Addison, Ill. — Parts Town, the technology innovator and market-leading distributor of original equipment manufacturer (OEM) foodservice, residential appliance and HVAC equipment repair parts, recently named the recipients of the Technician Scholarship Awards at this year’s CFESA Annual Conference. Parts Town has earmarked $22,500 in scholarships and cash prizes to support individuals in the technician community. In 2023, Parts Town has already awarded scholarships to technicians from A+ Commercial Gaskets of Minneapolis, JK Services, A+ Commercial Kitchen Repair and Windy City Equipment Service during their respective region conferences. “We are …
restaurants
Meadville, Pa. — Since launching franchising in 2012, Voodoo Brewing Co. has experienced explosive growth, awarding almost 80 agreements, with 17 locations open and 25 brewpubs projected to open by the end of 2023. According to CEO Matteo Rachocki, Voodoo Brewing Co. has already sold out the Dallas market and has established itself in other major markets, including Pittsburgh; Las Vegas and Reno, Nevada; and Knoxville, Tenn. “We’re looking to bring Voodoo to communities across the U.S.,” Rachocki says. “At this point, we’re only going to award 50 more franchises. …
Atlanta — Focus Brands®, parent company of Auntie Anne’s®, Carvel®, Cinnabon®, Jamba®, McAlister’s Deli®, Moe’s Southwest Grill® and Schlotzsky’s®, has added three new leaders to its supply chain, digital and customer engagement functions. The following executives will be leading these key business functions within the company: Christopher McNutt, senior vice president, supply chain; Christopher McNutt, senior vice president, supply chain; Urvi Patel, senior vice president, customer experience & engagement; and Manuel Valdes, senior vice president, digital, data & marketing technology. “At Focus Brands, we’ve invested in platforms, tools and resources …
Irving, Texas — Fuzzy’s Taco Shop has entered into a 20-restaurant agreement with new franchisee Mark Justice, who will expand the brand’s footprint into Nevada, marking its first units in the state. Justice is eyeing Las Vegas for his first Fuzzy’s Taco Shop location, with expansion into other markets in Nevada over the next 7 years. In addition to Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, Justice owns and operates IHOP restaurants in eight states. Notably, Justice is the first IHOP franchisee to enter into a franchise agreement with Fuzzy’s Taco Shop after its …
Exton, Pa. — Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant has named Jim Roberts as its new chief financial officer. Roberts will develop and execute financial strategies to support the company’s business plans, as well as lead the finance department, continuing to strategically position Iron Hill as a premier brewery and restaurant group throughout the eastern seaboard. “I am thrilled to announce Jim as our new CFO,” says Chris Westcott, CEO of Iron Hill. “The experience he is bringing to our organization, coupled with his dynamic leadership qualities, will drive profitability and …
Atlanta — Tropical Smoothie Cafe continues to see positive growth through third quarter of 2023, opening 141 new cafes and signing 166 franchise agreements. The brand now has more than 1,335 open locations. In the third quarter alone, Tropical Smoothie Cafe franchisees opened 51 new cafes. In addition to new openings in the third quarter, the brand signed 77 new franchise agreements, further strengthening the development pipeline to fuel its future growth. “I’m extremely proud of what the brand has accomplished already this year thanks to the dedication and commitment …
Houston — Shipley Do-Nuts, one of the nation’s oldest and largest do-nut brands, has signed a development deal with Charlotte, N.C.-area franchisees John and Lillian Brijeski to open the brand’s first North Carolina locations beginning in late 2024. The family plans to open three locations in the Charlotte area, starting with the first in Concord, N.C. “After trying Shipley Do-Nuts for the first time in South Carolina, we agreed they were delicious and that we needed to bring the world’s greatest do-nuts to the residents of North Carolina,” says Lillian …
Salt Lake City — As part of its strategy for nationwide expansion, Beans & Brews Coffeehouse is fortifying its executive team to enhance growth and franchise support with the appointment of Chad Gretzema as its chief executive officer. With nearly three decades of multi-unit food and beverage leadership experience, Gretzema brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the Beans & Brews team. Prior to this appointment, he served as the brand president of Del Taco, where he led 600 franchise and company restaurants. During his tenure with Del Taco, he …
Wichita, Kan. — Fast-casual restaurant concept Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers® has opened its 500th restaurant, located at 608 SW Wilshire Blvd, in Burleson, Texas. This milestone underscores Freddy’s accelerated growth since its inception in 2002. “As we celebrate this milestone, I am filled with an overwhelming sense of pride and gratitude. Reaching 500 locations was made possible first and foremost through the commitment of our passionate franchise partners, which we believe are the best group of franchisees in the country. Over the years we have had thousands of devoted …
Washington, D.C. — Martin’s Tavern, the city’s oldest family-run restaurant, is celebrating 90 consecutive years of serving patrons in Georgetown. This unique establishment, situated on the prominent corner of Wisconsin and N St, N.W., has remained a favorite destination for influencers from politics, sports, media and culture. “Martins Tavern is one of those rare places that is steeped in D.C. culture and offers a rich cultural and historical experience to visitors from around the world,” says Elliott Ferguson, president and CEO of Destination D.C. “The restaurant is a national treasure and …