Payroll Vault Announces Tricia Petteys as Incoming CEO: Payroll Vault is proud to announce the appointment of Tricia Petteys as the company's new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), succeeding Sean Manning.
Petteys, a 16-year veteran of Payroll Vault, co-founded Payroll Vault Franchising LLC with Manning in 2012. She has held key leadership roles throughout her tenure, including Vice President of Operations, Chief Operating Officer (COO), and now, CEO of Payroll Vault.
As part of a thoughtfully orchestrated leadership transition, Manning will now assume the role of Executive Chairman of the Board of Directors. This strategic shift ensures a seamless transfer of the CEO role while preserving Payroll Vault's strategic continuity for both the present and the future. While stepping back from daily operational tasks, Manning will continue to play an essential role in guiding the company's long-term direction, focusing on supporting the new CEO, refining the company's vision, and working closely with the leadership team and Board of Directors.
Hand & Stone Appoints Accomplished Wellness Industry Leader Julie Hauser-Blanner as Chief Spa Officer: Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa announced the addition of Julie Hauser-Blanner as its new Chief Spa Officer. With more than two decades of operational leadership in the wellness and hospitality industries, Hauser-Blanner will oversee franchise spa operations, focusing on advancing business consulting practices, driving operational consistency, and strengthening franchisee partnerships.
“Julie’s remarkable track record of driving transformative growth and her ability to inspire teams make her an invaluable addition to our leadership team,” said John Teza, CEO of Hand & Stone. “Her extensive operations leadership experience and passion for supporting franchisee success align with core values and our vision to “make it the best hour of our client’s month.” We’re excited to welcome Julie to Hand & Stone and look forward to her impact as we continue to grow.”
Slim Chickens Strengthens Global Footprint with U.K. Location in Wood Green: Slim Chickens announced today its newest restaurant opening in Wood Green at 133 High Road. Spearheaded by multi-unit operator Boparan Restaurant Group, this is their 58th restaurant opening.
Slim Chickens is known and loved for its hand-breaded, cooked-to-order tenders and passionate followers within its markets.
“We are thrilled to bring our quality cooked-to-order chicken tenders to the Wood Green community,” said Jackie Lobdell, Vice President of Franchise Development at Slim Chickens. “We continue to seek multi-unit operators like Boparan Restaurant Group who are committed to sharing Slim Chickens’ tradition of Southern hospitality and high-quality food with more members of the community as we grow our following overseas.”
A Look at Restaurant Chain Closures in 2024: Many restaurant chains shut down locations during 2024. The whys are varied, but inflation almost certainly led the way, with wages, ingredient costs and other expenses increasing while cost-conscious consumers dined out or spent less.
Even though inflation has declined, restaurants remain challenged. (The Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers increased only 0.3%, seasonally adjusted, last month, and it rose 2.7 percent over the past 12 months, not seasonally adjusted, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.) Even as the economy rebounds, dozens of brands – including KFC, Red Lobster, Subway, TGI Friday’s, Wendy’s and Denny’s – have closed restaurants.
A Forbes article said Denny’s specifically cited inflation-related challenges as a driving force behind 57 closures last year and another 10 to 20 since January 2024. Restaurants also blamed changing customer desires such as wanting the speed and convenience of digital ordering, pivoting to suit dietary/nutrition needs, and prioritizing value, of course. Financially troubled brands also closed underperforming locations to trim their expenses as they restructured, Forbes said.
