Tom Carr was introduced as president and chief executive officer of Guthrie’s Franchising, Inc., which is a chicken-finger chain with more than 70 units systemwide.

David Knight was named vice president of Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown, a family entertainment destination in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., that could be on the precipice of a growth spurt.

Dessert chain The Peach Cobbler Factory appointed Devon Nelson to serve as vice president of operations.

Bob Campbell was introduced as brand president for Huddle House, a diner-style restaurant chain.

Dutch Bros. tapped Jennifer Somers to serve as the quick-service beverage chain’s chief shops officer. In this role Somers will lead Dutch Bros’ field organization and shop operations for both company-owned and franchise shop locations.

Multiconcept operator Twin Hospitality Group Inc., parent company of Twin Peaks Restaurants and Smokey Bones, appointed Andy Wiederhorn to serve as chief executive officer.

Layne’s Chicken Fingers promoted Alex Camp to vice president of operations services. Camp will oversee “the intersection of corporate infrastructure and real operations throughout the franchise network,” per a company release. He’s been with the company for two years.

A longtime coffee executive will look to keep things percolating at Mountain Mike’s Pizza as the 315-unit chain named Sumi Ghosh president and chief operating officer.

Nathaniel Ru will retire from his role as chief brand officer for Sweetgreen, effective January 1, 2026. Zipporah Allen has assumed Ru’s responsibilities.

California Pizza Kitchen is about to come under new ownership. A collection of companies reached a deal to acquire the casual dining chain and the transaction is expected to close by the end of December.

Riko's Pizza promoted Carl Bachmann to chief executive officer, effective Jan. 1, 2026. He has most recently served as president and chief operating officer since January of 2025. Bachmann succeeds Riko’s founder and longtime CEO, Rico Imbrogno, who will become the company’s executive chairman.

Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream appointed Deepak Kahlon vice president of operations and Garrett Snyder vice president of real estate, construction and design.

Pizza chain Little Caesars promoted four senior leaders, including Dave Scrivano, who will become vice chairman and Paula Vissing, who will become president and chief executive officer. These promotions take effect January 1, 2025.

Golden Chick made two updates to its leadership team. Bobby Brannon rejoined Golden Chick as vice president of operations, while the quick-service chain promoted Tony Eisermann to vice president of development.

Upscale Los Angeles-based coffee roaster and cafe chain operator Caffe Luxxe was acquired by Sugarfina, a luxury candy boutique, in a 100% stock merger.

Restaurant industry veteran Chris Schutz was named CEO of Velvet Taco.

Fast-casual chain Teriyaki Madness tapped Scott Shotter to serve as its chief restaurant officer. In this role, Shotter will oversee all aspects of restaurant operations across corporate and franchised locations.

Multiconcept operator GoTo Foods appointed Omer Gajial to serve as chief executive officer. He succeeds Jim Holthouser, who is retiring after having served as CEO for nearly six years, per a company release.

Andrew Skehan was appointed president of international for Jersey Mike's Subs. In this role, Skehan will lead the fast-casual chain’s multinational growth strategy, development, operations, and marketing initiatives, with an initial focus on Canada and the U.K.

Paris Baguette introduced Zac Sulma as chief operating officer for the French-inspired bakery cafe.

P.F. Chang's introduced Jim Mazany as its chief executive officer. He succeeds Brad Hill.

In an all-cash deal valued at $620 million, a trio of investors inked a deal to acquire family dining chain Denny’s. The companies purchasing Denny’s, along with sibling concept Keke’s, are TriArtisan Capital Advisors, Treville Capital Group and Yadav Enterprises. Upon completion of the transaction, Denny’s will become a privately held company.

Multiconcept operator Ascent Hospitality Management hired Paul Damico to serve as its CEO. He replaces James O’Reilly as the CEO for the parent company of family dining chains Huddle House and Perkins.

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Over the years, some restaurant companies have collected multiple concepts through acquisition and developed their own brands.

Four years after acquiring Del Taco for $575 million, Jack in the Box inked a deal to sell its subsidiary to Yadav Enterprises for $115 million in cash. Del Taco has more than 550 restaurants across 18 states, per a release announcing the deal which is expected to close by January 2026.

Todd Smith was promoted to president of Swig. He previously served as chief commercial officer for the dirty soda chain. Additionally, Shannon Swenson will now serve as chief, franchise partnerships. 

North American airport restaurateur and retailer Paradies Lagardère hired tapped Leigh Allan as the company’s senior vice president of dining. In this role, Allan will oversee the company’s portfolio of dining concepts, guide strategic growth and more.

Cracker Barrel made a series of organizational and personnel moves that the casual dining chain says will “streamline the leadership team and better support the field.”

Multiconcept operator SPB Hospitality appointed G.J. Hart to serve as chairman and chief executive officer.