Operations & People

Friendly's Ice Cream is making some big changes. The operator of the namesake Friendly's Ice Cream restaurant chain, and the fast casual Friendly's Express, named John Maguire as its chief executive on April 18. Maguire was previously chief operating officer for Panera Bread.

The complex deal that will bring Burger King to the public equity markets once again sounds like a fairy tale. Justice is offering up $1.4B in exchange for a 25.7 percent stake, leaving 3G Capital with 70.7 percent, and controlling interest in, and management of, the chain, but on the surface it appears premature.

Saladworks posted same store sales increases of eight percent last year, and in this year's first quarter saw same store sales surge 16 percent. In this Quick Serve Leader interview John Scardapane, Chairman and CEO of Saladworks, sheds some light on the company's menu and expansion initiatives, and its differentiated franchising program.

This Quick Serve Leader Expert Corner explores the opportunities and best practices surrounding the retrofitting of locations with a drive-thru. Matt Vetter, River's Edge Project Management owner, discusses how his company has managed over 125 QSR

Smashburger opened its first international location in Kuwait at The Village, Abu Al Hasaniya, with franchise owner Yousef Al Essa and Kuwait regional franchise partner, Georgetown Advisors. A Kuwaiti-owned boutique development firm in the commerical segment,

In just a few short years, Sarku Japan has become a force to be reckoned with in the Asian-style QSR segment. Its prepared-to-order menu offerings attract crowds at its mall food court and in-line locations. In Chicago, Sarku Japan has several locations displaying its contemporary storefront model that is more upscale and "fast casual-like," than its mall locations.

McDonald's Board of Directors has named President and COO Don Thompson as the new chief executive of the no. 1 burger chain effective July 1. Thompson will succeed Vice Chairman and CEO Jim Skinner, who is retiring from McDonald's executive team and board June 30, after serving in the top role since 2004.

The 2012 New England Food Show (NEFS) brought together thousands of foodservice professionals, industry affiliates and suppliers under one roof at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center March 11-14. While the keynote speeches were both informative and inspiring

With Boston forecasting a 65-degree day on Monday, the New England Food Show (NEFS) attendees expected some heat...but surprisingly, it came from energetic lessons and innovative products inside the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center.

Boston Market has named Sara Rosenberg Bittorf as its chief brand officer. She will start with the company on April 9. Her start will be timely, said the company, because it had gained momentum

The National Restaurant Association (NRA) named its 2012 Food and Beverage Product Innovations Award winners. The NRA's award recipients symbolize products that help operators to run better businesses

Otto Pizza's owners said they will open a new 60-seat table-service location in Brookline, Mass. in May. The newest Otto will take the storefront vacated by Friendly's Ice Cream.

Quiznos has named Harsha V. Agadi executive chairman of the Board of Managers. Mumbai-born Agadi is a 25-year foodservice veteran. His experience was honed at leading chains and food companies, including Domino's Pizza, Pepsi, Kraft, Church's Chicken, General Foods, Little Caesars Enterprises and Friendly's Ice Cream Co.

In 2004, a small Boston-based chain known as "The Wrap" reacquired the franchising and name licensing rights it had previously sold for expansion outside of New England. In 2005, after a lengthy brand analysis, The Wrap became Boloco, the "Inspired Burrito" chain. Despite the allure of franchising for accelerated growth, Boloco's CEO and one of its founding members, John Pepper,

Yum's continued success in China plays off the economic growth of the country. What's not to be happy about when you posted 19 percent same-store sales growth for 2011? In a recent call with analysts regarding their Q4 results, execs recounted some milestones and growth. With over 626 Pizza Hut units and 3,701 KFCs deployed in China,

CKE Restaurants. has signed an agreement with Airport Shoppes Corp., a subsidiary of International Meal Company (IMC) to expand into Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Panama and Puerto Rico.

At a recent investor conference in New York, Wendy's highlighted three big expectations it said consumers were looking for in a "superior QSR:" great tasting food, a comfortable and clean environment, and friendly and engaging service. To meet the demands of the last point, Steve Farrar

Giorgio Minardi has been named president, Dunkin' Brands International. Minardi will now be charged with expanding the Dunkin' Donuts and Baskin-Robbins brands abroad and creating the Dunkin' experience internationally

Sbarro has big plans for a turnaround as evident by its announcement that it will pick well-known industry leader, James Greco as its president and CEO effective immediately. It also names J. David Karam, formerly president of Wendy's International, to its Board of Directors,

The 2012 National Restaurant Association's (NRA) Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show will be held from May 5 - May 8 this year. The NRA's premiere annual event had originally been scheduled May 19 - May 22, but due to a conflict with the Global G8 and NATO Summit, will now be held on the new dates at Chicago's McCormick Place.

Wendy's has hired R. Scott Toop as its senior vice president, general counsel and secretary. Toop will also become part of the Executive Leadership Team effective immediately. The 57-year-old veteran in QSR industry legal oversight, representation and strategic implementation,

Costa Rica consumers will see their first Smashburger in 2012. The Denver-based Smashburger  chain says it has reached an agreement with QSR International to grow the brand in Latin America. QSR International, which is led by restaurateur Richard Eisenberg, a franchise veteran with deep South American expertise

When Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt CEO Reese Travis took the company’s helm, the self-serve frozen yogurt concept had only 15 stores. The chain now has 115 units across the country with a high concentration concentrated in the Midwest and East.

Corner Bakery Cafe has signed a franchising deal with Buon Hospitality for expansion into Northern California. Buon is led by Sam Hirbod, chief executive and president of Pacific Convenience & Fuels LLC.