September 03, 2010
Topics:Industries:
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Your Food Franchise Personnel News SourceFranchise News Watch brings you the latest in food franchising personnel news from around the web. As a news aggregator for the food franchise industry, Franchise News Watch streams the latest ground breaking franchise articles, features, guides, blogs, news and more directly to your desktop.  Food Franchise Personnel News
Saladworks Franchise Names Jason D. Mattes V.P. Of Franchise DevelopmentSaladworks, the nation's first and largest fresh-tossed salad franchise concept, has named Jason D. Mattes as Vice President of Franchise Development.
Smashburger Hires John Harris as Senior VP of MarketingSmashburger, a fast-casual "better burger" restaurant, has appointed John Harris as Senior Vice President of Marketing. As the company grows at a rapid rate, having sold franchise and joint venture agreements to open more than 350 locations over the... Alamo Drafthouse Founder Returns to Spotlight as New CEOThe creator of what Texas Monthly has dubbed "the most important film festival in America" announces he is returning to his starring role as CEO of the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema brand, effective immediately. Tim League, founder of the... Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. Franchise Announces New CEOBubba Gump Shrimp Co. Restaurant and Market, Inc. today announced Tim Busald has been appointed president and chief executive officer.
Ben & Jerry's CEO and VP Global Brand Development, Walt Freese, to Resign to Pursue Other Values-Led Business and Investment OpportunitiesBen & Jerry's CEO and VP Global Brand Development, Walt Freese, has decided to resign from the company to pursue other values-led business and investment opportunities. At the company's request, Walt has agreed to continue to lead Ben & Jerry's... Ian Saunders Named President and Chief Operating Officer for T.G.I. Friday's(R) InternationalAfter an extensive search process, Nick Shepherd, president and chief executive officer of Carlson Restaurants Worldwide, named Ian Saunders as president and chief operating officer for T.G.I. Friday's International and a member of the... NYPD Pizza Corporate Director Repositions to Franchise Realm to Assist in Utah DevelopmentUtah NYPD Pizza developers Angelo Zullo and Jim Rodriquez continue to cultivate the Utah region with the expansion of NYPD Pizzeria restaurants. The plan just intensified by obtaining a former Operations Director Marc Piacenza who also happens to be a... Kathryn Taylor Elected to Sonic Corp. Board of DirectorsSonic Corp. (NASDAQ: SONC), the nation's largest chain of drive-in restaurants, today announced that Kathryn L. Taylor has been elected to its Board of Directors. Her election was announced at Sonic's annual stockholders' meeting, which was held today. McDonald's Corporation Elects Don Thompson as President and COO; Jan Fields and Jim Johannesen named to lead McDonald's USAJim Skinner, Chief Executive Officer of McDonald's Corporation, today announced that Don Thompson, currently President of McDonald USA, has been elected to the role of President and Chief Operating Officer, with oversight responsibility for the... Wingstop Announces Management Promotions, HiresIn addition to celebrating 25 consecutive quarters of positive comp store sales, opening its first international restaurant in Mexico City and becoming the Official Wings of the Dallas Cowboys, Wingstop expanded its management team in 2009 through... Stevi B's Pizza Names New ExecutivesStevi B's Pizza, the industry's only national premium pizza buffet restaurant, is proud to announce the promotions of Tim Walker to Senior Vice President of Finance, Scott Knight to Vice President of Operations and Brent Hobbs to Senior Director of Franch Alamo Drafthouse Cinemas Names New COOAlamo Drafthouse Cinemas, the nation's oldest cinema-eatery concept showing first-run films - named best movie theater in America by Entertainment Weekly - is proud to announce Craig Paschich as the company's chief operating officer, a newly created... Domino's Chairman & CEO David A. Brandon Transitioning to Non-Executive Chairman; J. Patrick Doyle to be Named CEODomino's Pizza, Inc. (NYSE: DPZ), the recognized world leader in pizza delivery announced today that Chairman and CEO David A. Brandon will be stepping down as CEO effective March 7, 2010. The Board of Directors plans to elect J. Patrick Doyle as...
Church's Chicken(R) Names New Chief Executive OfficerChurch's Chicken's board of directors has announced the appointment of Mel Deane as the company's CEO, effective immediately. For the last 10 years, Deane has worked closely with many of the companies owned by Friedman, Fleischer & Lowe (FFL)...
Brinker International Names Wyman Roberts President of Chili's Grill & Bar and On The Border Mexican Grill & CantinaBrinker International, Inc. (NYSE: EAT), has named Wyman Roberts president of Chili's(R) Grill & Bar and On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina(R). Roberts formerly served in a dual role as president of the Maggiano's Little Italy brand and Chief.. Carlson Hotels Worldwide Appoints Michael Hutchins as Vice President of Development for Radisson Hotels & ResortsCarlson Hotels Worldwide today announced the appointment of Michael Hutchins to the position of vice president of development for Radisson Hotels & Resorts for the Eastern United States and Canada. Radisson is the flagship, full-service brand for the. Benihana Inc. Names Christopher P. Ames as Chief Operating OfficerBenihana Inc. (NASDAQ: BNHNA; BNHN), operator of the nation's largest chain of Japanese theme and sushi restaurants, announced today that Christopher P. Ames has been named Chief Operating Officer, effective immediately. Juan C. Garcia will continue as... Pizza Patron Names Estrada PresidentPizza Patrón, the nation's number one Latin pizza brand, announced today that it has appointed an executive with extensive Latin business experience as the company's new president.
