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PAR Closes Strategic Acquisitions Totaling Approximately $400 Million

by Katie Lee

New Hartford, N.Y. — PAR Technology Corporation, a global foodservice technology company and provider of unified commerce for enterprise restaurant brands, has closed two transactions that expand its cloud-based unified commerce software offerings into convenience stores and fuel retailers, as well as international markets. PAR has entered into an agreement to acquire TASK Group for cash and PAR common stock at an implied value of approximately $206 million assuming an all-cash transaction, and has completed its acquisition of Stuzo Holdings, LLC for approximately $190 million paid in cash and stock. …

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Jack in the Box SVP & Chief Supply Chain Officer to Retire

by Katie Lee

San Diego — Dean Gordon, senior vice president and chief supply chain officer of Jack in the Box Inc., will retire after 15 years at the organization. Gordon joined the company in February 2009 and has been pivotal in driving its growth and success. He has been senior vice president and chief supply chain officer since November 2019. During his tenure, Gordon has spearheaded numerous cost-saving initiatives and built invaluable relationships with the company’s franchise owners, suppliers and vendor partners that propelled Jack in the Box Inc. forward through a …

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Wicked Weed Brewing Earns Zero Waste Certification

by Katie Lee

Asheville, N.C. — Wicked Weed Brewing and its main production brewery located in Candler, N.C., has been award GOLD certification under the TRUE (Total Resource Use and Efficiency) rating system. Administered by Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI), TRUE helps facilities measure, improve and recognize zero waste performance by encouraging the adoption of sustainable waste management and reduction practices. Wicked Weed Brewing is one of only three breweries in the United States to receive zero waste certification. To reach this milestone, Wicked Weed diverted its waste to 99.3%, sending less than …

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franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

McAlister’s Deli Surpasses $1 Billion in Systemwide Sales

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — GoTo Foods, the parent company of Auntie Anne’s®, Carvel®, Cinnabon®, Jamba®, McAlister’s Deli®, Moe’s Southwest Grill® and Schlotzsky’s®, has announced that legacy brand McAlister’s Deli has officially crossed the $1 billion systemwide sales milestone. McAlister’s Deli is the first of GoTo Foods’ concepts to reach $1 billion in systemwide sales. Founded in 1989 in Oxford, Miss., McAlister’s Deli began as a regional brand but has since expanded to 29 states across the United States. After unlocking untapped revenue streams such as digital ordering, pickup windows, tableside service, to-go …

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Voodoo Franchise Group Names New COO

by Katie Lee

Meadville, Pa. — Voodoo Franchise Group, a franchise with 18 brewpubs open across the U.S., has named Erik Ivey its new chief operating officer. Ivey has over two decades of experience in the restaurant space, having worked at multiple major brands including Quiznos, Chipotle and Yum! Brands. Voodoo Brewing Co. is a community of passionate beer lovers dedicated to pushing the boundaries of craft beer. Each community-focused brewpub has a customized logo, locally inspired menu and consistent local events, allowing Voodoo Brewing Co. franchise partners to become truly immersed in …

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Industry Voicesmanagementrestaurantsvendors

Cost of Doing Business

by Katie Lee

— By Glen Greenawalt — 3 hospitality employment challenges facing the industry today. It’s ironic that “Down Under,” the 1980s anthem about a group of Australians traveling the world, is by the band Men at Work. In the song, the protagonists clearly are not working — just like much of today’s working age U.S. population. What’s going on with employment trends, and how can hospitality employers get the workers needed to ensure guests get a guest experience? Here are the top three workforce challenges our team sees facing the industry …

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Memorable Mosaics

by Katie Lee

— By Kait Paradowski — How design and art go hand in hand when creating bespoke spaces for restaurants. In a time when all demographic groups, especially Millennials and Gen Z, are increasingly seeking authentic and immersive experiences, bespoke design is providing a meaningful connection between patron and location. Naturally, design and art go hand in hand. Whether it be a large mural or unique branding, bringing in an artistic element allows designers to tell a captivating story for the restaurant and create meaningful differentiation. When it comes to choosing …

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Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar Names Previous Director of Franchise Operations as New COO

by Katie Lee

Wilmington, N.C. — Shuckin’ Shack Oyster Bar, a laid-back full-service seafood restaurant franchise with 19 units across the country, has promoted Sarah Meriam to chief operating officer. The promotion fills the role vacated in late 2022 due to the retirement of the previous COO. Aided by her operational acumen, Meriam has already driven impressive growth and development for the company. “Sarah’s operational background and desire to see our strategic franchise partners succeed makes this move a no-brainer for us,” says Jonathan Weathington, CEO. “Sarah, since joining our team 2 years …

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Junior’s Restaurant and Bakery, an East Coast Classic, Opens First Western U.S. Location

by Katie Lee

Las Vegas — Blending East Coast tradition and Las Vegas flair, Junior’s Restaurant and Bakery, a Brooklyn, N.Y.-based eatery famed for its cheesecakes and classic diner menu, opened its first location in the Western U.S. at Resorts World Las Vegas (RWLV) on Feb. 28, 2024 in Las Vegas. The 300-seat venue is a culinary time capsule where classic New York meets contemporary Las Vegas. The menu features New York and Brooklyn comfort food dishes ranging from classic New York deli sandwiches piled high, famous 10 oz. steakburgers, salads, jumbo half-pound …

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Brinker International Announces Executive Leadership Team Appointments

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Brinker International Inc. is making updates to its executive leadership team, including the retirement of Joe Taylor, executive vice president and chief financial officer; the appointment of Mika Ware as senior vice president and chief financial officer, effective June 27, 2024; and the appointment of Chris Caldwell as senior vice president and chief information officer, effective Feb. 26, 2024. Taylor intends to retire at the end of the company’s fiscal year in June 2024 after almost 25 years at the company. He will continue to serve the company …

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