Executive News

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    Courtesy of Sweetgreen
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    Sweetgreen hires Amazon, Starbucks alum as development chief

    The embattled fast casual chain’s newest C-suite appointment may signal a shift toward experiential store design.

    By • May 1, 2026
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Red Robin hires long-time Bloomin’ exec as CFO

    Mark Graff, a former Bloomin’ exec, will oversee the burger brand’s finances as it undergoes its First Choice turnaround plan.

    By • April 30, 2026
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    Freddy’s hires 2 development execs as it nears 600 units

    Rafik Farouk will help the burger brand fill in existing markets and enter new ones, while Jackie Lobdell will work to recruit new operators.

    By • April 28, 2026
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    Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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    Chipotle appoints Fernando Machado as chief brand officer

    The former CMO at companies including Burger King and Activision Blizzard takes a role last held by longtime brand marketer Chris Brandt.

    By Chris Kelly • April 27, 2026
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    Kevin Frayer via Getty Images
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    McDonald’s US CIO to depart, successor named

    Mustafa Husain, former VP of restaurant technology engineering, will replace Valerie Ashbaugh starting May 1.

    By Roberto Torres • April 24, 2026
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    Permission granted by Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
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    Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams scoops up Ben & Jerry’s CEO

    David Stever, who spent decades at the Vermont-based creamery, joins Jeni’s as it prepares for a new era of franchised national expansion.

    By • April 23, 2026
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    Courtesy of GoTo Foods
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    GoTo Foods appoints chief digital and development officers

    Tatiana Lambert, a former Wendy’s executive, will oversee “disciplined” franchise growth, and Biplav Misra will lead digital strategy.

    By • April 14, 2026
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    Courtesy of Chicken Salad Chick
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    Chicken Salad Chick hires Popeyes exec to lead franchised growth

    Brian Lindley joins the chain as it continues franchised expansion, particularly with younger operators, while reducing the operating costs of its stores.

    By • April 14, 2026
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    Courtesy of Denny's
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    Denny’s appoints CEO, announces turnaround plan

    Christopher Bode will lead the chain as it undertakes a 24-month initiative that will cover menu development, digital transformation and operational excellence.

    By • Updated April 13, 2026
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    Courtesy of Starbucks
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    Starbucks hires Chipotle’s chief development officer

    Stephen Piacentini will help the coffee chain execute its ambitious renovation and development plans as part of the Back to Starbucks initiative.

    By • April 10, 2026
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    Permission granted by Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
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    Firebirds Wood Fired Grill appoints Kura Sushi exec as CFO

    Jeff Uttz will join the roughly 70-unit full-service chain on May 18 after four years at the sushi chain, which is in the process of finding his replacement.

    By • April 8, 2026
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    JillianCain via Getty Images
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    McDonald’s creates US COO role

    Skye Anderson will return to McDonald’s USA after serving as president of the chain’s global business services for three years.

    By • April 1, 2026
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    Permission granted by First Watch
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    First Watch cuts its COO

    As part of an operations leadership restructure, the company let Dan Jones go on Friday after he served four years in that position.

    By • March 31, 2026
  • Zaxbys first Arizona unit, a restaurant with white walls and blue awnings
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    Courtesy of Zaxbys
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    Zaxbys appoints GoTo Foods exec as CFO

    Michael Dixon will oversee the chain’s financial strategy, planning and analytics and accounting and treasury as it continues to expand beyond 1,000 units.

    By • March 30, 2026
  • A photograph of a gray sign with a red box inside with white letters that says "Jack" under the box it says "in the box."
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Jack in the Box names CMO to strengthen product innovation, loyalty

    Katelyn Zborowski previously spent over a decade at Yum Brands, where she helped develop more than 40 limited-time offerings for Taco Bell.

    By Peter Adams • March 30, 2026
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    Golden Corral appoints Nestlé vet as CFO

    Trona Balkissoon will oversee the buffet chain’s financial strategy, including franchised- and corporate-unit health, and ensure the chain grows responsibly. 

    By • March 27, 2026
  • Popeyes opened its Times Square location in 2022.
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    Popeyes hires US COO from Burger King

    Chris Padoan's appointment signals a greater investment in Popeyes’ store-level execution, as the chain lags its chicken competitors in operations. 

    By • March 25, 2026
  • Sidewalk devilry robots in front of a Wonder location.
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    Courtesy of Grubhub
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    Wonder hires CFO ahead of potential 2027 IPO

    Marc Lore has built a vertically integrated food delivery network including food halls, a makeline manufacturer and Grubhub. Now, he wants to take it public.

    By • March 24, 2026
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    Q&A

    Chipotle CFO on expanding globally while maintaining a debt-free model

    Adam Rymer explains how the fast casual chain is using AI tools, funding rapid restaurant growth and operating with a debt-free balance sheet​​​​​.

    By Adam Zaki • March 23, 2026
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    Bonchon hires Pollo Campero vet as chief development officer

    Blas Escarcega joins the chain as it focuses on rapid growth in the U.S., where it now has over 150 units.

    By • March 20, 2026
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    Courtesy of Portillo's
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    Portillo’s hires former Papa Johns exec as chief development officer

    Jennifer Pecoraro-Striepling will oversee the chain’s real estate, site selection strategy and construction, and help develop prototypes in her new role.

    By • March 16, 2026
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    Krystal promotes COO from parent company

    Amanda Hyde expands her role at the QSR chain, partnering with operators and franchisees to improve performance and support growth.

    By • March 12, 2026
  • Jimmy John's has promoted chief marketing officer Darin Dugan to president.
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    Courtesy of Jimmy John's
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    Jimmy John’s promotes CMO to president

    Darin Dugan succeeds James North, who spent more than 20 years as the chain’s brand president.

    By • March 9, 2026
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Chili’s CMO promoted to translate winning playbook to Brinker’s other brand

    George Felix will lead marketing for both Chili’s and Maggiano’s Little Italy, which has lagged behind its sister brand’s eye-popping run of sales growth.

    By Peter Adams • March 4, 2026
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Jack in the Box re-elects board, but chair will retire

    Shareholders approved a poison pill and re-elected the board, including David Goebel, despite a challenge from activist investor Sardar Biglari.

    By • March 3, 2026