Executive Movements - March 2025
Leslie Nagao Appointed Chief Marketing Officer for the National Restaurant Association
Mar 13, 2025, 08:30 ET
WASHINGTON, March 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Restaurant Association is pleased to announce Leslie Nagao as its new Chief Marketing Officer. Her leadership will bring together internal teams and external partners to strengthen the message of the restaurant industry, drive Association membership, and expand the products, programs, and services the Association creates to support restaurant operators of all sizes.
"Leslie is the marketing leader we need to position the National Restaurant Association and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation to be indispensable partners to the restaurant industry," said Michelle Korsmo, President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association. "She has extensive expertise in brand strategy, member engagement, product marketing, events and communications, and public relations, and she has proven success delivering growth and impact across diverse industries. As CMO, Leslie will unify and elevate our marketing and communications strategy, ensuring a cohesive, coordinated brand experience that amplifies our presence and deepens engagement with our members, industry partners, and other key constituencies."
Nagao comes to the Association from the Urban Land Institute, where she served as Global CMO, driving membership and event revenue growth, increasing its thought leadership position through communications and public relations, and increasing ULI's brand reputation globally. Her experience also includes senior marketing roles at ExxonMobil, AARP, and Time Warner, along with agency leadership at WPP.
"The restaurant and hospitality industry has been a defining part of my journey—from my first job to my college years," said Nagao. "The experience shaped my leadership philosophy and equipped me with invaluable skills that I carry to this day. Restaurants are the heartbeat of our communities, bringing people together and creating lasting memories. As Chief Marketing Officer for the National Restaurant Association, I'm honored to champion the powerful story of this industry and its dedicated people while highlighting its profound economic and community contributions."
About the National Restaurant Association
Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which comprises more than 1 million restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of more than 15.7 million employees. Together with 52 State Associations, we are a network of professional organizations dedicated to serving every restaurant through advocacy, education, and food safety. We sponsor the industry's largest trade show (National Restaurant Association Show); leading food safety training and certification program (ServSafe); unique career-building high school program (the NRAEF's ProStart). For more information, visit Restaurant.org and find WeRRestaurants on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.
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Mountain Mike’s Pizza Elevates Steven Adyani to Chief Operations Officer
March 10, 2025
Mountain Mike’s Pizza Names Industry Veteran Steven Adyani as Chief Operations Officer
Fast-growing Franchise Chain Expands C-Suite with In-house Promotion of Operations V.P.
Irvine, CA (RestaurantNews.com) Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading family-style pizza chain for over 45 years, known for its legendary crispy, curly pepperonis, massive 20-inch Mountain-sized pizzas and dough made fresh daily, has proudly named Steven Adyani as Chief Operations Officer. With 30+ years of experience in the restaurant industry, including a half-decade at Mountain Mike’s Pizza and previous leadership roles at Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, The Cheesecake Factory and with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, Adyani brings a wealth of operational expertise to the position. Since joining Mountain Mike’s in 2020, he has been instrumental in refining and optimizing brand operations across a thriving network of 300+ restaurants nationwide, ensuring every guest enjoys “Pizza the Way it Oughta Be®”.
“Steven has been invaluable to our success, and his promotion reflects well-earned recognition of his many contributions to Mountain Mike’s and the impact he’s made in strengthening our operations with a deep understanding of our brand DNA and an unwavering commitment to sustainable growth,” said Jim Metevier, Chief Executive Officer of Mountain Mike’s Pizza. “Steven constantly ensures operational excellence and fosters a team culture that prioritizes collaboration and innovation, and as we continue expanding into new markets, his leadership will be critical in maintaining the unmatched quality, consistency and guest experience that define Mountain Mike’s.”
During his tenure as Vice President of Operations, Adyani strengthened the Mountain Mike’s restaurant system by driving an array of operational efficiencies that yielded success for franchisees. He spearheaded the development of Mountain Mike’s University, a cutting-edge learning management system that transformed franchisee training through engaging, interactive content, ensuring teams mastered essential skills. Adyani also redefined the role of Franchise Business Coaches, shifting their focus from traditional training to strategic business consulting, enabling franchisees to maximize financial performance. Under his leadership, Mountain Mike’s also standardized numerous key performance indicators, providing franchisees with clear, measurable goals that fueled topline revenue growth and profitability. Additionally, Adyani’s efforts to update the company’s operations manual introduced elevated brand standards that reinforced Mountain Mike’s commitment to delivering “Pizza the Way It Oughta Be®”. Adyani’s many thoughtful and strategic initiatives streamlined operations within a rapidly growing restaurant ecosystem and created a robust foundation to support the brand’s continued expansion.
