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News

Leadership

Smoothie King gets a new CFO, Portillo's hires its first CMO and other restaurant executive shifts

 By Restaurant Business Staff on May 09, 2024

Executive Summary: Gavin Felder is Smoothie King's new chief financial officer and Nick Scarpino was elevated to marketing chief at Portillo's, plus more restaurant executive news of the week.

Financing

Red Lobster owner expects to sell its share of the chain this year

 By Joe Guszkowski on May 09, 2024

Thai Union Group is “actively engaged” in negotiations with potential buyers for its stake in the struggling seafood chain.

Financing

Increased marketing spending did not help Papa Johns' sales in April

By Jonathan Maze on May 09, 2024

A softer consumer environment is more than offsetting the pizza chain’s boost in marketing in recent weeks. But profitability improved last quarter.

Food

The Taiwanese wheel cake may just become the next cronut

By Patricia Cobe on May 09, 2024

Behind the Menu: Money Cake opens in New York, tempting pastry fans with the waffle-cream puff hybrid.

Technology

ItsaCheckmate rebrands, acquires AI voice provider VoiceBite

By Joe Guszkowski on May 08, 2024

The order integration company has expanded into an all-around digital ordering supplier and now goes by just Checkmate.

Financing

How Chip City Cookies plans to use a second round of funding from Danny Meyer's investment arm

By Lisa Jennings on May 08, 2024

The Series B funding brings the Enlightened Hospitality Investments total to $17.5 million, which will help the 38-unit chain compete in the crowded cookie segment.

Operations

Friendly's is opening restaurants again

By Peter Romeo on May 08, 2024

The 89-year-old family-dining chain has unveiled a new store in Orlando that gives a liberal nod to the brand's past while incorporating new touches like a bakery.

Operations

How to navigate the National Restaurant Show like a pro

By Lisa Jennings and Patricia Cobe on May 08, 2024

Whether you’re a first timer or conference veteran, here’s what you need to know about the biggest restaurant show in the Western hemisphere, which begins in Chicago on May 18.

Financing

Layoffs and sales declines hit Noodles & Co. last quarter

By Lisa Jennings on May 08, 2024

But CEO Drew Madsen sees signs of a turnaround, as sales and traffic turned positive in April while the chain works on menu and operations improvements.

Financing

Craveworthy bought three more brands, this time with an eye for conversion

By Lisa Jennings on May 08, 2024

The platform company this week acquired the brands Taim Mediterranean Kitchen, Hot Chicken Takeover and Sigri Indian BBQ. And more are in the works.

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