FAT Brands to acquire Johnny Rockets for $25 million

Punch Bowl Social CEO and founder Robert Thompson resigns

Punch Bowl Social

Thompson exits to pursue development of projects geared towards Millennials and Gen Z; Punch Bowl has permanently closed four locations during the coronavirus pandemic; ‘Someone is going to buy this company through some type of asset cleanse,’ Thompson says.

Debby Soo replaces Steve Hafner as CEO of OpenTable

She most recently was chief commercial officer at sister company Kayak.

NPC International prepares to sell Pizza Hut portfolio and close up to 300 restaurants after reaching agreement with Yum Brands

Pizza Hut

Part of the ongoing Chapter 11 reorganization, the closures will include mostly dine-in locations.

Menu Tracker: New items from Wendy’s, Chipotle Mexican Grill and Dunkin’

Plus additions at Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar, Black Tap Burgers and Beers, Bonefish Grill, Jack in the Box, Gott’s Roadside, Ocean Prime, Pizza Guys Qdoba Mexican Eats, Sweetgreen and Velvet Taco.

Punch Bowl Social founder to develop 40,000- to 60,000-square-foot private social club for Millennials to eat, drink and work

Punch Bowl Social

Robert Thompson exits eatertainment concept to launch incubator startup Thompson Growth Group; the company’s first three projects include two restaurants and a big-box office/dining/gym space built for a post-pandemic environment.

Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh parent files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

CEO James Park said the move was entirely brought on by the pandemic.

FAT Brands announces plan to acquire Johnny Rockets for $25 million

The global franchising company is expected to complete the acquisition of the retro burger chain in September; Johnny Rockets CEO George Michel will not be returning.

Former Souplantation exec John Haywood named CEO of Punch Bowl Social

John Haywood, a turnaround specialist, replaces Robert Thompson who resigned last week from the Denver-based ‘eatertainment’ concept.

Brinker banks on virtual brand It’s Just Wings growing into $150 million annual business

Brinker International Inc.

Delivery-only It’s Just Wings is posting $3 million in average weekly sales since debuting the last week of June, casual-dining company says.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit launches a ghost kitchen network as a money-saving incentive for franchisees

Dickey's Barbecue Pit

Dickey’s will be launching virtual restaurants in Chicago, Houston and Orlando, as well as opening one in a new market — Providence, R.I.