Andy Skehan Joins Wendy's/Arby's Group as Senior Vice President, Wendy's/Arby's InternationalWendy's/Arby's Group, Inc. (NYSE: WEN) today announced organizational changes in its international subsidiary. The announcement is part of the Company's strategic initiative to further develop the Wendy's(R) and Arby's(R) brands in markets outside of...
Extreme Brandz Names Mark Cunningham Executive Vice President of International Operations and Business DevelopmentExtreme Brandz, the franchisor and operator of more than 265 restaurants in the United States and Canada under the brand names Extreme Pita, Mucho Burrito and Pureblendz, announces the appointment of Mark Cunningham as Executive Vice President of... Famous Dave's Names Wallace B. Doolin to its Board of DirectorsFamous Dave's of America, Inc. (NASDAQ: DAVE) today announced that it had appointed Wallace (Wally) B. Doolin, former president and chief executive officer of Carlson Restaurants Worldwide (CRW) and TGI Friday's ("Friday's") and former chairman and... Rubio's(R) Restaurants, Inc. Announces Executive AppointmentRubio's Restaurants, Inc. (Nasdaq:RUBO) announced today the promotion of Marc S. Simon to the newly-created position of Chief Operating Officer, reporting to President and Chief Executive Officer Daniel E. Pittard. In his new role, Mr. Simon will... Taco Del Mar Announces New CFOTaco Del Mar Franchising Corp. appoints Rick Braa as the company's new Chief Financial Officer. Taco Del Mar, a quick service Mexican restaurant chain featuring big Baja beach-style Mondo Burritos and fish tacos, has more than 240 locations throughout... Veteran Development Executive Rob Streett Joins Mrs. Fields and TCBY as Brands Begin Aggressive Expansion PlansMrs. Fields Famous Brands, LLC, which includes Mrs. Fields Cookies and TCBY, The Country's Best Yogurt, announces aggressive expansion plans both domestically and abroad as well as the hire of Rob Streett as Senior VP Development.
Papa John's Announces Management Team PromotionsPapa John's International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) today announced three promotions from within the company on its management team: Tim North to Senior Vice President, North American Operations; Annette Calhoun, to Vice President, Human Resources... Dunn Bros Coffee Franchising, Inc. Appoints New PresidentDunn Bros Coffee Franchising, Inc., a market leader in specialty coffee, is pleased to announce the appointment of Dunn Bros Coffee Chief Financial Officer, Kim Plahn, as President and CFO. In her new role, Plahn will oversee company operations... Papa Bello Adds Two Independent Board MembersPapa Bello Enterprises, Inc. (Pink Sheets: PAPA) announced today that it has added Edd Ozard and David Pieffer to the company's board of directors. Mr. Ozard is currently President and CEO of Pacwest Solutions, a human resource outsourcing and benefits... Sonic Appoints New President of Sonic Restaurants, Inc. and Announces Other Management ChangesSonic Corp. (NASDAQ: SONC), the nation's largest chain of drive-in restaurants, today announced that Omar Janjua has joined the Company as President of its restaurant operating subsidiary, Sonic Restaurants, Inc. ("SRI"). Restaurant Industry Veteran Martin O'Dowd Named President of Hurricane Grill & WingsMartin O'Dowd, a well-known restaurant industry veteran with over 30 years of experience, has been appointed president of Hurricane AMT, LLC, the franchisor of the rapidly growing Hurricane Grill & Wings restaurants. Papa John's Hires Andrew Varga as Chief Marketing OfficerPapa John's International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) today announced the hiring of Andrew Varga as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer. Varga, a marketing veteran who joins Papa John's after 21 years with Brown-Forman Corporation... Jamba, Inc. Announces Resignation of Robert C. Kagle from Board of DirectorsJamba, Inc. (NASDAQ:JMBA) today announced that Robert C. Kagle resigned from its board of directors on August 12, 2009 with immediate effect. Sonic Announces New Member to Board of DirectorsSonic Corp. (NASDAQ: SONC), the nation's largest chain of drive-in restaurants, today announced that Douglas N. Benham has been named to its Board of Directors. His election was announced following Sonic's quarterly Board of Directors meeting, which... DineEquity, Inc. Appoints Dan Brestle to Its Board of DirectorsDineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), the parent company of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar and IHOP Restaurants, today announced the appointment of Mr. Daniel J. Brestle to the Company's Board of Directors, effective immediately. He will also serve on th Pizza Inn Names Anthony Kwok Managing Director of Development for Asia PacificPizza Inn (Nasdaq:PZZI), an international pizza chain famous for its traditional and specialty pizzas, recently announced the appointment of internationally respected franchise executive Anthony Kwok as Managing Director of Development, Asia Pacific. NexCen Brands Promotes David McDougall to Senior Vice President of QSR OperationsNexCen Brands, Inc. (PINK SHEETS: NEXC) today announced the promotion of David McDougall to Senior Vice President of QSR Operations for NexCen Franchise Management, Inc., the franchising subsidiary of NexCen Brands, Inc. Quiznos Names New Company PresidentQuiznos, one of the nation's premier restaurant chains for sandwiches, salads and soups, and pioneer of the