Smashburger is backing up their recent growth by promoting and adding new members within their executive positions. Greg Creighton is now President of the chain as well as Chief Operating Officer. Chris Chang was hired to fill the Senior Vice President of Finance and Strategy recently as well, and 5 other executives received promotions.
Sbarro is moving ahead with its bankruptcy filings by filing their Joint Plan of Reorganization. The company also released a disclosure statement. The plan involves dropping nearly 3/4ths of the company’s $405 million dollar debts. In exchange the debtors will own nearly all of the company once the bankruptcy is finished.
The classics remain in the dessert case of Laurier BBQ, but the rest of the restaurant has been radically made-over by celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. The restaurant was an iconic part of Montreal and in its new incarnation, now called Laurier Gordon Ramsay, it may not attract some of its past customers. Only a few of the menu items remain.
The owner of the Landry’s restaurant chain, Tilman J. Fertitta, has announced his collobration with actress Eva Longoria to help run her restaurant Beso. The award winning restaurant is located in the heart of Las Vegas and Fertitta wants to bring his extensive restaurant industry knowledge to help it grow.
Taco Cabana has sought the aid of the San Antonio marketing firm BradfordLawton to help create a new creative campaign. The package includes advertising in all media formats including television and print. The firm also helped bring a fresher, brighter look to store interiors and redesigned the chain’s website.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit expands again with a contract for two new locations in the Springfield, Missouri area. The franchisee, David Wells, will also open two more restaurants with the company in Arkansas. The chain currently consists of 165 locations but over 20 more will be open by the end of the year.
Krispy Kreme is growing as well and is adding a new location in Collingswood, New Jersey. The store will open on August 23rd with a grand opening event full of celebrations. It will feature a drive-thru, flat screen TVs for customers who dine-in. The menu features the classic glazed donuts along with other breakfast items like fresh fruit.
Smashburger has become a major success in Charlotte, North Carolina and is giving back to the community as thanks. The chain is planning to make donations to Camp CARE, a local summer camp that provides children with cancer and their parents a chance to have fun. The local Smashburger restaurant is a top-level sponsor for the camp’s 5K walk fundraiser.
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store elected a new Board of Director member. William W. McCarten will be the 12th board member and is the 11th independent member. He is also a chairman of the DiamondRock Hospitality Company that operates a number of high class hotels throughout the country and served as CEO for a number of years.