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Protect Your Profits

by Katie Lee

— By George Lessmeister — 5 tips to protect profit by controlling cost. In this period of high inflation, restaurant owners may feel pressure to raise prices to keep up with soaring costs. But this approach can backfire if not done carefully, and customers may go elsewhere with their already-stretched dollars if restaurant prices go too high. Being smart with expenses, especially labor costs, can help restaurants successfully compete in this challenging climate. What Do the Numbers Say? The Consumer Price Index released in early January showed prices actually decreased …

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Panera Brands Appoints New Chief Financial Officer

by Katie Lee

St. Louis — Panera Brands Inc., which includes the fast-casual and hospitality brand Panera Bread as well as Caribou Coffee and Einstein Bros. Brands, has appointed long-time industry executive Paul Carbone as chief financial officer, effective August 15, 2023. He brings decades of operational, IPO and public company experience. “I am excited for Paul to join the team as we continue to focus on long term value-creation for Panera Brands,” says José Alberto Dueñas, CEO of Panera Brands and Panera Bread. “Paul’s depth of knowledge and history of success across …

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Wendy’s Builds Upon Global Next Gen Design with New High-Capacity Kitchen

by Katie Lee

Dublin, Ohio — The Wendy’s Company is opening its first Global Next Gen restaurants, while also finalizing a new Global Next Gen High-Capacity Kitchen design option for the highest customer demand. Both digital-first designs were created to enhance customer, crew and franchisee experiences, accelerating growth across Wendy’s® global restaurant footprint. Since unveiling the Global Next Gen restaurant design standard less than 1 year ago, the first Wendy’s Global Next Gen restaurants are now open in Kansas and Oklahoma, with more than 200 Global Next Gen restaurants slated to open through …

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Paul Brodeur Returns to Jersey Mike’s as VP of Franchise Sales

by Katie Lee

Manasquan, N.J. — Jersey Mike’s Subs has added Paul Brodeur as vice president of franchise sales. Brodeur’s long history with Jersey Mikes began at age 14 when he worked in the original location in Point Pleasant Beach, N.J. He also was the company’ s first area director. “Paul brings to the sales team a deep understanding of the brand’s history and culture,” says Brian Sommers, chief development officer, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, Inc. “His 30 years of sales experience will help elevate our high-performing sales team to the next level, …

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The Melting Pot on Track to Reopen 60 Remodeled Locations in 2023

by Katie Lee

Tampa, Fla. — The Melting Pot, a 94-unit experiential dining fondue franchise, has had a hot start to the year with over 30 restaurants reopening after a push to remodel, a new pair of franchise owners joining the system and strong trends in guest count. “We’re beating last year’s numbers in terms of sales and guest count,” says Collin Benyo, franchise growth strategist. “There are great results that are exceeding our standards, and both the franchisees and guests are feeling that.” With over 30 restaurants remodeled in line with the …

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BIGGBY® COFFEE On Track to Reach 500 Units by End of 2024

by Katie Lee

East Lansing, Mich. — BIGGBY® COFFEE, a high-energy coffee concept with more than 360 units, has signed 43 new franchise agreements so far this year and is on track to reach the 500-unit mark by the end of 2024. In 2023, 31 new stores have opened so far. “Currently, we have 361 stores open and around another 140 in development for a total of close to 500,” says Tony DiPietro, vice president of emerging market development. “That 500 is a big deal because we have a goal to have 500 …

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Buddy’s Pizza Welcomes New CEO and COO

by Katie Lee

Farmington Hills, Mich. — Buddy’s Pizza, a Michigan-based operator of Detroit-style pizza, has named Chris Tussing its new chief executive officer. Prior to joining Buddy’s, Tussing was the chief marketing officer of Marco’s Pizza, where he helped it become the fastest-growing brand in the category, achieve $1 billion in annual sales and become the fifth-largest pizza brand. Throughout his 30-year career, Tussing has helped launch brands, as well as revitalize long-established but declining ones. He’s worked with several major Fortune 500 companies, like Clorox, Wrigley, Mars and Anheuser-Busch, as well …

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Johnny Rockets to Add 20 New Texas Locations

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Johnny Rockets and 16 other restaurant concepts, has inked a new development deal set to bring 20 new franchised Johnny Rockets locations to Texas in the next 10 years, with the first unit set to open in 2024. The new locations will open in partnership with Brame Holdings LLC. “Brame Holdings LLC continues to be a great growth partner in Texas across the FAT Brands portfolio,” says Taylor Wiederhorn, chief development officer of FAT Brands. “They are quickly …

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Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc. to be Acquired by Authentic Restaurant Brands

by Katie Lee

Dallas and New York City — Fiesta Restaurant Group, Inc., parent company of the Pollo Tropical® restaurant brand, and Authentic Restaurant Brands (ARB), a portfolio company of Garnett Station Partners, LLC, a New York-based principal investment firm, have entered into a definitive agreement under which a wholly owned subsidiary of ARB will acquire Fiesta in an all-cash transaction. ARB’s current brands include Primanti Bros Restaurant & Bar, P.J. Whelihan’s Pub & Restaurant and Mambo Seafood. ARB is led by industry veterans including Chairman Alex Macedo and CEO Felipe Athayde. Upon …

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Great American Cookies Opens 400th Location

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — Great American Cookies has opened its 400th location. Since its inception in 1977, the iconic chain, known for its original chocolate chip cookie recipe, has spread to 31 states and five countries around the world. In the last 2 years, the brand has opened 73 new locations and entered new states such as Alaska, Arizona, Illinois and New Mexico. The steady expansion of the brand can be attributed, in part, to its successful co-branding model with sister brand Marble Slab Creamery. Launching in 2009, there are now …

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