Freddy’s Frozen Custard Sold to Thompson Street Capital Partners

Thompson Street Capital Partners has acquired Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, the 360-unit fast-casual concept, the St. Louis, Mo.-based private equity firm said. Terms of the deal with the Wichita, Kan.-based Freddy’s were not disclosed. Freddy’s was founded in 2002 in Wichita and features a menu of steakburgers, shoestring fries, and frozen custard. The company…

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Starbucks Promotes Regional vice President Dennis Brockman to Global Chief Inclusion and Diversity Officer

Starbucks CEO Kevin Johnson announced the promotion of Midwest regional vice president, Dennis Brockman to senior vice president and global chief inclusion and diversity officer. He replaces Nzinga Shaw, who left the company in December to work for Marsh & McLennan. Additionally, Michael Hines has been promoted from director of inclusion and diversity compliance and analytics…

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Panera Area Operating Partner on Coaching Employees

Molly Cooper, an area operating partner for Panera, was chosen for the NRN Power List by CEO Niren Chaudhary for her resilience and tenacity as well as her ability to develop and promote people on her teams. Here’s what else Chaudhary had to say: When I reflect on the values that have carried Panera through…

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How to Use Performance Reviews to Motivate Employees

When was the last time you left a conversation feeling actually, completely motivated? Like your goals and priorities have been put into focus, your synapses are firing, and you’re excited to get to work? Got it? Okay. Now, when was the last time you felt that way after a performance review? It’s no secret that…

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Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s Parent Hires two New Execs

Two foodservice veterans are joining CKE Restaurant Holdings, Inc., the parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s. Lance Tucker has been named chief financial officer, and Phil Crawford has been appointed chief technology officer. “We are excited to build on the strength of our current management team with the addition of these two exceptional hires,”…

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TGI Fridays Taps Industry vet as New CFO

Aslam Khan has been named chief executive officer of TGI Fridays. He succeeds John Antioco, who has served as interim CEO since Robert Palleschi left the company late last year. Mr. Khan is the founder and chairman of the multi-brand franchise company Falcon Holdings L.L.C., which he founded in partnership with Sentinel Capital Partners, a…

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Red Robin Taps Restaurant Industry Vet as New CFO

Lynn Schweinfurth succeeds Guy Constant, who will move to the role of executive vice-president and chief operating officer. In her new role, Ms. Schweinfurth will be responsible for leading all financial disciplines at Red Robin, including accounting, operations analysis, strategic and financial planning, treasury, investor relations, and overseeing the company’s supply chain. Ms. Schweinfurth joins…

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