As Chief Operations Officer, Adyani will maintain his pivotal role in Mountain Mike’s push to reach 400 restaurants by ensuring best-in-class operations across the expanding franchise system. Focusing on preserving and enriching the brand’s “pizza perfection” legacy, Adyani expects to launch new strategic programs and industry-leading standards – implemented by dedicated support teams to empower franchisees for long-term success. His plans include leveraging technology and AI to enhance restaurant efficiencies and reduce operational costs, ensuring franchisees have the tools they need to thrive. As the brand expands from coast to coast and reinforces its position as a national player in the ultra-competitive pizza sector, Adyani will spearhead custom training programs tailored to new franchise groups, reinforcing Mountain Mike’s commitment to consistent quality and guest satisfaction. Additionally, Adyani and his team will lead weekly sales and guest experience training sessions, equipping franchisees with actionable strategies to drive revenue and strengthen their market presence. With a deep passion for operational excellence and a forward-thinking approach, Adyani is poised to help elevate Mountain Mike’s Pizza to even greater heights.
“I am honored to step into the role of Chief Operations Officer at such a transformative time for Mountain Mike’s Pizza, and as we continue our expansion across the country, my focus is on strengthening our operational foundation to ensure all franchisees have the tools and support they need to flourish,” said Adyani. “This role presents an incredible opportunity to shape a clear, strategic vision for our operations team – driving efficiency, consistency and growth while staying true to our brand legacy of quality and excellence.”
With over 300 units in operation across nine states, Mountain Mike’s is primed to continue expansion throughout the U.S. by extending opportunities to new franchise partners looking to diversify their portfolios with a popular family pizza concept. To learn more about new franchise opportunities in your market of interest, visit MountainMikesFranchise.com.
About Mountain Mike’s Pizza
Since 1978, Mountain Mike’s Pizza, a leading family-style pizza chain known for its legendary crispy, curly pepperonis, Mountain-sized pizzas, and dough made fresh daily has been a popular choice for families, serving “Pizza the Way it Oughta Be!®” In addition to offering carryout, its own in-house delivery, and four third-party delivery options, Mountain Mike’s provides a family-friendly dine-in environment making it easy for guests to enjoy the brand’s signature experience wherever they are. Most of its 300+ locations feature a kids’ activity area with arcade games, dedicated party rooms and big screen TVs throughout, making Mountain Mike’s an ideal place for sports teams, family gatherings, group fundraising events and private parties alike. With a menu of signature pizzas, chicken wings, garlic knots, fresh salads, sharable desserts, and a selection of beer and wine, there’s something for everyone at Mountain Mike’s. Guests may also take advantage of streamlined ordering via the Mountain Rewards® app to earn exclusive offers and personalized rewards towards free food. This year, Mountain Mike’s was named one of America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains by Newsweek, as well as one of the Top Beloved Brands by Nation’s Restaurant News. The brand also received FRANdata’s prestigious 2024 TopScore FUND Award. For a complete list of locations and the full menu, visit MountainMikesPizza.com or follow Mountain Mike’s on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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CKE Restaurants Appoints Joe Guith as Chief Executive Officer
Mar 06, 2025, 09:35 ET
FRANKLIN, Tenn., March 6, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc. ("CKE"), parent company of Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's®, today announced the appointment of Joe Guith as chief executive officer, effective immediately.
Mr. Guith arrives at CKE with extensive experience in franchising, restaurant management, and the expansion of consumer brands. Previously, he served as CEO of Church's Texas Chicken, he successfully repositioned the brand and built stronger relationships with the franchisee community, leading to significant improvements in unit-level profitability, record sales, and traffic growth. These changes led to expanding the Church's Texas Chicken footprint to more than 1,500 locations across 23 countries. With more than two decades of industry experience, Guith has held senior leadership roles at GoTo Foods (formerly Focus Brands), McAlister's Deli, Cinnabon and The Coca Cola Company.
