Hardee's Taps Alisa Gmelich as New President
CKE Restaurants names marketing veteran Alisa Gmelich President of Hardee's, tasking her with rebuilding franchisee trust and driving growth.
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CKE Restaurants names marketing veteran Alisa Gmelich President of Hardee's, tasking her with rebuilding franchisee trust and driving growth.
Oct 7, 2026
Understand overtime rules for restaurant employees, including eligibility, pay calculations, hours worked, compliance requirements, timekeeping, and overtime management.
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POS data helps restaurant owners control food costs by improving purchasing, reducing waste, optimizing portions, analyzing profitability, and managing inventory.
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Hangry Joe's promotes insider Brandon Wilhelm to CEO, prioritizing franchisee profitability over rapid unit growth as the chain expands past 90 locations.
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Portillo's chief people officer Jill Waite departs as new CEO Brett Patterson reshapes leadership with layoffs and fresh executive hires.
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Uber is paying $2.3 billion to acquire ezCater, merging its catering network into Uber Eats and Uber for Business to enter workplace catering.
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A new lawsuit claims McDonald's pricing tool pressures franchisees into algorithmic price-fixing, raising fresh antitrust questions for the chain.
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True Food Kitchen filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, closing 12 locations and shrinking to 34 restaurants across 14 states amid $42.1 million in debt.
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Snooze Eatery names industry veteran Amy Hom as COO, starting Sept. 28, to strengthen hospitality and operations ahead of its next growth phase.
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Opening a second restaurant location requires readiness, clear goals, financial planning, funding, smart strategy, standardized operations, strong teams, and careful launch monitoring for sustainable growth.
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Discover the growth and evolution of the bubble tea market in the U.S. through the lens of a seasoned beverage industry leader. Learn about the success story of Gong cha and the impact of direct franchising in expanding the brand's reach.

The beverage industry has witnessed a profound evolution over the past decades, with the emergence of new trends and consumer preferences shaping its landscape. One such phenomenon that has captured the attention of many is the surge in the popularity of bubble tea, especially in the U.S. market. As a quintessential beverage that combines flavors, textures, and customization, bubble tea has become a staple for Millennials and Gen Z-ers seeking unique and personalized drink experiences.

Gong cha stands out as a trailblazer in the bubble tea industry, achieving remarkable growth and recognition for its innovative approach to tea beverages. Through strategic leadership and a deep understanding of consumer preferences, Gong cha has solidified its position as the premier bubble tea brand, offering a wide range of flavors and toppings to cater to diverse tastes. The brand's commitment to quality, freshness, and customer engagement has fostered a loyal fan base that resonates with Gong cha's distinct identity.
The recent announcement of direct franchising marks a significant milestone in Gong cha's expansion strategy, signaling a new phase of growth and market penetration. By embracing direct franchising alongside the existing master franchise model, Gong cha is poised to accelerate its presence in the Americas region and beyond. This strategic move allows experienced partners to take on multiple markets simultaneously, leveraging their expertise to drive sustainable growth and brand visibility.

One key factor that sets Gong cha apart is its focus on customization and profitability within a compact operational model. The brand's ability to offer highly customizable bubble tea options appeals to a younger demographic that values self-expression and choice in their beverage preferences. By enabling franchisees to deliver tailored drink experiences in a cost-effective manner, Gong cha ensures strong store profitability and long-term success in a competitive market.
