Latest news with #Fatburger
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Fazoli's Debuts First International Location in Canada
Leading U.S. Italian Chain Opens in Calgary, Jumpstarting Future Growth in Country LOS ANGELES, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Fazoli's, FAT Brands' fast and fresh Italian chain, has officially reached a new milestone, the opening of its first international location in Canada in Calgary, Alberta. This marks the first of 25 units set to open across the country over the next nine years in partnership with Briwin Restaurants Inc. 'For over 35 years, we have experienced strong growth domestically, and look forward to this new global chapter,' said Gregg Nettleton, President of Fazoli's. 'Our partner, Briwin Restaurants Inc., has also seen great success within this market as a multi-unit Fatburger franchisee, which is a great precursor of the potential we anticipate with our Canadian Fazolis' locations.' Since 1988, Fazoli's has been committed to serving quality Italian food, fast, fresh and friendly. From unlimited hot breadsticks to freshly prepared pasta entrees, the chain prides itself on serving high-quality menu offerings, all at an affordable price. For more information, visit About FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets, and develops fast casual, quick-service, casual dining, and polished casual dining concepts around the world. The Company currently owns 18 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli's, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Smokey Bones Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo's Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Native Grill & Wings, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises and owns over 2,300 units worldwide. For more information on FAT Brands, please visit About Fazoli's Fast. Fresh. Italian. Founded in 1988 in Lexington, Ky., Fazoli's franchises and operates approximately 200 restaurants in 26 states, making it the largest QSR Italian chain in America. Fazoli's prides itself on serving quality Italian food, fast, fresh and friendly. Menu offerings include freshly prepared pasta entrees, sub sandwiches, salads, pizza and desserts – along with its unlimited signature breadsticks. For more information, visit MEDIA CONTACT:Erin Mandzik, FAT Brandsemandzik@ 860-212-6509 # # #
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
FAT Brands to Announce First Quarter 2025 Financial Results On May 8, 2025
FAT Brands Inc. LOS ANGELES, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: FAT) ('FAT Brands' or the 'Company'), a leading global franchising company and parent company of iconic brands including Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Johnny Rockets, Twin Peaks, Fazoli's and 13 other restaurant concepts, today announced that the Company will host a conference call to review its first quarter 2025 financial results on Thursday, May 8, 2025 at 5:30 PM ET. A press release with first quarter 2025 financial results will be issued prior to the conference call that day. The conference call can be accessed live over the phone by dialing 1-877-704-4453 from the U.S. or 1-201-389-0920 internationally. A replay will be available after the call until Thursday, May 29, 2025, and can be accessed by dialing 1-844-512-2921 from the U.S. or 1-412-317-6671 internationally. The passcode is 13752592. Hosting the call will be Andy Wiederhorn, Chairman, and Ken Kuick, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer. The conference call will also be webcast live from the corporate website at under the 'Investors' section. A replay of the webcast will be available through the corporate website shortly after the call has concluded. About FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets, and develops fast casual, quick-service, casual dining, and polished casual dining concepts around the world. The Company currently owns 18 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli's, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Smokey Bones, Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo's Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Native Grill & Wings, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises and owns over 2,300 units worldwide. For more information on FAT Brands, please visit Investor Relations: ICR Michelle Michalski IR-FATBrands@ Media Relations: Erin Mandzik emandzik@ ###
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fired federal prosecutor claims ex-Fatburger CEO's 'smears' reached White House
A former burger chain CEO under federal indictment on gun and fraud charges now faces another accusation: Allegedly spreading "smears" that reached the White House through conservative pundits, leading to the prosecutor who was handling his case getting fired. The latest claim was leveled by Adam Schleifer, formerly an assistant U.S. attorney in Los Angeles, in a filing last week with the Merit Systems Protection Board, which handles wrongful termination appeals from federal workers. Schleifer's filing called his dismissal "unlawful" and alleged it was motivated in part by his prosecution of Andrew Wiederhorn, the former chairman and chief executive of Fat Brands, which owns the Fatburger and Johnny Rockets restaurant chains. Wiederhorn has maintained his innocence in the criminal cases, and his lawyers declined to comment on Schleifer's allegations. Schleifer's recent filing included a one-line email in March, sent to him "on behalf of President Trump," notifying him he was being removed from his job. Schleifer, who had publicly criticized Trump in years past when he was not employed as a prosecutor, claims he was fired for his "engagement in constitutionally protected political activity." His firing, first reported by The Times, came an hour after right-wing activist Laura Loomer publicly called for it — a timeline Schleifer cited in his filing. Read more: White House ordered firing of L.A. federal prosecutor on ex-Fatburger CEO case, sources say The claim by the former prosecutor — who declined to comment when reached this week — drew a line between how the events unfolded and his work on the Wiederhorn case. Wiederhorn was indicted last May on federal charges alleging a $47-million 'sham loan' scheme. He was also