Latest news with #TaylorWiederhorn
Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Fatburger launching 40 locations across Florida
Longtime iconic fast food chain Fatburger is launching 40 new Florida-based restaurants over the next 10 years. The chain's parent company FAT Brands Inc. completed a development deal with franchisee Whole Factor Inc. to open the locations, with at least one being in Jacksonville. The franchisee's Fatburger empire in the Sunshine State has been growing since 2021 after it completed a deal to open 14 restaurants in the Orlando and Tampa areas. Restaurants have already opened in Riverview and Celebration, a suburb close to Walt Disney World . Others slated to open through 2026 are in Orlando, Orange Park, and Rockledge. 'Two years ago, Fatburger made its return to the state of Florida after a 20-year absence, and we are not looking back,' said Taylor Wiederhorn, Co-CEO and chief development officer at Fatburger. 'Our Riverview and Celebration locations have exceeded expectations with an incredible fanbase that loves our cooked-to-order burgers, fries, and hand-scooped milkshakes.' Founded in 1947, the California-based restaurant chain operates over 200 restaurants worldwide, and in 16 states across the US. Celebrities such as Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and Nicki Minaj have been Fatburger customers despite Whataburger, In-N-Out and Five Guys' high rankings on a list of the top burger chains in the US . The new deal comes after the chain's parent company suffered a 6.5 percent revenue decline during the first quarter of this year. Other major burger chains are also expanding. Whataburger currently has over 1,100 restaurants nationwide and recently opened its first North Carolina location. In-N-Out Burger is currently the nation's top burger chain owned by its founder's granddaughter Lynsi Snyder. The cult favorite chain typically brings in around $2 billion in annual revenue from over 400 restaurants, primarily in the western US. With its popularity on the rise, the chain that was once praised by late food expert Anthony Bourdain is planning to open at least seven restaurants in four states this year.
Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Whataburger, In-N-Out and Five Guys rival fast food chain launching 40 locations across Florida
Longtime iconic fast food chain Fatburger is launching 40 new Florida-based restaurants over the next 10 years. The chain's parent company FAT Brands Inc. completed a development deal with franchisee Whole Factor Inc. to open the locations, with at least one being in Jacksonville. The franchisee's Fatburger empire in the Sunshine State has been growing since 2021 after it completed a deal to open 14 restaurants in the Orlando and Tampa areas. Restaurants have already opened in Riverview and Celebration, a suburb close to Walt Disney World. Others slated to open through 2026 are in Orlando, Orange Park, and Rockledge. 'Two years ago, Fatburger made its return to the state of Florida after a 20-year absence, and we are not looking back,' said Taylor Wiederhorn, Co-CEO and chief development officer at Fatburger. 'Our Riverview and Celebration locations have exceeded expectations with an incredible fanbase that loves our cooked-to-order burgers, fries, and hand-scooped milkshakes.' Founded in 1947, the California-based restaurant chain operates over 200 restaurants worldwide, and in 16 states across the US. Celebrities such as Rihanna, Justin Bieber, and Nicki Minaj have been Fatburger customers despite Whataburger, In-N-Out and Five Guys' high rankings on a list of the top burger chains in the US. The new deal comes after the chain's parent company suffered a 6.5 percent revenue decline during the first quarter of this year. Other major burger chains are also expanding. Whataburger currently has over 1,100 restaurants nationwide and recently opened its first North Carolina location. Following the chain's recruitment of former McDonald's executive Todd Ewen to serve as its senior vice president, the chain is on track to continue its rapid US expansion. The Texas-based restaurant's sales also jumped 9.4 percent this year, and it's named Lainey Wilson this year's brand ambassador. In-N-Out Burger is currently the nation's top burger chain owned by its founder's granddaughter Lynsi Snyder. The cult favorite chain typically brings in around $2 billion in annual revenue from over 400 restaurants, primarily in the western US. With its popularity on the rise, the chain that was once praised by late food expert Anthony Bourdain is planning to open at least seven restaurants in four states this year. While Fatburger is facing tough competition, some burger chains have shown a potential to crash and burn. Hwy 55 Burgers, Shakes & Fries sparked fears of mass closures after filing for bankruptcy protection last year. BurgerFi also shuttered restaurants after a bankruptcy filing last September. Jack in the Box is planning to close up to 200 restaurants between 2025 and 2026 to improve its financial performance. However, unlike the others, the chain has shown no signs of exploring bankruptcy possibilities. Burger chain EVOS also abruptly closed all restaurants in April after 31 years and has not revealed the reason behind the shutdown.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Buffalo's Cafe Announces Expansion of Fast Casual Model in France
