RaceTrac Names Jill Pemberton as New CFO
RaceTrac has appointed Jill Pemberton as chief financial officer, succeeding Karla Ahlert, who moves into the newly created role of chief administrative officer.
Aug 26, 2026
RaceTrac has appointed Jill Pemberton as chief financial officer, succeeding Karla Ahlert, who moves into the newly created role of chief administrative officer.
Aug 26, 2026
Learn practical ways to reduce labour costs through smarter scheduling, forecasting, productivity, cross-training, automation, overtime control, and performance monitoring strategies.
Aug 26, 2026
A restaurant P&L statement reveals sales, expenses, and profits, helping owners manage costs, improve margins, and plan finances more effectively.
Aug 26, 2026
A payroll advance policy helps restaurant owners define eligibility, limits, repayment, documentation, approval procedures, and compliance requirements for employee advances.
Aug 24, 2026
Blaze Pizza welcomes Tracy Stockard as Chief Marketing Officer, bringing decades of brand and franchise experience to drive strategic growth and guest engagement.
Aug 25, 2026
Levain Bakery appoints Lorna Sommerville and Taya Stenson as co-CEOs, blending operational and marketing expertise to power national expansion and innovation while staying rooted in its brand values.
Aug 25, 2026
Create a practical restaurant marketing plan by setting goals, targeting customers, choosing channels, budgeting wisely, scheduling campaigns, and measuring results.
Aug 24, 2026
Anna Faktorovich, a seasoned marketing executive, has been named Chief Marketing Officer at Scooter’s Coffee, bringing decades of multi-brand experience to fuel the franchise’s next growth stage.
Aug 25, 2026
Dave & Buster's refreshes its executive lineup with seasoned leaders in operations, marketing, tech, and finance - signaling a growth-driven future for restaurant operators to watch.
Aug 24, 2026
Wendy’s announces Tariq Hassan as Chief Marketing and Customer Growth Officer, charting a new course for brand and digital innovation. What restaurant owners can learn.
Aug 24, 2026
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Explore how major fast casual chains are expanding despite consumer trends, with a focus on new unit openings and growth strategies.
Photo by Logan Voss
Shake Shack, despite a slowdown in sales growth, is embarking on an ambitious plan to open a significant number of new stores. With a focus on diversification beyond its traditional markets, the chain aims to drive revenue through new locations. By strategically placing outlets in areas like Washington, Arizona, and New Jersey, Shake Shack is not only offsetting declining same-store sales in some regions but also setting new records in initial sales in suburban markets.
Photo by Logan Voss
Wingstop's global expansion has been a remarkable success story, with new markets exceeding domestic performance levels. The chain's entry into countries like Australia and the U.K. has been met with enthusiastic reception, indicating a strong demand for its offerings. By leveraging this international growth momentum, Wingstop has revised its unit growth outlook upwards, showcasing the brand's resilience and appeal in diverse markets.
Chipotle's emphasis on market diversification, especially in Canada and upcoming ventures in Mexico, signals a broader strategy to tap into lucrative markets beyond its homeland. The chain's focus on Chipotlanes and innovative store designs reflects a commitment to enhancing customer experience while driving growth. With a solid track record and plans to reach 7,000 units in the long term, Chipotle is poised for sustained success.
Cava's steady expansion into new regions like the Midwest and Southern Florida underscores its commitment to capturing diverse consumer markets. With a strong performance in new store metrics and an eye on achieving average unit volumes above $3 million, the chain's growth trajectory remains promising. By introducing new design elements and prototypes, Cava is enhancing its dining experience to attract and retain customers in a competitive landscape.
Despite facing profitability challenges and sales downturns, Sweetgreen remains proactive in its development plans. By introducing automated kitchen technologies and recalibrating its real estate strategy, the chain demonstrates agility and foresight in adapting to market dynamics. The brand's focus on new markets and a long-term growth target reaffirms its confidence in navigating through tough times towards sustainable growth.