Dillas Quesadillas names Michael Mabry COO

October 14, 2026

Dillas Quesadillas has promoted Michael Mabry from head of franchise development to chief operating officer, effective Oct. 7. In the newly created role, Mabry…

Snooze Eatery names Amy Hom COO

October 9, 2026

Denver-based Snooze Eatery has hired Amy Hom as chief operating officer, effective Sept. 28, as the breakfast-and-brunch chain invests in operations and plans…

Biscuit Belly CEO reveals practical survival kit for founders

What does it take for an emerging restaurant brand to scale without losing its identity? On this episode of Fast Casual Nation, hosts Paul Barron and Cherryh…

Presented by Mountaire Farms

Bloomin’ leadership lessons with Tim Gannon, co-founder of Outback Steakhouse

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Outback Steakhouse co-Founder Tim Gannon shares how with only $37, a ripped-up $1 million check and two great partners, a legendary brand was built and the…

Cava names John Ludeke chief marketing officer

September 30, 2026

Cava has named John Ludeke chief marketing officer. He will lead the fast-casual chain's marketing organization as it continues to expand.

GoTo Foods names Lucy Brady Jamba president, reshuffles additional portfolio roles

September 15, 2026

GoTo Foods has appointed Lucy Brady as president of Jamba and shifted leadership roles across its portfolio. The Atlanta-based company also named Nathan…

National Restaurant Association launches 'Made in Restaurants' initiative

September 9, 2026

The National Restaurant Association has launched "Made in Restaurants," a national initiative designed to showcase the restaurant industry's role in shaping…

Me, Ted Lasso and something in common

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Pizza Marketplace

Twenty years ago, I started my career in restaurant journalism. Now, I’m back where it all began as the editor of QSRWeb and Pizza Marketplace.

HB Protein Smoothies hires Tyler Doolittle to lead real estate, openings

September 2, 2026

HB Protein Smoothies, a Fransmart-backed franchise, has hired Tyler Doolittle as director of real estate and openings. Doolittle will work with franchise…

How fast-casual franchise Your Pie is optimizing kitchens for modern diners

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Fast-casual pizza franchise Your Pie is strategically expanding across the Southeast under CEO Ken Caldwell by blending its authentic, handcrafted Italian…

From the boardroom to the prep line: How Stonefire Grill's CEO is fueling legacy growth

by Mandy Wolf Detwiler — Editor, Connect Media

Stonefire Grill CEO David Youngberg joins the Restaurant Operator Podcast to share how his hands-on leadership, people-first culture and strategic use of guest…

Houston TX Hot Chicken hires Ashley Prokos as senior director of franchise sales

August 21, 2026

Freddy’s promotes Rick Petralia to executive chef, VP of training and innovation

August 20, 2026

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, based in Wichita, Kansas, promoted Rick Petralia to executive chef and vice president of training and innovation.

The 7 Best WhatsApp Alternatives for Restaurant Teams

A ranked look at seven WhatsApp alternatives for restaurant teams, compared on work-life boundaries, organized group chats, admin control, mobile ease, and…

4 misses in Founder-led negotiations

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

Although Founders know their businesses best, their deep emotional investment and daily operational pressures often compromise their negotiating leverage…

Tropical Smoothie names Joe Sieve chief development, growth officer

August 7, 2026

Tropical Smoothie Café has hired Joe Sieve as chief development and growth officer, replacing Cheryl Fletcher, who will retire at the end of August.

HTeaO names former Freddy's executive Brian Wise as CEO

August 5, 2026

Iced tea franchise HTeaO has named Brian Wise as its chief executive officer as the company prepares for further national expansion.

Portillo's names Kevin Kalicak CFO

August 4, 2026

Portillo's has appointed restaurant finance veteran Kevin Kalicak as its chief financial officer and treasurer, effective Sept. 7.

Second Cup names former Wingstop executive Joe Walker CEO

August 4, 2026

Joe Walker, Courtesy of Second Cup Coffee Company, Inc Toronto-based Second Cup Coffee Co. has named former Wingstop executive Joe Walker as its CEO.

3 leaders every Founder must hire to scale

by Kathleen Wood — Founder, K. Wood Partners

To successfully scale a company and transition from an overwhelmed operator to a confident CEO, founders must stop trying to manage everything themselves and…