San Diego — Jack in the Box Inc. has promoted Del Taco’s chief operating officer, Chad Gretzema, to Del Taco brand president. He replaces John Cappasola, who has stepped down from his role as Del Taco president & chief executive officer. “Chad has been an instrumental part of the executive team at Del Taco that has compiled an impressive 8 consecutive years of positive franchise same-store sales,” says Darin Harris, CEO of Jack in the Box. “He has been a champion for Del Taco operators, franchisees and guests as the …
Noodles & Company
Greenwood Village, Colo. — Paul Murphy, president and chief executive officer of Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., has informed the company’s board of directors that he intends to retire at the end of 2022 when his employment agreement expires. Murphy will be assisting the board as they search to identify a successor and will remain as a special advisor until March 31, 2023 to work with the board and his successor to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. Murphy is an experienced veteran of the restaurant industry having begun his …
Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Fatburger, Johnny Rockets and seven other restaurant concepts, has added additional depth to its senior management team with three new hires: Allen Sussman, general counsel; Ken Kuick, chief financial officer; and Rob Rosen, EVP capital markets. “FAT Brands has experienced remarkable growth in spite of the pandemic, opening new restaurants around the world, and we’re not done yet,” says Andy Wiederhorn, CEO of FAT Brands. “Bringing these three talented professionals on-board will bring additional intellectual capital and practical …
Broomfield, Colo. — Noodles & Company has targeted at least 7% systemwide unit growth beginning in 2022 and is leveraging franchise development to help meet that goal. Despite the many challenges the pandemic posed on the restaurant industry, Noodles was agile and quick to adapt, thanks to its pre-pandemic focus on enhancing digital capabilities for off-premise business. Noodles & Company currently has nearly 450 locations across 29 states. In 2020, Noodles & Company saw a 128% increase in digital sales, which accounted for 62% of sales. Prior to the pandemic, …
Broomfield, Colo. — Noodles & Company has launched a multi-unit franchise growth initiative to increase its presence in southern and southwestern markets. With plans to expand an off-premise oriented footprint perfectly suited for today’s consumer environment, this expansion will be fueled by company locations, existing franchisees as well as potential new partnerships with experienced multi-unit franchise owners. The planned expansion will target select DMAs including Alabama, Florida, Georgia, New Mexico, South Carolina and Texas. Noodles & Company already offers delivery, curbside pickup and takeout, and its off-premise capabilities and digital …
Broomfield, Colo. — Noodles & Company, known for serving classic noodle, Zoodle and Caulifloodle dishes from around the world, has refranchised nine Noodles & Company restaurants in Charlotte, N.C., and Orlando, Fla., to existing franchisee River City Restaurant Group (RCRG). In the deal that closed on January 29, 2020, RCRG laid out plans to also develop 22 new Noodles & Company units between 2021 and 2032. This year, it plans to open 10 to 15 new restaurants systemwide. RCRG, a franchise partner with Noodles & Company since 2004, led by …