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.
Sep 23, 2026
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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Restaurant inventory tracking helps owners monitor stock, control food costs, reduce waste, improve purchasing, and make informed operational decisions.
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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.
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.
Photo by Aubrey Odom