Thomas Keller Group Settles EEOC Case for $2 Million
Thomas Keller Restaurant Group will pay $2M to settle an EEOC harassment and retaliation case tied to Bouchon Las Vegas, closing a long-running action from 2018.
Jul 19, 2026
Thomas Keller Restaurant Group will pay $2M to settle an EEOC harassment and retaliation case tied to Bouchon Las Vegas, closing a long-running action from 2018.
Jul 19, 2026
Fresh Kitchen names Bill Knopf and Matt Livingston to lead operations and development as the clean-label bowl brand targets growth beyond 100 locations.
Jul 18, 2026
Hardee’s franchisee Superior Star filed Chapter 11 after a 2023 deal revealed unpaid taxes, costly repairs, and lease burdens; plans to reject leases and refocus.
Jul 18, 2026
Cinnabon posted a net gain of 308 U.S. units in 2025 and launched Seattle’s Best Coffee in 2026 to boost beverage mix, margins, and franchise-driven expansion.
Jul 18, 2026
Craveworthy taps master franchisee Unisan Bowls to launch Genghis Grill and Dirty Dough in India, targeting Hyderabad first amid tight U.S. financing.
Jul 17, 2026
Buffalo Wild Wings launches Poppin’ Ranch, a 99-cent popping-candy ranch add-on, designed to spark sensory buzz and impulse trials ahead of Wing Day.
Jul 17, 2026
Wonder closed a $650M Series D at a $9B valuation to expand locations and invest in robotics, AI, and delivery tech, accelerating its automation-first restaurant model.
Jul 17, 2026
Understand sports bar startup expenses, including location, construction, kitchen equipment, televisions, licenses, insurance, staffing, supplies, and cash reserves for operations.
Jul 16, 2026
Learn how to increase restaurant sales during the World Cup final through smarter planning, staffing, promotions, inventory, menus, and operations.
Jul 16, 2026
Mother-daughter duo Ciara Boyce and Tracey Pidge bring Hotworx to Wasilla, the first of four Alaska studios, extending a fast-growing 800+ location brand.
Jul 16, 2026
Explore how Art D’Elia's expertise is transforming the franchise business at Dairy Queen, propelling it to become a favorite quick-service restaurant globally.

Art D’Elia's transition from Domino’s Pizza to Dairy Queen brought a wealth of experience in international business and marketing. As the new Chief Operating Officer for the U.S. and Canada at Dairy Queen, D’Elia’s main focus is on driving franchisee sales and profits while strengthening the DQ brand. His strategic oversight of operations, training, and marketing is poised to elevate Dairy Queen's position in the highly competitive quick-service restaurant industry.
With a background in leadership roles at Domino’s Pizza and Danone, D’Elia brings a unique perspective to Dairy Queen. His vision to make Dairy Queen the world's favorite quick-service restaurant aligns with the company's growth trajectory. By leveraging his marketing expertise and proven success in the industry, D’Elia aims to propel Dairy Queen to new heights of success.

International Dairy Queen's vast network of over 7,700 restaurants across 20 countries showcases the brand's global appeal. D'Elia's initiatives, such as the introduction of DQ Blizzard and Burgers in China, demonstrate the company's commitment to innovation and growth. By partnering with local franchisees like the CFB Group, Dairy Queen is expanding its presence in key markets, paving the way for further international success.

The hiring of Gregg Benvenuto as the franchise development executive for the U.S. and Canada underscores Dairy Queen's dedication to market expansion. Benvenuto's role in market planning and franchise sales complements D’Elia's strategic objectives, aiming to drive growth and establish Dairy Queen as a prominent player in the quick-service restaurant segment.