restaurants

Dallas — Nothing Bundt Cakes®, the nation’s largest specialty cake company, has appointed franchise development veteran Joel Larkin as chief development officer to lead the 635-unit brand’s continued expansion. Larkin brings over two decades of franchise development and operations expertise to Nothing Bundt Cakes. He most recently served as chief franchise and development officer at European Wax Center, where he oversaw its expansion to more than 1,000 locations. “Joel’s background is uniquely suited to the fast-paced growth we are undertaking here at Nothing Bundt Cakes,” says Dolf Berle, CEO of …

Honolulu — L&L Hawaiian Barbecue has appointed Kyler Kokubun as director of franchisee communications. In this role, Kokubun will focus on enhancing the relationship between the franchisor and franchisees, supporting franchisee operations and aligning marketing strategies with the brand’s vision. Kokubun brings nearly 15 years of experience in marketing, customer service and community engagement from his previous tenure at Consolidated Theatres, Hawaii’s oldest and largest movie theatre chain, where he was promoted from service associate to marketing and events manager for all locations across Hawaii. He has been instrumental in …

Atlanta — Tropical Smoothie Cafe has named Max Wetzel as its new chief executive officer. He succeeds Charles Watson, who is stepping down after more than 16 years with Tropical Smoothie Cafe, including the past 6 years as CEO. “I am so proud of what our support center team members and franchisees have accomplished during my time at Tropical Smoothie Cafe,” says Watson. “I am confident Tropical Smoothie Cafe is well positioned to build on our many achievements to date and to advance its rapid growth, and I remain invested …