News
Melting Pot is Working on a Hybrid Concept
The Melting Pot fondue chain has begun the development of a new concept it describes as “flex-casual,” making it the latest full-service chain to try a blend of fast-casual and full-service elements. Called Melting Pot Social, the new venture will feature menu and service options that go beyond the typical offerings of a Melting Pot.…
Read MoreThe Pappas family is Evaluating if they Want to Buy Luby’s Inc
Luby’s board votes to liquidate, dissolve 73-year-old Texas institution, Fuddruckers. The Texas restaurateurs behind Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen and Pappasito’s Cantina could swoop in and save Luby’s, which earlier this month announced it would liquidate and dissolve the company. Christopher and Harris James Pappas entered a confidentiality agreement with Luby’s on Sept. 11 to obtain the…
Read MoreGolden Gate Capital to sell Red Lobster Seafood Co. to group led by Thai Union
A group of minority shareholders and current management of Red Lobster Seafood Co. is acquiring the casual-dining chain from Golden Gate Capital, the new controlling consortium said. The new owners are seafood supplier Thai Union PCL, which has been a Red Lobster shareholder since 2016 and trades on the Stock Exchange of Thailand under the…
Read MoreTropical Smoothie Cafe sold to Levine Leichtman Capital Partners
Levine Leichtman Capital Partners has agreed to purchase fast-casual chain Tropical Smoothie Cafe, the Los Angeles-based private equity firm said Tuesday. Management, led by CEO Charles Watson, will remain the same. “We are excited to partner with Charles and the rest of the management team who have led the tremendous growth of Tropical Smoothie Cafe.…
Read MoreFAT Brands completes acquisition of Johnny Rockets from Sun Capital Partners for $25 million
Global franchising company FAT Brands — global franchising company and owner of Fatburger, Hurricane Grill & Wings, and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses — has completed the acquisition of retro diner brand Johnny Rockets that was first announced in August. The acquisition, which was valued at $25 million, increasing the company’s securitization facility to $80 million.…
Read MoreFormer Starbucks exec Joins Continental Mills as CFO
In her new role Ms. Ruggeri will have responsibility for finance, accounting and information resources, reporting to Andy Heily, president of Continental Mills. Before joining Continental Mills Ms. Ruggeri spent more than 16 years at Starbucks Coffee Co., most recently as senior vice-president of finance for the Americas. She began her career in 1998 as…
Read MoreHow Fast-Growing Companies Can Scale Their HR Processes
By Christine Soeun Choi – Glassdoor When business owners get a taste of success, they often want more — thus leading them to expand or scale operations. While growth is certainly better than the alternative, moving too quickly does present additional risks. One of the biggest hurdles that come with scaling a successful business is developing…
Read MoreRestaurants get Creative with off-Premises Dining to Create a Sense of Place
The restaurant industry is reeling from the coronavirus pandemic, which has forced the closure of tens of thousands of eateries and required major changes from those able to remain open. Off-premises dining — which has seen rapid growth over the past few years due to demand for convenience — is currently the only option for many…
Read MoreBuffalo Wild Wings’ Largest Franchisee Sells 22 Locations
Investment firm ICV Partners announced Thursday that it’s completed its previously announced acquisition of Diversified Restaurant Holdings, Inc.—a large Buffalo Wild Wings franchisee with 64 locations across five states. As part of the deal, ICV dealt 22 of those units, in Florida and Massachusetts, to Buffalo Wild Wings’ parent company, Inspire Brands. Also, JK&T, a…
Read MoreSubway Names Mike Kappitt Chief Operating and Insights Officer
Subway named former Carrabba’s Italian Grill President Mike Kappitt to be the company’s new chief operating and insights officer as the brand continues to upgrade its executive team. In the newly created role, Kappitt will oversee digital, including third-party delivery and catering. He will also oversee Subway’s analytics and insights functions. Kappitt has more than…
Read More
