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Checkers and Rally’s Rolls Out Hi Auto’s First-Ever Spanish Language Drive-Thru Voice AI Ordering

by Katie Lee

Dayton, Ohio — Hi Auto and Checkers and Rally’s Drive-in Restaurants have added Spanish drive-thru voice AI ordering, representing a milestone development both for the QSR industry and for North America’s more than 50 million Spanish and bilingual speakers. Already operational at more than 350 of the restaurant group’s locations, Hi Auto’s is the world’s most widely deployed drive-thru voice AI ordering technology. Following beta testing over the past 2 months at five of its drive-thrus, Checkers and Rally’s is ready to expand the Spanish drive-thru voice AI rollout to …

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Fogo de Chão to be Acquired by Bain Capital Private Equity from Rhône Capital

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Fogo de Chão, the internationally renowned restaurant brand from Brazil, has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by Bain Capital Private Equity to accelerate its growth and expansion. Fogo will continue to operate under its current management team, led by CEO Barry McGowan. Funds affiliated with Rhône Capital (together with certain of their affiliates) have owned Fogo since taking the company private in 2018. Financial terms of the private purchase were not disclosed. Founded in Southern Brazil in 1979, Fogo elevates the centuries-old cooking technique of …

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Better Together

by Katie Lee

— By Kristen Hartman — Co-branding the future of QSR — dos and don’ts. The concept of co-branding has resurfaced again as a way for brands to maximize their product and capitalize on the variety of opportunities it allows. The idea is exactly as it sounds: multiple brands partner with each other under one roof to provide a wider variety of products that are complementary to one another. This creates excitement and interest among consumers while allowing the brands to see savings on rent and other costs, all while streamlining …

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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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