Fresh Kitchen Hires Veterans to Scale Clean-Label Bowls
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
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
One of the largest U.S. Cyclospora outbreaks hits 34 states; Taco Bell pulls produce in Michigan as FDA and CDC trace the source.
Jul 16, 2026
Explore how Zipporah Allen's appointment as Chief Commercial Officer is poised to reshape Sweetgreen's brand positioning, menu development, and guest engagement strategies for revitalization.
Photo by 7Angles Photography
Zipporah Allen's arrival at Sweetgreen heralds a new era for the struggling salad brand, focusing on brand repositioning and menu development. With a background in leading successful growth strategies at various iconic brands like Strava and Taco Bell, Allen's expertise is poised to reshape Sweetgreen's brand positioning to attract and retain customers.
Photo by 7Angles Photography
One of Zipporah Allen's key responsibilities at Sweetgreen is to deepen overall guest engagement. By leveraging her experience in enhancing guest experiences at previous roles, such as engaging over 150 million members at Strava globally, Allen aims to create meaningful connections with Sweetgreen customers, driving loyalty and advocacy.
Following the transition from the complex Sweetpass to the simplified SG Rewards loyalty program, Zipporah Allen is set to optimize this essential channel for brand outreach. The shift aims to streamline the customer experience, driving increased engagement and repeat visits. Early signs of frequency recovery post-program changes indicate a positive trajectory under Allen's leadership.
Photo by 7Angles Photography
Known for her role in spearheading digital transformation at Yum Brands' Taco Bell, Allen's expertise will be instrumental in Sweetgreen's digital evolution. As the brand navigates more suburban development and automated digital processes, Allen's insights could drive operational efficiencies and enhance customer experiences, ultimately improving the brand's performance.
Despite facing profitability challenges and declining sales, Sweetgreen sees a beacon of hope in Zipporah Allen's appointment. With a strategic focus on menu development, enhanced guest engagement, and the optimization of loyalty programs, Allen's leadership is poised to steer Sweetgreen towards revitalization and sustainable growth in the competitive fast-casual market.