Wendy’s New Playbook for Traffic & Quality
With traffic and sales slipping, Wendy’s new CEO Bob Wright sets a bold multi-pronged plan to restore food quality, brand value, and operational execution.
Aug 10, 2026
With traffic and sales slipping, Wendy’s new CEO Bob Wright sets a bold multi-pronged plan to restore food quality, brand value, and operational execution.
Aug 10, 2026
Explore practical ways to manage restaurant overhead costs while protecting service quality, employee productivity, food standards, and long-term profitability goals.
Aug 7, 2026
Get more restaurant reviews by creating memorable experiences, asking customers at the right time, simplifying feedback, and monitoring review performance.
Aug 7, 2026
Yum! Brands has finalized a $1.2B deal to transfer Pizza Hut China to Yum China Holdings, signaling big strategic moves for both global franchisors and operators.
Aug 7, 2026
Panera Bread appoints industry veteran Andy Rebhun as Chief Marketing Officer, ushering in a new era of brand growth and consumer engagement.
Aug 7, 2026
Portillo’s trims 18% of its corporate staff in a bid to refocus resources on restaurant excellence and navigate operational challenges. Discover what the changes mean for the chain’s future.
Aug 7, 2026
Portillo’s trims corporate and field roles by 18% in a strategic shake-up to support future growth after soft traffic and sales. Read what this means for multi-unit operators.
Aug 6, 2026
Dutch Bros invests $105 million to acquire Salad and Go’s closed locations, targeting rapid expansion in key southern markets. Learn what this means for multi-unit restaurant owners and operators.
Aug 6, 2026
Scheduling software helps restaurants save time, control labor costs, improve communication, prevent conflicts, support compliance, and make smarter staffing decisions.
Aug 5, 2026
Portillo’s announces industry veteran Kevin Kalicak as its new CFO and Treasurer, underscoring the brand’s growth strategy and financial vision.
Aug 5, 2026
Discover the appointment of Jason Cochran as the new Chief Operating Officer of Sweetgreen and the impact of his extensive operational experience in the restaurant industry.
Photo by Aubrey Odom
Jason Cochran, previously CEO of American West Restaurant Group, has taken on the role of Chief Operating Officer at Sweetgreen after Rossann Williams. With a background in leading major franchise operations at Pizza Hut and driving successful turnarounds at Chipotle, Cochran brings a wealth of experience in optimizing operational efficiency and enhancing customer experience. His focus on scaling businesses, enhancing organizational culture, and delivering value aligns with Sweetgreen's vision for growth and sustainability.
Photo by Aubrey Odom
Cochran's tenure at Chipotle during its revival phase under Brian Niccol positions him well to navigate Sweetgreen's operational challenges. His experience in overseeing a significant restaurant franchise, coupled with a successful track record at a pioneering fast-casual chain, equips him with the strategic acumen needed to drive Sweetgreen towards profitability. The operational intricacies of the restaurant industry demand a leader who can innovate and adapt to market dynamics, which Cochran's background suggests he is well-equipped for.
Photo by Aubrey Odom
Sweetgreen, despite its innovation initiatives and expansion efforts, faces profitability constraints. Cochran's experience in the competitive fast-casual sector, particularly at Chipotle, where he witnessed a remarkable turnaround, could provide valuable insights for Sweetgreen's growth trajectory. As the salad industry becomes increasingly competitive, with new entrants like Salad and Go gaining momentum, Cochran's strategic oversight will be pivotal in positioning Sweetgreen as a leader in the market. Emulating successful strategies from rivals like Just Salad showcases the importance of adapting to industry trends and consumer preferences to drive sustained growth.