Joe expressed his enthusiasm for joining CKE Restaurants, stating, "I am honored to join such a respected and iconic company. Carl's Jr. and Hardee's have a rich history of delivering craveable flavors and exceptional service, and I am eager to work with the talented team and franchisees to build on this legacy."
Sarah Spiegel, CKE board member and interim CEO said, "Joe brings a blend of industry expertise and visionary leadership that perfectly aligns with our goals for Carl's Jr. and Hardee's. We are confident that his proven track record in brand growth and operational excellence will drive our company forward, allowing us to reach new levels of success and innovation."
About CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc.
CKE Restaurants Holdings, Inc., a privately held company based in Franklin, Tennessee, operates Carl's Jr.® and Hardee's® restaurants, two beloved brands, known for premium and innovative menu items such as iconic chargrilled burgers and Hand-Breaded Chicken Tenders™. With both a U.S. and international footprint, Carl's Jr. Restaurants LLC and Hardee's Restaurants LLC have more than 3,600 franchised or company-operated restaurants domestically and more than 35 international markets and U.S. territories. For more information about CKE, please visit www.ckr.com or its brand sites at www.carlsjr.com and www.hardees.com.
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HTeaO Welcomes Jodie Chau as Vice President of Supply Chain
Experienced Industry Leader to Enhance Operations and Support Nationwide Growth
Jodie Chau, Vice President of Supply Chain at HTeaO, brings over 20 years of expertise in procurement, global sourcing, and operational excellence to support the brand’s continued growth.
February 28, 2025 09:03 AM Eastern Standard Time
FORT WORTH, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--HTeaO, the nation’s leading iced tea franchise with a rapidly expanding footprint, announces the appointment of Jodie Chau as Vice President of Supply Chain. With over 20 years of experience in the food and beverage industry, Chau brings a strong leadership background in operational excellence, global sourcing, supplier relationship management, and cost-saving strategies.
Before joining HTeaO, Chau served as Senior Director of Global Purchasing at Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc., where she led strategic sourcing initiatives and supplier evaluation efforts to support the brand’s large-scale operations. Prior to that, she was Director of Procurement at Chipotle Mexican Grill, overseeing supply planning, contract negotiations, and category insights for its extensive network. Chau also spent over four years at H-E-B as Senior Purchasing Manager, focusing on supplier performance strategies, market intelligence, and business innovation to drive operational excellence. Before transitioning into the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector, Chau built a strong foundation in supply chain management at Coca-Cola, Nestlé, and Safeway.
In her new role, Chau will oversee HTeaO’s procurement team, ensuring seamless sourcing and acquisition of key materials and supplies that power the brand’s high-quality, freshly brewed tea experience. She will lead strategic initiatives focused on optimizing supply chain operations, strengthening supplier partnerships, and driving innovation to support HTeaO’s continued expansion.
“I’m excited to join HTeaO at such a pivotal time of growth,” said Chau. “Collaboration and innovation are at the core of what I love to do, and I look forward to working alongside this incredible team to enhance efficiencies, strengthen supplier relationships, and contribute to the brand’s success. HTeaO’s commitment to quality and community involvement aligns with my passion for strategic leadership and social responsibility.”
HTeaO President, Heath Nielsen added, "Jodie’s extensive experience and leadership in supply chain management make her an invaluable addition to our team. Her ability to drive efficiency, build strong supplier relationships, and implement strategic sourcing initiatives will help fuel our nationwide expansion. We’re excited to welcome her and look forward to the impact she will make on our growing brand."
Chau’s expertise in navigating complex supply chains and executing cost-effective strategies will be instrumental as HTeaO scales across new markets. She will focus on streamlining processes, reducing costs, and ensuring the brand’s supply chain remains agile and responsive to growing consumer demand.
HTeaO continues to revolutionize the beverage industry with its commitment to fresh, high-quality, and flavor-forward tea, served in a unique customer-focused retail experience. With locations expanding nationwide, the brand remains dedicated to delivering a premium product with a strong emphasis on community engagement and local partnerships.
For more information on HTeaO and franchise opportunities, please visit HTeaO.com/franchise.
