Focus Brands

Qu Adds Iconic GoTo Foods’ Portfolio to its Unified Commerce Platform

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, February 29, 2024

BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Qu , the restaurant technology company pioneering the industry’s first unified commerce platform, today announced GoTo Foods (formerly known as Focus Brands) has selected Qu as its single POS platform for all seven of its industry-leading brands including Auntie Anne’s®, Cinnabon®, Carvel®, Jamba®, McAlister’s Deli®, Moe’s Southwest Grill® and Schlotzsky’s®.

Key Points: 
  • BETHESDA, Md., Feb. 29, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Qu , the restaurant technology company pioneering the industry’s first unified commerce platform, today announced GoTo Foods (formerly known as Focus Brands) has selected Qu as its single POS platform for all seven of its industry-leading brands including Auntie Anne’s®, Cinnabon®, Carvel®, Jamba®, McAlister’s Deli®, Moe’s Southwest Grill® and Schlotzsky’s®.
  • “Our strategy remains to provide best-in-class resources to our franchisees and Qu is a unified omni-channel technology platform that all of the brands within the GoTo Foods portfolio can benefit from,” said Nandu Gandhi, Chief Technology and Data Officer GoTo Foods.
  • With Qu’s modern micro-services architecture and triple-redundant commerce cloud, the GoTo Foods portfolio benefits with normalized data, arming analytics and insights teams with clean, centralized and uniform data that’s easier to interpret and act upon.
  • The system speed, third party integrations, platform uptime, data access, and reduced menu management complexities all add up to create value and ROI.

FranConnect Announces Acquisition of RizePoint, A Leading Provider of Quality Management Systems for Multi-Location Businesses

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 27, 2024

HERNDON, Va., Feb. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FranConnect, the market leading provider of sales, operations, and marketing solutions to franchises and multi-location businesses announced today it has acquired RizePoint, a leading provider of quality management systems (QMS) serving global restaurant, retail, and hospitality brands. This is FranConnect's third acquisition over a four-year period and marks another significant milestone for FranConnect in extending its reach beyond franchise brands to serve the operational needs of the broader ecosystem of multi-unit owners, locations, front-line employees, and suppliers.

Key Points: 
  • HERNDON, Va., Feb. 27, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FranConnect , the market leading provider of sales, operations, and marketing solutions to franchises and multi-location businesses announced today it has acquired RizePoint , a leading provider of quality management systems (QMS) serving global restaurant, retail, and hospitality brands.
  • This is FranConnect's third acquisition over a four-year period and marks another significant milestone.
  • The addition of RizePoint to the FranConnect platform brings deep quality management capabilities to FranConnect's already comprehensive franchise management platform .
  • Designed to help organizations effectively manage compliance, maintain quality standards, and streamline operations, RizePoint is known for its industry leading mobile auditing and inspection platform, used for location audits, health and safety checks, and supplier management.

Angie's® BOOMCHICKAPOP® Introduces New Cinnabon® Drizzled Kettle Corn

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, February 20, 2024

CHICAGO, Feb. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Angie's® BOOMCHICKAPOP®, a brand of Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG), has partnered with Cinnabon®, known around the world for its ooey-gooey cinnamon rolls, to launch new Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP Cinnabon Drizzled Kettle Corn. Now you can enjoy the sweet and salty snack inspired by the flavors of a Cinnabon cinnamon roll when you're on-the-go, watching tv or movies with family, or looking for a midday pick-me-up.

Key Points: 
  • CHICAGO, Feb. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Angie's® BOOMCHICKAPOP®, a brand of Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG), has partnered with Cinnabon®, known around the world for its ooey-gooey cinnamon rolls, to launch new Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP Cinnabon Drizzled Kettle Corn.
  • "People know and love the taste of Cinnabon cinnamon rolls," said Lucy Brady, president of Grocery and Snacks at Conagra Brands.
  • "Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP is excited to partner with Cinnabon to bring its iconic flavor to the #1 kettle brand in ready-to-eat popcorn.
  • The new Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP Cinnabon Drizzled Kettle Corn combines your favorite sweet treat with a salty snack for the perfect sweet and salty experience."

