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Insights Jan 14 2025: Shake Shack ambition, New leadership, Starbucks Changes, Twin Peaks IPO

Shake Shack’s Ambitious Expansion Plan to 1,500 Locations

Shack and Shack plans to increase the company owned stores from  prior target of 450 to 1,500 locations. As of FY2024 it has 329 company owned locations. It is ambitious goal. Goal itself was vague as it did not provide specific timeline and it is only planning to open 43 new locations in 2025. 

Sources: MSN

John Dillon Appointed President of La Madeleine

Founder and principal of HMS Growth Partner was announced as new president of La Madeeleine. French inspired casual chain is owned by Groupe Le Duff, french conglomerate. 

Source: Yahoo Finance

Small changes in Starbucks    

Starbucks ends its policy allowing anyone to use its bathroom or hangout in the location. This made a lot of news so I just wanted to add it here, but it unlikely to impact Starbucks financials or stock price. This is part of the small changes under the new leadership Brian Niccol. Overall this change should make Starbucks more appealing locations to visit and increase the foot traffic which it desperately needs. 

Sources: CNN

YUM Brands Promotes Scott Mezvinsky to KFC CEO

Scott Mezvinsky will take over the KFC CEO effective March 1 2025.  He will replace Sabit Sami, who is CEO since January 2022. Scott Mezvinsky does have impressive resume, he joined Yum in 2004. KFC is part of YUM Brands (NYSE: YUM). 

Source: YUM Brands

Papa John’s Celebrates 6,000th Store Opening Amid Stock Struggles

Company announced that it has opened its 6,000th store in 2024 fiscal year. Even though it is a positive news for the company, it’s stocks leaves lot to be desired. Over last one year its stock is down about ~48%. 

Source: Papa John’s Investor Relations


FAT Brands Files Twin Peaks for IPO

FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) owned Twin Peaks announced that it filed to become standalone public company. This has been teased for a while now. Hopefully it will help with the stock prices as over last year it has lost about 17%. 

Source: FAT Brands Investor Relations

Pizza Factory Acquired by Tucker’s Farm Holdings

It’s been busy last couple of weeks for Pizza Factory. Last week it announced new incentives for new franchisee, this week acquisition. Tucker Farm is a holding company with Wonder Franchises (Pizza Factory will joint this division) as one of it’s division. 

Sources: Yahoo Finance

Tucker’s Farm Holdings

Leadership Additions at Panera Bread

Panera Bread has bolstered its leadership team with two key appointments: Robin Seward as Senior Vice President of Brands and Integrated Marketing Scott Uehlein as Vice President of Culinary. This is after José Alberto Dueñas resigned as CEO and Paul Carbone was announced as new interim CEO.

Source: Panera Bread Press Room