yum! brands

David Graves Promoted to Pizza Hut U.S. President, Effective January 1, 2022

by Katie Lee October 7, 2021

Plano, Texas — Pizza Hut has promoted David Graves to president of Pizza Hut U.S., reporting to Pizza Hut division CEO Aaron Powell, effective January 1, 2022. Graves currently serves as general manager of Pizza Hut U.S. and will succeed the interim president of Pizza Hut U.S., Kevin Hochman. “David has a well-deserved reputation for delivering results, repeatedly demonstrating his expertise in identifying solutions to business challenges that not only enhance the experience for customers, but also benefit restaurant economics, and I couldn’t be more pleased by his promotion,” says …

October 7, 2021

News people restaurants

CKE Restaurants Adds Chief Global Development Officer

by Katie Lee June 10, 2021

Franklin, Tenn. — CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. (CKE), parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, has appointed Matthew Walls as the company’s first chief global development officer. In this new role, Walls will be responsible for creating a Global Development Center of Excellence to increase the footprint of both brands domestically and internationally. He joins the company from Domino’s. “Walls, as he is known in our industry, is experienced in delivering progressive business development strategies, innovative designs and solid partnerships with franchisees,” say CEO Ned Lyerly. “His global experience, strategic …

June 10, 2021

News restaurants software/technology vendors

Yum! Brands to Acquire Technology Company Dragontail Systems

by Katie Lee June 2, 2021

Louisville, Ky., and Perth, Australia — Yum! Brands, Inc. and Dragontail Systems Limited, an innovative provider of technology solutions for the food industry, have entered into a binding agreement under which Yum! Brands would acquire Dragontail for A$93.5 million in cash. The proposed acquisition is expected to close by the end of third quarter 2021. If successfully implemented, the addition of Dragontail to Yum! Brands’ growing technology portfolio is intended to give Yum! Brands the ability to scale Dragontail’s artificial intelligence (AI) kitchen order management and delivery technology globally. Australia-based …

June 2, 2021

construction and design franchise development News restaurants

A&W Restaurants Posts Third Straight Month of Double-Digit Comp-Sales Growth

by Katie Lee September 3, 2020

Lexington, Ky. — Sales at franchised A&W restaurants soared 12% in July, the third straight month of double-digit same-store sales growth. July’s success follows a 15% jump in May and 16% in June. In addition to a rebound in traffic, overall system sales are being bolstered by the strong openings of five restaurants this year. Since franchisees acquired the company from YUM! Brands in 2011, average unit sales have increased by 38%. “Several factors explain why A&W is doing so well,” says CEO Kevin Bazner. “First is the brand itself. …

September 3, 2020

News restaurants

Yum! Brands Implements Next Phase of COVID-19 Response

by Katie Lee March 25, 2020

Louisville, Ky. — Yum! Brands, Inc. has provided an update on the next phase of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Working together, we can limit the spread of COVID-19 while offering convenient, affordable food in a low contact environment,” says David Gibbs, CEO of Yum! Brands. “But our employees — like millions of others — are worried and our franchisees are under stress. We need to support them so they can be there for our customers. As the situation changes rapidly, KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and The Habit …

March 25, 2020

franchise development News restaurants

Yum! Brands Completes Acquisition of The Habit Restaurants, Inc.

by Katie Lee March 19, 2020

Louisville, Ky. — Yum! Brands, Inc. has acquired The Habit Restaurants, Inc., following the approval by The Habit Burger Grill stockholders. The transaction marks the addition of the first fast-casual concept to Yum! Brands’ portfolio of iconic global restaurant brands. The acquisition of The Habit Burger Grill adds an award-winning fast-casual concept with a loyal fan-base to Yum! Brands, the world’s largest restaurant company in terms of units and parent of KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. Founded in California in 1969, The Habit Burger Grill offers a flavor-forward variety …

March 19, 2020

construction and design News restaurants

KFC Opens World’s First Drive-Thru Only Restaurant in Australia

by Katie Lee November 13, 2019

Cincinnati — International retail design firm FRCH NELSON has partnered with KFC SOPAC to design an innovative, pilot project in Newcastle, Australia, opening to the public this week. With a growing number of consumers ordering through online channels, the goal of the new concept was to develop a more efficient operating model that celebrated this change in consumer behavior. The new concept includes five drive-thru lanes that allow customers to order and pay for a meal through the brand’s app or website, including designated lanes for more traditional, on-the-spot orders. …

November 13, 2019

News people restaurants

Yum! Brands Makes 2 Key Technology Appointments

by Katie Lee September 20, 2019

Louisville, Ky. — Yum! Brands, Inc. has hired Clay Johnson as the company’s chief digital and technology officer, and has promoted Gavin Felder to chief strategy officer. These newly created positions will partner with the global brand divisions to elevate the customer experience and accelerate global growth. Both Johnson and Felder will report to Yum! CFO Chris Turner. Johnson will join the Yum! Brands Global Leadership Team and oversee the company’s global technology strategy, partnering with the KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell divisions to ensure the company provides a …

September 20, 2019

News people restaurants

Yum! Brands Names New Chief Executive Officer

by Katie Lee August 14, 2019

Louisville, Ky. — Yum! Brands, Inc.’s board of directors has unanimously elected David Gibbs as chief executive officer, effective January 1, 2020, and appointed him to the company’s board, effective November 1, 2019. Gibbs, who currently serves as Yum! Brands’ president and chief operating officer and oversees the global KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell divisions, will succeed Greg Creed, who has decided to retire at the end of 2019 after a successful 25-year career with the company. “I’ve had the privilege of partnering with our franchisees to grow the …

August 14, 2019

News people restaurants

Yum! Brands Appoints CEOs of Taco Bell and Pizza Hut Divisions

by Katie Lee July 26, 2019

Louisville, Ky. — Yum! Brands, Inc. has appointed Taco Bell division and Pizza Hut division chief executive officers, who each will assume global responsibility for driving their respective brand’s growth strategies, franchise operations and performance. Now, each of the company’s three global brand divisions will be led by a CEO. Mark King, former president of adidas Group North America, will join the company as Taco Bell division CEO, reporting to David Gibbs, president, COO and CFO, Yum! Brands. King brings extensive retail experience and an excellent track record driving growth, …

July 26, 2019

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