Andrew Rebhun Named Panera Bread's New CMO
Panera Bread welcomes Andrew Rebhun as Chief Marketing Officer, succeeding Mark Shambura. Learn about his background at CAVA, El Pollo Loco, and McDonald's.
Aug 20, 2026
Panera Bread welcomes Andrew Rebhun as Chief Marketing Officer, succeeding Mark Shambura. Learn about his background at CAVA, El Pollo Loco, and McDonald's.
Aug 20, 2026
Taco Bell’s Taylor Montgomery has been appointed as President of Jack in the Box, positioning him to take over as CEO within a year - signaling major shifts for the QSR brand's future.
Aug 20, 2026
Payroll advances help restaurant owners give hourly employees earlier access to earned wages while maintaining accurate records, policies, and compliance.
Aug 19, 2026
Learn how to open a restaurant with no experience by planning your concept, budget, location, team, operations, and successful launch.
Aug 19, 2026
Explore the main types of ordering technology restaurants use to improve accuracy, speed, payments, customer convenience, and operational efficiency daily.
Aug 17, 2026
Learn the eight essential steps of the restaurant payroll process, from tracking hours and calculating wages to payments and recordkeeping.
Aug 17, 2026
Discover how restaurant SMS marketing works, from building subscriber lists and creating campaigns to improving engagement and measuring marketing performance.
Aug 14, 2026
The transition of Pizza Hut's CEO, Aaron Powell, marks a pivotal moment for the chain and offers valuable leadership lessons for restaurant owners. Here’s what this executive change could mean for your business.
Aug 17, 2026
Panera Bread welcomes Andrew Rebhun as its new CMO to spearhead strategic brand growth and transformation, bolstering its vision for 2028.
Aug 17, 2026
Learn how to manage cash flow in your restaurant by tracking finances, controlling costs, forecasting needs, and building cash reserves.
Aug 14, 2026
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Explore how Pizza Hut's recent buyout and franchise dynamics are reshaping the restaurant industry landscape. Understand the implications of bankruptcy on franchise operations and market share.

In a significant move that has reshaped Pizza Hut's operational landscape, the recent buyout has more than doubled the company-operated store count. With a chain predominantly relying on franchise operations, the addition of these new stores marks a strategic shift towards a more company-owned model. As of the latest financial disclosures, Pizza Hut had only seven company-operated units, highlighting the magnitude of this acquisition.
The bankruptcy filing by EYM, a major operator of Pizza Hut franchises, has sent ripples through the industry. With EYM's decision to sell 127 of its Pizza Hut restaurants through Chapter 11 proceedings, many locations have likely faced closure during this tumultuous period. Reports from local media sources have indicated a significant number of EYM-operated Pizza Huts shutting down, showcasing the real-world impact of such financial challenges on franchise operations.

Analyzing the broader market repercussions of these events reveals noteworthy insights. With about one-third of Pizza Hut's extensive store network located in the U.S., the closure of almost a full percentage point of these stores post-EYM's bankruptcy reflects a substantial shift in the company's domestic presence. This restructuring has not only affected Pizza Hut's footprint but also changed the competitive dynamics within the fast-food restaurant sector.

The practice of franchisors acquiring units from bankrupt operators is a common occurrence in the restaurant industry, as demonstrated by Burger King's strategic moves. Acquiring a significant number of restaurants during asset auctions or bankruptcies allows franchisors to expand their portfolio, solidify market share, and often reinvigorate underperforming locations. Such acquisitions present opportunities for growth while mitigating the risks associated with new store development.