Personnel Updates
Bloomin’ Brands Inc. named Mike Kappitt the new President of Carrabba’s Italian Grill.
Crest Foods Inc. announced that Patrick Hummel has been promoted to the role of VP Franchise Development for Nestle Toll House Café by Chip.
Church’s Chicken has named Amanda Robbins as the Director of Field Marketing.
Fazoli’s Restaurant LLC named Donna Josephson as its new Chief Marketing and Tom Pleiman as VP Company Operations.
Jamba Inc. named David Pace as the company’s new CEO. Richard Federico was named Chairman.
The Johnny Rockets Group Inc. has named Susanne Stover as the company’s new CFO.
Le Pain Quotidien Bakery & Restaurant has named Doug Satzman as the company’s U.S. CEO. Satzman will replace Jack Moran in the role. Moran has been named head of global master franchise.
Long John Silver’s Inc. has named David Roemer as Director of Franchise Operations.
McDonald’s Corporation announced Zone Presidents Rick Colon and Kevin Newell are retiring.
MOD Pizza LLC has named Carole McCluskey to the newly created position of Chief Technology Officer. The company also named Kevin Flaherty as VP of Marketing and Lisa Luebeck as General Counsel.
MooYah Franchise LLC has hired Bradie James as Director of Brand Engagement.
Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. has named Denny Marie Post as President.
Smashburger Master LLC announced Michael Nolan has been named Exec VP and Chief Development Officer.
Sonic Corp. has promoted Chief Marketing Officer Todd Smith to the additional role of President. He succeeds J. Clifford Hudson. The company also announced that Michelle Britten was promoted to VP and Chief Accounting Officer.
Sunny Street Cafe announced the hire of Mike Minniear as Director of Operations.
The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has named Jeff Harris as CFO.
Togo’s Eateries LLC has promoted Susan Koch to CFO and Todd Peterson to Chief Development Officer.
Uncle Maddio’s Pizza Joint has named Jocelyn Blain to the newly created role of Chief Development Officer.
Financial Focus
U.S. Food Products Corp. filed an initial public offering after its failed merger with Sysco Corp.
Mergers and Acquisitions
Glacier Restaurant Group has purchased Max & Erma’s and plans to revitalize the struggling casual-dining chain.
Industry Insight
Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. announced that it has reached a new development agreement with franchisee Sun Holdings LLC to open 15 new restaurants over the next five years in the Houston market.
Dunkin’ Brands Inc. has signed a franchise agreement to open its first Dunkin’ Donuts and Baskin-Robbins restaurants in South Africa. The company said it would develop more than 250 Dunkin’ Donuts and 70 Baskin-Robbins outlets.
Elmer’s Restaurants Inc. has launched Egg N’ Joe, a new concept in Arizona that serves only breakfast and lunch.
Olive Garden recently announced it is adding catering delivery at all of its restaurants in the U.S. and Canada.
Ovation Brands announced it closed 74 underperforming locations, representing more than a fifth of the company’s units.
Starbucks has opened an upscale cafe in New York City called Starbucks Reserve. It’s one of about 500 similar stores that the company plans to open globally over the next several years.
Wendy’s Co. said it plans to sell about 315 more restaurants to franchisees during 2016.
Real Estate
MooYah Franchise LLC plans to add 30 new locations in 2016.
Pie Squared Holdings LLC announced that it will open 30 new PizzaRev restaurants by the end of 2016.
