Corporate Operations

Hotel ghost kitchen company Butler Hospitality quietly dissolved in May

The business raised tens of millions of dollars from investors that included &vest, which was co-founded by &pizza CEO Michael Lastoria, and provided foodservice at hundreds of hotels. Then overnight it shut down.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • June 29, 2022

As recession concerns rise, CEOs are stepping away

Notably, the previously recorded high of CEO departures was in 2019 — also the last time U.S. economists saw a potential recession on the horizon.

By Kathryn Moody • June 27, 2022

McDonald's names new CFO, global chief supply chain officer

Ian Borden, current president, international, has been promoted to EVP, CFO, while Marion Gross, who managed the company’s North American supply chain, will become EVP, global chief supply chain officer, effective Sept. 1.

By Julie Littman • June 27, 2022

KFC US appoints new president

Tarun Lal, currently managing director for KFC Middle East, Pakistan, Turkey, Africa and India, will fill the role vacated by Kevin Hocham, effective July 15. 

By Julie Littman • June 24, 2022

Red Robin CEO to retire

Paul Murphy was instrumental in navigating the company through dining room lockdowns and oversaw growth in its off-premise segment and the rollout of its Donatos partnership.

By Julie Littman • June 23, 2022

Chicken Salad Chick inks franchise deals as it targets 500 units by 2025

The fast casual chain signed two agreements that will bring 16 more locations to Texas, with plans to open about 50 restaurants nationwide this year. 

By Julie Littman • June 22, 2022

Starbucks' head of North America to leave company

Rossann Williams, who was the face of Starbucks’ union response alongside interim CEO Howard Schultz, declined another position within the company before resigning. 

By Julie Littman • June 17, 2022

Little Caesars on track to double US franchise agreements this year

The pizza chain is growing its footprint by pursuing partnerships with larger operators, military veterans and first responders.

By Alicia Kelso • June 10, 2022

Uber Eats debuts nationwide food shipping

Despite competition from Goldbelly and DoorDash, Uber's head of U.S. and Canada merchant ops says the offering adds new value for partner restaurants.

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 7, 2022

Starbucks pursues external hires for CEO post

The coffee chain aims to fill the role by the fall, while founder and interim CEO Howard Schultz will remain at the helm through Q1 2023.

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 6, 2022

McDonald's will conduct a civil rights assessment led by third party

The company didn't disclose if the assessment differs from the civil rights audit that shareholders voted for last week. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 3, 2022

Subway shop's $30K settlement highlights duty to accommodate autism

The EEOC alleged the franchisee failed to provide requested accommodations for a new hire with autism and then fired him after four shifts.

By Laurel Kalser • May 31, 2022

McDonald's stockholders vote for independent civil rights audit

The proposal for an independent civil rights audit — which goes against the company's recommendation — won a 52% to 47% vote.

By Alicia Kelso • May 27, 2022

Subway to shift franchisee focus to multi-unit operators

While Subway has historically worked with single-unit owners, it wants to add well-capitalized, experienced operators to its system to focus on quality over quantity. 

By Julie Littman • May 27, 2022

Wendy's largest shareholder proposes to buy company

Trian Partners and billionaire owner Nelson Peltz told the chain's board of directors Tuesday that Trian would explore an acquisition, merger or other transaction in which it would own the company.

By Julie Littman • May 25, 2022

Starbucks to exit Russia and help its workers find new jobs

While the chain suspended operations at its 130 licensed locations in early March, it said Monday that it would no longer have a presence in Russia. 

By Julie Littman • May 23, 2022

How Wingstop is taking control of its poultry supply chain

The company is considering joint ventures with suppliers, acquiring a poultry complex or building its own plant to secure more predictable food costs.

By Julie Littman • May 18, 2022

Brinker CEO to retire in June

KFC U.S. President and Chief Concept Officer Kevin Hochman will take over for Wyman Roberts, who has been with Brinker for 17 years. 

By Julie Littman • May 17, 2022

McDonald's offloads Russian restaurants to licensee for undisclosed price

Alexander Govor, who operated 25 units in Siberia, will run the locations under a new brand and retain McDonald's employees for at least two years.  

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated May 19, 2022

Chipotle CFO doesn't rule out more food inflation despite pause

Finance chief Jack Hartung said the chain has raised prices about 10% for the 12 months through Q1 compared to 2% in a typical year.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • May 12, 2022

Reef cuts 5% of workforce amid expansion

The ghost kitchen firm says the layoffs are needed to adapt to disruptions in unspecified sectors, according to an internal memo.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 9, 2022

Papa Johns adds ESG incentives to compensation

The chain will tie corporate bonuses to workforce diversity, clean ingredients and environmental impact metrics following similar announcements from Wendy's, McDonald's, Starbucks and Chipotle.

By Alicia Kelso • May 5, 2022

Denny's preps for growth as it hires Kelli Valade as CEO

Red Lobster's former CEO will oversee several initiatives, including an $82.5 million acquisition of a Florida breakfast concept, tech upgrades and expansion of ghost kitchens. 

By Julie Littman • May 4, 2022

McDonald's: Shuttered Ukraine, Russia restaurants cost $127M in Q1

Supply chain inventory "that will likely be disposed of" represents $100 million of that sum, while $27 million went toward continued employee salaries, lease and supplier payments.

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 29, 2022

How Domino's plans to get its US business back on track

After reporting negative same-store sales during the first quarter, the company is looking to boost menu pricing, lean into third-party call centers and offer delivery drivers more flexibility.

By Julie Littman • April 29, 2022