Papa John’s Rumors, New MOD COO & More Pizza News

One of the winners of the fast-casual pizza race, MOD Pizza named a new COO this week. John Maguire, who vacated the CEO suite at Friendly’s and Johnny Rockets in September, has resurfaced to fill the COO role at MOD. Prior to the arrival of Maguire, MOD President Paul Twohig also served as COO. Maguire will help manage the meteoric rise of MOD, which has grown from 31 stores at the beginning of 2015 to nearly 400 today, according to Chain Store Guide data.

Papa John’s stock price is up this week off of the back of a rumored takeover attempt by activist hedge fund Trian Fund Management that was first reported in the Wall Street Journal. It seems ousted founder John Schnatter spent the summer looking for funds to help him rest back control of the company, and he may have found one. Trian Fund Management counts Wendy’s Chairman of the Board Nelson Peltz as a cofounder.

Two brands, one delicious delivery experience. That’s the message that Pizza Hut hopes to serve up with the deal it struck with Cinnabon and Focus Brands. This week’s national launch provides Pizza Hut customers with the chance to add an order of 10 co-branded Cinnabon mini buns to their order. Pizza Hut isn’t the first YUM! Brands chain to partner with Focus Brands. Cinnabon Delights have been a staple on the Taco Bell menu board for a number of years.

At Chain Store Guide, we have the pizza industry covered. Our Restaurant Franchicee Premier database includes more than 1,600 restaurant companies and 7,300 personnel contacts at pizza joints, from small-scale casual to the largest delivery chains.