February 09, 2012
Franchise News Watch

Your Food Franchise Personnel News Source

Franchise 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.

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Food Franchise Personnel News

Firehouse Subs

Firehouse Subs® Promotes Marketing Team

Firehouse Subs announces the promotions of key marketing team members, as well as additional talent following comparable sales increases since late 2009, with much credit given to its marketing leadership.

Tossed® Hires Real Estate Veteran A. Michael Toroyan as Chief Development Officer

Tossed®, home of garden fresh salads, crepe wraps, grilled panini and sandwiches, today announced the hiring of A. Michael (A.T.) Toroyan as Chief Development Officer.

Sonic Appoints New Chief Marketing Officer

Sonic Corp. (NASDAQ: SONC), the nation's largest chain of drive-in restaurants, today announced the appointment of James O'Reilly as Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.

Dunkin' Brands Appoints Food-Service & Retail Executive Giorgio Minardi as President of International

Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN), today announced the appointment of international food-service and retail industry executive Giorgio Minardi to the position of President, Dunkin' Brands International.

Sbarro Names Dynamic, New Management Team to Lead Company’s Growth Initiative

The Board of Directors of Sbarro, Inc., a leading Italian quick service restaurant company, today announced that James Greco, 54, has been named President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately.

Huddle House Appoints Marc Butler as Chief Marketing Officer

Throughout 2011, Huddle House, the 400-unit full-service dining chain, has focused its marketing efforts on enhancing its relationship with the community and customers with technology advancements, particularly in the social media arena.

Capriotti’s Names Patrick Walls President

The leader in fresh and innovative sandwiches, Capriotti’s, announced the appointment of Patrick Walls to President of the company.

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Announces Departure of James P. O'Reilly

instein Noah Restaurant Group (NASDAQ: BAGL) today announced that James P. O'Reilly, who led Corporate Marketing and Branding for the past three years, has resigned to pursue another business opportunity.

DineEquity, Inc. Appoints Stephen P. Joyce, President & CEO of Choice Hotels International, Inc. to Board of Directors

DineEquity, Inc. (NYSE: DIN), the parent company of Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar and IHOP Restaurants, today announced the appointment of Stephen P. Joyce to the Company’s board of directors, effective immediately.

More Changes at Church’s Chicken to Support Continued Growth and Expansion

Church’s Chicken(R) Chief Executive Officer Jim Hyatt, after only four months at the helm of the globally recognized chicken QSR chain, announced today key talent acquisitions and promotions to its leadership team.

Arby's Restaurant

Arby’s Names Russ Klein As CMO

Hala Moddelmog, President of Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc. (ARG), announced today that Russ Klein will join Arby’s as Chief Marketing Officer.

Beef 'O' Brady's

Franchise Veteran Joins Growing Restaurant Brand with Eye on Expansion

Beef 'O' Brady's, the family friendly sports pub franchise renowned in more than 20 states, announced today the hiring of industry veteran Gene Savage as its new Director of Franchise Sales and Development to help guide the brand as it ventures into new..

Little Caesars

Little Caesars(R) Pizza Names Dana M. Tilley - Vice President of Research, Development & Innovation

Little Caesars(R) Pizza today announced the appointment of Dana M. Tilley as vice president of Research, Development & Innovation.

Mrs. Fields Famous Brands Names Industry Rich Board to Drive Global Growth

Mrs. Fields Famous Brands (the "Company"), a franchisor of Mrs. Fields and TCBY, today announces a new board of directors as the company charts a new course towards global growth and profitability.

Arby's Restaurant

Arby’s(R) Names George Condos Chief Operating Officer

Hala Moddelmog, President of Arby’s Restaurant Group, Inc., has announced that George Condos will serve as the Chief Operating Officer for the Arby’s brand.

Ruby Tuesday, Inc. Announces Retirement of Chief Financial Officer

Ruby Tuesday, Inc. (NYSE: RT) announced today that Marguerite N. Duffy, its Chief Financial Officer, will retire from her position effective as of June 5, 2012. The Company is commencing a search for her successor.

EVOS(R) Restaurants Announces Formation of First Corporate Advisory Board

EVOS(R), the fast casual restaurant offering healthier all-American favorites with an earth friendly attitude and ″greater good″ conscience, today announced its newly formed Advisory Board, which will provide guidance to the leadership team...

Le Duff America Announces Departure Of Co-CEO Jim Greco

Le Duff America Inc., owner of Bruegger’s, announces co-CEO James Greco will step down as of Dec. 27, 2011, to pursue other opportunities.

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group Names Edna Morris to its Board of Directors

Einstein Noah Restaurant Group (NASDAQ: BAGL), a leader in the quick-casual segment of the restaurant industry operating under the Einstein Bros.(R) Bagels, Noah's New York Bagels(R), and Manhattan Bagel(R) brands, last week named Edna Morris to its...

Pizza Inn Holdings, Inc. Names Jerry Trojan as Chief Financial Officer

Pizza Inn Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq:PZZI) has named Jerome L. Trojan, III as Chief Financial Officer.

