Founded in 2021 by Edmond Barseghian, the brand has 20 locations across eight states. In 2023, it entered into a strategic growth partnership with Savory Fund, a Utah-based private equity firm that invests into emerging restaurant concepts. HHC now has 300 franchise commitments with plans to have 75 stores open by the end of 2025. “Brian is a phenomenal talent and an incredible addition to the HHC team,” said Andrew Smith, managing director of Savory Fund. “He is adept at both corporate and franchise growth, and he will be able to take this electrifying brand to the next level.”
IHOP
IHOP announced that Jay Johns will retire after 16 years at Dine Brands and nearly six years as president of IHOP. Johns will step down from his role on Jan. 6, 2025, but will remain involved with the company in an advisory capacity until March 2025. Lawrence Kim, previously chief innovation officer at YUM! Brands has been appointed president designee and will assume title of IHOP president on Jan. 6, 2025. Since joining Dine in 2012, Johns has held various leadership roles focused on improving restaurant performance and operations. As the President of IHOP, Johns successfully navigated the challenges posed by the pandemic, helping IHOP adapt through increased off-premise dining, curbside pickup and delivery services. He has also prioritized modernizing the brand through digital initiatives and technology, including launching its loyalty program, making IHOP more accessible to a tech-savvy guest base. “It has been an honor to lead IHOP and work alongside the
hardest working team and franchisees in the industry,” Johns said. “I am incredibly proud of what we have accomplished together, and I have every confidence that Lawrence Kim will continue to drive the brand forward with passion and vision.” Kim brings more than 20 years of leadership experience to IHOP and has a proven track record of success in global brand strategy, marketing and digital innovation. At IHOP, Kim will oversee the continued expansion of the brand, with a focus on innovation, guest experience and restaurant development growth.
“Stepping into the leadership role of this iconic brand is a true privilege,” Kim said. “I have cherished memories of dining at IHOP with family and friends, and I’m thrilled to join this exceptional team. Together with our dedicated franchisees, we’ll work tirelessly to ensure that IHOP continues to be an integral part of family culture for generations to come.”
Starbucks
Brian Niccol has been appointed chairman and CEO of Starbucks. Niccol comes to the coffee chain from Chipotle, where he served as chairman and CEO. “We are thrilled to welcome Brian to Starbucks,” said Mellody Hobson, chair of the Starbucks Board of Directors. “His phenomenal career speaks for itself. Brian is a culture
64 FEDA News & Views
carrier who brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of driving innovation and growth. Like all of us at Starbucks, he understands that a remarkable customer experience is rooted in an exceptional partner experience. Our board believes he will be a transformative leader for our company, our people, and everyone we serve around the world.”
“I am excited to join Starbucks and grateful for the opportunity to help steward this incredible company, alongside hundreds of thousands of devoted partners,” Niccol said. “I have long-admired Starbucks’ iconic brand, unique culture and commitment to enhancing human connections around the globe. As I embark upon this journey, I am energized by the tremendous potential to drive growth and further enhance the Starbucks experience for our customers and partners, while staying true to our mission and values.” Niccol succeeds Laxman Narasimhan, who stepped down
from his role as CEO and as a member of the Starbucks board. During his tenure, Narasimhan improved the Starbucks partner experience, drove significant innovation in its supply chain and enhanced its store operations. “Having followed Brian’s leadership and transformation journey at Chipotle, I’ve long admired his leadership impact,” Starbucks Founder Howard Schultz said. “His retail excellence and track record in delivering extraordinary shareholder value recognizes the critical human element it takes to lead a culture and values driven enterprise. I believe he is the leader Starbucks needs at a pivotal moment in its history. He has my respect and full support.”
Wendy’s The Wendy’s Company appointed Mary Greenlee as senior vice president of U.S. operations, reporting to Abigail Pringle, president, U.S. Greenlee has more than 25 years of experience in
the restaurant and beverage industries, bringing a deep understanding of franchise systems and strategic thinking to elevate performance. She will oversee the performance of Wendy’s company and franchise operations to support the brand’s strategic growth initiatives, including continuing to drive the restaurant’s economic model and building out the chain’s U.S. footprint to ensure it reaches its full growth potential. Greenlee has held significant operational roles over her career, most recently serving as vice president of U.S. field operations at Subway and director of business development and general manager of Coca-Cola freestyle strategy for Wendy’s. “Wendy’s has consistently set a standard for quality and
creativity in the quick service restaurant industry, and I’ve long admired the brand’s commitment to value and innovation,” Greenlee said. “I look forward to working closely with the team to drive strategic growth, enhance operations and continue delivering an exceptional customer experience.”
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