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.

Chris Wescott was appointed chief executive officer for Iron Hill Brewery, a 20-unit craft brewery and restaurant concept. Wescott comes to Iron Hill after most recently serving as CEO of Rosa Mexicano, a full-service restaurant with locations in New York City and other metropolitan markets.

CKE Restaurants Holdings, parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s, updated its operating structure to combine restaurant operations and supply chain under John Dunion, a 25-year company veteran. As part of this reorganization, Dunion was promoted to CKE’s chief operating officer from chief supply chain officer.

In a deal valued at $161.3 million, fast-casual chain BurgerFi will acquire Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings from L Catterton. The companies anticipate the deal will close in the fourth quarter of 2021 at which time L Catterton will become one of BurgerFi’s largest shareholders, per a release announcing the transaction.

Multiconcept operator Yum! Brands will promote David Graves to president of Pizza Hut U.S., effective January 1, 2022. He will replace Kevin Hochman, who is serving in this role on an interim basis.

In a move that portends accelerated growth, quick-serve restaurant chain Stoner's Pizza Joint hired William “Judd” Carlisi to serve as vice president of purchasing and franchise sales.

Yum! Brands promoted Sabir Sami, to KFC Division CEO, effective Jan. 1, 2022. Sami, a 12-year company veteran, currently serves as chief operating officer and managing director of KFC Asia. He will succeed Tony Lowings, who is stepping down as CEO at the end of 2021 in advance of his retirement in early 2022, per a company release announcing this transition.

Multiconcept operator Focus Brands promoted Mike Freeman to chief brand officer for its McAlister’s Deli chain.

Andrew Cathy will become CEO of Chick-fil-A effective Nov. 1, 2021. He will succeed his father, Dan Cathy, who has served as CEO since 2013. Following the CEO transition, Dan Cathy will remain chairman of the board.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe promoted Richard Key to chief operating officer from sr. vice president of operations.

Smallcakes Cupcakery and Creamery was acquired by The Derbyshire Group. Smallcakes opened its doors in 2008 in Overland Park, Kan., and has since grown to more than 180 locations across the United States.

IHOP hired Jacob Barden to serve as vice president of development and Michael Kaufman to serve as vice president of strategy and business analytics.

Multiconcept operator FAT Brands continued its spending spree by agreeing to acquire Twin Peaks, a polished casual, sports-oriented chain, from investment firm Garnett Station Partners.

Aaron Powell will become president of Yum! Brands’ Pizza Hut division, effective Sept. 20.

Multiconcept operator Uncle Julio’s Restaurant Group added the position of president to CEO Tom Vogel, the restaurant group’s CEO.

As foodservice operators continue to evolve, so too must the supply chain that serves them. From a distance, though, it may not look as if a lot has changed among the individual links in the foodservice equipment supply chain. But a closer look reveals much has changed about the way that individual companies go to market, how they work with each other and more.

First Watch, a 420-unit breakfast, lunch and brunch chain, opened a new headquarters in University Park, Fla.

Ric Smith, a restaurant industry veteran with a development-oriented track record, was hired as sr. vice president of development for Scooter’s Coffee.

Another day, another restaurant acquisition. This time it was multiconcept operator SPB Hospitality adding J. Alexander’s to its portfolio of restaurant concepts that includes other steakhouses as well as pizza and craft brewery restaurants. SPB will pay $220 million, a 14% premium over J. Alexander’s closing price on July 1, 2021, which was the last trading day prior to the merger agreement, per a release announcing the deal. SPB expects this sale to close in the fourth quarter of 2021.

In a deal with an estimated value of $28.7 million, multiconcept operator Luby’s will sell its Luby's Cafeteria restaurant business to a newly formed affiliate of Calvin Gin. This marks the second concept Luby’s has sold in as many weeks. On June 18, Luby’s reached an agreement to sell its Fuddruckers chain Read Article