Ascent Hospitality Management Appoints New President of Perkins Restaurant & Bakery and New Chief Technology Officer

Retrieved on: 
Monday, February 5, 2024

ATLANTA, Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascent Hospitality Management ("Ascent"), franchisor to leading family dining brands Huddle House and Perkins Restaurant & Bakery , announced today that it has named Toni Ronayne as President of Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, and Steven Roach as Ascent Chief Technology Officer.

Key Points: 
  • ATLANTA, Feb. 5, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ascent Hospitality Management ("Ascent"), franchisor to leading family dining brands Huddle House and Perkins Restaurant & Bakery , announced today that it has named Toni Ronayne as President of Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, and Steven Roach as Ascent Chief Technology Officer.
  • We are also committed to becoming the Family Dining digital leader and have appointed an accomplished industry veteran to drive our technology initiatives," said James O'Reilly, chief executive officer of Ascent Hospitality Management.
  • As the President of Perkins Restaurant & Bakery, Ronayne will be responsible for accelerating the brand's growth across franchised and company-owned locations.
  • As the Chief Technology Officer for Ascent, Roach will be responsible for developing and leading initiatives on the Ascent and brand-specific technology roadmaps.

Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG) Names Mike Woodward Executive Vice President & Chief Growth Officer

Retrieved on: 
Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG), an Atlanta-based, privately-owned third-party hotel operator and investor, today announced that Mike “Woody” Woodward has been named executive vice president and chief growth officer.

Key Points: 
  • Hospitality Ventures Management Group (HVMG), an Atlanta-based, privately-owned third-party hotel operator and investor, today announced that Mike “Woody” Woodward has been named executive vice president and chief growth officer.
  • In his new role as a member of HVMG’s executive team, Woodward will lead the organization’s growth and investment team and be responsible for strategies that lead to both third-party management agreements and property acquisitions.
  • Woodward also has held sales management positions with Pfizer and Phoenix Life Insurance Company.
  • “HVMG has a stellar reputation as one of the leading third-party operators in the hospitality industry, and I look forward to growing with the company.”

SUBWAY® REVEALS SIDEKICKS, AN IRRESISTIBLE COLLECTION OF FOOTLONG COOKIES, CHURROS AND PRETZELS

Retrieved on: 
Thursday, January 18, 2024

MIAMI, Jan. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Subway® announced a big menu update with the debut of Sidekicks, a collection of three new footlong snacks available only at Subway restaurants nationwide on January 22. Subway Sidekicks give fans more of what they love about Subway as the perfect pairing for their favorite footlong, or as a sweet and savory snack any time of day.  

Key Points: 
  • Subway Sidekicks give fans more of what they love about Subway as the perfect pairing for their favorite footlong, or as a sweet and savory snack any time of day.
  • *
    The Auntie Anne's Footlong Pretzel for $3, reimagines Auntie Anne's buttery and salty classic, served with a side of Subway's Honey Mustard that takes each bite to another level.
  • *
    "The introduction of Sidekicks builds on six decades of equity and expertise in all things footlong," said Douglas Fry, President of Subway North America.
  • While previous menu and experience updates have been focused on Subway's signature sandwiches, Sidekicks puts a deserved spotlight on the rest of Subway's menu.

Trulieve Announces Appointment of Marie Zhang as Chief Operating Officer

Retrieved on: 
Friday, January 12, 2024

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Jan. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL ) (OTCQX: TCNNF ) ("Trulieve" or "the Company"), a leading and top-performing cannabis company in the U.S., today announced the appointment of Marie Zhang as Chief Operating Officer, effective January 29, 2024.

Key Points: 
  • TALLAHASSEE, Fla., Jan. 12, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (CSE: TRUL ) (OTCQX: TCNNF ) ("Trulieve" or "the Company"), a leading and top-performing cannabis company in the U.S., today announced the appointment of Marie Zhang as Chief Operating Officer, effective January 29, 2024.
  • Ms. Zhang has over 25 years' experience in operational roles for private and public companies including Blaze Pizza, Focus Brands, Yum!
  • "Her experience navigating complex regulatory and logistical challenges while managing rapid growth is especially valuable to Trulieve as we prepare for the next wave of catalysts."
  • "I am excited to join the Trulieve team at this pivotal time in the Company's history," said Ms. Zhang.

