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Tropical Smoothie Cafe Names New CEO

by Katie Lee

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 …

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construction and designexterior services/landscapingNewsrestaurantsretailers

RH Opens 60,000-Square-Foot RH Raleigh, The Gallery at North Hills

by Katie Lee

Corte Madera, Calif. — RH has opened RH Raleigh, The Gallery at North Hills, an immersive retail experience in Raleigh, N.C., integrating luxury home furnishings collections from RH Interiors, Contemporary, Modern and Outdoor with rare art, antiques and artifacts from across the globe. RH Raleigh also features a dramatic, glass-encased rooftop restaurant. “We believe great architecture amplifies and renders our product and brand more valuable,” says Gary Friedman, RH chairman & chief executive officer. “We either find great historical architecture and re-adapt it, or we build it. RH Raleigh is …

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Newspeoplerestaurants

Red Lobster Appoints Chief Operating Officer

by Katie Lee

Orlando, Fla. — Red Lobster® has appointed Larry Konecny as chief operating officer (COO). In this role, Konecny will lead the operational strategy for Red Lobster’s 545 restaurants across the United States and Canada. Reporting directly to CEO Damola Adamolekun, he will drive initiatives to deliver elevated food quality, customer service and operational efficiency, while fostering a culture rooted in teamwork and excellence. “Larry brings an exceptional combination of operational expertise, a passion for developing high-performing teams, and a genuine understanding of what it takes to build strong restaurant brands,” …

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franchise developmentNewsrestaurantsretailers

Mr Gatti’s Pizza Opening in 12 Walmart Stores Across Texas and Oklahoma

by Katie Lee

Fort Worth, Texas — Mr Gatti’s Pizza will begin opening its first 12 locations inside Walmart stores across Texas and Oklahoma this week, with all slated to open before Thanksgiving. Another 23 locations are already under construction and are scheduled to open in early 2025. This expansion is part of a larger plan to launch 92 Walmart in-store locations across four states over the next 18 months. The first location opened on Nov. 4, in Mexia, Texas, kicking off a series of grand openings at Walmart stores. The opening of …

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California-based Starbird Signs First Franchise Development Deal

by Katie Lee

San Francisco — Starbird, one of the nation’s first super-premium fast food concepts, has signed its inaugural franchise development agreement with Whiplash Holdings to bring seven new locations to the greater Denver market. The first Starbird location is expected to open in Denver by mid-2025, with all seven locations set to roll out over the next few years. This partnership marks Starbird’s initial expansion beyond California. “Expanding beyond California for the first time is a landmark moment for Starbird and a testament to the demand for a new kind of …

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The Flying Biscuit Café Plans to Open 15 New Units Next Year

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Since opening its first location in 1993, the Flying Biscuit Café franchise has taken off as a leader within the breakfast and brunch industry. This year, Flying Biscuit opened five new locations and anticipates opening 15 new locations in 2025. Having just celebrated its 30th anniversary, Flying Biscuit Café currently has 35 locations, with a strong presence in Georgia, Texas, Alabama, Florida and the Carolinas. 2024 openings brought more than 150 jobs to local communities in Charleston, S.C., and throughout Texas. In 2025, the chain is excited to …

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El Pollo Loco Unveils New Restaurant Design Ahead of 50th Anniversary

by Katie Lee

Costa Mesa, Calif. — El Pollo Loco, a premier fire-grilled chicken restaurant chain, has unveiled its new restaurant prototype showcasing an enduring, yet modern and efficient, design. As the brand approaches its 50th anniversary next year, it looks to create a modern legacy of curated experiences, inspired by place and punctuated by new menu innovation. While the new restaurant prototype includes existing brand elements — such as the fire stack gradient, logo and font — that fans have come to know and love, these elements now reflect an updated color …

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franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Clean Eatz Appoints First CEO

by Katie Lee

Wilmington, N.C. — Clean Eatz, a health-focused lifestyle brand and meal plan franchise, has appointed 30-year restaurant and retail industry leader Eric Wyatt as the first CEO of the brand. Wyatt most recently served as CEO of California-based NORMS Restaurants and has held C-level leadership roles at Boston Market and Corner Bakery Cafe. He also held senior positions at Hardee’s Restaurants, Panera Bread and Starbucks, where he consistently demonstrated his ability to mentor and support team members, improve operational efficiency and lead successful market expansions. “Eric’s journey brings our founding …

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construction and designNewsremodelsrestaurants

Harrison to Design More Than 30 Global Fogo de Chão Locations

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Dallas-based global consultant firm Harrison is currently designing 33 global Fogo de Chão locations, including remodels and new builds. As global design lead, Harrison has helped evolve the Fogo restaurant designs since 2018. The firm’s work covers the spectrum from interior design and architecture to development of the Butchery brand identity including graphics, logo creation and packaging design. “As Fogo de Chão continues to expand its presence internationally, Harrison remains dedicated to delivering innovative design solutions that reflect the brand’s design pillars to create authentic guest experiences,” says …

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franchise developmentkitchen equipmentNewsrestaurantssoftware/technologyvendors

Killer Burger Partners with Toast to Enhance Operations

by Katie Lee

Portland, Ore. — Killer Burger, a fast-growing better burger concept, has implemented technology to increase its operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. The company has launched a test with Toast on self-serving kiosks that allows guests to browse the menu, customize their orders and pay at their own pace — reducing wait times and improving the overall guest experience. Killer Burgers has also launched Toast’s Kitchen Display System to streamline back-of-house operations. Since implementing Toast’s Kitchen Display Systems (KDS), and launching its single-ticket flow operating system, Killer Burger has cut its …

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