FAT Brands Inc. All-American Wing Chain to Open 10 Locations in Country over Next Three Years LOS ANGELES, May 06, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Buffalo's Cafe and 17 other restaurant concepts, announces the expansion of Buffalo's Cafe in France in partnership with the group behind Big M CIE, opening 10 units in the country with the first three units set to open by 2026. To coincide with the new locations, the beloved wing brand is unveiling a fast casual model with a smaller footprint to position itself for greater growth across the globe. 'The launch of a new Buffalo's Cafe fast casual model in France represents a significant milestone in our growth trajectory of the brand, and opens up the door to additional expansion opportunities,' said Taylor Wiederhorn, Co-CEO and Chief Development Officer of FAT Brands. 'This announcement also follows Medhi Bella and his team signing a commitment to open 30 Fatburger locations across France—opening a total of 40 locations with FAT Brands. We see a bright future ahead with this partnership as we continue to grow our iconic, all-American brands in the country.' For 40 years, Buffalo's Cafe has been known for its authentic Buffalo-style chicken wings, house-made wing sauces and family-friendly environment. For more information on Buffalo's Cafe, visit ### About FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets and develops fast casual, quick-service, casual and polished casual dining restaurant concepts around the world. The Company currently owns 18 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli's, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Smokey Bones, Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo's Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Native Grill & Wings, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises and owns over 2,300 units worldwide. For more information on FAT Brands, please visit About Buffalo's Cafe Founded in 1985 in Roswell, Georgia, the family-themed casual dining chain, known for its world-famous chicken wings and 18 unique homemade wing sauces, burgers, wraps, steaks, and salads has been serving fresh southwestern themed cuisine for 40 years. Featuring a full bar and table service, Buffalo's Cafe offers an unparalleled dining experience affording friends and family the flexibility to enjoy an intimate dinner together or to casually catch the next sporting event while enjoying robust menu offerings. Buffalo's - Where Everyone Is Family™. For more information, visit
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fat Brands promotes Taylor Wiederhorn to co-CEO
This story was originally published on Restaurant Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Restaurant Dive newsletter. Taylor Wiederhorn, son of Fat Brands founder and former CEO Andrew Wiederhorn, has been promoted from chief development officer to co-CEO, effective April 29, the restaurant company announced Tuesday. He will serve alongside Ken Kuick, Fat's CFO and co-CEO since mid-2023. Kuick is also interim CEO at Twin Hospitality. Rob Rosen, who was appointed co-CEO alongside Kuick after Andrew Wiederhorn's 2023 resignation, will shift to a consulting position focused on debt/capital markets for the company. This co-CEO change puts another Wiederhorn in charge of Fat again, less than a year after Andrew Wiederhorn was indicted over an alleged $47 million fraudulent loan scheme and for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Taylor Wiederhorn, who has worked as chief development officer at Fat Brands since 2017, according to his LinkedIn profile, said in a statement that he was confident his background would ensure a seamless leadership transition. Fat managed to open significant numbers of new units in recent years through franchised unit development, though its development has slowed since 2022. Fat opened 142 new stores in 2022, followed by 125 in 2023 and 92 in 2024, according to respective earnings releases. The multi-brand platform is in the process of refranchising company-owned Fazoli's units and plans to refranchise its Hot Dog on a Stick locations, according to its Q4 2024 earnings release. Combined with the spinoff of Twin Peaks, these moves would shift Fat's store system to being almost 100% franchisee-operated. Like many competitors, Fat has suffered from declining same-store sales, with that metric falling 2.5% in fiscal 2024 and 1.6% in Q4. Systemwide sales increased in Q4, however, driven by the scale of Fat's new openings. But the company's net losses more than doubled from $90.1 million in 2023to $189.8 million in 2024. Recommended Reading Feds indict Andrew Wiederhorn, Fat Brands in $47M loan scheme Sign in to access your portfolio
Business Insider
30-04-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
Fat Brands names Taylor Wiederhorn as Co-CEO
Fat Brands (FAT) announces the appointment of Taylor Wiederhorn as Co-CEO. Effective April 29, Rob Rosen will transition from his role as Co-CEO to a consulting position focused on debt/capital markets for the company. Ken Kuick will continue to serve as Co-CEO and CFO. Protect Your Portfolio Against Market Uncertainty Discover companies with rock-solid fundamentals in TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter. Receive undervalued stocks, resilient to market uncertainty, delivered straight to your inbox. Published first on TheFly – the ultimate source for real-time, market-moving breaking financial news. Try Now>>
