Zaxby’s named Mike Mettler chief development officer (CDO). Concurrently, the chicken QSR chain announced that Mike Nettles would fill the permanent role of chief digital & technology officer (CDTO), which he had been serving in on an interim basis.
Centre Partners acquired QSR chain Captain D’s Seafood for a second time. The first acquisition took place in 2013, with the middle-market private equity firm exiting the business in 2017. Terms of the Captain D’s transaction were not disclosed.
Chester’s Chicken, a fried-chicken QSR, introduced Honey Stung Chicken Sandwich and Honey Stung Chicken Bites. The limited-time additions offer up double-breaded and fried fresh chicken that is “sauced and tossed” in Frank’s RedHot Stingin’ Honey Garlic Sauce.
Fat Brands opened a Fatburger restaurant in the Excalibur Hotel and Casino. The opening marks the third casino location in Las Vegas. The Fatburger Excalibur opening follows Red Rock Casino and Santa Fe Station. This summer, another casino unit will open this one at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas.
Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer will open new locations in Dallas, Miami and Nashville by early 2023. Married couple and founders Chris Barish and Julie Mulligan will expand their brand of burgers and CrazyShake milkshakes to 21 locations worldwide. After the three openings, the burger chain will operate in six states and nine countries.
Noodles and Company launched LEANguini nationwide while it deployed a pilot to test new Asian-inspired, Broth Bowls. The three broth-based bowls include Japanese Chicken Broth Bowl, Sesame Chicken Dumpling Broth Bowl and Vietnamese Steak Broth Bowl.
Justin Bieber and Tim Hortons collaborated for the Biebs Brew, a new, French Vanilla Cold Brew. The limited-time coffee drink launches June 6 in the United States and Canada. In addition to the new beverage, Timbiebs are back.
Schlotzsky’s unveiled its first Design 1000 prototype restaurant in Oklahoma City. It was announced in the fourth quarter of 2020, along with Design 1800, the single drive-thru. In contrast, Design 1000 features two drive-thrus that were created on each side of the restaurant. This prototype reinforces the commitment of Schlotzsky’s to off-premises business, the sandwich chain announced in a statement.
Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar rolled out a new Sunset Mana Rita and returned its Tipsy Shark as part of Seaside Sips. These are the featured Mucho Cocktails, priced at $5 each. In this rotation, Seaside Sips are headlined by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson’s ultra-premium Teremana Blanco Tequila.
Yogurtland released a new Plant-Based Blueberry Pancake frozen yogurt flavor. The new option is prepared with oat milk and real blueberries. Yogurtland’s Plant-Based Blueberry Pancake flavor drew inspiration from the breakfast-in-bed treat.
