Dave Shula Returns as President of Shula's Restaurant Group
Dave Shula rejoins Shula's Restaurant Group as president, leading growth into Palm Beach Gardens and a 2027 Thomasville, Georgia expansion.
Sep 23, 2026
Dave Shula rejoins Shula's Restaurant Group as president, leading growth into Palm Beach Gardens and a 2027 Thomasville, Georgia expansion.
Sep 23, 2026
McDonald's commits $8.5 billion through 2036 to modernize restaurants, boost cash flow by $100,000 per store, and grow chicken and beverage sales.
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WKS Restaurant Group promotes Jay Spongberg to president and COO after he helped grow the company from 65 to 382 restaurants over 16 years.
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Smokey Mo's BBQ names Von Dawson, a Dine Brands veteran, as VP of Franchise Development to lead its Texas expansion strategy.
Sep 23, 2026
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.
Sep 21, 2026
Jack in the Box names Rachel Ruggeri to its board as Michael Murphy retires, amid a CEO transition and deal with investor GreenWood.
Sep 21, 2026
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Explore how North Italia utilizes community engagement and localized marketing to drive brand growth and expansion.
Photo by Eric Ward
North Italia has leveraged localized marketing activations to boost brand visibility and engagement. By participating in events like SXSW and the Racing Fan Fest, the brand showcases its offerings and connects with the community on a personal level. For instance, at SXSW, North Italia provided signature pizzas around Pi Day, creating a memorable experience for attendees. Similarly, at the Racing Fan Fest, the brand sampled items, reinforcing its presence at the event and reaching a diverse audience.
DJ Duporte, North Italia's marketing director, emphasizes the importance of staying connected to the community through strategic events. By opening new restaurants in growing markets like South Florida and participating in local events, North Italia reinforces its commitment to engaging with local residents. The Racing Fan Fest in Miami served as a platform to bring the community together and showcase the brand's handcrafted experience outside traditional restaurant settings.
Photo by Eric Ward
Donald Evans, the chief marketing officer of North Italia, highlights the brand's focus on creating unique experiences outside its physical locations. By organizing racing-themed outlets at events like the Miami Fan Fest, North Italia differentiates itself and generates buzz among event attendees. This approach not only drives brand exposure but also fosters a sense of local connection, demonstrating the brand's investment in the communities it serves.
North Italia's activations are designed to make a lasting impact on local markets. By collaborating with marketing, operations, and culinary teams, the brand ensures a cohesive approach to engaging with communities. These efforts help North Italia stand out in competitive markets by showcasing its commitment to local consumers and creating memorable experiences that reflect the brand's values and quality.