How to Start a Food Truck Business
Learn how to start a food truck business by planning costs, permits, menus, equipment, locations, marketing, staffing, and efficient operations.
Jul 14, 2026
Learn how to start a food truck business by planning costs, permits, menus, equipment, locations, marketing, staffing, and efficient operations.
Jul 14, 2026
McDonald's taps seasoned leader Ugwechi Amadi as Chief Strategy Officer, bringing expertise from Nike and LIV Golf to spearhead the chain's forward-thinking NEXT strategy for restaurant owners and managers.
Jul 15, 2026
Explore leading restaurant equipment brands and learn how to choose reliable cooking, refrigeration, preparation, beverage, storage, and serving systems confidently.
Jul 14, 2026
Great Hill Partners takes a minority stake in Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming to accelerate franchise support, technology, and expansion.
Jul 14, 2026
Olive Garden brings back its $100 Pasta Pass for 13 weeks of unlimited pasta, soup or salad, and breadsticks; 10,000 passes, Aug 24 to Nov 22, dine-in only.
Jul 14, 2026
Resales accelerate amid boomer exits, tighter margins, and complex deals. Data gaps persist as brands formalize programs to keep units open.
Jul 14, 2026
Chipotle is launching its first Mexican location, redefining fast-casual strategy for restaurant leaders and offering key lessons for international growth and partnerships.
Jul 14, 2026
PizzaExpress will master franchise Houston TX Hot Chicken across the U.K. and Ireland, targeting 50 sites in three years with three openings in six months.
Jul 13, 2026
Wingstop posts 8.7% comp decline; leans on Club Wingstop loyalty, sports-heavy media, and smart kitchens to rebuild traffic. Investors eye July 29, 2026 results.
Jul 13, 2026
Love & Honey Fried Chicken signs 20-unit Southeast Florida deal, halves wait times, and lifts AUV to $2M as it scales franchising beyond the Northeast.
Jul 13, 2026
Discover how Tara Hinkle, the new President of Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, is leading the brand's franchising strategies and market expansion with a focus on sustainable growth.


Tara Hinkle's career boasts almost two decades of experience in the franchising industry, including significant roles at Taco Bell, Starbucks, and now as the President and head of the Americas at Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. With a strong background in strategic operational planning and franchise finance, Hinkle is well-positioned to drive Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's growth and market expansion strategies.

As the new President of Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, Tara Hinkle is tasked with overseeing the chain’s growth strategy in the Americas. Her focus on working closely with the franchise development team to support expansion underscores the brand's commitment to sustainable growth. By aligning the brand's strategic vision with scalable expansion plans, Hinkle aims to reinforce Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's presence in various markets while optimizing business operations.
Hinkle's ambitious goal to expand market reach by empowering the brand's workforce highlights her dedication to exceeding guest expectations. With over 1,200 locations globally and new units in development across the U.S., South America, the Middle East, and Asia, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is poised for significant growth. The company's venture into new formats, such as the drive-thru-only concept in Rialto, California, demonstrates a commitment to innovative strategies that cater to high-traffic markets and mobile app users.
One of Hinkle's key responsibilities is to collaborate with operators who have prior restaurant experience, aligning with the brand's strategy to secure 10-store commitments in specific markets. This approach aims to foster long-term partnerships and ensure sustained growth. Additionally, the consideration of single-store and franchise agreements for non-traditional venues showcases Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's adaptability and interest in exploring diverse expansion opportunities.