Sonic Drive-In

Panera Brands Establishes Next Generation of Leadership

by Katie Lee May 25, 2023

St. Louis — Panera Brands Inc., which includes the fast-casual and hospitality brand Panera Bread as well as Einstein Bros. Bagels and Caribou Coffee, has established its next generation of CEO leadership and board governance in preparation for its eventual IPO. Current CEO Niren Chaudhary will become chairman of Panera Brands, handing the CEO reins to José Alberto Dueñas, currently president and CEO of Einstein Bros. Bagels, effective July 1, 2023. Former Starbucks CFO and independent director Patrick Grismer will become chairman of the audit committee. Over the last 4 …

May 25, 2023

franchise development News people restaurants

Captain D’s Expands Development Team with New Director of Franchise Development

by Katie Lee May 9, 2023

Nashville, Tenn. — Captain D’s has hired Steve Bailey as director of franchise development. Bailey has more than 20 years of experience in franchise sales and development with multiple restaurant service brands, most recently with Fazoli’s. Focusing on territories east of the Mississippi River, he will support Captain D’s ongoing expansion throughout the country alongside longtime senior director of franchise development Steve Bielewicz, who is responsible for growing the company’s presence in the western region. “Captain D’s focus on flexible prototypes and cost-effective conversion opportunities is fueling increased interest from …

May 9, 2023

construction and design News restaurants

SONIC Drive-In to Open First Hawai’i Location

by Katie Lee February 15, 2023

Oklahoma City — On February 20, SONIC® Drive-In will introduce the brand for the first time in the state of Hawai’i with the opening of a new location in Kahului, Maui. Located within the Ho’okele Shopping Center, the drive-in is owned and operated by North Shore Provisions, LLC, d/b/a SONIC Drive-In Hawai’i. SONIC Drive-In now has at least one location in 47 states. The new drive-in location in Kahului will offer drive-thru service, patio seating, as well as ordering through the classic SONIC drive-in stalls. “We’ve had our mind set …

February 15, 2023

franchise development News people restaurants

QDOBA Adds 3 Seasoned Executives to Development Team

by Katie Lee March 18, 2022

San Diego — QDOBA Mexican Eats® (QDOBA), the largest franchise opportunity in the fast-casual Mexican segment, has added three industry leaders to its development team. Joining the leading concept is Lori Osley as vice president of franchise development, Kyle Brown as director of design and architecture, and Anthony Friel as project manager. The group of trade veterans will spearhead continued growth efforts by offering extended support to new and existing franchisees. Osley is joining QDOBA with substantial development experience through her work with Sonic Drive-In’s as the senior director of …

March 18, 2022

franchise development News restaurants

Slim Chickens Inks 10-Unit Franchise Agreement in Tennessee

by Katie Lee September 21, 2020

Chattanooga, Tenn. — Slim Chickens, a leading fast-casual franchise in the “better chicken” segment, has inked a deal that will bring 10 locations to cities throughout Tennessee. The Davis Group, which consists of Scott, Ricky and Cody Davis, will bring the restaurants to Jackson, Knoxville and Chattanooga. The Davis Group is partnering with David Hull, Greg Rowden and Josh Rowden to co-own and operate existing Slim Chickens restaurants in Memphis and Arkansas. They will continue development in those markets as well. “We are so excited to expand our Slim Chickens …

September 21, 2020