Dan Harmon Takes the Helm at Pizzana
Veteran restaurant leader Dan Harmon is now CEO of Pizzana and is driving the brand’s national expansion, franchising plans, and operational innovation.
Jun 29, 2026
Veteran restaurant leader Dan Harmon is now CEO of Pizzana and is driving the brand’s national expansion, franchising plans, and operational innovation.
Jun 29, 2026
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Southpaw adds 43 Ohio Taco Bell restaurants to its impressive portfolio, highlighting franchise growth and strengthening the Midwest QSR landscape.
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Discover how Cicis Pizza's rewards program skyrocketed to over one million members in under a year, driving customer engagement and retention. See the lessons for restaurant loyalty programs.
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The fallout of Pizza Hut's mandated AI delivery system rollout has ignited a $100 million lawsuit from a leading franchisee, highlighting crucial franchisor-franchisee lessons for all restaurant owners.
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Expanding to multiple locations requires clear systems, strong managers, smart financing, market research, and performance tracking to protect restaurant profits.
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World Cup knockout games help restaurants boost sales with food and drink specials, group bundles, takeout offers, and timely promotions.
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LongHorn Steakhouse surpassed $1 billion in quarterly sales for the first time, driven by strong value perception and menu innovation. Restaurant leaders can draw key lessons for thriving when consumer price sensitivity is high.
Jun 25, 2026
Explore the latest news on Nothing Bundt Cakes' appointment of Joel Larkin as Chief Development Officer. Learn about Larkin's expertise and the company's strategic growth plans.
Photo by Courtney Cook
Nothing Bundt Cakes, a renowned bakery brand based in Dallas with over 635 units, has named Joel Larkin as their new Chief Development Officer. Larkin, a seasoned professional with more than two decades of experience in franchise development and operations, is set to bring his expertise to drive the company's growth and expansion.
Joel Larkin's career highlights include his role as the Chief Franchise and Development Officer at European Wax Center, where he successfully led the expansion of the brand to over 1,000 locations. Prior to this, Larkin held significant leadership positions at Victra and Select Communications, showcasing his versatile skill set and industry knowledge.
Photo by Courtney Cook
Dolf Berle, the CEO of Nothing Bundt Cakes, expressed great confidence in Joel Larkin, emphasizing how Larkin's technical expertise and energy align perfectly with the company's growth trajectory. Berle highlighted Larkin's ability to support bakery owners and the support center team, showcasing a clear vision for the brand's success under Larkin's leadership.
In his new role, Joel Larkin will take on the crucial task of identifying and nurturing new franchise partners for Nothing Bundt Cakes. Additionally, he will focus on enhancing resources and support for existing bakery owners, ensuring a seamless experience for all stakeholders involved in the brand's operations.
Photo by Courtney Cook
Joel Larkin emphasized the distinctive approach Nothing Bundt Cakes takes towards expansion, emphasizing the preservation of the special connection that each bakery has with its local community. This customer-centric approach sets the brand apart and fosters a loyal customer base across its corporate bakeries located in more than 40 states and Canada.
Photo by Courtney Cook
With Joel Larkin at the helm as the Chief Development Officer, Nothing Bundt Cakes is poised for accelerated growth and strategic expansion. Larkin's strategic vision and operational expertise are expected to drive the brand towards further success while maintaining its core values and community engagement.