About HTeaO
HTeaO, the leading iced tea franchise in the United States, has ascended as a frontrunner within this niche, a growing category within the beverage industry. With a cost-effective, highly-attractive business model, the brand operates their own supply chain, resulting in significantly reduced costs of goods. Offering a range of ultra-premium tea, water, and coffee products, HTeaO caters to customers both in-store and through convenient drive-thru services. Each location boasts 20+ meticulously crafted flavors of sweetened and unsweetened tea, made using a proprietary water filtration system and 100% natural ingredients. In January 2023, HTeaO announced a minority partnership with two Dallas-based private equity firms, Crux Capital and Trive Capital, signaling a strategic move for stable expansion. Hitting a significant milestone of 100 locations in early 2024, HTeaO is on the path of continued growth. HTeaO believes in fostering an atmosphere where all are welcoming, and takes pride in its commitment to giving back to its local communities. For more information on franchise opportunities, please visit https://HTeaO.com/franchise/.
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Huddle House Announces Stephanie Mattingly as Vice President of Marketing
Feb 25, 2025, 09:52 ET
ATLANTA, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascent Hospitality Management ("Ascent"), franchisor to leading family dining brands Huddle House and Perkins American Food Co., announced today that it has named Stephanie Mattingly as Huddle House Vice President of Marketing. In this role, Mattingly will be responsible for overseeing Huddle House's marketing efforts, including brand strategy, digital marketing operations, and customer engagement initiatives to further growth and brand loyalty across Ascent's portfolio.
"Huddle House is committed to cultivating a high-performing leadership team, and the addition of Stephanie as our Vice President of Marketing will be invaluable to enhancing our marketing strategy," said Blain Shortreed, Huddle House Brand President. "We're pleased to welcome her to our team where her expertise in brand development will play a key role in expanding our market presence. The team looks forward to her leadership as we further strengthen the connections to our guests."
An accomplished leader with over 25 years of experience in restaurant retail marketing and operations, Mattingly has a proven track record of elevating brand presence and elevating guest experiences. She has previously held executive roles at national restaurant brands, where she developed and executed strategic initiatives to promote growth, streamline operations, and improve brand positioning. Her expertise in leadership, team building, media planning, and franchise relations has equipped her with a strong ability to manage complex change and create breakthrough results.
Mattingly will oversee the marketing department for Huddle House restaurants. Her appointment highlights our commitment to investing in the leadership team to increase brand visibility and guest experiences.
"Huddle House has a strong foundation, and a dedicated team focused on growth and brand evolution," said Mattingly. "I look forward to implementing tactical marketing initiatives that amplify consumer engagement and drive long-term success for our brands."
To learn more about franchising with Huddle House visit www.ascenthm.com/franchising.
About Ascent Hospitality Management
Ascent Hospitality Management is the parent company of Huddle House and Perkins American Food Co. was founded to acquire and invigorate storied brands to drive long-term growth. With nearly 600 locations across the U.S. and Canada, the company's mission is "Bringing friends and families together, over delicious food, served from the heart." Huddle House and Perkins each have more than 60 years of serving award-winning, made-to-order breakfast and all-day favorites with a smile to families and friends nationwide. Visit ascenthm.com for additional information on both brands and franchise opportunities.
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Church’s Texas Chicken® Appoints Roland Gonzalez as New Chief Executive Officer to Lead Legendary Brand’s Next Phase of Global Growth
Gonzalez Assumes Role Having Been Instrumental in Accelerating Church’s Transformation as Chief Operations Officer since 2023
Church’s Texas Chicken®, one of the largest quick-service chicken restaurant chains in the world, has named Roland Gonzalez as its new Chief Executive Officer. With a wealth of experience in the global quick-service restaurant industry, Gonzalez will lead the legendary brand’s next phase of global growth and evolution, having played a key role in its transformation over the last two years as Chief Operations Officer.
February 21, 2025 07:00 AM Eastern Standard Time
ATLANTA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Church’s Texas Chicken®, one of the largest quick-service chicken restaurant chains in the world, has named Roland Gonzalez as its new Chief Executive Officer. With a wealth of experience in the global quick-service restaurant industry, Gonzalez will lead the legendary brand’s next phase of global growth and evolution, having played a key role in its transformation over the last two years as Chief Operations Officer. He succeeds Joe Guith, who was named to the post in 2022.
