CKE Restaurants Expands Executive Leadership Structure to Support Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s Growth

CKE Restaurants is expanding its executive leadership structure under CEO Joe Guith, creating dedicated leadership for Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s as the company looks to accelerate growth across both brands.

Alisa Gmelich has been named President of Hardee’s, joining Iwona Alter, President of Carl’s Jr., in leading the two chains. CKE said the move is part of Guith’s effort to establish dedicated brand leadership while sharpening focus on operational performance, franchisee profitability and long-term brand relevance...

Rancher’s Premium Smokehouse Partners With Houchens Food Group to Expand Across Its Vast Retail Foot

Rancher’s Premium Smokehouse, the nation’s fastest-growing national smoked sausage brand, has partnered with Houchens Food Group to bring its authentic Texas smokehouse flavors to shoppers across Houchens’ expansive retail network beginning in October.

Through the new partnership, Rancher’s will expand into IGA, Price Less IGA, Food Giant and Save A Lot locations operated by Houchens Food Group. As part of the rollout, Rancher’s is taking over shelf space previously occupied by an established national sausage competitor, marking a significant retai...

Chipotle Set to Enter Asia With First South Korea Location

Chipotle will be opening its first restaurant in Seoul, South Korea, its first Asian location, marking the latest step in the company’s international expansion.

The restaurant will be located at 423 Gangnam-daero in Seocho-gu and is being launched in partnership with Sangmidang Holdings, formerly SPC Group. The companies said South Korea will serve as a base for Chipotle’s broader expansion in Asia.

"South Korea, in particular, is an ideal market to introduce Chipotle to the region, and we see tremendous...

HF Foods Expands into Canada with $35M Acquisition of Searay Foods

HF Foods Group Inc., a distributor of international foodservice solutions to Asian restaurants and other businesses across the United States, has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Searay Foods Inc., including Morgan Foods Inc. and Searay Foods USA Inc. for approximately CAD$47.9 million (about US$35 million based on current exchange rates).

Announced July 23, the acquisition marks HF Foods' first expansion outside the United States and its entry into the Canadian market.

British Columbia-based Searay is an importer and distributor of ethnic...

Southern Chicken Chain Zaxbys Brings its Famous Fingerz & Sauces to New York

Atlanta-born chicken chain Zaxbys® is touching down in New York with its saucy footprint this summer, representing a significant step in its national expansion strategy and bringing its operations across 24 states. Known for its Famous Fingerz™, 12 signature sauces and expansive menu of craveable menu items, Zaxbys is opening not one, but two locations in New York with openings in the Bronx and Manhattan.

"New York is one of the most influential food cities in the world, and we're incredibly...

QDOBA Adds Atlanta and Nashville Development Deals as Franchise Growth Ramps Up

QDOBA Mexican Eats is accelerating franchise-led expansion with two new development deals that will add 50 restaurants in Atlanta and Nashville, plus an acquisition that boosts its Pacific Northwest footprint.

The brand, now the No. 2 player in Mexican fast casual, and its franchise partners operate more than 865 restaurants. QDOBA has set aggressive goals: roughly doubling to about 2,000 units in eight years, opening about 100 restaurants a year, and growing franchised locations to roughly 85% of the system.

"We're thrilled to partner...

Freddy's Targets 60 Openings in 2026 as Prototype Expansion Supports Franchise Growth

Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers is on track to open approximately 60 restaurants in 2026 as the brand approaches the 600-unit milestone.

The company said continued franchisee reinvestment, combined with expanded development options through new endcap and in-line prototypes, is supporting growth across domestic and international markets.

Existing franchisees remain a key driver of expansion, with roughly one-third adding additional territories. Freddy's said the new restaurant formats provide greater real estate flexibility, enabling development in a wider range...

USMEF Spring Conference Spotlights Market Access Developments, Robust Growth in Central America

Livestock and grain producers, red meat processors and exporters, and other key stakeholders gathered in Oklahoma City Wednesday for opening day of the U.S. Meat Export Federation (USMEF) Spring Conference.

Oklahoma Secretary of Agriculture Blayne Arthur welcomed the group, detailing the importance of international trade to Oklahoma’s agricultural economy. Sec. Arthur, who is also a cattle producer, shared highlights from a recent visit to Japan in which she met with USMEF staff and saw firsthand how U.S. red meat is merchandised...

DoorDash Announces Significant Grocery Expansion in Canada with Empire Company Limited

DoorDash today announced one of its largest grocery expansions in Canada through a new partnership with Empire Company Limited (TSX: EMP.A), bringing more than 1,000 stores across 10 provinces onto its marketplace. This comes as grocery is one of the fastest-growing categories on DoorDash in Canada.

The expansion brings 12 grocery banners from Empire’s family of brands – including Sobeys, Safeway, IGA, FreshCo, Farm Boy, and Longo’s – onto DoorDash. Convenience options like Needs, Boni-Soir, and Voisin are also available...