Foodservice Management

Alpharetta, Ga. — McAlister’s Deli, a fast casual restaurant, has announced its largest franchise deal so far. The Saxton Group has signed an agreement to develop 30 new restaurants in three states over the next six years in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, and Missouri. The primary focus will be in the Dallas-Fort Worth and Kansas City markets.

Three locations included in the agreement have already opened in Midwest City, Okla., Dallas and Sherman, Texas.

McAlister’s has more than 320 restaurants in 23 states.

Lafayette, La. — Hungry Howie’s has opened a new pizza shop in Lafayette, La., near the University of Louisiana campus.

It is the third store for the young franchise. The other two stores are in nearby Baton Rouge.

Greenwood Village, Colo. — Red Robin Gourmet Burgers will open its first location in Peoria, Ill., on Sept. 2. To help celebrate the grand opening, Red Robin will donate the new restaurant’s sales of Freckled Lemonade for the first week of operations to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to finding cures for all kids with cancer.

Phoenix — The Habit Burger Grill is opening its sixth Arizona location in Scottsdale in the Promenade at Scottsdale Road and Frank Lloyd Wright.

The Irvine, Calif.-based restaurant also operates more than 60 locations in California and two in Utah.

Broomfield, Colo. -- TCBY Yogurt and Mrs. Fields Cookies parent Famous Brands International said it has appointed Michael Chao as CFO, effective immediately.  

Chao was previously VP finance, treasury and investor relations for Vail Resorts.

Famous Brands also announced the reappointment of David Barr to its board of directors. Barr, who is currently chairman of the board for Rita Restaurants and Australian jewelry company The Jewellery Group, was CFO and CEO of the Great American Cookie Co., which was sold to Mrs. Fields in 1998.

Los Angeles — Hakkasan Ltd. has announced the opening of Hakkasan Beverly Hills, a 10,000-sq.-ft. restaurant in the most exclusive neighborhood in Los Angeles.

The international restaurant group’s newest offering will open in early fall.

AUSTIN, Minn. — Hormel Foods Corporation has announced the advancement of Thomas R. Day, group VP, foodservice, to group VP, refrigerated foods.

As a result of the move, Deanna T. Brady, VP of sales, foodservice, will advance to group VP, foodservice, and Mark J. Ourada, foodservice regional sales manager, will advance to VP of sales, foodservice. These advancements will become effective Oct. 28.

Aliso Viejo, Calif. – Johnny Rockets has named Gary Campanaro as CFO. Campanaro previously served as CFO for the El Pollo Loco and Claim Jumper restaurant chains and has also held executive roles at Keith Companies, CB Richard Ellis and CKE Restaurants.

NEWBURYPORT, Mass. — Foodservice Industry veteran Mike Pennella has agreed to serve as an adviser to the board Dianne's Fine Desserts' board of directors.

New York -- Buffalo Wild Wings has leased its first Midtown Manhattan location in Times Square, according to Winick Realty Group.

The 15,000-sq.-ft. flagship restaurant includes a 5,000-sq.-ft. ground floor with 22-ft. ceilings, a 2,000-sq.-ft. mezzanine, two lower levels and a 2,000-sq.-ft. roof deck for outdoor dining.