A highly respected executive with a passion for building and motivating cross-functional teams, Gonzalez brings an extensive track record of driving operational excellence through global business strategies and process improvement, strengthening franchisee partnerships, enhancing guest experiences and expanding brand reach in highly competitive categories and geographic markets. Prior to joining Church’s Texas Chicken®, he held senior leadership roles at major quick-service restaurant brands, including Burger King, Tim Hortons and Popeyes, where he implemented successful global growth strategies and delivered high-impact results across RBI’s portfolio of 20,000+ restaurants.
“Church’s Texas Chicken has made significant strides toward revitalizing its legendary brand by focusing on delivering outstanding, bold-flavored chicken, enhancing service and value to customers and staying true to our community-oriented roots. We thank Joe for being an important part of the first major phase of our transformation as he moves on to his next chapter,” said High Bluff Capital Partners founder Anand Gowda. “Our priority now is to build on this progress and significantly accelerate our momentum and expansion as we strive to reach $2 billion in system sales within the next few years while maximizing franchisee profitability.
“To that end, we are thrilled to welcome Roland Gonzalez as our new CEO – a visionary leader who already has had a tremendous impact on Church’s transformation as COO,” he continued. “His deep understanding of the QSR industry, commitment to growth-focused operational excellence and dedication to driving franchisee profitability make him the ideal leader to guide Church’s through its next major evolution.”
“I am honored to now lead this great brand at a critical inflection point in our growth journey,” said Gonzalez. “With a rich history of quality, bold flavor and being truly invested in the communities we serve, Church’s holds a special place in the hearts of millions. I look forward to working alongside our talented team and valued franchisee partners to drive innovation, enhance our guest experience and expand our footprint globally. We have only begun to scratch the surface of the tremendous opportunity ahead.”
Gonzalez previously held numerous executive positions and key business operations roles including Executive Vice President for Operations at Virtual Dining Concepts and Head of Global Operations Standards and Strategy at Restaurant Brands International.
About Church’s Texas Chicken® / Texas Chicken™
Founded in San Antonio, TX, in 1952 by George W. Church, Church’s Texas Chicken®, along with its sister brand Texas Chicken™ primarily outside of the U.S., is one of the largest quick-service chicken restaurant chains in the world. The brands specialize in Original and Spicy Chicken freshly prepared throughout the day in small batches that are hand-battered and double-breaded, tenders, sandwiches, Honey-Butter Biscuits™ made from scratch and freshly baked and classic, home-style sides all for a great value. Texas Chicken™ and Church’s Texas Chicken® have more than 1,500 locations in 26 countries and global markets and system-wide sales of more than $1.5 billion. For more information about Church’s Texas Chicken®, visit churchstexaschicken.com. For information on Texas Chicken™, visit texaschicken.com. For information on how to become a Church’s Texas Chicken® Franchisee, visit https://www.churchs.com/franchising/.
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NOTHING BUNDT CAKES® APPOINTS CHARLIE MORRISON TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Feb 19, 2025, 09:07 ET
Former Wingstop, Salad and Go CEO to help guide fast-growing category leader as expansion accelerates
DALLAS, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Nothing Bundt Cakes, the nation's largest specialty cake company, has added Charlie Morrison, former CEO of large, fast-growing franchise systems Wingstop and Salad and Go, to its board of directors.
Morrison, who stepped down in October 2024 as CEO of Salad and Go after growing the company to 150 stores from 20, is an industry veteran with 35 years of experience. Career highlights include leading Wingstop in the completion of its 2015 initial public offering, which is regarded as the most successful IPO in the history of the restaurant industry.
He joins Nothing Bundt Cakes' board of directors as the company experiences unprecedented growth. The company doubled in size from 2019 to 2024 and is accelerating plans in 2025, with the goal of opening its 1,000th bakery by 2027.
"With over 100 new bakeries built in 2024 and an even higher number scheduled in 2025, Nothing Bundt Cakes continues to execute its playbook as one of the fastest-growing retailers in North America," said Nothing Bundt Cakes CEO Dolf Berle. "Charlie's immense expertise in franchise growth in the high-growth restaurant sector will be instrumental as our team navigates this growth journey."
Nothing Bundt Cakes was recently named America's No. 1 Overall Restaurant Chain in Technomic's America's Favorite Chains survey. It was also the top choice among Gen Z and millennial consumers in the limited-service category, marking its first-ever appearance in the rankings.
