Multiconcept operator Inspire Brands tapped Daniel Sasso to serve as director of equipment innovation and automation, a part of the Inspire Equipment Innovation Team.

Tracy Kim was named chief operating officer for DIG, a vegetable-centric, multi-format restaurant group.

Joe Gillie was appointed vice president of operations for Famous Toastery, a 25-plus unit better breakfast, brunch and lunch restaurant chain.

Multiconcept operator WOWorks added two restaurant chains to the company’s portfolio through its acquisitions of Barberitos Southwestern Grille and Cantina and Zoup! Eatery.

Cura Hospitality named Gary Stitzel its new vice president of operations.

In an industry of impressive leaders, these five FE&S Top Achievers stand out due to their ability to challenge themselves, their teams and, ultimately, positively influence the foodservice industry at large. Many of this year’s crop of Top Achievers have surprised themselves along the way as their careers and life situations took them on unexpected journeys.

Menu innovation and marketing may be critical for differentiating brands and driving traffic, but it’s equipment and related technologies that represent the real secret weapons for creating thriving, profitable restaurant companies with measurable competitive advantages.

Scooter’s Coffee promoted Richard Heyman to chief strategy officer.

The ever-evolving virtual restaurant segment has a new entry with a limited-time-only virtual restaurant that connects with WWE’s WrestleMania 38 event in Dallas April 2-3.

Torchy’s Tacos’ founder Mike Rypka has reclaimed the CEO reigns. 

Kevin Johnson will retire from his post as Starbucks president and CEO effective April 4, 2022. Former Starbucks CEO and founder Howard Schultz will serve as CEO until the Seattle-based coffee giant finds a replacement. Starbucks began working on a CEO succession plan in 2021 and anticipates having a new CEO in place by the fall of 2022, per a company release.

Wingstop promoted Michael Skipworth to serve as chief executive officer from chief operating officer. He replaces Charlie Morrison who resigned to become CEO of Salad and Go. Morrison had been with Wingstop for 10 years.

Fans attending Pittsburgh Penguins hockey games at PPG Paints Arena can now purchase food and drink items from their phones and pickup their orders via food locker systems. Contract feeder Aramark rolled out the self-service concept in late February in PPG Paints Arena.

The restaurant industry is full of stories that include someone taking a job in their teens not realizing they were about to embark on a lifelong career and professional love affair. Such is the case with Meghan Lee, owner of Heirloom restaurant, a farm-to-table concept, set in Lewes, Del.

Multiconcept operator Landmark Hospitality appointed AJ Capella executive chef for its Liberty House Restaurant in Jersey City, N.J. His background includes five years at the Ryland Inn, also a Landmark property, in Whitehouse Station, N.J.

East Coast Wings + Grill promoted company veteran Whitney Mann to executive vice president of operations for the full-service, casual dining chain.

Ritch Allison will retire from his role as chief executive officer for Domino’s Pizza, effective April 30, 2022. Russell Weiner, chief operating officer and president – Domino's U.S. will succeed Allison as the pizza chain’s CEO, effective May 1, 2022.

Wienerschnitzel promoted J.R. Galardi to CEO. Galardi will also maintain his current title of president, which he has held since 2017.

Jimmy John’s opened its first-ever drive-thru only site. Located in Bartow, Fla., this unit takes what the sandwich chain describes as a “digital-forward” approach that promotes mobile order pickup.

Five concepts show that remarkable operators can make it through the toughest challenges thanks to a focus on what makes them stand out and a willingness to adapt when the situation demands it.

Multiconcept operator CKE Restaurants Holdings appointed Eric Wyatt senior vice president, Hardee’s operations. Wyatt is no stranger to the chain restaurant world, most recently serving as chief operating officer for Boston Market Corp. and Corner Bakery Cafe.

Gene Stein was named chief operating officer for The Peach Cobbler Factory, a Nashville-based family-style dessert shop.

WOWorks introduced David Farris as chief development officer.

Multiconcept operator Bloomin’ Brands promoted Michael Healy to president of its Bonefish Grill concept, which has more than 180 units throughout the U.S.

Company veteran Christian Racine was named COO for Redberry Restaurants, a Canada-based franchisee of such chains as Burger King, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell.

Baltimore-based hospitality group Atlas Restaurant Group acquired two local restaurants on Dec. 20, The Valley Inn and The Oregon Grille. The additions bring Atlas’ total restaurant portfolio to 25 locations.

Mac's Hospitality Group appointed Tony Salerno vice president of operations for the Charlotte, N.C.-based restaurant group.

Just days before Black Friday, multiconcept operator FAT Brands continued its shopping spree by purchasing Native Grill & Wings for $20 million from Wingtime, LLC, a subsidiary of Cybeck Capital Partners, LLC. This represents FAT Brands third acquisition since June and second in the month of November.

Multiconcept operator Restaurant Brands International Inc. will acquire Firehouse Subs for $1 billion in cash. RBI’s portfolio includes quick-service restaurant chains Burger King, Popeyes and Tim Hortons.

Graton Resort & Casino named William Becker its vice president of food and beverage. Becker will oversee all food, beverage and restaurant facilities at the 65-acre resort. The property features five foodservice operations as well as a series of bars.