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
Learn how to improve restaurant operations, boost franchise growth, and enhance guest experience based on the experience of industry veteran Michael Meche.
Photo by Toa Heftiba
Michael Meche, a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience in the restaurant industry, has played pivotal roles at various renowned chains, including Papa John's, Capriotti's, and Wing Zone. His background in improving guest experience, boosting franchisee performance, and developing robust operations teams underscores the importance of effective leadership in driving operational excellence.
Photo by Toa Heftiba
During his tenure as Chief Restaurant Officer at Capriotti's and Wing Zone, Meche demonstrated his ability to enhance guest experience, elevate franchisee performance, and cultivate a strong operational foundation. By focusing on delivering consistent quality and tailored support for franchisees, Meche's leadership style emphasizes the importance of operational consistency and guest satisfaction in driving overall success.
Meche's experience at Papa John's, where he managed operations for over 3,000 restaurants, positions him as a valuable asset for Mooyah in expanding its unit count and geographical reach. Despite a slight decline in unit count in recent years, the chain's strategic initiatives, such as introducing drive-thrus, smaller footprint designs, and innovative technology like curbside delivery, indicate a commitment to growth and adaptation to changing consumer preferences.
Photo by Toa Heftiba
Under Meche's guidance, Mooyah is poised to prioritize operational consistency, tailored support for franchisees, and guest experience excellence. By leveraging Meche's passion for delivering quality and operational efficiency, the chain aims to create a competitive edge in the market and foster a culture of continuous improvement.