Burger King Corp. (BKC) announced changes to the company's global brand management and operations function, as well as to its North America marketing structure. Effective immediately, BKC has aligned the company's global brand marketing and global operations teams to create a single Global Brand Marketing and Operations function. Additionally, BKC has aligned its North American marketing efforts with […]

Lawrence “Doc” Cohen, a veteran of the franchise industry who first franchised Great American Cookies 32 years ago, became the first-ever franchisee inducted into the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) Hall of Fame. The award, which was presented to Cohen at the IFA’s annual convention last week in Las Vegas, recognizes individuals who have contributed to […]

Domino's Pizza named Richard L. Federico to its Board of Directors, effective at today's company board meeting. Federico, 56, is chairman and co-CEO of P.F. Chang's China Bistro Inc. He joined the company in 1996, and is responsible for the strategic growth and development of P.F. Chang's China Bistro, as well as the company's fast-casual […]

Kronos Foods Inc., a manufacturer of premium gyros and other Mediterranean and specialty foods, announced the appointment of Howard Eirinberg as president of its subsidiary Kronos Food Corp., effective immediately. He joins the Kronos Foods management team of Michael B. Austin, CEO; T. Patrick Costello, president and COO; and Janet Caldwell, CFO. In his position, […]

Brandstand Group announced that Philip Friedman, former CEO and president of the McAlister Corporation (McAlister’s Deli), has been named vice chairman of the Board of Directors at Brandstand Group, a premier restaurant brand marketing and communication firm. “We’re very fortunate and excited to welcome Phil Friedman to the Brandstand Group,” says president and CEO Chris […]

The North American Association of Food Equipment Manufacturers (NAFEM) recognized Peter G. Nordell, president of The Edlund Company, with the 2011 NAFEM President’s Award. The NAFEM President’s Award, presented at The NAFEM Show on February 11 at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida, recognizes a non-elected NAFEM volunteer who has donated their time […]

In continued efforts to align the organization to fully execute its multiyear strategic plan, the National Restaurant Association has named Hans Lindh as senior vice president of Membership and Industry Relations. In this new position, Lindh will oversee growing and improving membership outreach and the development of strategic partnerships. “Hans has been a valuable member […]

Following an extensive search for a new creative partner that began last November with the review of more than 35 agencies, El Pollo Loco Inc. announced it has selected Hollywood, California–based goodness Mfg. as its new advertising agency of record. goodness Mfg. will handle strategic marketing and communication needs for the flame-grilled chicken chain, including […]

In efforts to help its members effectively recruit, retain, and manage employees, the National Restaurant Association announced a strategic partnership with leading talent management solution provider PeopleMatter to bring innovative human resources solutions to its member restaurants. Association members will gain access to PeopleMatter’s suite of SaaS-based (Software-as-a-Service), automated HR technology tools that will help […]

McDonald’s Corporation announced that Don Thompson, president and chief operating officer, was elected to the company’s Board of Directors, effective immediately. “Don is an exceptional leader, with tremendous knowledge of our business and the [quick-serve] industry,” says Andrew McKenna, chairman of McDonald’s Board of Directors. “With his strong global insights, he will bring valuable experience […]

Denver-based Qdoba Mexican Grill announced that it promoted five executives to build upon the company’s positive sales and new unit growth through innovative marketing, franchise development, and menu innovation. Promotions include: Karen Guido to chief marketing officer; David Craven to division vice president of marketing; Neil Harfert to division vice president of restaurant operations; Jim […]

S&D Coffee, a coffee roaster and tea manufacturer to the foodservice industry, is enhancing its direct store delivery business with several important organizational and personnel changes.  The company will split its Northern Division, the largest by geography, to allow each division’s leadership to be closer to the customers. John Morris, currently vice president of the […]

Smashburger appointed four new members to its executive leadership team. The fast-growing chain's new leaders bring experience from some of the world's most successful companies and brands, including McDonald's, Blue Moon, Clorox, and Chipotle. Craig Leonard will serve as executive vice president and president of international; Julie Reeves will serve as vice president of marketing; […]

