Exploring the 2026 Culinary Forecast: Smash Burgers and Global Comfort Foods Reshape Menus

Key Executive Moves at Jersey Mike’s, Potbelly, and Peet’s Coffee: A Boost for Restaurant Owners

Update Executive Moves: The Winds of Change in the Restaurant Industry The restaurant industry is buzzing with recent executive reshuffles that could reshape the landscape for established and emerging brands alike. With leadership changes spanning various esteemed companies, this movement signals a pivotal moment for individual chains and the industry overall. Let's dive deeper into some key appointments and what they mean for the respective brands and franchise opportunities across the sector. New Leadership at Jersey Mike's: A Bold Global Vision Jersey Mike's recently named Andy Skehan as the president of international operations. Skehan steps into the role with an impressive background that includes leadership positions at Krispy Kreme and Popeyes. Charged with the ambitious task of expanding Jersey Mike's brand globally, Skehan's proven track record makes him an asset as the sandwich chain aims to establish a more significant footprint in international markets. Meanwhile, there’s a noticeable increase in restaurants focusing on growth strategies, with brands like Portillo’s also witnessing executive shifts that prioritize international expansion and franchise development considerations. Potbelly's Strategic Focus: Franchising Growth Under Jennifer Durham Joining the ranks, Potbelly has appointed Jennifer Durham as the Senior Vice President of Franchising and Development. Her expertise in increasing franchise recruitment and overseeing strategic market planning reflects a contemporary approach that many chains are adapting to foster growth amid economic fluctuations. With the goal of expanding to over 2,000 locations, Potbelly's fresh strategic direction could position it as a highly competitive player in the fast-casual sector. Peet's Coffee: A New Era with Stuart Heflin Stuart Heflin's recent ascension to president of Peet’s Coffee comes after Eric Lauterbaugh’s long tenure. Heflin, with two decades of experience in the industry, is expected to leverage his past successes to drive innovation within the brand. His arrival coincides with a culinary environment favoring fresh perspectives and new strategies, indicating that Peet's is ready to innovate their offerings. Operational Growth at Paris Baguette with Zac Sulma Another noteworthy appointment is Zac Sulma as COO of Paris Baguette. Tasked with guiding the brand to its ambitious target of 1,000 locations by 2030, his role emphasizes the current trend of operational excellence being a crucial part of the expansion dialogue across the industry. His extensive background will be pivotal in navigating the growth strategy. Industry Trends: The Implications of Leadership Changes The collective leadership transitions at notable chains like Church’s Texas Chicken, Bojangles, and Chester’s Chicken reflect a broader industry movement towards diversifying leadership skill sets and focusing on innovative growth strategies. Drawing parallels with trends highlighted in recent discussions surrounding Bloomin’ Brands and Portillo’s executive shifts, it becomes evident that companies are prioritizing digital fluency, operational efficiency, and a customer-centric experience as they position themselves for future growth. Competitive Landscape: Adapting to Market Demands As the restaurant sector undergoes these leadership changes, insights suggest a keen focus on understanding customer preferences and digital capabilities. The competition among restaurant brands to cater to evolving consumer needs is intensifying, drawing from decisions made by chains like Qdoba and Snooze, which are enhancing their marketing strategies through new CMO appointments—an essential move for staying ahead in the crowded marketplace. The Power of New Leadership: What It Means for Franchise Owners For restaurant owners and franchisees, these executive transitions offer vital insight into the strategic directions their brands may take. In an ever-changing industry landscape, understanding these movements can guide franchise owners in aligning their strategies with broader corporate goals. The emphasis on innovative leadership could foster not only company growth but boost franchisee confidence in long-term profitability. In conclusion, keeping abreast of these leadership changes is crucial for anyone involved in the restaurant industry, especially for franchise owners looking to leverage opportunities for expansion and growth.