Latest news with #InspireBrands
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cult-Favorite Fried Chicken Chain Acquired by Company That Owns Arby's, Subway
Cult-Favorite Fried Chicken Chain Acquired by Company That Owns Arby's, Subway originally appeared on Parade. Dave's Hot Chicken has officially been acquired by private equity firm Roark Capital for one very pretty penny. The deal comes about four months after rumors of the sale first began circulating and eight years after the popular restaurant first began serving up Nashville-style chicken as a pop-up in a Los Angeles, Calif. parking lot, as first reported by The Associated Press. Now, it hosts guests at 400 restaurants scattered across the globe and in major cities like Dubai, New York and Toronto. Roark Capital—which owns Inspire Brands (the parent company of Arby's, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin', Jimmy Johns, and Sonic) as well as Auntie Anne's, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, Moe's, Subway, among many other recognizable names—acquired the cult-favorite chain in a deal valued at $1 billion. Related:Pepsi Officially Acquires Cult-Favorite Soda Brand Before it was absorbed by the private equity firm specializing in franchised businesses, Dave's Hot Chicken was eyed by other celebrity investors, including rapper , who celebrates his Oct. 24 birthday with a hot chicken slider giveaway. The fried chicken joint's original leadership team isn't expected to shake up too much, as AP reported CEO Bill Phelps and the four childhood friends who founded the company will "continue to lead menu innovation, food quality, operations and marketing." "Our entire organization is excited about the fit between Dave's Hot Chicken and Roark," Phelps said in a statement shared with the outlet, adding that the brand is "looking forward to continuing to blow our guests' minds and unlocking growth and value for our franchise partners." In other related news, the fast-growing fast food chain has had much to celebrate in the first half of 2025, as it also opened several new restaurants in the U.S. and around the world in recent weeks, including locations in Bakersfield, Calif., Omaha, Neb., Sandy Springs, Ga., Springfield, Ore. and Pickering, Ont. Next: Cult-Favorite Fried Chicken Chain Acquired by Company That Owns Arby's, Subway first appeared on Parade on Jun 3, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
14-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Hilton names Christian Charnaux chief development officer
This story was originally published on Hotel Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Hotel Dive newsletter. Hilton named Christian Charnaux chief development officer, effective July 1, the company announced Thursday. Charnaux will take over from Kevin Jacobs, who was serving as president of development in addition to CFO. Jacobs will continue in his role as CFO. Charnaux rejoins Hilton after a seven-year stint as chief growth officer at Inspire Brands, which owns Arby's, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin', Jimmy John's and Sonic. Previously, he was senior vice president of corporate finance at Hilton, where he held several executive roles over the course of nearly a decade. In his new role, Charnaux will report to Hilton President and CEO Chris Nassetta. 'Christian is joining at a time of incredible momentum for our business and will play a critical role in helping us accelerate our global growth agenda,' Nassetta said in a statement. 'With his experience and focus, we will continue building on our network effect — giving more guests even more places to stay for every stay occasion.' Development continues to be a strong point for Hilton, which approved 32,600 new rooms for development during the first quarter of this year, bringing its total pipeline to 503,400 rooms as of the end of Q1, according to an earnings report released in May. In a first-quarter earnings call last month, Nassetta said Hilton 'remains confident' that it will deliver net unit growth of from 6% to 7% for the full year 2025. At the NYU International Hospitality Investment Forum last week, Nassetta spoke about the company's global development plans, which he tied to the rise in middle-class consumers. 'When we come out in our wheelchairs in 20 years and [ask], 'All right, what did we all do?' It'll be a mid-market story. It isn't going to be that we opened thousands of luxury hotels,' Nassetta said. 'The real story is what's going on in the broader environment — growth in the middle class, more disposable income, desire for experiences.' Recommended Reading Wyndham names Amit Sripathi chief development officer Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Hospitality Net
13-06-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Christian Charnaux has been appointed Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer at Hilton
Hilton (NYSE:HLT) announced Christian Charnaux will return to the company as Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer. He joins from Inspire Brands - the restaurant company that owns Arby's, Baskin-Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Dunkin', Jimmy John's, and SONIC - where he served as Chief Growth Officer since its founding in 2018. Charnaux will start on July 1, 2025, reporting to Christopher J. Nassetta, president and CEO of Hilton, as a part of Hilton's executive committee. Kevin Jacobs will continue in the role of Chief Financial Officer. Previously at Hilton, Charnaux served in several brand management, commercial, and finance positions, including leading Hilton's Investor Relations efforts. Prior to Hilton and Inspire Brands, Charnaux was with the Boston Consulting Group where he focused on the travel and consumer product sectors. He also worked for J.P. Morgan in the Technology Coverage and Mergers & Acquisition groups. Charnaux is an alumnus of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a Morehead-Cain Scholar, and later received an MBA from Harvard Business School. He currently serves on the boards of ARCOP, National DCP, as Vice Chair of Georgia's Partnership for Inclusive Innovation and on the University of North Carolina Board of Visitors.