charged with illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition after being previously convicted of a felony. He has pleaded not guilty in both cases. In his filing, Schleifer said he was fired on the basis of "smears, which originated with and were promoted by Mr. Wiederhorn, his defense team, and that of his codefendant FAT Brands, Inc." Lawyers representing Fat Brands did not respond to a request for comment. The White House and the U.S. Department of Justice did not respond to inquiries. Originally from Portland, Ore., Wiederhorn graduated from USC and, at age 21, founded the investment firm Wilshire Credit Corp. Billionaire philanthropist Eli Broad was one of his first financial backers, investing $300 million, according to a 2013 Times article. In 1990, Wiederhorn moved back to Portland, where he founded investment company Fog Cutter Capital. According to The Times, Wiederhorn was worth an estimated $140 million by the late '90s. In 2000, after Magic Johnson took an interest in Fatburger, Fog Cutter helped finance the change of ownership for the company, then bought a controlling stake three years later for $7 million. Federal authorities began investigating Wiederhorn in the 2000s, allegedly for taking out shareholder loans without intending to repay them, according to an April government filing in the Central District of California opposing Wiederhorn's efforts to obtain evidence in the ongoing case. The recent indictment against Wiederhorn alleged that he caused Wilshire Credit Corp. to issue him approximately $65 million in shareholder loans. Prosecutors have stated they plan to introduce evidence at trial later this year regarding those loans. "The government investigated those loans in the early 2000s, and ultimately concluded it could not charge Mr. Wiederhorn with any crime because of overwhelming evidence he relied on at least two different tax advisors when reporting the loans on his tax returns and thus lacked the requisite intent to defraud," Wiederhorn's attorneys said in a recent pretrial motion. Wiederhorn ultimately pleaded guilty in 2004 to charges of paying an illegal gratuity to his associate and filing a false tax return. He spent 15 months in prison and paid a $2-million fine. The day before Wiederhorn's plea, Fog Cutter awarded him a $2-million bonus and agreed to keep paying him during his incarceration. The arrangement prompted New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof to bestow on Wiederhorn his inaugural 'award for greed,' writing: 'I can't think of a board that has ever so disgraced the principles of corporate governance by overpaying a CEO even as he sits in prison.' Wiederhorn previously told The Times that his attorneys had advised him that his actions were legitimate business deals. Upon his release from prison in 2005, Wiederhorn became chief executive of Fatburger. He went on a public relations campaign to restore his and his family's reputations, including an appearance on 'Undercover Boss' at a Fatburger restaurant in Mesa, Ariz. "I've always adamantly denied doing anything wrong intentionally,' Wiederhorn told The Times in 2017. "I'm very grateful for it. I felt like I paid the fine. I did the time. I did everything I was supposed to do to make this go away and put it behind me." The latest federal investigation into Wiederhorn began around 2021 and involved a dawn raid on his home that December. Based on an affidavit alleging the CEO had engaged in tax and wire fraud, authorities searched the residence and found a pistol and ammunition in his closet, according to court filings. Wiederhorn is banned from possessing firearms because of his past conviction. At a court hearing last month, Wiederhorn's defense team told the judge the gun belonged to one of his sons. In 2023, Wiederhorn publicly announced he was stepping down as CEO, framing it as a way to "eliminate the distraction" of the ongoing federal probe. Weeks later, according to federal authorities, Wiederhorn 'removed every director other than himself' from the board of Fat Brands and 'reconstituted' a new board with directors 'under his control." The board now includes three of Wiederhorn's children. Last year, in May, a federal grand jury indicted Wiederhorn over an alleged $47-million "sham loan" scheme, which prosecutors say dates to 2010. Authorities accused Wiederhorn of evading millions in taxes by hiding his true income. Read more: Ex-Fatburger boss used company funds for Rolls-Royce and other luxuries in $47-million scheme, indictment says Company money — categorized as 'shareholder loans' — was allegedly disbursed to Wiederhorn and his family 'for their personal benefit,' according to the indictment. Some of that money went toward private-jet travel, ski trips, a Rolls-Royce Phantom and other luxury automobiles, a jewelry collection and a baby grand piano, federal prosecutors say. According to the indictment, Wiederhorn 'had no intention of repaying these sham 'loans.' ' The indictment cited a September 2020 email, in which Wiederhorn said that in addition to his disclosed annual salary of approximately $400,000, he received "$3m-4m of distributions from my company as loans, then periodically the company forgives those loans." 'Mr. Wiederhorn consulted and followed the advice of world-class professionals in all of his business dealings,' Nicola Hanna, Wiederhorn's attorney, previously told The Times. 