Corporate Operations: Page 2

Chipotle CEO: Chain nearly halfway to goal of 7K North American stores

The fast casual chain continues its expansion tear despite labor shortage challenges, construction delays and inflation, and 80% of new units built in 2022 will feature a Chipotlane. 

By Julie Littman • April 27, 2022

Starbucks hires McDonald's alum as CTO

Deb Hall Lefevre joins the coffee chain on May 2, marking Starbucks' third executive change since Howard Schultz became interim CEO on April 4.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 26, 2022

White Castle plans takeout-only unit next to its busiest restaurant

The new 1,800-square-foot unit in Orlando, Florida, will only offer pickup and delivery for digital orders as off-premise restaurant demand holds steady.

By Alicia Kelso • April 22, 2022

Papa Johns taps Inspire, Domino's alum as chief restaurant officer

Joe Sieve will oversee the pizza chain's operations for both company-owned and franchised units in North America. 

By Alicia Kelso • April 20, 2022

Denny's CEO to retire amid growing exodus of restaurant chiefs

The casual chain is currently searching for a replacement for John Miller, who will step down later in 2022 after 11 years. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 8, 2022

Red Lobster CEO resigns after less than a year

Kelli Valade, who joined the company in August, recruited a new CFO and expanded the executive team with newly created roles of CMO and CIO.

By Julie Littman • April 5, 2022

Hardee's, Carl's Jr. parent names ex-Caribou exec as CFO

CKE is one of the latest QSRs to launch a digital loyalty program, an offering that has emerged as a key area of competition. 

By Kaishi Chhabra • April 1, 2022

Gopuff laying off 3% of its global workforce

The rapidly expanding company is cutting hundreds of positions as it faces funding challenges and a need to realign as a global business.

By Jeff Wells • April 1, 2022

Papa John's refranchises 90 units in Texas with Sun Holdings

The move will give Sun Holdings, which will open 100 new Papa John's units in Texas by 2029, the scale to support new restaurant development.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 31, 2022

Red Lobster snares restaurant exec for CIO role

IT veteran Cijoy Olickal joined the company Monday and will report directly to CEO Kelli Valade.

By Roberto Torres • March 30, 2022

Sbarro will open 100-plus units with c-store focus in 2022

The pizza chain's franchising partnerships will place the brand in Village Pantry, Turkey Hill and KwikShop locations.

By Alicia Kelso • March 25, 2022

Sweetgreen to open first drive-thru in Chicago suburb

The fast casual's first drive-thru for digital pickup orders, dubbed "Sweetlane," is part of its strategy to test new store concepts and bolster online sales.

By Julie Littman • March 24, 2022

Arby's CMO dishes on Pusha T diss track

To launch a spicy fish sandwich, the QSR tapped the rapper to take shots at McDonald's and the Filet-O-Fish.

By Chris Kelly • March 23, 2022

Gopuff names new head of Kitchens division

Amelia Riba brings international experience to the role, having previously served as chief brand officer for Pizza Hut in Europe and Latin America.

By Jeff Wells • March 21, 2022

Torchy's Tacos founder returns as CEO

Mike Rypka led the taco chain between 2006 and 2018 and succeeds former CEO GJ Hart, who retired in November.

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 18, 2022

Starbucks shareholders urge for 'neutrality' in face of union's spread

Seventy-three shareholders representing $3.4 trillion in assets are concerned with the optics of alleged retaliatory firings and "captive audience meetings."

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 17, 2022

Chipotle tests Chippy, a tortilla chip-making robot

The artificial intelligence-powered technology was created with Miso Robotics, and is being piloted in Irvine, California.

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 16, 2022

Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson retiring, Howard Schultz returning as interim chief

The coffee giant hopes to find a permanent company chief this fall. In the meantime, Schultz takes the reins as the pandemic ebbs and a union drive sweeps across stores.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated March 16, 2022

Wingstop's CEO steps down after 10 years

Charlie Morrison will be succeeded by President and Chief Operating Officer Michael Skipworth, who joined the brand in December 2014. 

By Alicia Kelso • March 15, 2022

Red Lobster taps Bloomin' Brands alum as CFO

David Schmidt succeeds Craig Pommels, who left Red Lobster to become CFO of Cracker Barrel in December.

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 14, 2022

How US restaurant chains are responding in Russia

McDonald's, Starbucks and Yum Brands are just a few legacy restaurants ceasing store operations, development and more as the Ukraine war escalates.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated March 17, 2022

Starbucks, McDonald's temporarily close units in Russia

The major restaurant chains now pausing operations in the region include Yum Brands, Starbucks, McDonald's and Papa John's.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated March 9, 2022

Famous Dave's debuts first drive-thru concept in Salt Lake City

The unit will be tested for six months to a year before determining possible expansion plans, said Jeff Crivello, CEO of parent company BBQ Holdings.

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 8, 2022

Jack in the Box trolls McDonald's over broken ice cream machines

The first effort from the QSR's new public relations and integrated campaigns agency of record uses competitive sparring tactics to tap into culture.

By Chris Kelly • March 3, 2022

Friendly's opens its first fast casual restaurant

The 2,700-square-foot restaurant includes seating for 45 customers, a dedicated space for curbside pickup and online ordering for pickup or delivery. 

By Alicia Kelso • March 2, 2022