Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash
Executive Shakeup Redefines Growth
A wave of leadership changes across major restaurant brands signals governance-driven growth and nimble execution in a volatile market.
Apr 19, 2026
Photo by Patrick Tomasso on Unsplash
A wave of leadership changes across major restaurant brands signals governance-driven growth and nimble execution in a volatile market.
Apr 19, 2026
Chipotle teams with Wonderskin to launch Lipotle, a two-step guac-proof lip stain kit timed for National Avocado Day, blending food culture with beauty tech.
Apr 19, 2026
Photo by Monika Guzikowska on Unsplash
Hawkers Asian Street Food files Chapter 11 to stabilize operations, rework debt terms, and pursue growth with Savory Fund investment while preserving brand and staff.
Apr 19, 2026
Photo by Joshua Rodriguez on Unsplash
Starbucks accelerates sustainability with cups, EV chargers, and Illinois solar projects, weaving renewables into daily operations and community life.
Apr 19, 2026
A profile of Angry Chickz’s bold heat, culture-led growth, and disciplined franchise model expanding from California to Texas and Arizona.
Apr 18, 2026
Photo by Maria Orlova on Unsplash
NRN's Investment Summit connects emerging restaurant brands with investors in Nashville, blending education, pitches, and deal-making to accelerate growth.
Apr 18, 2026
RaceTrac acquires Potbelly to accelerate a franchising-led expansion, backed by new leadership and an expanded development playbook.
Apr 18, 2026
Photo by Adrien Olichon on Unsplash
Chili’s brings back Ziosk for pay-at-table, loyalty, and AI insights across 1,100+ locations, signaling a thoughtful, guest-focused digital restart.
Apr 18, 2026
Photo by The 77 Human Needs System on Unsplash
Scottsdale welcomes a compact, all-day market from True Food Kitchen blending wellness-forward meals with grab-and-go convenience, signaling broader growth into market formats.
Apr 18, 2026
The Melting Pot blends modernization with conversions to grow, inviting brighter guest experiences while honoring its fondue heritage.
Apr 18, 2026
Explore how Twin Hospitality leveraged the franchise model to enhance performance and unlock growth potential for its restaurant brand.
Photo by Abdul Hakim on Unsplash
Photo by Abdul Hakim on Unsplash
Twin Hospitality's decision to convert Smokey Bones units into Twin Peaks restaurants marks a strategic shift in the restaurant industry. By identifying 19 Smokey Bones locations for conversion, Twin Hospitality aimed to revitalize these spaces and enhance their performance. The successful completion of two conversions has already demonstrated significant results, with average unit volumes skyrocketing from $3.5 million to $7.8 million. This substantial increase showcases the effectiveness of the conversion strategy in generating impressive financial returns.
Utilizing FAT Brands' established franchise model, Twin Hospitality plans to leverage franchising as a tool for unlocking growth potential within its brand. By starting to franchise a portion of the remaining Smokey Bones locations, Twin Hospitality aims to create a more balanced corporate-to-franchise mix. This shift not only diversifies the company's operational structure but also paves the way for expanded market presence and revenue streams. The strategic use of franchising can open up new avenues for brand expansion and profitability.
The closure of 15 unprofitable Smokey Bones locations, coupled with the reduction of $1.5 million in corporate overhead, underscores Twin Hospitality's commitment to enhancing EBITDA performance. By focusing on the positive cash flow generated by the remaining 26 Smokey Bones restaurants, which contribute around $3 million to EBITDA on a trailing 12-month basis, the company aims to streamline operations and drive financial growth. These measures are designed to create a more robust financial framework for sustained success.
With the appointment of Ken Brendemihl as president of Smokey Bones, Twin Hospitality reinforces its commitment to operational excellence and leadership. Ken's extensive experience in the restaurant industry, including roles at Alamo Drafthouse, Velvet Taco, and Texas Roadhouse, brings a wealth of operational expertise to steer Smokey Bones into a new era. His proven track record and deep industry knowledge position him as a catalyst for driving growth and innovation within the brand.
While focusing on revitalizing Smokey Bones, Twin Hospitality remains dedicated to growing its Twin Peaks brand. With 114 units spread across 27 states and Mexico, and backed by 100 signed franchise agreements, Twin Peaks has laid a solid foundation for expansion. Despite recent operational losses and a decline in same-store sales, Twin Hospitality's strategic initiatives, including the closure of underperforming Smokey Bones locations, are aimed at strengthening the overall financial performance and growth trajectory of the Twin Peaks brand.