Five Guys, Panera among brands grilled by AGs on 'anti-poach pacts'

July 10, 2018

Did Little Caesars or any of seven other limited-service brands cut anti-poaching deals to prevent competitors from hiring away employees? That's the question…

Edible Arrangements snags Tropical Smoothie's CEO

July 10, 2018

Edible Arrangements has named Mike Rotondo, former CEO of Tropical Smoothie, as its CEO, according to a company press release.

B.Good welcomes CMO

July 9, 2018

B. Good, serving locally sourced burgers, bowls, salads and smoothies, has named Brent Feldman as CMO, according to a company press release. Feldman's main…

Chipotle closing 5 Pizza Locale units

June 28, 2018

Chipotle’s fast casual pizza brand, Pizzeria Locale, is a casualty of the chain’s turnaround plan. In an effort to increase sales and cut costs, CEO Brian…

Rascal House adds to executive team

June 26, 2018

Cleveland-based Rascal House has added Michael Tusberg as director of operations. He will improve and support Rascal House's growth plans by streamlining…

Tips and tricks for handling restaurant leadership stress

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Wellness Expert Heidi Smith drew big crowds at the NRA show in Chicago, seeking her lessons on stress reduction for restaurant leaders.

Will Chipotle's menu variety fly with customers?

June 22, 2018

It didn't take long for Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol to shake things up. The former Taco Bell CEO, who took over the CEO role from Founder Steve Ells in March…

Starbucks CEO calls brand's recent performance 'Not acceptable'

June 22, 2018

Starbucks is hoping its latest initiatives will spark a turnaround after seeing its shares fall 3 percent this week in relation to slowing U.S. sales and its…

Southern California gets 5,700-square-foot Blaze

June 22, 2018

La Verne, California, is the latest locale to get a Blaze Pizza location, opening this Friday in a 5,700- square-foot open kitchen restaurant with interior…

Mama Fu's expands executive team

June 21, 2018

Austin, Texas-based Mama Fu's has added three executives to its leadership team. Jamie Cohen, is now CMO; Hemesh Patel is director of delivery and guest…

Potbelly strengthens turnaround strategy with VP, CMO

June 14, 2018

Potbelly Cooperation has appointed Brandon Rhoten as VP and CMO, according to a company press release. 

Your Pie franchisee offers 5 ways a great team experience leads to a great guest experience

Your Pie franchise owner, Bob Rosato, talks about the five things needed to make a cohesive staff to maximize positive guest experiences.

Wahlburgers CEO resigning, CFO to take the lead

June 11, 2018

Wahlburgers CEO Rick Vanzura has resigned his position to accept a CEO position with another restaurant chain. Vanzura will remain with the company through…

Getting a handle on harassment: 3 leaders lay out best tips

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

Sexual and other types of harassment are at the top of the heap in the daily news cycle lately, but they are problems that have long plagued every workplace…

How one coffee brand keeps profits brewing by using a central kitchen

New Jersy's Coffee Surf utilizes a central kitchen, where it stores coffee grounds, beans and cans of cold-brewed coffee.

B.GOOD pulls former Dunkin' Brands exec into CEO spot

June 6, 2018

An eight-year Dunkin' Brands leader is stepping into the top leadership spot at B.GOOD, according to a press release from the the company. New CEO Chris Fuqua…

Torchy's Tacos hires CFO, COO

May 31, 2018

Torchy's Tacos has hired Ryan Moore as as its CFO and Joel Ross as its COO, according to a company press release.    "I am excited that both Ryan and Joel…

Changes to tipping laws could lead to big fines for violating brands

by S.A. Whitehead — Food Editor, Net World Media Group

A national labor lawyer is calling restaurant operators' attention to recently passed tipping legislation that may make them liable for big fines if they allow…

Self-order kiosks dominate NRA Show

by Elliot Maras — Editor, Kiosk Marketplace & Vending Times

The number of self-order kiosks on display at the National Restaurant Show nearly tripled over last year's exhibits as hardware and software manufacturers…

The Lost Cajun appoints COO, CDO

May 30, 2018

The Lost Cajun, based in Louisiana,  has appointed two executives, with nearly 60 years of combined experience, to help grow the brand. Richard Berns is now…