Houston TX Hot Chicken has big growth plans, thanks to a lively interior and even livelier food.

This street-food concept seeks to recreate the hawker centers of Asia.

Shannon McKinney returned to Jack in the Box to serve as sr. vice president and chief operating officer for the quick-serve restaurant chain.

Every chain restaurant segment category has its Goliaths and its Davids, and pizza is no exception.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe named Jonathan Biggs chief operating officer for the fast-casual restaurant chain.

Portillo’s hired restaurant industry veteran Tony Darden to serve as chief operating officer for the fast-casual chain, effective Dec. 9, 2024.

As part of a planned corporate restructuring effort, Ryan Ostrom will become chief customer and digital officer for multi-concept operator Jack in the Box effective December 6, 2024.

Subway is preparing for a leadership transition. John Chidsey, the fast-casual chain’s global chief executive officer, will retire from the company at the end of 2024.

Multi-brand restaurant franchisor Craveworthy Brands acquired Fresh Brothers Pizza.

Scott Boatwright was named Chipotle Mexican Grill’s chief executive officer and a member of the board after having served as interim CEO since August.

Red Lobster appointed Larry Konecny chief operating officer.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe hired Max Wetzel to serve as chief executive officer. 

PopUp Bagels appointed Tory Bartlett to serve as chief executive officer.

Blue Marlin Partners and Trive Capital have partnered to acquire a majority stake in fast-casual concept Mo’ Bettahs Hawaiian Style Food. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

QDOBA appointed Kevin Carroll to serve as chief operating officer.

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop promoted Patrick Kirk to president and chief marketing officer for the fast-casual chain.

Slim Chickens promoted Christina Vaughan to chief operating officer for the fast-casual chain.

Matt Dowling will now operate in a dual role of chief executive officer and chief financial officer for TOGO’S Sandwiches, a West Coast chain.

Clint Umphrey has joined Biscuit Belly as vice president of operations.

Restaurant industry performance remains a mixed bag. An Olympic athlete prepares to go for gold in the restaurant industry. Chain restaurants continue to expand their footprint: these stories and more This Week in Foodservice.

Brian Simowitz was introduced as president of Houston TX Hot Chicken (HHC.) He most recently served as vice president of operations for Slim Chickens.

Mo’ Betthas Hawaiian Style Food tapped company veteran John Konyn to serve as chief operations officer for the 55-unit restaurant chain.

Jay Johns will retire from his role as president of IHOP, effective January 6, 2025. Lawrence Kim will replace him at that time.

Ed Nelson will retire from his position as CEO of Whataburger at the end of 2024. Debbie Stroud, currently Whataburger’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, will step into the president and CEO roles effective January 1, 2025.

Well, that did not take long. BJ's Restaurants tapped Lyle Tick to serve as its president and chief concept officer, effective September 9, 2024. This comes less than a week after BJ's announced Greg Levin was leaving after 19 years with the company.

As some chain restaurants struggled to generate consistent traffic flows, they turned to an old friend to lure back customers. I am referring, of course, to the value meal. Quick-service restaurant chains like McDonald’s and Wendy’s were among the first chains to roll out value meals. And when Starbucks got into the value meal game, well, you knew things were getting serious. 

Brad Richmond has been named interim chief executive officer for BJ's Restaurants. He replaces Greg Levin, who served as president and CEO. Levin is stepping down after 19 years with the company.

Bakery café chain Paris Baguette tapped Norm Ginsberg to serve as its vice president of operations. Ginsberg comes to Paris Baguette after 17 years with Bowlero, where he held a variety of leadership positions.

Black Bear Diner hired Art Kilmer to serve as chief operations officer for the cabin-themed family dining chain. He replaces Jeff Guido, who retired earlier this month.

Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, the parent company of Checkers & Rally's drive-thru restaurants, hired Chris Tebben to serve as president and chief executive officer, effective September 4, 2024. Tebben succeeds Frances Allen, who announced her plans to step down in April.