Pei Wei Wins Best Fast-Casual Chain Award
Pei Wei Asian Kitchen named Best Fast-Casual Chain in Reviewed 2026 Awards, reflecting shift from price competition to quality and transparency.
Sep 11, 2026
Pei Wei Asian Kitchen named Best Fast-Casual Chain in Reviewed 2026 Awards, reflecting shift from price competition to quality and transparency.
Sep 11, 2026
O'Charley's shuttered all corporate restaurants nationwide on September 9, 2026, ending its 55-year legacy as a casual-dining regional powerhouse.
Sep 11, 2026
Authentic Restaurant Brands lands $325M investment from Trimontium to fuel disciplined regional expansion across five established restaurant concepts.
Sep 11, 2026
Walmart expands restaurant delivery beyond Subway and Dunkin', taking on DoorDash, Uber Eats, and Grubhub with Papa Johns nationwide rollout.
Sep 11, 2026
Complete NFL season restaurant checklist covering licensing, AV setup, menu prep, inventory, staffing, and marketing before kickoff arrives.
Sep 11, 2026
California shifts to public enforcement strategy against Dickey's for deceptive franchise disclosures, signaling stricter state-level franchise oversight.
Sep 10, 2026
Paul Brown temporarily steps away from Inspire Brands as Scott Murphy assumes interim CEO role during confidential IPO filing process targeting late 2026.
Sep 10, 2026
Learn how to reduce food waste in restaurants through smarter purchasing, storage, preparation, and service strategies that cut costs.
Sep 9, 2026
Prepare your restaurant for NFL season with smart menu planning, staffing, marketing, technology, and atmosphere strategies that boost season-long revenue.
Sep 9, 2026
Swig signs franchise agreement for 11 South Denver locations, marking Colorado entry and validating its national expansion strategy.
Sep 8, 2026
Unlock Exclusive Access To Webinars, Events, And The Latest News For Free!
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.