Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill
Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill announced that CEO Greg Willman has notified the board of his intent to retire from his executive role. Current CFO Grady Metoyer will take over as interim CEO. Willman joined Naf Naf in 2019 as the brand’s first franchisee, bringing the fast-casual Middle Eastern concept to Indianapolis and Carmel, Indiana. He was named CEO and appointed to the board of directors in 2020, later becoming board chair. “I’ve enjoyed my time at Naf Naf immensely and I am very excited about the brand’s future,” Willman said. “I look forward to working with the board and our team over the next two months, in an advisory capacity, to support Grady in this new, well- deserved, role. Thereafter, I will remain active as a board member and investor in the company.”
Noodles & Company Noodles & Company has promoted Joseph Christina, the company’s current president and COO, to the role of president and CEO and appointed him to its board of directors. He succeeds Drew Madsen, who is stepping down as CEO for personal medical reasons but will continue to serve on the board of directors. “We’re excited to elevate Joe Christina to president and CEO,” said Jeff Jones, chairman of the board. “Joe’s experience as a CEO at multiple restaurant concepts, combined with his leadership style and passion for operations excellence, will set Noodles up well for future success.” Christina has an extensive background in quick service and fast-casual restaurant leadership, with expertise spanning operations, financial management, market development, marketing, human resources, and franchise leadership. He began his career at Burger King, where he advanced over 29 years from restaurant manager to senior vice president of U.S. franchise operations for the West Division. Most recently, he served as CEO of Tijuana Flats.
Starbird Starbird appointed Maria Rivera as CEO and to its board of directors.
Rivera is an accomplished industry leader known for scaling some of the sector’s most dynamic brands. Founder Aaron Noveshen will transition fully to his role as chairman of the board, remaining an active partner in supporting Starbird’s strategic direction.
“Maria is a transformative leader with a remarkable track
record of building brands with heart, assembling exceptional teams and driving disciplined growth,” Noveshen said. “I’m thrilled to welcome her to the helm and energized by the opportunity to partner with her as we lead Starbird into its next chapter — unlocking new levels of growth, reach and impact together with our team.” Rivera brings more than two decades of executive experience with globally recognized brands, including Krispy Kreme, Logan’s Roadhouse, Darden Restaurants, Caesar’s Entertainment, and The Walt Disney Company. Most recently, she served as CEO of Smalls Sliders, spearheading its franchise-driven growth and brand evolution.
Subway
Subway announced that Jonathan Fitzpatrick will join the company as CEO following a comprehensive search. With more than two decades of franchising and quick service
restaurant experience, Fitzpatrick has a proven track record of elevating sales and operational performance across global networks, the company said. Most recently, he served as president and CEO of Driven Brands where his leadership resulted in 17 consecutive quarters of same-store sales growth. He also served in a range of senior leadership positions at Burger King, including executive vice president, chief brand and operations officer. In that role, Fitzpatrick led the single largest menu overhaul in the brand’s history, simplified restaurant operations and reimagined the guest experience while modernizing the restaurant’s global image. “I’m honored to lead this iconic brand that has been serving
guests around the world for 60 years,” Fitzpatrick said. “I’m excited by the opportunity to shape the future of the company, working alongside our valued franchisees and employees to help drive increased sales and franchisee profitability and grow our brand around the world.”
Wendy’s The Wendy’s Co. named Pete Suerken as president, U.S. He succeeds Abigail Pringle, who had served as president, U.S. since 2024.
Suerken has served as president and CEO of Wendy’s Quality Supply Chain Co-Op (“QSCC”), the independent purchasing cooperative for the Wendy’s system, since 2021. QSCC works closely with company operators and franchisees, leading supply chain and distribution activities for Wendy’s restaurants around the globe. He has a proven track record of transforming operations, building profitability and leading innovation, spanning more than two decades in the food, beverage and restaurant industries. “Delivering exceptional customer experiences, increasing
restaurant-level profitability and accelerating growth are crucial priorities for our U.S. business,” Interim CEO Ken Cook said. “I am confident Pete will lead our business with operational excellence and intensity, helping us achieve our long-term strategic priorities to create value for our franchisees, employees and shareholders.”
Yum! Brands Yum! Brands Inc. has chosen Chris Turner as its next CEO, effective Oct. 1, 2025. Turner, who currently serves as chief financial and franchise officer for Yum! Brands, will succeed current CEO David Gibbs, who will retire in the next year after 37 years with the restaurant chain. “I’m deeply honored to step into the role of CEO at Yum! Brands and incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead this global company with such iconic brands,” Turner said. “I want to sincerely thank David Gibbs for his exceptional leadership and partnership. I’m excited to build on all that we’ve accomplished together alongside our talented teams and in partnership with our franchisees around the world, as we innovate, grow our brands and continue delivering exceptional experiences for our consumers.” Turner has served as Yum! Brands’ CFO since 2019 and expanded his role to include chief franchise officer in 2024, with responsibilities for finance, corporate strategy, supply chain, franchise standards and support.
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