"It is a great privilege to join Nothing Bundt Cakes as it grows not only in size but also in reputation as America's favorite restaurant chain," said Morrison. "I believe the Nothing Bundt Cakes brand can deliver on its promise of bringing joy to people all across the country and eventually the world, and I look forward to being part of its incredible success story."
Nothing Bundt Cakes, one of the fastest-growing companies in the United States, is primed for success with a proven business model. To learn more about franchising opportunities, visit www.nothingbundtcakes.com/franchise-opportunities.
About Nothing Bundt Cakes
Founded in 1997, Dallas-based Nothing Bundt Cakes is the nation's largest specialty cake company, with more than 660 franchised and corporate bakeries in 40-plus states and Canada and growing. Bakeries Bring the Joy™ by offering handcrafted Bundt Cakes for pickup or delivery in a variety of flavors and sizes, such as Bundtinis®, the brand's cupcake-sized Bundt Cakes, personal-sized Bundtlets and 8- and 10-inch Bundt Cakes, plus decorations and gift options for life's "just because" moments and special celebrations. Named Yelp's 2023 No. 2 Most Loved Brand, Nothing Bundt Cakes has also earned industry recognition that includes Entrepreneur's Franchise 500® ranking and Franchise Business Review's Franchise Hall of Fame.
For more information about Nothing Bundt Cakes, visit nothingbundtcakes.com. To learn more about franchising opportunities, visit nothingbundtcakes.com/franchise-opportunities/.
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Domino's® Announces Executive Promotions
Mar 10, 2025, 16:05 ET
ANN ARBOR, Mich., March 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Domino's Pizza Inc. (Nasdaq: DPZ), the largest pizza company in the world, is pleased to announce the promotion of three company executives into new roles. Joseph Jordan is being elevated to the position of chief operating officer and president – Domino's U.S., Weiking Ng is being promoted to executive vice president – International, and Ryan Mulally is being promoted to executive vice president – general counsel and corporate secretary. All three executives will report to Russell Weiner, Domino's chief executive officer.
"Joe, Weiking, and Ryan are talented and respected leaders of our Company, and we are extremely fortunate to have such a strong bench of talent to move into these important roles," said Weiner. "All three embody our Hungry for MORE strategic mindset and I am looking forward to the positive impact they'll continue having on the brand."
Jordan will serve as the Company's chief operating officer and president – Domino's U.S., overseeing domestic operations and marketing, while expanding his existing oversight of global services to now include Domino's technology. Jordan has served as Domino's president, U.S. and global services since May 2022.
He previously served in roles including executive vice president of Domino's International and senior vice president and chief marketing officer, having joined the company as vice president of innovation in 2011. Prior to joining the Company, Jordan served as senior director of marketing at Pepsi-Cola North America, and also held marketing roles at Philips Electronics and Unilever, as well as spending time as a consultant for Accenture. He serves on the Board of Directors of The Boston Beer Company Inc.
"Joe's transition to COO represents a shift we are making in our organizational structure, further aligning teams that are directly driving our business around the world. This will increase our agility so that we can drive our Hungry for MORE strategy even more effectively and efficiently," Weiner continued.
Ng will move into the role of executive vice president – International, effective April 1. He will be responsible for overseeing the Domino's business and franchise relationships that span more than 90 countries around the world. He most recently served as Domino's vice president – International for Asia, Middle East and Africa. Ng joined Domino's international business team in 2020. He came to Domino's from Hilton, where he served as vice president – APAC strategy, and has previously held leadership roles at McDonald's, as well as time as a management consultant for Boston Consulting Group and Accenture.
Mulally is being elevated to executive vice president – general counsel and corporate secretary, effective March 15, after most recently serving as vice president – assistant general counsel since 2018. He draws upon decades of extensive legal experience that includes leading Domino's litigation team and responsibility for franchise and corporate standards. Prior to joining Domino's in 2008, he was a partner with Dickinson Wright in Detroit, Michigan.
About Domino's Pizza®
Founded in 1960, Domino's Pizza is the largest pizza company in the world, with a significant business in both delivery and carryout. It ranks among the world's top public restaurant brands with a global enterprise of more than 21,300 stores in over 90 markets. Domino's had global retail sales of over $19.1 billion in 2024. Its system is comprised of independent franchise owners who accounted for 99% of Domino's stores as of the end of the fourth quarter of 2024. In the U.S., Domino's generated more than 85% of U.S. retail sales in 2024 via digital channels and has developed many innovative ordering platforms.