WALK-ON'S SPORTS BISTREAUX ADDS TO ITS LEADERSHIP TEAM; NAMES JAMIE DAVIS VP OF SUPPLY CHAIN & PROCUREMENT AND TYLER SCHACK VP OF TECHNOLOGY

Retrieved on: 
Tuesday, December 19, 2023

"We are thrilled to welcome Jamie Davis and Tyler Schack to the Walk-On's family.

Key Points: 
  • "We are thrilled to welcome Jamie Davis and Tyler Schack to the Walk-On's family.
  • As the VP of Supply Chain & Procurement, Davis brings over fifteen years of invaluable experience in the Foodservice industry to her role at Walk-On's.
  • Her previous experience includes positions as the VP of Supply Chain & Procurement at Insomnia Cookies, VP of Supply Chain at Edible Brands, Director of Supply Chain at Focus Brands (Cinnabon), and Director of Supply Chain at Tropical Smoothie Café.
  • "I'm elated to embark on this exciting journey as the VP of Supply Chain & Procurement for Walk-On's.

PLAYA BOWLS AMPLIFIES LEADERSHIP TEAM WITH APPOINTMENT OF NICOLLE DUBOSE AS NEW CHIEF MARKETING OFFICER

Retrieved on: 
Monday, October 23, 2023

BELMAR, N.J., Oct. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Playa Bowls, the nation's leading superfruit bowl shop specializing in bowls such as acai, pitaya, mango, green and coconut bowls, smoothies, juices, cold brew and more, announced today the strategic appointment of Nicolle DuBose as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). As CMO, DuBose will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of Playa Bowls' marketing efforts, including brand strategy, digital marketing, social media, and customer engagement initiatives.

Key Points: 
  • BELMAR, N.J., Oct. 23, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Playa Bowls , the nation's leading superfruit bowl shop specializing in bowls such as acai, pitaya, mango, green and coconut bowls, smoothies, juices, cold brew and more, announced today the strategic appointment of Nicolle DuBose as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO).
  • As CMO, DuBose will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of Playa Bowls' marketing efforts, including brand strategy, digital marketing, social media, and customer engagement initiatives.
  • DuBose succeeds Playa Bowls' Co-Founder Abby Taylor, who will remain engaged in the business as Chief Branding Officer and continue to play a critical role in Playa Bowls' marketing efforts.
  • "I am honored to join Playa Bowls as Chief Marketing Officer," said Nicolle DuBose.

Focus Brands Appoints New Supply Chain, Customer Engagement and Digital Leaders

Retrieved on: 
Monday, October 16, 2023

ATLANTA, Oct. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Focus Brands® , parent company of iconic brands including Auntie Anne's® , Carvel® , Cinnabon® , Jamba® , McAlister's Deli® , Moe's Southwest Grill® and Schlotzsky's® , today announced the addition of three new leaders to its supply chain, digital, and customer engagement functions.

Key Points: 
  • ATLANTA, Oct. 16, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Focus Brands® , parent company of iconic brands including Auntie Anne's® , Carvel® , Cinnabon® , Jamba® , McAlister's Deli® , Moe's Southwest Grill® and Schlotzsky's® , today announced the addition of three new leaders to its supply chain, digital, and customer engagement functions.
  • More importantly, we're investing in the right talent to build industry-best technology and supply chain capabilities," said Jim Holthouser, CEO of Focus Brands.
  • He will be responsible for overseeing the supply chain, distribution, logistics and quality assurance functions for all seven brands in the Focus Brands portfolio globally.
  • Urvi Patel has been promoted to Focus Brands' Executive Leadership Team and named SVP of Customer Experience and Engagement, leading customer engagement and loyalty, branded currency, revenue management, insights and digital experience.