Starbucks hires Chipotle’s chief development officer

Stephen Piacentini will help the coffee chain execute its ambitious renovation and development plans as part of the Back to Starbucks initiative. Name: Stephen Piacentini New title: Executive vice president, chief coffeehouse design and development officer, Starbucks Previous title: Chief development officer, Chipotle Starbucks confirmed it is bringing on Stephen Piacentini to lead the development…

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Church’s Texas Chicken plots 600-unit expansion in China

The company’s international brand, Texas Chicken, will open its first unit in Shanghai this summer as it continues its global expansion. Dive Brief: Texas Chicken, the overseas arm of Church’s Texas Chicken, has signed a deal with Deke Shengtang to develop at least 600 restaurants across China over the next few years, according to a…

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Papa Murphy’s challenges continued in Q1

Parent company MTY Group acquired about 50 underperforming locations from franchisees last year and their turnaround is ‘more complicated than anticipated’ MTY Food Group, parent company of Papa Murphy’s and several other brands, reported first quarter results late last week, including a same-store sales decline of 2.5%. System sales were $1.3 billion for the quarter,…

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California’s $20 minimum wage for fast-food workers led to ‘negative outcomes,’ researchers say

Stephen Owen of UC Santa Cruz cited higher menu prices, reduced hours, lost benefits and accelerating automation Researchers found that California’s minimum wage hike for fast-food workers led to “negative outcomes” such as automation and reduced work hours. The researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz suggested in a report published in March that…

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A group of independent restaurants wants the FTC to block Sysco-Restaurant Depot deal

The Independent Restaurant Coalition says that the giant distributor’s proposed $29 billion acquisition of the cash-and-carry provider would eliminate a key alternative for many operators. The Independent Restaurant Coalition is calling on the U.S. Federal Trade Commission to block Sysco’s proposed acquisition of Restaurant Depot, saying that the deal would eliminate a crucial alternative used…

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Subway to Celebrate Tax Day with 1,040 Free Footlongs

Filing 1040 tax forms is no fun. But 1,040 free footlongs? That’s a Tax Day refund Americans can get behind! With everyday costs and living expenses seemingly rising by the day, even taxpayers lucky enough to get a refund from the IRS this year may see it disappear quickly. That’s why Subway is offering Sub…

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What Mediterranean Franchising Gets Right—and Wrong—As the Category Grows

What separates resilient brands from fading ones is experienced leadership, a strong and authentic brand culture, and high-quality operators. Mediterranean cuisine has quietly crossed an important threshold. What was once viewed as a niche, coastal-inspired segment has become one of the most enduring growth categories in fast casual. More than 20 countries identify Mediterranean cuisine…

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Krispy Kreme Advances Turnaround Plan With $90M Refranchising Transaction

Krispy Kreme, Inc. announced continued progress on its turnaround plan to deleverage the balance sheet and drive sustainable, profitable growth through refranchising, a key component of the plan. WKS Restaurant Group Increases Stake in Western U.S. Joint Venture and Expands Footprint On March 23, 2026, Krispy Kreme completed a transaction with its joint venture partner,…

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