leadership

Financing

How Red Lobster got in over its head

Leadership problems, a tough economy and all-you-can eat shrimp have brought the nation's biggest full-service seafood chain to the brink of rock bottom.

Operations

Can Smashburger get back on track for growth?

Smashburger's new CEO Denise Nelsen is taking a hard look at the brand and how it can reignite expansion, both domestic and international.

The casual-dining chain will take input from PW Partners on how to boost shareholder value. In exchange, PW will withdraw two board nominees.

The Dallas-based pizza restaurant operator, which also owns Pie Five, has six new executives in place in preparation for planned expansion.

Noted restaurant operator Union Square Hospitality Group's consulting arm Hospitality Quotient has launched a new e-learning platform for a broader audience.

Industry veteran Jonathan Tibus will take the reins as owner Thai Union Group prepares to sell the seafood chain. He replaces Horace Dawson, who is retiring.

Denise Nelsen spent more than two decades at Starbucks, most recently leading U.S. operations. Now she's plotting new business ventures and international growth at the fast-casual burger brand.

Former Wetzel's Pretzels CEO Jennifer Schuler joins the Canfield, Ohio-based Handel's Homemade Ice Cream at a time of growth for the 130-unit franchise chain.

Simultaneously, its personnel-development and educational arm has expanded its senior team.

The Washington, D.C.-based chain has a (sort of) new CEO who has made lots of changes. His message to workers: Uncover those neck tattoos and crank up the music. You can be you.

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