California Pizza Kitchen Names G.J. Hart as Chief Executive Officer

California Pizza Kitchen, Inc. (CPK), home to the Original BBQ Chicken Pizza and other innovative hearth-baked pizzas, made-to-order pastas and creative salads, today announced that G.J. Hart has been named its President, Chief Executive Officer and Execu

Hooters of America, LLC Names Claudia Levitas as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel

Hooters of America, LLC has announced that Claudia Levitas has joined the company as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel, to oversee all legal matters for the company including litigation management and franchise law compliance.

Charley’s Grilled Subs Promotes Bob Wright to President

Charley’s Grilled Subs, the international Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich franchise, has promoted Bob Wright to President and Chief Operating Officer to help guide the brand into the future.

Wingstop Names David Vernon Senior Vice President of Development

Rapidly-expanding Wingstop, which recently opened its 500th restaurant, has promoted David Vernon to Senior Vice President of Development. In his new role, Vernon will oversee the franchise development, construction and real estate departments.

Captain D's Appoints Jonathan Muhtar as Chief Marketing Officer

In an effort to increase Captain D's marketing efforts, both locally for franchisees and nationally for the brand, Phil Greifeld, CEO & President, announced the newest addition to the 527-location fast casual chain's executive team, Jonathan Muhtar....

East Coast Wings & Grill Names Lee Easley Vice President of Real Estate & Unit Development

East Coast Wings & Grill, a rapidly growing buffalo chicken wing concept based in Winston Salem, NC, announces the appointment of Lee Easley as Vice President of Real Estate & Unit Development.

Pizza Fusion Appoints Mark Begelman as CEO

Pizza Fusion (www.pizzafusion.com), pioneer of environmentally-friendly restaurant service and the first ever organic pizza franchise, announced today the appointment of Mark Begelman as CEO to steer the company through an aggressive national franchise...

Domino's Pizza Announces Management Promotions, Transfers and Retirement

Domino's Pizza, Inc. (NYSE: DPZ), the recognized world leader in pizza delivery, today announced several key management changes.

Has It Really Been 10 Years? Jared Fogle Retires Famous "Fat Pants" and Moves On

Jared Fogle, the man who lost more than 245 pounds by eating SUBWAY® sandwiches and exercising, announced today that he's "hanging up" his iconic fat pants after 10 years of successfully keeping the weight off and focusing on a new $2 million, 3-point

Alamo Drafthouse Promotes Craig Paschich To Divisional President And Tim Reed To Chief Development Officer

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has promoted Craig Paschich to Divisional President and Tim Reed to Chief Development Officer. Mr. Paschich and Mr. Reed will continue plans to expand Alamo Drafthouse Cinema into new territories.

Panchero's Mexican Grill

Panchero's Mexican Grill Announces New Vice President Of Operations

Panchero's Mexican Grill has announced the hiring of Barry Nelson as the company's new vice president of operations. Nelson brings more than 25 years of experience in the restaurant industry. He spent 10 years with Papa John's working with both corporate

Denny's

Denny's Promotes Diversity Leader April Kelly-Drummond

As a continuation of its commitment to diversity, Denny's, Inc., has promoted April Kelly-Drummond to Director of Diversity Affairs.

Hungry Howie's Pizza

Hungry Howie's Pizza Welcomes Rob Elliott

Hungry Howie's Pizza, one of the nation's largest pizza franchises and the originator of the Flavored Crust Pizza, is pleased to announce Rob Elliott's addition to the corporate team as vice president of strategic marketing.

Dunkin' Donuts

Dunkin' Brands Names Global Brand Leaders For Dunkin' Donuts And Baskin-robbins

Dunkin' Brands, Inc. today announced a realignment of its organizational structure by combining the U.S. and international teams for its Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins brands.

Carlson appoints Scott Meyer interim leader, Midscale Brands, Carlson Hotels

Carlson, a global hospitality and travel company, today announced the appointment of Scott Meyer, vice president, Franchise Operations, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson, Carlson Hotels, Americas, to serve as interim leader.

Cookies by Design Promotes Jack Long to CEO and President

Cookies by Design, known as "the original cookie bouquet™ company," today announced the promotion of Jack Long, franchise owner and operator, from executive vice president to chief executive officer and president of the national organization, effect

Weight Watchers Names Colin Watts Senior Vice President, Wellness and Global Innovation

Weight Watchers International, Inc. (NYSE: WTW) today announced the appointment of Colin Watts as Senior Vice President, Wellness and Global Innovation, effective January 3, 2012.

Tropical Smoothie

Tropical Smoothie Cafe Appoints Charles Watson as New Vice President of Franchise Development

Tropical Smoothie Cafe, a tropical-themed smoothie and sandwich chain with more than 285 locations, announced today that Charles Watson has joined the company as Vice President of Franchise Development. In his new role, Watson will be responsible for...

The Wendy's Company Announces David Karam is Leaving the Company to Return to his Franchise Business

The Wendy's Company (NYSE: WEN) announced today a change in its executive management team. David Karam, President of North America, will be leaving the Company, effective as of the end of 2011.

