The smoothie chain named Jonathan Biggs its new chief operating officer, Chris Sasser chief financial officer and Karen Wickliffe general counsel. Tropical Smoothie Café, the Atlanta-based smoothie chain, named a trio of new high-level appointments as the company evolves its executive team. The 1,500-unit chain named Jonathan Biggs chief operating officer. It also promoted Chris… read more

The quick-service burger brand expects same-store sales to be positive for the rest of the year The Wendy’s Co. saw consumers pull back in the first few weeks of 2025, executives said Thursday. Leaders at the Dublin, Ohio-based quick-service concept, which released earnings for the fourth quarter ended Dec. 29, said the first quarter was… read more

Nearly 30 additional locations could shut their doors this year as the diner chain’s comeback efforts hit a snag. Denny’s plans to close as many as 90 restaurants this year, about 30 more than previously expected, as it looks to get rid of underperforming locations and return to growth. It comes amid a chilly start… read more

Krause joins the fast-casual company from GoTo Foods, where he served as CDO for the portfolio company Panera Bread has made its fourth executive change in the past month with the appointment of Brian Krause as chief development officer. Krause joins the fast-casual company from GoTo Foods, where he served as CDO for more than… read more

The North American Association of Subway Franchisees (“NAASF”), which advocates for its many thousands of franchisee members across North America, is pleased to announce that it has elected its Board officers for 2025: Bill Mathis – Chairman Bill Mathis was re-elected to the position of Board Chairman at the Board’s first meeting of the year… read more

The doughnut chain shook up its management ranks with new chief product, growth and operating officers and a new president of international. Krispy Kreme reshuffled its management ranks this week, handing new titles to four executives, the company said on Thursday. Nicola Steele was named chief operating officer. Currently the president of Krispy Kreme Australia… read more

Sixty-nine percent of consumers trust information shared by an influencer over a brand. Before the era of social media, a review from a reputable publication could make or break a restaurant. But in today’s ever-increasingly digital world where Insta-worthy dishes reign supreme, influencers arguably have the same power. In fact, 88 percent of diners said… read more

The coffee shop giant’s new mission and customer promise emphasize the company’s coffee quality and its connection with consumers, key points in CEO Brian Niccol’s comeback strategy. Starbucks released a new mission statement on Thursday that emphasizes the company’s focus on its coffee and the connection with consumers, a key centerpiece of the company’s comeback… read more

Three larger restaurants will close and two smaller prototypes will open this year. A year after McDonald’s opened beverage concept CosMc’s, the burger giant re-emphasized confidence in the spinoff’s future and believes it found the best format to grow the brand. Since CosMc’s debuted in Bolingbrook, Illinois, in December 2023, the chain has added six… read more

The move was brought about by activist investor Engaged Capital, which last year promised to take steps to “unlock the intrinsic value” of Portillo’s business. Chipotle President Jack Hartung is joining Portillo’s board. It’s a somewhat unusual move, given that Chipotle and Portillo’s are fast-casual competitors, though very different concepts. But Portillo’s Board Chairman Mike… read more