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Leadership

CEO v. CEO: Dutch Bros. Christine Barone and Portillo's Michael Osanloo face off

 By Lisa Jennings on Apr. 15, 2025

It was more collegial executive exchange than smack down, but the leaders of the drive-thru coffee concept and fast-casual Italian beef concept shared notes on growth, menu innovation and digital tech at the Restaurant Leadership Conference in Phoenix.

Leadership

Former Tropical Smoothie CEO takes helm at Smalls Sliders

 By Lisa Jennings on Apr. 08, 2025

Charles Watson replaces former Smalls CEO Maria Rivera, who left the 24-unit fast-casual chain last month. Investors hope he can replicate the smoothie chain's franchise growth.

Financing

TGI Fridays' CEO gets into the buffet business

By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 04, 2025

Ray Blanchette is now a Golden Corral franchisee and plans to bring the buffet brand to New England, starting with a grand reopening in Manchester, New Hampshire, on Thursday.

Operations

Panera's new CEO brings support staff workers back to the office

By Lisa Jennings on Apr. 03, 2025

Sales slipped in 2024 for Panera Bread. After officially taking the helm of the fast-casual bakery cafe chain last week, CEO Paul Carbone's first step is to cut back on remote work.

Leadership

P.F. Chang's promotes Brad Hill to CEO

By Joe Guszkowski on Apr. 02, 2025

The COO has spent eight years with the Asian casual-dining chain and will replace outgoing chief executive Eduardo Luz.

Leadership

Twin Peaks CEO Joe Hummel is stepping down

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 31, 2025

Two months after helping to take the sports bar chain public, Hummel along with Chief Legal Officer Clay Mingus are leaving to pursue other opportunities.

Operations

Inside Ray Blanchette's plan to revive TGI Fridays

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 31, 2025

The former CEO of the casual-dining chain is back in the driver’s seat and ready to lead the chain out of bankruptcy and into a new era.

Operations

The Chilihead: Kevin Hochman brings pride back to Chili's

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 28, 2025

The 2025 Restaurant Business Restaurant Leader of the Year engineered the industry’s most unlikely comeback with a simple formula: Get people in the door and give them a good time once they get there.

Leadership

Former Chipotle co-CEO nominated to Sweetgreen's board

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 28, 2025

Monty Moran is one of two new board members proposed for the healthful fast-casual concept's board of directors as Sweetgreen accelerates growth.

Leadership

Former Church's Chicken exec Neel Patel to take helm of Quiznos and Taco del Mar

By Lisa Jennings on Mar. 27, 2025

All three brands are owned by High Bluff Capital Partners. Patel will lead the quick-service sandwich brand and fast-casual Mexican concept under Rego Restaurant Group.

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