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Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant Names New CEO

by Katie Lee

Exton, Pa. — Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant, an innovative craft brewery, has appointed Mark Kirke as its new chief executive officer. With nearly 30 years of experience in restaurant leadership, Kirke brings a wealth of knowledge to propel Iron Hill into the next chapter. As CEO, Kirke will leverage his extensive experience across full-service multi-unit operations and brand building to drive Iron Hill’s continued growth and operational excellence. With a proven track record of prioritizing guest experiences, Kirke’s leadership will refine Iron Hill’s hospitality-centered approach. Kirke will also guide …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsremodelsrestaurantssoftware/technology

Marco’s Pizza to Build on 2024 Growth Momentum

by Katie Lee

Toledo, Ohio — Marco’s Pizza, one of the nation’s fastest-growing pizza brands, enters 2025 on the heels of a landmark year. With 85 franchises awarded and 70 new store openings in 2024, Marco’s surpassed its 1,200th store milestone. Marco’s enters 2025 with a renewed focus on multi-unit franchise development, with 65% of 2024 agreements coming from existing franchisees. Key growth areas include expansion into non-traditional locations and international markets, including Mexico. “Marco’s leads the charge in growth, innovation and customer satisfaction,” says Tony Libardi, co-CEO and president of Marco’s Pizza. …

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Atomic Wings Closes 2024 with Record Growth and Big Plans for 2025

by Katie Lee

New York City — Atomic Wings, a fast-growing chicken wing franchise known for its New York-style Buffalo wings, is celebrating an exceptional year of growth and innovation in 2024. With 22 units now open across the U.S. and a strong pipeline of development, Atomic Wings is on its way to achieving its ambitious expansion goals, aiming to open 30-34 units by the end of 2025. “What’s been exciting for us is seeing Atomic Wings expand beyond our traditional New York market,” says Zak Omar, CEO of Atomic Wings. “In 2024, …

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Krispy Krunchy Chicken Finishes 2024 With 605 Openings

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Krispy Krunchy Chicken®, one of the fastest-growing hot food concepts in the convenience store business with over 3,200 locations, is celebrating 2024 as an outstanding year of growth, menu innovation and operational improvements. The brand continues to reset expectations in the c-store foodservice space, supplying high-quality, craveable menu items to successful operators throughout the country. The brand opened 605 stores in 2024, and projects that it will exceed this number for new stores in 2025. With a new organizational structure and new products, partners and platforms, Krispy Krunchy …

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Panera Bread Names New Chief Development Officer

by Katie Lee

St. Louis — Panera Bread has hired Brian Krause to be the company’s new chief development officer. He will be responsible for driving strategic new store growth for Panera Bread, leading development planning, franchise development and sales, design & construction and real estate. Krause joined the company on Jan. 13 and reports to the interim CEO, Paul Carbone. An industry veteran in franchise development and sales, Krause joins the company from GoTo Foods where he oversaw growth-driving efforts for all seven brands including Auntie Anne’s, Jamba, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Schlotzsky’s …

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A&W Restaurants Names New VP of Franchise Development and Design

by Katie Lee

Lexington, Ky. — A&W Restaurants has named Meredeth Jones as vice president of franchise development and design. Bringing more than15 years of experience in franchising, Jones will play a key role in advancing the growth and expansion of the 105-year-old brand. “When growing our A&W family, we look for people who love and know our brand, are passionate about franchising and dedicated to supporting our franchisees’ success, and for us, that person is Meredeth,” says Kevin Bazner, CEO of A&W Restaurants. “As the food-service industry continues to evolve, entrepreneurial opportunities …

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green newskitchen exhaust/grease controlNewsrestaurantsvendorswaste management/recycling

Filta Environmental Kitchen Eyes Further Expansion in 2025

by Katie Lee

Orlando, Fla. — Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions, a leader in environmentally responsible commercial kitchen services, had a record-breaking year in 2024. The company reached a significant milestone by recycling over 1 billion pounds of used cooking oil into biodiesel fuel, underscoring its commitment to sustainability and innovation. “Reaching the milestone of recycling a billion pounds is both a phenomenal achievement and a testament to our commitment to sustainability,” says John Michals, chief operating officer. “This is a moment to celebrate, but also to ask ourselves, ‘What’s next? When do we …

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Black Rock Coffee Bar Opens 150th U.S. Location Near Boise, Idaho

by Katie Lee

Scottsdale, Ariz. — Black Rock Coffee Bar is celebrating a significant milestone with the opening of its 150th location in the United States. The new store, located in Caldwell, Idaho, opened on Jan. 20 and marks the 7th Black Rock Coffee Bar in the Boise metro area. The 2,000-square-foot store features Black Rock Coffee Bar’s signature industrial modern design, creating an inviting space where customers can enjoy their favorite beverages while relaxing, working or socializing. “This milestone represents a testament to the passion and loyalty of our customers and the …

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construction and designfranchise developmentgreen building/LEEDNewsrestaurants

Canada-based CRAFT Restaurant & Beer Market to Open First U.S. Location

by Katie Lee

Vancouver, B.C. — CRAFT Restaurant & Beer Market plans to open its first U.S. location at Preston Center in Dallas in early 2026. This marks the company’s highly anticipated entry into the American market, building on its success across Canada. The flagship U.S. location will feature more than 100 beers on tap — including local Texas brews — along with cocktails, wine and a globally inspired menu of scratch-made dishes. In 2019, PJ L’Heureux, founder of CRAFT, partnered with Tom Gaglardi, owner of the Dallas Stars and the highly successful …

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Yum! Brands Promotes Taco Bell President to CEO of KFC Division

by Katie Lee

Louisville, Ky. — Yum! Brands, Inc. has promoted Scott Mezvinsky to KFC division chief executive officer, reporting to Yum! Brands CEO David Gibbs, effective March 1, 2025. Mezvinsky, a 20-year veteran of the company who currently serves as president of Taco Bell North America and international, will succeed Sabir Sami, who is stepping down as KFC CEO at the end of February. Mezvinsky will assume global responsibility for driving the brand strategy and performance of KFC. “Scott is one of Yum! Brands’ most respected leaders, with more than 20 years …

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