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Lunchbox Selects James Walker as CEO and Announces New Funding Round Led by Shift4
Mar 10, 2025, 08:30 ET
Shift4 has made a capital investment in Lunchbox, selecting the technology solution provider as the enterprise partner for its SkyTab POS solution. The news comes alongside Lunchbox's appointment of James Walker as its new CEO.
NEW YORK, March 10, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lunchbox, the leader in enterprise restaurant catering and off-premise technology, has announced the appointment of James Walker as CEO as the company enters a new era of growth with a clear roadmap to profitability and innovation. With record momentum—including high-profile enterprise brands joining its expanding portfolio, an explosive rise in product adoption, and a sharpened focus on the next generation of restaurant technology—Lunchbox has also announced a funding round led by a strategic investment from Shift4, the leader in integrated payments and commerce technology.
Lunchbox selects James Walker, a seasoned restaurant executive with over 30 years of experience leading top brands, to join as CEO as the enterprise technology solution provider continues to win upmarket. The news comes with a capital investment from Shiftt4, the leader in integrated payments and commerce technology.
Shift4 invests in Lunchbox. The news comes alongside Lunchbox's appointment of James Walker as its new CEO.
James Walker Appointed as CEO, Nabeel Alamgir Executive Chairman
James Walker and Nabeel Alamgir will work as strategic partners to drive Lunchbox into its next phase of growth. Walker will lead growth and execution, leveraging decades of industry experience, while Alamgir doubles down on AI and automation, ensuring that Lunchbox remains the industry's most advanced, operator-first platform. Together, they're building a Lunchbox that helps operators scale faster, work smarter, and stay ahead leveraging best-in-class technology.
"We're charting a bold new course for restaurant technology," said Nabeel Alamgir, Executive Chairman of Lunchbox. "With James at the helm, Shift4's backing, and our relentless focus on innovation, we're not just building for today—we're designing for tomorrow's restaurant operators."
James Walker Brings Operator Edge, Decades of Experience
A seasoned industry leader, Walker brings 30+ years of executive experience across QSR, Fast Casual, and Casual Dining, scaling global brands like Subway®, Nathan's Famous®, and Cinnabon®. Before stepping into the CEO role, he has served on Lunchbox's Board of Directors for the past year, playing a key role in securing its investment and partnership with Shift4.
Walker, widely respected in restaurant tech and delivery, combines expertise in enterprise growth, AI strategy, and operations to drive Lunchbox's next phase of growth. He holds an MBA from Duke and has completed executive programs at Harvard, Yale, and MIT, including a focus on AI strategy at MIT.
"Lunchbox is a pioneer in restaurant innovation, and I'm honored to lead the charge alongside Nabeel Alamgir," said James Walker, CEO of Lunchbox. "Restaurants deserve technology that works for them, not against them. My focus is on scaling our solutions to meet the evolving needs of enterprise brands, ensuring they have the tools to compete and succeed in today's digital-first landscape."
Record Growth and a Focus on the Future
Lunchbox has experienced record-breaking growth, with a 340% increase in average deal size since 2022, as it continues moving upmarket with brands like Paris Baguette, Pei Wei, Friendly's, Hawaiian Bros, Biscuitville, and Papa John's. The company's long-standing partners—including Clean Juice and other multi-unit brands—have contributed to 300% growth in product adoption, with the average number of products per client rising from 1 to 4 since 2022.
Strategic Investment Led by Shift4
Fueling this momentum, Lunchbox has secured a new round of funding, led by Shift4, further validating its market leadership and profitability strategy. This funding will accelerate product development, enhance enterprise capabilities, and reinforce Lunchbox's commitment to helping restaurant brands scale seamlessly. With the strategic partnership, Shift4 will prioritize Lunchbox as the enterprise solution for its SkyTab POS system.
"We're excited to partner with Lunchbox as they set the standard for order management and other enterprise restaurant solutions," said Taylor Lauber, President of Shift4. "By integrating their powerful capabilities into SkyTab POS, we're able to enhance our product ecosystem to better serve the needs of enterprise restaurants and deliver a unique differentiator to this customer segment. Our investment reflects our confidence in Lunchbox's vision to continue to transform the restaurant technology landscape."
