Posts Tagged ‘Industry Spotlight’

Ashlee Weisser, who has worked at First Watch since 2023, takes over for the retiring Mel Hope. Name: Ashlee Weisser New title: Chief financial officer, First Watch Previous title: Senior vice president, financial planning and analysis, First Watch Ashlee Weisser was promoted to CFO on June 8, succeeding Mel Hope, who is retiring. Hope will…

The fast casual has experienced 40 straight months of traffic growth and posting a nearly $4 million AUV. Pollo Tropical CEO Dirk Montgomery describes the chain as an “icon” in the state of Florida. Of the chain’s roughly 150 locations, about 80 percent are in the Sunshine State, and that’s a footprint and reputation built…

Traffic is still down, but moving in the right direction, prompting the company to raise its revenue guidance for the fiscal year. Customers are returning to Cracker Barrel faster than the company was expecting after last fall’s new-logo debacle sparked severe traffic declines. Same-store restaurant sales in the quarter ended May 1 fell 2.6% year…

The restaurant will open later this summer in McKinney, Texas, and will include table service and a drive-thru. KFC U.S. likes what it sees from its spinoff concept Saucy so much that it continues to expand the fledgling brand into new markets, including outside of Florida for the first time since its debut in late…

The Luxembourg-based investment firm has named two co-heads of business development and portfolio management in New York and London. The Europe-based parent to Panera Brands, Pret A Manger and more has new leadership. Luxembourg-based JAB on Thursday announced a refresh of its boards and leadership team across its consumer portfolio companies. David Serre and Emiliano…

The coffee shop giant, making the rounds of investor conferences this week, says it has plenty of capacity to build sales, especially in the afternoons. Starbucks’ comeback under CEO Brian Niccol is running ahead of schedule, at least according to company executives. But that doesn’t mean it’s finished. Niccol, along with Starbucks CFO Cathy Smith,…

It’s a time for due diligence and reflection, not panic. Private equity’s appetite for franchises has surged over the past two years. Roark Capital bought Subway for nearly $10 billion and a majority stake in Dave’s Hot Chicken for nearly $1 billion. During the same period, Blackstone purchased Jersey Mike’s, and KKR acquired Nothing Bundt…

The National Restaurant Association is urging the Trump administration to approve the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement and take a do-no-harm stance on tariffs. Editor’s Note: This Q&A is part of a series of interviews with political figures in the restaurant industry about the issues facing brands, workers and operators in 2026. This is the second part…

Wendy’s welcomed back Robert Wright as the chain’s president and chief executive officer. Wright comes to Wendy’s from Potbelly, where he served as president and chief executive officer. His prior experience includes multiple senior leadership roles at Wendy’s, including as executive vice president and chief operations officer. Wright’s resume also includes stints in leadership roles…

Kevin Nemeth will oversee various aspects of the chain’s commercial strategy and help connect brand, digital, loyalty, menu and execution. Name: Kevin Nemeth New title: Executive vice president, chief commercial officer, Church’s Texas Chicken Previous title: Chief digital and marketing officer, Authentic Restaurant Brands Kevin Nemeth has over 15 years of experience leading digital transformation…