believe wholeheartedly in the all-organic movement and are thrilled to be a part of the Clean Juice family,” says Claudia Wiggins. “Our family is honored not only to bring Clean Juice into Pabst Farms but also to …