With a sharpened focus on AI, automation, and the evolving needs of enterprise brands, Lunchbox is redefining what restaurant technology can achieve. Built by operators, for operators, the platform continues to evolve, with its customers having a direct seat at the table in shaping the roadmap.
About Lunchbox
Lunchbox is the premier restaurant technology solution for enterprise brands, enabling them to scale their digital presence efficiently. With a suite of products specializing in app and web ordering, catering, order aggregation, guest engagement, marketing, and an open API platform, Lunchbox empowers over 5,000+ restaurant locations nationwide, including Firehouse Subs, Torchy's Tacos, Taco Bueno, and Clean Juice. For more information, visit www.lunchbox.io.
About Shift4
Shift4 (NYSE: FOUR) is boldly redefining commerce by simplifying complex payment ecosystems across the world. As the leader in commerce-enabling technology, Shift4 powers billions of transactions annually for hundreds of thousands of businesses in virtually every industry. For more information, visit shift4.com.
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The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® Appoints Tara Hinkle as President and Head of Americas
Feb 19, 2025, 09:00 ET
Former Starbucks and Taco Bell Executive Joins the Leading Global Specialty Coffee and Tea House
LOS ANGELES, Feb. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®, global specialty coffee and tea house, has announced the appointment of Tara Hinkle as the new President and Head of Americas. In this pivotal role, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is well-positioned to advance its franchise expansion and foster innovation while broadening its industry presence.
"We are thrilled to welcome Tara Hinkle as The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's new President and Head of Americas," said CEO for The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Jose Pepot Miñana Jr. "With her leadership in franchise growth and strategy, Tara is set to drive our expansion across the Americas. Her expertise and passion for the customer experience make her the ideal leader to strengthen our brand and community."
Hinkle assumed the position of President and Head of Americas in January 2025, bringing nearly 20 years of expertise in franchising and strategic operational planning to the role. Before joining The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Hinkle held the position of Senior Director of Franchise Finance and Strategy at Taco Bell, where she led the brand's franchise finance and recruitment initiatives. Hinkle also served as the Director of Strategic Partnerships at Starbucks, where she was responsible for developing, integrating, and managing the brand's key collaborations.
At The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Hinkle will drive the overall growth strategy in the Americas, working closely with the franchise development team to support expansion efforts. With her deep expertise in franchise finance and operations, she will ensure the brand's strategic vision aligns with scalable, sustainable growth. By strengthening market positioning and optimizing business operations, Hinkle will play a key role in elevating The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf as a premier café brand across the Americas.
"I am honored to step into the role of President and Head of Americas at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and lead this incredible team," said Tara Hinkle. "My goal is to drive franchise growth and expand our market reach by empowering our talented brew crew to exceed guest expectations. I look forward to this journey as we continue sharing our passion for exceptional coffee and tea with the world."
Currently, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf serves its carefully handcrafted coffee, tea, and espresso beverages at over 1,200 locations worldwide. The brand takes pride in delivering high-quality products, and sources from the top one percent of Arabica beans. The coffee beans are custom-roasted in small batches at a roasting facility in Camarillo, California, and each bag is rigorously tested to meet the brand's high standards.
Ideal franchisee candidates who are looking to diversify their portfolio with a globally recognized leader in the specialty coffee and tea beverage segment should have strong liquidity and enough access to capital to expand quickly. Previous restaurant ownership experience and a minimum 10-store count development agreement for a pre-determined market are required, but single-store franchise agreements are available for non-traditional venues. With significant global interest in franchising with the brand, multiple new locations are in various stages of development throughout the United States, South America, the Middle East, and Asia.
For more information about The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, please visit www.coffeebean.com.
For more information about The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf franchising opportunities, visit www.coffeebean.com/franchise.
About The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf®
Founded in Southern California in 1963, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® is a global specialty coffee and tea house that inspires new experiences through our flavors from around the world. We source the finest coffees and teas from local communities and then handcraft every beverage to bring out the freshest flavors. As the creator of The Original Ice Blended®, we continue to innovate to enable people everywhere to enjoy the classics as well as new flavors both in our cafés and at home. Headquartered in Asia and a business of the Jollibee Group of Companies, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf passionately operates in more than 1,200 locations, across over 20 countries. For more information, visit www.coffeebean.com.
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