Top Employee Management News

Tech Provider Recognized for Healthy Workplace

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 Announces New Development Chief

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., […]

New Restaurant Investment Firm Formed

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 […]

Captain D’s Adds New VP of Purchasing

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 […]

New HQ in Tow, Penn Station Focuses on Growth

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 Adds Former IHOP Exec as VP of Operations

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” […]

Taco Bueno CEO Takes Same Post at Denny’s

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 Announces Agreement to Be Acquired By Firm

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 […]

Cinnabon COO Promoted to President

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 […]

Former Tyson CEO Dies

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., […]

Art is in the Eye of the Pizza Holder

CiCi's Pizza's fastest and most accurate pizza makers will compete for the title of "Ultimate Pizza Artist" in CiCi's first-ever Pizza Throwdown finals. In addition to a year's worth of bragging rights, CiCi's team members from across the nation will compete for cash, the coveted crystal pizza cutter, a flat screen TV, and gaming consoles. […]

Tabasco Parent Company Hires New Executive Chef

McIlhenny Company, maker of TABASCO Brand Pepper Sauce, is pleased to welcome Judson C. McLester as its new executive chef and manager of ingredients sales. He is a 1986 graduate of the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. McLester had nearly 20 years in the restaurant industry before transitioning to food product […]

Eco Packaging Provider to Create New Jobs

The Bottle Box, provider of innovative and eco-chic food packages, announced that new jobs are being created in Southern California. Robert Mann Packaging (RMP) and Direct Pack Inc. (DPI) have collaborated and made recent investments in equipment to deliver 100 percent recycled post consumer PET plastic strawberry clamshells carrying the Bottle Box name. The FDA […]

Divestiture of Kysor/Warren Brand Announced by Manitowoc

The Manitowoc Company Inc. announced that it signed a definitive agreement for the divestiture of its Kysor/Warren and Kysor/Warren de Mexico businesses (“Kysor/Warren”) to Lennox International for a value of approximately $138 million, subject to a post-closing working capital adjustment. “Over the last several years, Manitowoc has built a strong portfolio of leading brands serving […]

Bojangles’ Alabama Marketing Efforts Get Some Help

Bojangles’ Famous Chicken and Biscuits announced the addition of Brad Hudson to its team. Hired for the position of Alabama marketing coordinator, Hudson will be responsible for marketing activities in the Alabama market and is charged with growing Bojangles’ brand in the state. Hudson joins Bojangles’ after working with the Birmingham Barons minor league baseball […]

UFood Grill Gets Some Help for Franchising Efforts

With demand for healthier fast food increasing among consumers nationwide, UFood Restaurant Group Inc. announced that it has retained Jeff Bonasia to assist in developing marketing programs to identify, attract, and secure potential franchisees. The company seeks franchisees that have a track record of success operating multiple foodservice franchise locations for mature brands and are […]

Schlotzsky’s One of the Best Franchises for Minorities

The National Minority Franchising Initiative (NMFI) announced that Schlotzsky’s is among this year’s “50 Top Franchises for Minorities.” “It is an honor to be recognized by such a prestigious national organization for our dedication to actively recruit and support minorities within our system,” says Kelly Roddy, president of Schlotzsky’s. “We are committed to helping minorities […]

DCI Cheese Company Adds Four to Team

DCI Cheese Company, an importer, manufacturer, distributor, and marketer of specialty cheeses and other restaurant-quality prepared foods, announced the addition of four new employees: Tina Dozier, help desk coordinator; Jim Matelski, IT infrastructure manager; Joe Scheske, senior portfolio supply planner; and Rick Vitlip, quality analyst/auditor. One promotion was also announced: Chris Sandretti, general manager of […]

NRA Will Celebrate the Many Faces of Diversity

Association accepting applications for its Faces of Diversity awards program, which aims to raise awareness of the importance of diversity and inspire others to expand their diversity efforts.

New Chief Exec Tapped at Quiznos

Greg MacDonald, formerly president of Quiznos worldwide, takes over as CEO for company founder Rick Schaden, who will remain involved with the company as chairman of the board.

Are You Up to Date on Fire Safety?

This week marks Fire Prevention Week 2010, and two experts believe quick-serve operators should use this time to reevaluate the systems they have in place to prevent fires and fire damage.