Executive News: Page 3

  • Shot of Starbucks store in Seattle on July 3 2024
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    David Ryder via Getty Images
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    Will Brian Niccol’s customer experience success as CEO of Chipotle translate to Starbucks?

    The executive spearheaded mobile ordering upgrades and better order fulfillment at Chipotle. Experts say the same lessons could improve customer experience at Starbucks.

    By Bryan Wassel • Aug. 19, 2024
  • An image of a brick building with red Chick-fil-A signage
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    Brandon Bell via Getty Images
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    Chick-fil-A names new president

    Susannah Frost will be responsible for providing strategic clarity and ensuring sustainable growth.

    By • Aug. 16, 2024
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    (Photo by Scott Olson) via Getty Images
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    What Starbucks’ new CEO choice could mean for the company

    Analysts predicted new products and advertising would be immediate points of emphasis for incoming CEO Brian Niccol, with major changes looming on the horizon.

    By • Aug. 14, 2024
  • An image of a a white building with Chipotle signage at night.
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    Permission granted by Chipotle
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    Chipotle appoints Scott Boatwright as interim CEO

    Following Brian Niccol’s move to Starbucks, the chain’s long-tenured COO will lead it as the board of directors seeks a permanent CEO.

    By • Aug. 13, 2024
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    Courtesy of Chipotle
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    Starbucks names Brian Niccol as its CEO

    Brian Niccol, who has been CEO at Chipotle since 2018, joins the chain as it continues to face declines in traffic and comparable sales.

    By • Updated Aug. 13, 2024
  • Popeyes refreshes brand identity and restaurant interiors
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    Courtesy of Popeyes
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    Popeyes appoints PepsiCo marketer as new CMO

    Bart LaCount will serve as chief marketing officer in North America after previous CMO Jeff Klein was promoted to president at the fried chicken chain.

    By Chris Kelly • Aug. 12, 2024
  • The exterior of a Panera Bread restaurant.
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    Justin Sullivan / Staff via Getty Images
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    Panera Bread nabs Papa Johns CMO following menu overhaul

    The sandwich and soup spot, which is plotting an IPO, is appointing an experienced QSR marketer known for a digital-first approach.

    By Peter Adams • Aug. 8, 2024
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    Courtesy of Papa Johns
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    Papa Johns appoints former Wendy’s chief as CEO

    Todd Penegor joins the chain as it implements its Back to Better 2.0 plan, an initiative to boost marketing spend and create incentives to accelerate franchise development.

    By • Updated Aug. 1, 2024
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    Courtesy of Denny's
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    Denny’s hires chief brand and chief people officers

    Monigo G. Saygbay-Hallie will help shape Denny’s culture as chief people officer while Patty Trevino will focus on all areas of branding in her role.

    By • July 24, 2024
  • An image of a man smiling and looking off to the side. He has a headset microphone on his right ear.
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    Courtesy of Zaxby's
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    Zaxbys creates e-commerce division, adds chief digital officer

    Chris Kung, who joins the fast food chain after four years at Dollar General, will oversee the company’s new e-commerce and loyalty team. 

    By • July 24, 2024
  • An image of an indoor mini golf course with neon lighting
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    Permission granted by Puttshack
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    Puttshack promotes CFO to CEO

    Logan Powell, the eatertainment’s CFO for five years, takes over for Joe Vrankin as the company looks to expand its footprint in the U.S.

    By • July 18, 2024
  • An image of a woman with brown hair wearing a jean jacket and red shirt in front of a dark blue curtain.
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    Frederick M. Brown via Getty Images
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    Award-winning chef, IRC co-founder Naomi Pomeroy dies

    Pomeroy advocated for independent restaurants and fought for the legislation that established the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

    By • July 16, 2024
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    Permission granted by Schlotzsky's
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    Schlotzsky’s hires chief brand officer

    Donna Spangler-Josephson will lead the deli chain’s marketing and branding efforts as it looks to reverse a gradual erosion of its store base.

    By • July 12, 2024
  • A hand holding a cocktail in front of a smoke screen.
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    Courtesy of Maggiano's Little Italy
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    Maggiano’s looks to boost traffic with new cocktail menu, ingredients revamp

    The Mixologist Collection, which includes drinks that are mixed tableside, is part of “the first act” in the company’s push to elevate its dining experience.

    By • July 10, 2024
  • An image of a man wearing a suit in front of a Chipotle menu and make line.
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    Courtesy of Chipotle
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    Chipotle CFO Jack Hartung to retire after two decades at chain

    Adam Rymer, the company’s current vice president of finance, will become CFO in January.

    By • July 10, 2024
  • Jordan Chirico in a white dress shirt similing in front of a beige background
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    Permission granted by Fat Brands
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    Fat Brands hires financial expert to help deleverage balance sheet

    In his new role, Jordan Chirico will focus on the company’s $1.2 billion debt that built up following Fat’s acquisition spree that began in 2019.

    By • July 2, 2024
  • An iamge of Eric Matrino, Hard Rock Cafe president, in a gray suit crossing his arms and smiling
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    Courtesy of Hard Rock International
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    Hard Rock appoints cafe division president

    Eric Martino, who has over 30 years of hospitality experience, will oversee operations at nearly 200 eateries around the world.

    By • July 1, 2024
  • A picture of a building with Domino's signage and a car parked on the left side.
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    Courtesy of Domino's
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    Domino’s appoints chief human resources officer

    Effective July 8, Maureen Pittenger will take on all aspects of human resources strategies in her new position at the pizza chain. 

    By • June 24, 2024
  • An exterior image of a Shake Shack restaurant
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    Brandon Bell via Getty Images
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    Shake Shack hires Arby’s vet as COO

    Stephanie Sentell, who has over two decades of restaurant experience, will oversee operations at company-owned restaurants. 

    By • June 17, 2024
  • An image of a Noodles & Company restaurant with outdoor seating
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    Courtesy of Noodles & Company
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    Noodles & Company appoints chief concept officer

    Scott Davis, who joins the troubled chain after serving as president and chief concept officer at CoreLife, was also concept chief at Panera for nearly three decades.

    By • June 13, 2024
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    Courtesy of CKE
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    CKE appoints Papa Johns vet as chief technology and growth officer

    Justin Falciola will oversee information technology, digital strategy and operations and help deploy new technologies as the company invests in digital channels. 

    By • June 12, 2024
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    Permission granted by Corner Bakery
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    Corner Bakery promotes COO to president

    Erin Hasselgren, who returned to the chain as COO in 2023, has become the company’s fifth president and first under new owner SSCP.

    By • June 12, 2024
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    Permission granted by Tijuana Flats
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    Tijuana Flats appoints turnaround expert as CEO

    James Greco, who has helped revitalize brands like Sbarro and Bruegger’s, joins the fast casual brand two months after it declared bankruptcy.

    By • June 11, 2024
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    Permission granted by Swig
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    Swig hires Dutch Bros exec as chief development officer

    Daniel Batty brings over 20 years of QSR experience to his role at the 81-unit beverage chain that has 500 signed franchised agreements. 

    By • June 4, 2024
  • An evening shot of a building with white and red coloring and signage that says "Portillo's."
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    Courtesy of Portillo's
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    Portillo’s COO to depart chain

    Derrick Pratt’s departure comes amid the company’s execution of a four-pronged plan to improve operations, including drive-thru speeds. 

    By • May 31, 2024