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Leadership

Individuals influencing the direction of the restaurant industry

Leadership

Applebee's and IHOP are relying on menu innovation — not discounting — to drive traffic

By Joanna Fantozzi on Aug. 07, 2026

New menu items like Applebee’s Loaded Potato Waves "gets people in the door," CEO John Peyton said.

Leadership

California Pizza Kitchen's success wasn't about the pizza

 By Joe Guszkowski on Jul. 30, 2026

In a new book, co-founder Rick Rosenfield reflects on the casual-dining chain’s unlikely rise and the people-first culture that made it happen.

Leadership

Cracker Barrel’s CEO reset: Is Bloomin’ Brands’ David Deno the right fit to rebuild brand trust?

By Joanna Fantozzi on Jul. 28, 2026

Cracker Barrel is swapping modernization-minded Julie Masino for the casual-dining veteran one year after backlash over a logo change.

Leadership

How the founders of Chipotle and Peloton are preparing to disrupt fast food again

By Lisa Jennings on Jul. 21, 2026

Steve Ells and Tom Cortese are preparing the five-unit fast-casual sandwich concept Counter Service for growth outside New York and, potentially, across the country.

Leadership

Wonder adds Jack Hartung, former Chipotle CFO, to its board

By Joe Guszkowski on Jul. 13, 2026

Hartung, who helped Chipotle grow into a giant, said Wonder checks all the boxes for an enduring brand.

Leadership

Representation in restaurant leadership can’t wait 100 years

By Alicia Kelso on Jul. 09, 2026

Marketing Bites: Through the end of June, there have been 24 new CEOs named in the industry. Just two have been women.

Leadership

Sweetgreen seeks advice from a turnaround expert: Chili's CEO Kevin Hochman

By Lisa Jennings on Jul. 02, 2026

The fast-casual salad chain's leadership recently met with the casual-dining brand's transformation architect. What will Sweetgreen borrow from the Chili's playbook?

Leadership

Elizabeth Blau raises the bar on what it means to be a restaurateur

By Patricia Cobe on Jul. 02, 2026

She’s been a leader in transforming Las Vegas into a dining destination, but along the way, she never forgot to pay it forward and harness the power of connection.

Leadership

How Bill Phelps became the restaurant brand whisperer

By Lisa Jennings on Jun. 25, 2026

He helped build Wetzel's Pretzels, Blaze Pizza, and Dave's Hot Chicken. Now he's applying his playbook to Mike's Red Tacos and more. Along the way, he hopes to transform lives.

Leadership

Domino’s next CEO Joe Jordan has ‘sauce in his veins’

By Alicia Kelso on Jun. 25, 2026

He has been with the company for over 15 years, including roles in innovation, marketing, international, and operations.

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