Dickey's Barbecue Pit in Greenville Welcomes New Owner

Dickey's Barbecue Pit in Greenville is now locally owned and operated by the award-winning management of Jerry Brooks.

Arby's Restaurant

Veteran Arby's(R) Executives Take the Reins at Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc.

Arby's Restaurant Group, Inc. announced today the promotion of several key executives and the company's new leadership team following the completion of the merger between Triarc Companies, Inc. and Wendy's, and the formation of Wendy's/Arby's Group,...

Yum! Brands

Yum! Brands Reorganizes International Division to Drive Continued Growth

Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM) today announced it has reorganized its Yum! Restaurants International division (YRI) to continue to drive aggressive international expansion and build strong brands globally.

Margaritas Mexican Restaurant Names Bonnie Monahan as Chief Financial Officer

Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, the 23-unit New England restaurant chain, has named seasoned financial executive Bonnie Monahan as the company's Chief Financial Officer.

Weight Watchers Announces Chief Financial Officer to Retire in 2012

Weight Watchers International, Inc. (NYSE: WTW) today announced that Ann Sardini has informed the Company of her decision to retire from the Company effective June 29, 2012.

Leading Franchise Strategist Gary Occhiogrosso Joins Trufoods LLC As Chief Development Officer

TRUFOODS, LLC, the New York City-based parent company of Wall Street Deli, Ritter's Frozen Custard, Pudgie's Famous Chicken and Arthur Treacher's Fish & Chips, is pleased to name Gary Occhiogrosso as chief development officer as of February 23rd.

Capriotti's Names Patrick Walls President

The leader in fresh and innovative sandwiches, Capriotti's, announced the appointment of Patrick Walls to President of the company.

KFC

KFC Adds New "c-suite" Position; Elevates Cook Aaron Person As Restaurant Chain's First-ever Chief Chicken Officer

Today tastes so good for Orlando, Fla. KFC cook Aaron Person. KFC has selected Person as the company's first-ever Chief Chicken Officer, a newly created position designed to serve as the spokesman for the rollout of the restaurant chain's new Cook Certifi

Church's Chicken Names Jim Hyatt Chief Executive Officer

Churchs Chicken, the global quick service restaurant chain, today announced the appointment of Jim Hyatt as the companys new Chief Executive Officer.

Rise & Dine™ Restaurant Chain Expands Texas Development Team, Growth Goal

Enthusiastic support from guests at the first Rise & Dine™ Restaurant in the Dallas area has fueled bigger plans for expansion in Texas by the fast-growing breakfast-lunch chain, according to Gary Hoyle, president and CEO of Peach's Franchise LL

Industry Star And Eco-leader Freshii Announces Appointment Of Jeffrey Schlosser As New COO

Industry veteran and former San Francisco Franchise Partner, Jeffrey Schlosser, who headed thriving Freshii locations in the San Francisco Bay Area market, has been appointed COO of the fast, fresh, custom-built menu franchise. Clean, simple, bright, and


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Features & Special Reports

"The Proven Match" for Finding Qualified Franchisees Debuts on Franchising.com Ad Portal

Proven Match has teamed up with Franchise Update Media Group (FUMG) to give results-driven franchisors a cost-saving profiling service that delivers pre-qualified candidates.

Restaurateur Extraordinaire: Sam Covelli Does It With More Than 200 Locations

Sam Covelli says he grew up in the restaurant business working in his father's McDonald's.

Running For Charity: Colortyme Franchisee Raises Money And Awareness For Children's Hospital

This April will mark the third year in a row that Al Coelho has run the 26-mile Boston Marathon. That's a significant achievement. But it's only a part of what Coelho will do that day.

Turning Up The Heat: Learning How To Handle Irate Customers And Look Like A Hero

Irate customers. No matter how good you are at what you do, what business you are in, or where it is located, you will at some point find yourself facing an irate customer.

Sustaining Business: Zane Tankel On Growing During Tough Times

As the economy continues to struggle through a slow recovery, business people everywhere are looking for any tools or techniques that will help them keep their businesses alive and thriving.

Creating a Cost-Effective Lead Generation Strategy

For many franchisors, the traditional advertising vehicles - portals, print advertising, PR, and broker networks - do not appear to be working as effectively as they were five years ago.

New Highlights from the 2012 AFDR

In the previous two issues of FUSR, we published (1) a high-level overview of the 2012 Annual Franchise Development Report (AFDR), followed by (2) a selection of highlights from the report.

Finding Your Optimal Buyer: Sellers Must Learn To Look Beyond Price

When sellers are contemplating a decision regarding the sale of their business, they overwhelmingly select the bidder with the highest price, only to find afterward that this might not have been the best decision for their circumstances.

The Four Steps to Lead Generation Success, Part 4: Wow 'Em!

This fourth installment builds on those ideas, showing how you can "wow" your candidates and the importance of how you present your concept to them.

The Winner's Column - February 2012

As savvy franchise companies continue to flourish in a volatile economy, FUSR continues to bring you good news each month, highlighting brands that are adding units, increasing comp store sales, striking deals with investors, innovating, and continuing to grow, whether domestically or overseas.

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