In response to a growing consumer sentiment towards cage-free eggs and the adoption of this policy by several other food service companies, Focus Brands is joining forces with others in the industry and announcing its commitment to sourcing ingredients that contain only cage-free eggs.  While not a large user of eggs or food items with […]

Focus Brands Inc. announced the appointment of Michael Dixon as chief financial officer for its more than 5,000 ice cream shops, bakeries, restaurants, and cafes through its affiliate brands, which include Auntie Anne's, Carvel, Cinnabon, McAlister's Deli, Moe's Southwest Grill, and Schlotzsky's. As CFO, Dixon is responsible for the development and execution of the financial […]

Focus Brands Inc., which is the franchisor and operator of more than 5,000 ice cream shops, bakeries, restaurants, and cafés through its affiliate brands, announces its 2015 Franchisees of the Year, which recognize the leading franchise owners across the company’s six brands: Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and Schlotzsky’s. The winners […]

When Uncle Maddio’s received its second equity investment in December, it was from a very familiar source. In June S&S Group took a minority stake in the pizza brand, and earlier this month Rutherford Seydel became the second investor. Seydel, a partner at a corporate law firm and co-owner of NBA team the Atlanta Hawks, […]

The Southeast Franchise Forum (SEFF) announces the appointment of Paul Macaluso as chairman of its Marketing Committee, effective immediately.  “We are looking forward to Paul chairing the Marketing Committee,” says Jim Squire, CFE, chairman of the SEFF. “With more than 20 years of restaurant and franchise experience and a proven track record at FOCUS Brands, I’m confident […]

Chicken Salad Chick recently announced that it has received an investment from Eagle Merchant Partners (Eagle), an Atlanta, Georgia-based private equity firm. This partnership brings a depth of restaurant industry experience to the leadership team, including the naming of restaurant industry veteran Russ Umphenour as chairman of the board and Scott Deviney as president and […]

Joe Guith, COO for Cinnabon, has been promoted to president of Cinnabon. Guith will continue to build on the strong momentum created by his popular predecessor, Kat Cole. In a statement, Guith says, “I am excited to be part of such an iconic and popular brand that’s name evokes a positive connection with so many people. […]

Focus Brands—the franchisor and operator of 3,500 ice cream stores, bakeries, restaurants, and cafés under the brand names Carvel, Cinnabon, Schlotzsky’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and Auntie Anne’s—announced that Lester Arnold has been named senior vice president of human resources. Formerly the vice president of human resources at Aramark, Arnold brings more than 20 years of […]

FOCUS Brands Inc.—the fast-growing company responsible for overseas expansion of Cinnabon, Auntie Anne's Pretzels, Carvel Ice Cream, Moe's Southwest Grill, Schlotzsky's, and Seattle's Best Coffee—has named Thomas Bartsch as chief marketing officer of international and Mario Lopez-Belio as senior vice president of international supply chain. Each will report to president of FOCUS Brands International Mike […]

FOCUS Brands Inc., the fast-growing company responsible for overseas expansion of Cinnabon, Auntie Anne’s Pretzels, Carvel Ice Cream, Moe’s Southwest Grill, Schlotzsky’s, and Seattle’s Best Coffee, has opened its 1,000th international location—a milestone capitalizing on the vast global opportunities for U.S. food brands. The 1,000th location is a cobranded Cinnabon and Auntie Anne’s store, which […]

FOCUS Brands announced today it has named Chad Scales as senior vice president of business development. In this newly created role, Chad’s primary responsibility will be to develop new lines of business, including product creation, manufacture, and sales for Carvel Ice Cream, Cinnabon, Schlotzsky’s, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and Auntie Anne’s Pretzels. Scales comes to FOCUS Brands […]

FOCUS Brands Inc., the franchisor and operator of more than 3,300 ice cream stores, bakeries, restaurants, and cafes, announced that Gary Bales has been named chief concept officer. In addition to his role as president of Carvel, Bales will now oversee creative services, supply chain, and all brand licensing initiatives for both consumer and foodservice. […]