toasted sandwich, today named Greg MacDonald as president of the company. MacDonald will assume his new responsibilities in July. DineEquity, Inc. Announces Appointment of Jean Birch as President of IHOP RestaurantsDineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), the parent company of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar and IHOP Restaurants, today announced the appointment of Jean M. Birch as president of IHOP Restaurants effective June 22, 2009. As president, Birch will lead the. Papa John's Promotes Tony Thompson to Senior Vice President, PJ Food ServicePapa John's International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) today announced the promotion of Tony Thompson to Senior Vice President, to lead PJ Food Service, the company's wholly-owned food service production and distribution company. Thompson succeeds Julie... Industry Veteran David Goronkin Joins Bennigan's as President & CEODavid Goronkin, an accomplished restaurant industry leader, has joined Bennigan's Franchising Company as President & CEO, the company announced today. Mr. Goronkin, 46, is charged with revitalizing the popular concept, which has more than... Ken Myres Named Tony Roma's PresidentThe Board of Directors of Romacorp, Inc. announced that Ken Myres has been promoted to President of Romacorp effective immediately. The announcement was made by John Morgan, Chairman of Board of Romacorp. Mr. Myres was previously... |
Features & Special ReportsFranchising With Family Members Can Be Fraught With Danger Or Filled With SuccessIt can be difficult enough to get a franchise up and running on your own, or with other operational and investing partners, but it can be downright arduous if family members are involved in the deal. But that's the route some franchisees take and when done properly this management model can provide years of personal and professional harmony. But there are some secrets to making it work. Go in unprepared and you could break up a business and a family. The Winner's ColumnAs savvy franchise companies continue to flourish in this challenging economy, FUSR will continue to bring you good news each month, highlighting brands that are adding units, increasing comp store sales, striking deals with investors, and continuing to grow despite the economy - maybe even because of it. And, as the U.S. struggles through its "jobless recovery," growth-oriented franchisors continue to look overseas for expansion opportunities. Sales Intelligence for Superior Performance, Part 2Aggressive growth companies measure the performance of their sales personnel just as they do their advertising. With high recruitment expenses you can't afford mediocre selling performance, which costs dearly in lost franchise deals. A policyholder survey by Prudential Insurance revealed that the greatest influencing factor in the buying process is the sales person. Turning Around Struggling FranchiseesTwo years of tight credit and reduced consumer spending have left many franchisees reeling and put a serious crimp in franchisors' royalty streams. Workout professionals and bankruptcy attorneys experienced in franchising discuss what franchisors can do to help turn around distressed units - without spending scarce funds or getting themselves into legal hot water. New Gift Card Regulations Kicked in August 22ndLast year when President Obama signed the Credit Card Act of 2009 (the Act") into law, the nation's attention largely focused on those provisions of the law that aim to change the way credit card companies do business with consumers. However, since the Act imposes requirements on gift card issuers, it also changed the way many retailers and franchise companies will do business with consumers. Strong Cultures Sell More Franchises!Every franchise organization has a culture, the same way every person has a personality. If your franchise brand is serious about growth and development, ask yourself these two questions: 1) Does our franchise system have a strong, positive culture?; and 2) Is it a culture that promotes selling franchises? Special Operations: Franchising in a Strange LandOpening franchise units in nontraditional locations has been the domain of specialists--but not anymore. With the economy still slumping, lending still tight, and suburban expansion at a standstill, many multi-unit franchisees are exploring the viability of sites such as airports, hotels, colleges, senior centers, highway rest stops, hospitals, and military bases. Rolling with the Punches: Franchisors Continue Adapting to ChangeThe rules and methods for franchise sales are changing daily with the general public's increasing awareness of the economy, deficits, lending, the housing market, and more. As some of us "graybeards" can remember, this isn't the first time the rules have changed--and it won't be the last. Change on the HorizonJust like any business, the franchising business is one that I have seen evolve tremendously over the past 30 years. While many of the cornerstones and crucial elements - product, simplicity, control, and support - remain the same, so much is changing. Hiring Entrepreneurs: A Case Study of Hiring the Spirit of SuccessAs we continue to mine Dave Melton's book, <i>Hire the American Dream,</i> I thought it would be interesting to highlight a case study that demonstrates just how successful smart hiring can be. Here Melton describes his experience hiring an immigrant.
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