Eatery Pulse Team 
Impossible Foods named Noel Clarke SVP of International. Clarke will lead the company’s international strategy, along with the sales team, to grow business across its markets outside the United States. He comes to Impossible Foods from Unilever, having worked there for more than one decade.
Just Salad launched its loyalty program, “Race to Rewards,” offering personalized rewards to its customers. According to the fast-casual chain, the program is crafted to “ incentivize healthy, climate-conscious food choices.”
The Small Business Administration (SBA) released $83M in pending unobligated Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) grant amounts today, according to the National Restaurant Association. The released funds went to 169 restaurant operators that had submitted applications that were pending.
Tim Hortons added a Peppermint Mocha Latte and a Peppermint Mocha Cream Cold Brew as part of its release of holiday beverages. The seasonal drinks also include the Peppermint Hot Chocolate and Peppermint Mocha Iced Capp. Holiday-theme cups and donut boxes also rolled out.
Cafe Rio Mexican Grill returned Carne Asada to restaurants systemwide. Starting November 28, the fast casual chain’s premium steak is on the menu for a limited time.
The owners of Le Pain Quotidien, The Little Beet and Table by Little Beet organized the restaurant chains under Convive Brands. Formerly, the brands were operated by Aurify Brands. Jon Weber will lead the new operating platform as its chief executive officer.
Focus Brands named Brendan Berg SVP of operations for the restaurant category. The 40-year industry veteran comes to the franchisor of Auntie Anne’s, Jamba, Moe’s Southwest Grill, among other quick-serve chains, from Church’s Chicken. Berg has had the experience of working his way up from team member to executive leadership ranks.
Wendy’s launched Italian Mozzarella Sandwiches and Garlic Fries. The Mozzarella Chicken Sandwich and Mozzarella Cheeseburger make up the new, limited-time lineup. In addition, Wendy’s added the Italian Mozzarella Sandwiches to the QSR burger chain’s Made to Crave line.
The Counter introduced a Texas BBQ Brisket Burger and Double Chocolate Cookies N Cream Shake. These newly-released menu items will be available for a limited time.
Brix Holdings named Sherif Mityas chief executive officer and Dawn Petite, brand president for Friendly’s Restaurant Group. Mityas will now take charge of the restaurant brands of Brix Holdings and Amici Partners. He will oversee Friendly’s, Red Mango, Orange Leaf, Smoothie Factory, SouperSalad and Humble Donuts.
