Walk-On’s hires Kendall Ware as COO

Ware, whose experience includes Carvel, Cinnabon and Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt, will help the brand drive expansion as it nears its 100-unit mark. 

By Julie Littman • Aug. 3, 2023

Woworks to offer 13 brands from Cloud Kitchens unit in San Francisco

The ghost kitchen concept, called Wow Kitchen, will include menu items from seven virtual brands and its six fast chains under Woworks’ umbrella.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 1, 2023

TravelCenters of America bringing Bojangles restaurants to 10 locations

The agreement adds the QSR to TA’s wide variety of dining options, including fast food, full-service and proprietary restaurants. 

By Jessica Loder • Aug. 1, 2023

Papa Johns hires Burger King vet for new development role

Patrick Coelho, who most recently served as head of international at Scooter’s Coffee, joins the pizza chain as it focuses on domestic expansion. 

By Julie Littman • July 31, 2023

SPB Hospitality appoints chief development officer

Michael Casey, who has worked at Bloomin’, Yum and Jamba, joins the company as it focuses on growth.

By Julie Littman • July 26, 2023

Zaxby’s snaps up Dollar General, Yum Brands alum for CFO

Donny Lau was named finance chief of the Athens, Georgia-based chicken chain, which aims to grow well beyond its Southern roots. 

By Maura Webber Sadovi • July 24, 2023

Is America ready for franchised beer gardens? Dacha thinks so.

A 10-year-old beer garden in Washington, D.C., wants to plants its flag in new East Coast markets over the next five years.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 19, 2023

Bankrupt Hardee’s operator sells 81 restaurants to High Bluff Capital

The sale will make High Bluff one of CKE’s major franchisees, with a portfolio concentrated in the Great Plains and the Deep South.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 18, 2023

The 6 biggest restaurant bankruptcies of H1 2023

Restaurant companies have filed for Chapter 11 protections this year for reasons ranging from the death of a founder, declining foot traffic, efforts to reduce litigation expenses and more. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 13, 2023

NYC-based cookie shop Schmackary’s plots growth beyond Big Apple

After 10-plus years in business, Schmackary’s will expand into new markets through franchise deals.

By Julie Littman • July 11, 2023

Hawaiian Bros nears 100-unit pipeline with latest franchisee deal

The 39-unit QSR chain signed agreements with four multi-unit franchisees to help it grow quickly across the Midwest and beyond.

By Julie Littman • July 6, 2023

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice hires CEO, other top executives

Founder Jeremy Litwack changes roles at the company, paving the way for Michael Keller to become CEO and president.

By Julie Littman • June 28, 2023

Everytable raises $25M to support expansion

The company will use its latest funding round to grow its stores, which provide affordable meals to underserved communities in California and New York City. 

By Julie Littman • June 27, 2023

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux appoints CEO

Chris Dawson, who was previously president at Driven Brands, will support the 78-unit casual chain’s growth as it works toward becoming a 500-unit brand. 

By Julie Littman • June 21, 2023

Burger King wants to force Meridian to sell off its restaurants

Burger King, like Meridian Restaurant’s creditors, is asking a court to allow creditors to arrange the sale of the franchisee’s restaurants.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • June 16, 2023

Caribou Coffee wants to become the third-largest US coffee chain

The brand, which began domestic franchising in 2021, has a pipeline of 300 franchised units that will nearly double its American footprint by 2030.

By Julie Littman • June 16, 2023

Perkins parent hires Smokey Bones CEO as top exec

Jim O’Reilly joins Ascent Hospitality to help grow Huddle House and Perkins, and to identify additional brands to acquire. 

By Julie Littman • June 13, 2023

Potbelly hires HR, franchising executives

Lynette McKee will support Potbelly’s transition to a majority franchise system as SVP of franchising, and Patrick Walsh will work as chief people officer. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • June 12, 2023

Southpaw acquires 40 Taco bell units in Atlanta

The franchisee, which operates 180 restaurants, said this transaction will add geographic diversity and grow its Taco Bell network.

By Julie Littman • June 9, 2023

Subway inks 4K-store master franchise deal in China

The 20-year agreement with Shanghai Fu-Rui-Shi Corporate Development Co. is part of Subway’s push to expand its international presence.

By Julie Littman • June 7, 2023

Fat Brands to issue IPO for Twin Peaks brand

Going public would allow the sports lodge restaurant, which is set to double its store count in the next few years, to expand further than its 109-unit pipeline. 

By Julie Littman • June 6, 2023

BurgerFi hires Smashburger president as CEO

Carl Bachmann will join the public company on July 10 in the midst of several initiatives to improve sales and operations. 

By Julie Littman • May 30, 2023

Arko adding Italian restaurant chain to 3 stores as it zeroes in on foodservice

The c-store operator is adding Villa Italian Kitchen restaurants to locations in Virginia, Indiana and Arizona, with the first one opening today.

By Jessica Loder • May 30, 2023

Honey Baked Ham plans to double its revenue in 6 years

The company, which hasn’t aggressively franchised in the past, signed the largest development deal in its history as it works to open 60 units in six years.

By Julie Littman • May 26, 2023

Shipley Do-Nuts hires Bonchon CEO as top exec

Flynn Dekker, who has over 30 years of retail and restaurant experience, will oversee the chain’s rapid growth, including a pipeline of 200-plus units.

By Julie Littman • May 17, 2023