Fast-casual restaurant chain Freddy’s is about to get new owners. Private-equity firm Rhone has agreed to acquire Freddy’s from Thompson Street Capital. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Krowne promoted company veteran Evan Priesel to vice president of sales, taking on leadership of the foodservice division.
Commercial cooking equipment manufacturer Unox hired Joseph Day to serve in the newly created role of western regional service manager.
The Society for Hospitality and Foodservice Management recognized 21 up-and-coming foodservice professionals with its 2025-26 Rising Stars recognition and the members of the Julie Flik Rising Star Continuation Program.
Caribou Coffee appointed Scott Kennedy to serve as its president and chief executive officer. Kennedy previously served as Caribou’s chief financial officer and was appointed to the role of interim CEO in March 2025.
Lee’s Famous Recipe Chicken hired Brian Seitz to serve as director of store design and construction.
Fast-casual restaurant chain Jersey Mike’s Subs appointed Stacy Peterson to serve as president and chief operating officer.
Ryan Kime was promoted to national sales manager for Welbilt brands Champion Industries and Bi-Line Systems, effective September 1, 2025.
Andrew Wiederhorn has reclaimed his role as chief executive officer for FAT Brands, a multiconcept operator. Co-CEOs Ken Kuick and Taylor Wiederhorn will return to their roles as chief financial officer and chief development officer.
Frontline International promoted Zack Palazzo to vice president of sales and finance. Palazzo has been with the company for more than a decade, previously serving as director of sales and finance for the maker of solutions for the management of fats, oils, and grease in restaurants and commercial kitchens.
Lincoln Foodservice Products promoted Melinda Scheuneman to vice president of sales and marketing and Nicko Hoang to director of project management for the Welbilt brand.
Jerrod “Jay” Wong will become chief operations officer for Applebee’s Neighborhood Bar + Grill, effective September 15, 2025.
Fast-casual chain Sweetgreen named Zipporah Allen its new chief commercial officer.
Daniel Short was appointed director of consultant services for Welbilt’s Beverage-Air, Victory Refrigeration, Champion Industries, and Bi-Line Systems brands, all of which are Welbilt companies. In addition, Logan Noll will be promoted to vice president of sales for Beverage-Air and Victory Refrigeration, effective September 1, 2025.
Ken Brendemihl was appointed president of Smokey Bones. The move comes as parent company Twin Hospitality Group continues to review the chain’s performance and make some significant changes.
Damien Harmon was introduced as president of Subway’s North American region.
Commercial cooking equipment manufacturer RATIONAL USA hired two new corporate chefs and promoted a salesperson to corporate chef.
Commercial cooking equipment manufacturer Vulcan hired Amber Pfohl to serve as director of sales and Jason Hovan to serve as corporate chef.
Cal-Mil hired Kim Bernard to serve as director of sales, Midwest. She will cover Ohio, Kentucky, Indiana, West Virginia and western Pennsylvania.
