Personnel Updates

• Another Broken Egg of America Inc. (6) announced Paul M. Macaluso as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

• Buddy’s Pizza (6) has named Burton Heiss as its new CEO effective immediately.

• California Pizza Kitchen Inc. (23) has announced the appointment of Giorgio Minardi as Executive Vice President of Global Development & Franchise Operations.

• Saladworks Inc. (12) has hired Mark Mears as Interim Chief Marketing Officer.

Industry Insight

• McDonald’s Corporation has released a test version of two premium chicken sandwiches in order to compete with recent chicken sandwich offerings from rival chains. McDonald’s Corporation has also recently released a line of themed clothing and merchandise.

• YUM! Brands Inc. and Taco Bell have launched a holiday themed line of clothing and accessories.

Real Estate

• Black Bear Diners Inc. has opened four new locations. Three company-owned locations opened in November in Sugar Land, Texas, Olathe, Kansas and Independence, Missouri. Black Bear Diner also opened an additional location in Kingman, Arizona with franchisee partner TravelCenters of America Inc.

• Blaze Pizza LLC is opening two new locations, one in Los Angeles, CA and the other in Arcadia, CA.

• Dog Haus International LLC broke ground on its first location in Downtown Phoenix. The location will be open early 2020.

• Earl of Sandwich LLC opened a new location in Las Vegas, NV. This is the first of three planned new locations.

• LemonShark Franchising, LLC has opened a new location in Tucson, AZ.

• Mountain Mike’s Pizza is opening a new location in San Bernardino, California. The new location is serving up the brand’s full menu including wine and beer.

• The Hummus & Pita Co. announced a multi-unit franchise deal in Columbus, Ohio, to continue its rapid expansion across the Midwest. The first franchise location will open its doors in 2020.

• The Lost Cajun opened its newest location in Byram, MS.

Technology

• McDonald’s Corporation has partnered with Ford Motor Company to turn their coffee bean waste into vehicle parts. Specifically, the skin waste created during the bean roasting process will be used in headlamps for all Lincoln model cars.