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Bad Ass Coffee, an emerging brand with 31 locations and counting, hired Ivy Hanks (formerly of Tropical Smoothie Cafe) as director of franchise marketing and Eleanor Schwartz (formerly of Caribou Coffee) as director of brand engagement to bring the chain to the next phase of growth and name recognition.
Brix chief technology officer Carissa DeSantis announced her departure from the company. DeSantis posted on her LinkedIn page that she had been named chief technology officer at LURIN, a real estate investment firm. She had been with JAMCO Interests LLC, parent company of Friendly’s and Brix Brands, since 2021.
CKE Restaurants has named Justin Falciola chief technology and growth officer. It’s the first time the company has combined the two roles. Falciola is responsible for aligning the business goals of CKE, which is parent company of the Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s quick-service brands, with its information technology, digital strategy, and operations, while also upgrading its tech stack to improve loyalty programs and other digital interaction with customers.
Condado Tacos named Derrick Pratt its new CEO, effective July 1. Pratt joins the company from Portillo’s, where he has served as chief operating officer since 2021, leading operations, real estate development, marketing, and supply chain management.
Dallas-based fast-casual concept Corner Bakery Cafe announced the promotion of Erin Hasselgren from chief operating officer to president of the company. Hasselgren’s new role is part of parent company SSCP Management’s revitalization plan for Corner Bakery, and his responsibilities will include leading the brand’s future expansion plans while managing day-to-day direction and oversight within the company.
After 32 years, David Zadikoff, the CEO and founder of Cornerstone Restaurant Group, is stepping down and passing the reins to his son, Joshua Zadikoff. Joining Joshua at the helm is Danny McGowan, who steps into the role of president alongside his current role as chief operating officer, and Matt Goldstick as chief financial officer.
Domino’s announced the hiring of Maureen Pittenger as executive vice president, chief human resources officer. Pittenger previously worked for an automotive parts company and will lead all parts of Domino’s human resources strategies and functions.
Little Caesars’ parent company Ilitch announced the promotion of three executives to key leadership roles within the company’s technology division, who will oversee technology infrastructure and cybersecurity, as well as elevate technology throughout the entire Ilitch portfolio. Keith Faigin was promoted to chief information officer, restaurant systems; Afia Phillips was promoted from vice president of information security to chief information security officer; and Lance Shinabarger was promoted from senior vice president information technology-enterprise systems and global infrastructure to chief information officer, shared technologies and applications.
Bob Stewart, McDonald’s senior vice president, chief supply chain officer, North America, has announced his retirement effective Oct. 1. Cesar Piña, who currently serves as corporate vice president, global strategic sourcing for food, will succeed Stewart in the role.
Noodles & Company named Scott Davis its chief concept officer. The industry veteran held that same position at Panera for decades, from 1987 to 2015, and then became president and chief concept officer of 46-unit bowl concept CoreLife Eatery. Davis’ appointment comes as Noodles & Company is in the process of a makeover to help stem declining sales.
Fast-casual restaurant Rusty Taco named Daniel Smith its new president. Smith joins the Dallas-based street-taco brand after spending over six years at Hopdoddy Burger Bar as its chief operating officer.
Shake Shack named Stephanie Sentell chief operating officer effective July 1. Most recently Sentell was senior vice president of company operations at Inspire Brands, and previously worked for Dairy Queen. At Shake Shack, she will oversee the more than 340 domestic company-operated locations and its more than 12,000 employees.
Utah-based dirty-soda chain Swig announced the appointment of former Dutch Bros executive Daniel Batty as the concept’s first chief development officer. In jumping from one fast-growing beverage chain to another, Batty will help Swig to achieve its long-term goal of growing from 70 locations to 1,400 units over the next eight years.
Tijuana Flats named turnaround veteran James Greco as CEO. The fast-casual brand filed for bankruptcy protection in April and closed units.
Mark Kirke is the new CEO of TooJay’s, a 20-unit deli restaurant concept based in West Palm Beach, Fla. He joined the company in April, but the chain announced his appointment last month. Previously he was CEO of Artistry Restaurants.
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