Chipotle, Jeni’s and which restaurant chains are growing

A big Hardee’s franchisee has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy. ARC Burger, whose restaurants closed late last year after their franchise agreements were terminated, filed for liquidation this week, ending a legal dispute with the fast-food chain. The franchisee was sued late last year and in a counter suit accused Hardee’s of a litany of problems, including failing to provide marketing and technology support. It also accused the company of failing to disclose a bunch of problems with restaurants it acquired in 2023, including equipment and technology issues.

Famed Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman shared leadership lessons and foodservice anecdotes Tuesday at the Restaurant Leadership Conference. He said the most effective leaders are the ones who earn his respect and take an interest in him as a person. He also talked about joining the beer industry with his drink Eight, his passion for Wingstop that predated his working with the brand, and - of course - 1990s football.

Jeni’s Splendid Ice Cream has a new CEO. The Columbus, Ohio chain has scooped up former Ben & Jerry’s CEO and CMO David Stever, who left that ice cream brand last year amid tensions between the board and owner Unilever. Stever brings 25 years of experience in consumer packaged goods to Jeni’s, which has 90 scoop shops across 30 markets, and is growing through franchising. Jeni’s products are also in about 15,000 retail locations, including Whole Foods, Target, Kroger and Albertson’s.