Pizza Hut’s $1.2B China Sale Shakes Up Market
Yum! Brands has finalized a $1.2B deal to transfer Pizza Hut China to Yum China Holdings, signaling big strategic moves for both global franchisors and operators.
Aug 7, 2026
Yum! Brands has finalized a $1.2B deal to transfer Pizza Hut China to Yum China Holdings, signaling big strategic moves for both global franchisors and operators.
Aug 7, 2026
Panera Bread appoints industry veteran Andy Rebhun as Chief Marketing Officer, ushering in a new era of brand growth and consumer engagement.
Aug 7, 2026
Portillo’s trims 18% of its corporate staff in a bid to refocus resources on restaurant excellence and navigate operational challenges. Discover what the changes mean for the chain’s future.
Aug 7, 2026
Scheduling software helps restaurants save time, control labor costs, improve communication, prevent conflicts, support compliance, and make smarter staffing decisions.
Aug 5, 2026
Portillo’s trims corporate and field roles by 18% in a strategic shake-up to support future growth after soft traffic and sales. Read what this means for multi-unit operators.
Aug 6, 2026
Dutch Bros invests $105 million to acquire Salad and Go’s closed locations, targeting rapid expansion in key southern markets. Learn what this means for multi-unit restaurant owners and operators.
Aug 6, 2026
Salad and Go's bankruptcy and closure offer key lessons on growth, risk management, and market dynamics for restaurant leaders. See what every operator can learn.
Aug 5, 2026
Learn how to calculate prime cost, track food and labor expenses, measure percentages, identify problems, and improve restaurant profitability consistently.
Aug 5, 2026
Portillo’s announces industry veteran Kevin Kalicak as its new CFO and Treasurer, underscoring the brand’s growth strategy and financial vision.
Aug 5, 2026
Skye Anderson will lead McDonald's USA as its new president, stepping in to accelerate growth and revive sales. Learn how her leadership could shape the future of the restaurant industry.
Aug 4, 2026
Learn about Paul Carbone's appointment as the permanent CEO of Panera Brands and the significant menu transformation underway at Panera Bread.


Panera Brands made a strategic move by appointing Paul Carbone as its permanent CEO, effective immediately. Carbone, previously serving as the company's CFO since 2023, took on the role of interim CEO in January following the resignation of José Alberto Dueñas. His transition to the permanent CEO position signals a new era of leadership for the parent company of Panera Bread, Einstein Bros. Brands, and Caribou Coffee.
Paul Carbone brings a wealth of experience in the restaurant, consumer goods, and retail industries. With notable stints as the CFO of Dunkin' Brands, Yeti Holdings, and SharkNinja, Carbone has demonstrated his financial acumen and strategic thinking. His track record of success in both public and private companies within the industry positions him well to navigate Panera Brands through a period of transformation.
Under Carbone's leadership, Panera Bread underwent a significant menu transformation starting in February 2024. This transformation included the introduction of new breakfast items, baked goods, and the removal of certain menu items. Moreover, the company is in the process of transitioning to parbaked and frozen bread, aligning its operations with an on-demand model to enhance efficiency and meet evolving consumer demands.

Paul Carbone has outlined a multi-year plan focused on key objectives such as building exceptional teams, delivering an outstanding guest experience, and driving franchise profitability. This strategic roadmap reflects Carbone's commitment to fostering a culture of excellence within Panera Brands while ensuring sustainable growth and competitiveness in the dynamic restaurant industry.
Patrick Grismer, the board chair of Panera Brands, expressed confidence in Paul Carbone's leadership abilities and vision for the company. Grismer highlighted Carbone's significant contributions over the past two years and his proven success in steering companies through transformational periods. The endorsement from the board reinforces the trust in Carbone's capability to guide Panera Brands towards continued success and innovation.