Freddy's celebrates 600 restaurants with a smaller, drive-thru-free format in Beaufort, SC, reshaping its real estate, tech, and pricing strategy.

Cicis Pizza names franchise veteran Kimberly Thompson EVP of Development, targeting 600 locations within five years across key Southern markets.

Hangry Joe's promotes insider Brandon Wilhelm to CEO, prioritizing franchisee profitability over rapid unit growth as the chain expands past 90 locations.

Whit's Frozen Custard hires industry veteran Amos Durbin as COO to guide franchise expansion, drawing on two decades of restaurant leadership experience.

Rock N Roll Sushi taps franchise veteran Rick Gestring as CEO, succeeding Craig LeMieux in a transition built on continuity, not disruption.

Smokey Mo's BBQ names Von Dawson, a Dine Brands veteran, as VP of Franchise Development to lead its Texas expansion strategy.

Meritage Hospitality's Chapter 11 filing pulls 5% of Wendy's U.S. stores into bankruptcy, exposing cracks in franchising's bigger-is-safer bet.

everbowl names Anna Gabele Brand President and Natalie Trzcinski COO, pulling both from Jack in the Box to guide its next growth phase.

Mountain Mike's Pizza hires Jack in the Box veteran Sheena Dougher as CMO to drive national growth while preserving its regional brand identity.

LeBron James joins Mike's Red Tacos as an investor, backing the birria chain led by Blaze Pizza and Dave's Hot Chicken veteran Bill Phelps.