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. […]

On January 3, revisions to PCI Security Standards became effective for foodservice operations, providing guidelines to help prevent compromised credit card information in restaurants. To help restaurants secure their business information, Cintas Corporation released a list of the five most common document management-related issues in foodservice with tips for helping restaurateurs improve business document handling. […]

Fast-casual restaurant chain Zoës Kitchen announced that Kevin Miles was promoted to chief operating officer, a new position for Zoës. "Kevin has consistently demonstrated his strong leadership skills and ability to get at the heart of what makes operations successful,” says chairman and CEO Greg Dollarhyde. “His commitment and ability to guide and inspire others […]

HM Electronics Inc. (HME), a technology provider for the restaurant industry, recently earned a “Gold Level Award” from the American Heart Association saluting the importance the company places on providing a healthy workplace, and for its efforts in encouraging regular physical activity and good nutrition among its employees. “HME places a lot of emphasis on […]

Spicy Pickle Franchising Inc. announced the appointment of Peter Wright as its new chief development officer. Wright is now responsible for franchise sales, real estate, architecture, construction, and equipment. Prior to joining Spicy Pickle, Wright had more than 13 years' experience in franchising and licensing in both traditional and nontraditional development channels in the U.S., […]

Harold O. Rosser, a 20-plus-year veteran of the private equity industry and a leading investor in the restaurant sector, announced the formation of Rosser Capital Partners (RCP). Utilizing its in-depth industry knowledge and relationships, RCP will focus primarily on restaurant investments, in addition to consumer and multiunit retail companies. “I believe now is an appropriate […]

Continuing the strengthening of Captain D's management team, Phil Greifeld, CEO and president of the company, announced the hiring of Janet Duckham as its vice president of purchasing. Duckham most recently served as the vice president of purchasing and distribution of Luby's Restaurants. In her new role, Duckham is responsible for the worldwide sourcing of […]

Twenty-five years after its foundation, 25 new restaurants are planned for 2011; that's how it's shaping up for Milford, Ohio–based Penn Station East Coast Subs. Focusing on strong ROI and customer satisfaction—with same-store sales up—the company feels now is the time to make a strong push for growth. "We offer an Item 19 in our […]

Togo’s Sandwiches named Rand Ferris vice president of operations. In his new position, Ferris will assume all responsibilities for operations including franchised and company-owned restaurant operations, training, and new restaurant construction. “Over the past year, Togo’s has set in place aggressive strategic growth plans while we continue our focus on supporting our current franchise system” […]

Denny’s Corporation announced the appointment of John C. Miller to the position of president and CEO, effective February 1. Miller succeeds Debra Smithart-Oglesby, who has filled the position on an interim basis since June. Smithart-Oglesby will continue to serve as board chair for Denny’s. “John is a proven leader in the restaurant industry who has […]

Crumbs Holdings LLC (“Crumbs”), the creator of the gourmet cupcake and the largest U.S.-based retailer of cupcakes, which operates under the name Crumbs Bake Shop, and 57th Street General Acquisition Corp. (“57th Street”), a special purpose acquisition company, announced that they have entered into an agreement through which 57th Street will acquire Crumbs. The proposed transaction […]

FOCUS BrandsInc., the franchisor and operator of more than 3,300 ice cream stores, bakeries, restaurants, and cafes, announced that Kat Cole was named president of Cinnabon Inc., the 25-year-old market leader among cinnamon roll bakeries with more than 770 locations worldwide. “Since joining us only three months ago, Kat has made a tremendous impact on […]

Donald John Tyson, known to everyone as “Don,” son of Tyson Foods, Inc. founder John W. Tyson, and father of current company chairman John H. Tyson, passed away today, January 6, 2011, at the age of 80, after a brief illness.  He was the former chairman of the board and CEO of Tyson Foods, Inc., […]