Culinary Leadership Shapes Freddy’s Future
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers promotes Rick Petralia to Executive Chef & VP of Training & Innovation, signaling a strategic focus on culinary excellence and franchisee support.
Aug 12, 2026
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers promotes Rick Petralia to Executive Chef & VP of Training & Innovation, signaling a strategic focus on culinary excellence and franchisee support.
Aug 12, 2026
McDonald’s USA has appointed Patrick Gerber as chief restaurant officer, leveraging his decades of global experience to boost operations, food quality, and customer satisfaction in the U.S. market.
Aug 11, 2026
MOOYAH Burgers, Fries & Shakes partners with Great USA Foods LLC to launch a master franchise in the UAE, accelerating international expansion into Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Learn the impact for restaurant owners and growth lessons.
Aug 12, 2026
See how a kitchen display system supports faster service, better communication, accurate orders, organized workflows, and improved kitchen performance management.
Aug 10, 2026
Red Robin welcomes marketing veteran Scott Hudler as its new CMO, aiming to revitalize brand strategy and guest engagement during a critical turnaround phase.
Aug 11, 2026
Discover how a Zaxbys team member's creative marketing efforts earned her an executive role, and what the move shows about employee-driven branding in restaurants.
Aug 11, 2026
Avoiding hiring mistakes helps restaurant owners reduce turnover, control labor costs, improve staffing decisions, and build stronger, more reliable teams.
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
Discover the keys to success in the hospitality industry through the inspiring journey of Mariana Marques, a leader in operations and advocate for women in the workplace.
Photo by Tim Mossholder
Photo by Tim Mossholder
Mariana Marques' foray into the hospitality industry began in the vibrant city of London, where she honed her skills in diverse roles across hotels and restaurants. The dynamic nature of London's food and beverage scene, catering to a mix of locals and tourists, instilled in Marques the value of adaptability and self-discovery. From serving as a barista at the National Theatre to managing guest services at Marriott, Marques understood the pivotal role of effective leadership in driving success within a business.
Photo by Tim Mossholder
Transitioning to Brazil, Marques delved into the realm of cosmetics at Avon, where she managed a team of women and witnessed firsthand the strength and resilience of individuals striving for better lives. Engaging with women in challenging circumstances, such as a single mother surpassing sales targets in the face of adversity, highlighted the transformative power of empowerment and mentorship. These experiences fueled Marques' commitment to creating opportunities for women's success and advocating for inclusivity in the workplace.
Navigating multiple relocations, including a significant move to Canada with her family, Mariana Marques learned the importance of building a support network to overcome challenges. Transparent communication, both personally and professionally, played a vital role in managing transitions and fostering resilience. Each relocation brought Marques' family closer and facilitated career growth, culminating in enriching opportunities at Restaurant Brands International.
Reflecting on her achievements at Tim Hortons and Firehouse Subs, Marques takes pride in driving operational excellence and fostering innovation across key departments. By collaborating with diverse teams and franchisees, she has significantly improved business performance and guest satisfaction. Marques' role underscores the importance of strategic leadership and cross-functional cooperation in achieving operational success.
Photo by Tim Mossholder
Engagement in the Women of Firehouse movement echoes Marques' dedication to empowering women and fostering an inclusive workplace culture. Through mentorship, advocacy for work-life balance, and providing platforms for women's voices, Marques continues to catalyze empowerment initiatives. Her work resonates with the impactful experiences she encountered in Brazil, emphasizing the transformative power of support and belief in women's capabilities.
Photo by Tim Mossholder
Marques' journey as an immigrant, mother, and career woman navigating various countries underscores the importance of embracing challenges as avenues for personal and professional development. Adapting to new cultures and environments, she learned to transform difficulties into opportunities for growth and success. Marques' resilience and adaptability have been instrumental in her progression to senior leadership roles, demonstrating the value of perseverance and determination.
Drawing from her experiences, Mariana Marques imparts valuable advice for aspiring professionals in the hospitality industry. Embracing change, seeking growth opportunities, and fostering a robust support network are foundational elements for career advancement. Prioritizing well-being, maintaining a healthy work-life balance, and believing in one's abilities are key pillars for success in a demanding yet rewarding industry.