Daily Mail
02-06-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Jimmy John's offering an all-new menu item this summer... but only for a limited time
Jimmy John's is kicking off the summer season with its first new cookie flavor of the year. The sandwich chain debuted its Lemon Sunshine Cookie at participating locations nationwide on Monday, and the treat will be available 'all summer long.' The lemon-flavored cookie brings a 'burst of sunshine' to Jimmy John's menus and features white chocolate chips. 'Summer is all about fresh flavors and fun moments, and our Lemon Sunshine Cookie delivers on both,' said Kate Carpenter, vice president of marketing. 'It's bold, bright, and perfectly captures the sunny spirit of the season. We're excited to bring guests something new that truly tastes like summer.' Jimmy John's has grown substantially over the years in the US, and is the nation's largest owned delivery sandwich brand. With over 2,600 locations, it has shown no signs of slowing down and regularly earns more than $2 billion in annual revenue. It's also a significant competitor to Subway, the largest US sandwich chain that has closed over 1,645 locations in the past two years. While Subway has been struggling, Jimmy John's has been growing and opening locations worldwide. The sandwich chain opened its first restaurant outside the US in El Salvador last September, which its parent company, Inspire Brands, called a 'catalyst for the brand's global growth.' It entered the Asian market a month later by opening a location in Seoul, South Korea. Once its Korean eatery opened, the chain traveled back to North America and opened its first restaurant in Canada. Its newest restaurants outside the US opened earlier this month in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Renowned franchisee Galadari Food & Beverage Division is operating the Middle Eastern restaurants. 'Galadari is the ideal franchisee to bring the Jimmy John's experience to the Middle East,' said Inspire president and managing director of international Michael Haley. 'Their industry expertise, capabilities, and comprehensive understanding of the Middle East market, coupled with the strength and legacy of the Jimmy John's brand, will facilitate a successful launch and prolonged growth in the region.' Jimmy John's has yet to reveal any other potential summertime deals. However, fast food chains have begun offering new and returning items, along with limited-time deals. Sonic Drive-In fans can stop by participating locations this summer after 5pm and grab a half-price milkshake. Wendy's and Burger King are also preparing to drop major summer deals following McDonald's decision to extend its operating hours permanently. Other chains offering summer-filled items and specials include Starbucks, Dunkin', and Dairy Queen.
Arabian Business
15-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
SCOOP: Pure Ice Cream starts work on massive solar-powered $22m factory in Dubai
The solar-powered ice cream factory will be among the UAE's largest ice cream facilities when it launches in 2026, increasing Pure Ice Cream's annual production capacity to 50 million litres. In anticipation of the increased capacity, Pure Ice Cream has entered a production agreement for Baskin-Robbins ice creams with the US-headquartered Inspire Brands. Solar-powered ice cream in Dubai Gaurav Ghai, Chairman of Graviss Group, said: 'We are looking forward to building the largest ice cream plant in GCC and exporting products to over 20 countries from Dubai'. Michael Haley, President and Managing Director of International for Inspire Brands, said: 'The groundbreaking of the new Pure Ice Cream manufacturing facility in Dubai Industrial City demonstrates our continued commitment to growth in the Middle East. 'Baskin-Robbins has a longstanding presence in Dubai—more than 45 years. This new facility will unlock continued growth for Dubai's business community and Baskin-Robbins consumers across the region.' Saud Abu Alshawareb, Executive Vice President of Industrial at TECOM Group PJSC, on behalf of Dubai Industrial City, said: 'Dubai Industrial City's ecosystem is geared to strengthen the supply chain of 'Made in UAE' products for long-term economic prosperity. 'Pure Ice Cream's facility reflects the country's strength as an international food production hub, and we champion manufacturers to contribute towards Operation 300bn, Make it in the Emirates, Dubai Economic Agenda 'D33', and National Food Security Strategy 2051.' Pure Ice Cream signed a musataha agreement with Dubai Industrial City during the SIAL Paris international food and beverage (F&B) show in October 2024 and is actively targeting new export markets in Africa, the Levant, and Southeast Asia as the project progresses. Winner Holistic Consultant is providing consultancy services for the 160,000sq ft facility situated on a 246,000sq ft land plot, with the project's contracting teams to be confirmed imminently. The automated plant will combine artificial intelligence (AI) and automation systems for optimised efficiencies and enhanced quality control. In addition to AI-enabled supply chain platforms and a fully automated industrial process system, the project will feature x-ray detection technology and a research and development and testing facility to ensure product excellence. Pure Ice Cream will use biodegradable packaging for the facility's three-gallon product line, as well as incorporate solar power, in line with its goal of achieving carbon-neutrality through the project that will create 60 additional jobs upon completion. Dubai Industrial City is home to more than 1,100 local, regional, and international customers and upwards of 350 operational factories, with its roster of customers including F&B leaders such as Asmak, Patchi, and Al Barakah Dates. Pure Ice Cream's facility marks further growth at the district, which was established in 2004 with an intelligent, sector-specific masterplan with dedicated zones for base metals, machinery, minerals, F&B, transport, and chemicals. Located in strategic proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport, Jebel Ali Port, an Etihad Rail freight terminal, and key road networks, the district attracted more than AED 350 million in investments from F&B customers in 2024.
