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Panera Brands Appoints Interim CEO

by Katie Lee

St. Louis — Panera Brands Inc., which includes the iconic fast-casual concept Panera Bread as well as the Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. brands, has named Paul Carbone, currently its chief financial officer, as interim chief executive officer of Panera, effective Jan. 7, 2025. Carbone, who joined Panera in 2023, brings decades of experience in the restaurant, consumer goods and retail industries, including as long-time CFO of Dunkin’ Brands. Carbone will lead the company while the board of directors completes a comprehensive search process, considering both internal and external candidates …

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Blaze Pizza Plans 25 New Units in Southern California

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Blaze Pizza has signed a 25-unit expansion agreement with longtime franchisee SoCal Blazers, Inc. The agreement spans Southern California counties, including Los Angeles, San Bernadino, Riverside, Orange and San Diego. Led by Reza Medali, Mehdi Khosh and Ryan Khosh Medali, the franchisee group currently operates 21 locations in the region. The agreement includes the opening of four new restaurants in 2025. “Reza and his team exemplify what it means to be exceptional operators, and we couldn’t be more excited to champion their continued success with Blaze,” says Beto …

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Smalls Sliders Makes Texas Debut

by Katie Lee

Willis, Texas — Smalls Sliders, the industry-disrupting cheeseburger slider brand, is hosting an opening celebration on Jan. 4 for its first Texas location, situated in the suburban Houston town of Willis. “The excitement of bringing Smalls Sliders to Texas is something I’m proud to be part of, and there’s no better place to start than Willis,” says Preston Cunningham, local franchisee and operator. “This community has a unique charm and a welcoming spirit that makes it the perfect home for our first Texas Can. The city has grown tremendously over …

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Jersey Mike’s Subs Opens 3,000th Location

by Katie Lee

Manasquan, N.J. — Jersey Mike’s Subs held a 12-store opening celebration to mark the company’s 3,000th location on Dec. 18. In 2024 alone, Jersey Mike’s will have opened a record-breaking 322 locations. “Congratulations to all our owners and teams for all they have accomplished with their commitment and hard work,” says Peter Cancro, founder and CEO, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, Inc. “Reaching 3,000 stores is a celebration of all who have helped build Jersey Mike’s into a brand that resonates on a national level due to our powerful giving culture.” …

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Cover Storyfranchise developmentFrom The Magazinerestaurants

Sweetening the Deal

by Katie Lee

— Interview with Flynn Dekker — With a fresh new development team in place, Shipley Do-Nuts leans into growing digital sales and new product innovation as it enters new states and markets. Shipley Do-Nuts has been a sweet, savory mainstay for many generations, first opening in 1936 and now operating more than 360 units in 12 states — and growing. This year, the Houston-based brand added significant new members to its executive team, as well as more than 100 units to its development pipeline. To support this dynamic growth, Shipley …

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Savvy Sliders Acquires All 85 BurgerFi Locations

by Katie Lee

Detroit — Savvy Sliders, America’s fastest growing slider brand, has acquired Florida-based BurgerFi, a chef-driven, fast-casual chain. Each of BurgerFi’s 85 restaurants, located in 15 states and counting, will continue to operate as BurgerFi. With this acquisition, BurgerFi will be a sister brand to Savvy Sliders, Happy’s Pizza and Fat Boy’s Pizza, bringing the company’s combined portfolio to 206 stores. “BurgerFi shares our commitment to using the highest-quality, freshest ingredients in each menu item while prioritizing the customer’s dining experience,” says Happy Asker, CEO/founder of Savvy Sliders. “We are pleased …

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ChowNow Names New Chief Executive Officer

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — ChowNow, a leader in online ordering and delivery for local restaurants, has appointed Kanika Soni as its new chief executive officer. Soni brings over 20 years of experience in the consumer tech sector with a proven track record of driving growth and innovation. As the new CEO, Soni will be responsible for developing and executing strategic initiatives to accelerate growth for ChowNow in this rapidly-changing market for online restaurant delivery platforms while ensuring exceptional customer satisfaction for restaurants and diners alike. Most recently, Soni served as chief …

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PJ’s Coffee to Expand in Atlanta Area with 12 New Stores

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — With a commitment to bringing the authentic taste of New Orleans to coffee enthusiasts nationwide, PJ’s Coffee is paving the way in the Atlanta metropolitan area with 12 locations in development to open in the next 7 years. “Our expansion into Atlanta represents a game-changing opportunity to share PJ’s unique flavors with a vibrant community that values Southern hospitality and exceptional coffee,” says Lory Schwartz, franchise development manager of PJ’s Coffee. “The city’s dynamic economy, strong coffee culture and affinity for innovation make it the perfect place for …

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Duffy’s Sports Grill Promotes President to CEO

by Katie Lee

Lake Worth, Fla. — The Florida-based, family-owned restaurant group, Duffy’s Sports Grill, has promoted Joe Webb to chief executive officer. Having served as president for the past 5 years, Webb has played a pivotal role in the brand’s continued success and commitment to excellence. “We are extremely proud of our legacy and being part of the fabric of our Florida communities,” says Geri Emmett, part of the company’s ownership group. “With Joe at the helm, we are confident that Duffy’s Sports Grill will continue to be a leader in food, …

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Voodoo Brewing Co. Opens First Georgia Brewpub

by Katie Lee

Roswell, Ga. — Voodoo Brewing Co. continues its rapid growth with the grand opening of its newest location in Roswell, Ga. This marks the 24th Voodoo Brewing Co. brewpub and the brand’s first entry into the Georgia market, opening Dec. 14 on Mansell Road in Roswell. “This is just the next step in our growth plans,” says Matteo Rachocki, CEO of Voodoo Brewing Co. “We are pumped to be expanding in Georgia.” As it continues to take hold of its place in the $115 billion U.S. beer market, Voodoo Brewing …

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