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 the significance of a Chief People Officer in fostering organizational growth and talent acquisition in the hospitality industry.
Photo by Scott Evans
A Chief People Officer, like Jamie Griffin at Shake Shack, plays a pivotal role in ensuring a company has the right talent pool to support its growth ambitions. In the case of Shake Shack, aiming to expand to 1,500 restaurants necessitates a strategic approach to talent acquisition. This involves not only hiring managers and hourly employees but also focusing on creating a diverse and inclusive workforce that aligns with the company's 'people-first approach.'
Photo by Scott Evans
One of the primary responsibilities of a Chief People Officer is to oversee and enhance the team member experience within the organization. By focusing on factors such as organizational design, leadership development, and total rewards, the Chief People Officer ensures that employees are motivated, engaged, and well-supported in their roles. This, in turn, leads to higher retention rates and a more positive work environment.
Chief People Officers are instrumental in cultivating strong, people-centric cultures within companies. Jamie Griffin's experience in helping restaurants 'scale, evolve, and build strong, people-centric cultures' highlights the importance of a robust organizational culture in driving success. By focusing on areas such as team member relations and compliance, Chief People Officers create an environment where employees feel valued, leading to higher productivity and employee satisfaction.
Photo by Scott Evans
In addition to overseeing various HR functions, a Chief People Officer often leads HR teams at support centers or headquarters to support enterprise growth. By providing leadership, guidance, and strategic direction to HR professionals, Chief People Officers like Jamie Griffin enable the HR department to effectively contribute to the overall growth and capabilities of the organization. This involves developing HR strategies that align with the company's objectives and values.