Food News Media, publisher of QSR magazine and the newly introduced FSR magazine, which covers the full-service restaurant sector, will roll out its “Year of Women in Foodservice” initiative across both brands in 2013. Ellen Koteff, special projects editor of Food News Media, will serve as ambassador for this program.

The new platform will feature women in all aspects of foodservice: executive ranks, middle management, owner/operators, franchisees, and front and back of the house, as well as from the supplier community.

Blaze Pizza, a pioneer in the fast-casual artisan pizza category, announces the appointment of Carolyne Canady as vice president of franchise sales. In this role, Canady is responsible for franchise recruitment and developing and implementing expansion plans, including bringing Blaze Pizza franchises to major markets such as Los Angeles, Boston, Miami, and San Francisco.

After working for more than 12 years in multiple departments of the Smoothie King corporate office, Rose Kuhnau made her franchising debut in 2000, purchasing her first Smoothie King unit in New Orleans.

Today, Kuhnau owns four units in the Big Easy’s metropolitan area, helping to grow a brand that was started by her father. She was recently named one of the “Most Improved Franchisees” after transforming one unit and increasing sales by $250,000 in its first year.