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 …
restaurants
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 …
Dallas — Modern golf entertainment leader Topgolf will open its first Rhode Island venue on Friday, Oct. 6. Roughly 5 miles from downtown Providence, Topgolf Rhode Island is located at 120 Sockanosset Cross Rd. in the city of Cranston. This will be Topgolf’s first venue in Rhode Island and first in New England overall. The opening of Topgolf Rhode Island will mark the company’s 81st outdoor venue in the U.S. and 91st globally. “The opening of our Rhode Island venue is a huge milestone for us as it marks our …
New York City — Eataly, the international Italian restaurant and retail group, has appointed Tommaso Brusò as the new CEO of North America, effective Oct. 2, 2023. Tommaso Brusò joins from Colourful Standard (part of RTG Group), the sustainable essentials clothing brand, where he was Group CEO. He was previously global COO for Benetton Group, where he spent a significant period of time in the U.S. Prior to that, he was CEO of Diesel North America from 2013-2017, CEO of Furla Americas from 2008-2013, and CEO of Fedon for the …
Elkhart, Ind. — Scooter’s Coffee®, best known for its fast drive-thru and specialty coffee, is opening its 700th unit, located at 616 W. Bristol Street, Elkhart, Ind. The new location is part of the company’s new strategic growth phase in the Midwest and nationwide. “Opening our 700th location and celebrating this milestone with the great community in Elkhart is really exciting for Scooter’s Coffee,” says Joe Thornton, president of Scooter’s Coffee. “We look forward to sharing our amazing brand and love for all things coffee to new customers.” The drive-thru …
— By Katie Lee — The Southwest-style brand is modernizing its brand positioning with a refresh that is a win-win for customers and franchisees alike. With more than 600 locations nationwide (and counting), Atlanta-based Moe’s Southwest Grill® remains focused on growth — and on flexibility. According to its chief brand officer, Tory Bartlett, Moe’s will continue expanding in new markets and in new formats to meet guests where they are. Thanks to the introduction of new prototypes, Moe’s is able to provide franchisees with flexibility to develop with competitive real …
Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. has acquired the Smokey Bones Bar & Fire Grill restaurant chain from an affiliate of Sun Capital Partners, Inc. The $30 million acquisition marks the company’s first foray into barbecue and expands FAT Brands’ portfolio of polished dining chains, which currently includes Twin Peaks. The purchase is expected to bring 61 new corporate locations under FAT Brands’ umbrella. “We continue to be selective and opportunistic in our acquisition strategy, targeting brands that are both scalable and synergistic with our existing platform,” …
Houston — Airport hospitality group OTG is unveiling Starbucks’ first airport Pick Up concept, with three initial locations opening at George Bush Intercontinental Airport in IAH Terminal E this fall. Starbucks Pick Up will be exclusively designed for mobile orders — quick pickup without the wait — offering convenience, comfort and guaranteed immediacy to meet the needs of digitally savvy, ‘on-the-go’ travelers. Tailored for the airport environment, all stores will reflect Starbucks’ signature design DNA, featuring warm wood tones, fresh green accents and botanical art pieces inspired by the coffee’s …
Detroit — Sullivan’s Steakhouse has opened the doors of its newest restaurant in Detroit. Located at 1128 Washington Blvd., inside the newly transformed Westin Book Cadillac Detroit, the 9,300-square-foot restaurant space is the brand’s first location in Michigan and 15th in the United States. The one-of-a-kind steakhouse offers guests bone-in and hand-cut steaks, fresh seafood and signature cocktails with the sounds of live, local jazz music in a friendly, familiar atmosphere. “Detroit is a such a unique city with rich traditions and a storied history. It cannot be matched and …