Why is Whataburger changing CEOs now? In an exclusive interview with Restaurant Business, Ed Nelson said he was tapped in 2020 to guide the chain through its transition to new, private-equity owners after 69 years as a family-owned fast-food chain. He said the company has the management team in place and the right person to step into his shoes in Debbie Stroud, who was hired as chief operating officer last year after 30 years with McDonald’s and Starbucks.
The new owner of MOD Pizza is hoping to refranchise its company-owned restaurants. Elite Restaurant Group, which acquired the chain in July, has hired a specialist to help facilitate the refranchising process.
Traffic growth returned to Olive Garden this summer after the chain saw transactions decline in spring. According to data from Placer.ai, traffic increased in May, June and August, suggesting that consumer dining habits are improving and Olive Garden’s value efforts are working.
Get all the headlines in today’s Restaurant Daily podcast.