'We look forward to making clear in court that this is an unfortunate example of government overreach — and a case with no victims, no losses and no crimes.' Wiederhorn was allegedly assisted by the company's former chief financial officer, Rebecca D. Hershinger, and his outside accountant, William J. Amon, who were also charged in the 22-count indictment. Both have pleaded not guilty. Fat Brands has also been charged. Brian Hennigan, counsel for Fat Brands Inc., previously told The Times the charges were 'unprecedented, unwarranted, unsubstantiated and unjust." Schleifer, whose father is the co-founder and chief executive of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, started with the U.S. attorney's office in 2016. He prosecuted drug trafficking and fraud cases before quitting in 2019 to run for an open congressional seat in New York's 17th District. During his congressional bid, in which he finished second in the Democratic primary, Schleifer on social media attacked Trump's tax policies and behavior toward federal investigators. In one 2020 tweet, Schleifer accused Trump of eroding constitutional integrity 'every day with every lie and every act of heedless, narcissistic corruption.' In his filing last week contesting his firing, Schleifer referred to his postings on social media as "First-Amendment-protected political advocacy." According to the filing, it was Wiederhorn's lawyer Hanna — then serving as U.S. attorney appointed by Trump — who rehired Schleifer in 2020. After his return to the federal prosecutor's office in L.A., Schleifer was assigned an ongoing investigation of Wiederhorn and others. In the recent challenge to his firing, Schleifer accused Wiederhorn and his defense team of commissioning a tabloid news article attacking his work and urging officials to remove him from the case and his job as a prosecutor. Schleifer also alleged in his filing a March 17 meeting held between the U.S. attorney's office and Wiederhorn's counsel, including Hanna, in which the latter allegedly "sought Mr. Schleifer's removal from the cases on the mistaken, unethical, and improper grounds that his and the Office's work on those cases reflected a 'woke,' 'DEI,' and 'Biden' bias." Read more: Trump's axing of L.A. federal prosecutor part of broader war on perceived legal enemies At the meeting, according to the filing, the defense team brought up Schleifer's critical comments about Trump on social media. Schleifer accused Wiederhorn and his defense team of providing those same social media posts to White House officials and other "tabloid and 'citizen' journalists." Schleifer alleged he was removed from his position "on the basis of these smears." Wiederhorn's securities fraud trial is scheduled for Oct. 28. His lawyers successfully argued for a continuance in the firearms case, citing the fact that the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals is reviewing a ruling on gun rights for nonviolent convicted felons. The trial is set for Jan. 20, 2026. Times staff writers Matt Hamilton and Laura J. Nelson contributed to this report. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Globe and Mail
04-04-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
Fatburger Continues Growth in France
All-American Burger Chain to Open 30 Units in Country Over Next Three Years LOS ANGELES, April 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Fatburger and 17 other restaurant concepts, announces a new partnership with the group behind Big M CIE, to expand Fatburger across France, opening 30 units over the next three years with five new units set to open in 2026. 'Since opening our first location nearly three years ago in Sarcelles, we have been looking for the right strategic opportunities to continue our expansion in France,' said Taylor Wiederhorn, Chief Development Officer of FAT Brands. 'Mehdi Bella and his team have a vast amount of experience within the restaurant space and successfully operate their own restaurant franchise in the country. We are confident they are the right partners to quickly scale Fatburger to amplify the brand's presence across France—showcasing what makes Fatburger unique—our custom-built burgers, Fat and Skinny Fries and hand-scooped milkshakes.' Ever since the first Fatburger opened in Los Angeles 70 years ago, the chain has been known for its delicious, grilled-to-perfection and cooked-to-order burgers. Founder Lovie Yancey believed that a big burger with everything on it is a meal in itself; at Fatburger 'everything' is not just the usual roster of toppings. Burgers can be customized with everything from bacon and eggs to chili and onion rings. In addition to its famous burgers, the Fatburger menu also includes Fat and Skinny Fries, sweet potato fries, scratch-made onion rings, Impossible™ Burgers, turkeyburgers, hand-breaded crispy chicken sandwiches, and hand-scooped milkshakes made from 100 percent real ice cream. For more information on Fatburger, visit ### About FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets and develops fast casual, quick-service, casual and polished casual dining restaurant concepts around the world. The Company currently owns 18 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli's, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Smokey Bones, Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo's Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Native Grill & Wings, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises and owns over 2,300 units worldwide. For more information on FAT Brands, please visit About Fatburger An all-American, Hollywood favorite, Fatburger is a fast-casual restaurant serving big, juicy, tasty burgers, crafted specifically to each customer's liking. With a legacy spanning 70 years, Fatburger's extraordinary quality and taste inspire fierce loyalty amongst its fan base, which includes a number of A-list celebrities and athletes. Featuring a contemporary design and ambiance, Fatburger offers an unparalleled dining experience, demonstrating the same dedication to serving gourmet, homemade, custom-built burgers as it has since 1952 – The Last Great Hamburger Stand ™. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the timing and performance of new store openings and area development agreements. Forward-looking statements reflect expectations of FAT Brands Inc. ('we' or 'our') concerning the future and are subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies. These factors are difficult to predict and beyond our control, and could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. We refer you to the documents that we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as our reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, for a discussion of these and other factors. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Fatburger Continues Growth in France
All-American Burger Chain to Open 30 Units in Country Over Next Three Years LOS ANGELES, April 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Fatburger and 17 other restaurant concepts, announces a new partnership with the group behind Big M CIE, to expand Fatburger across France, opening 30 units over the next three years with five new units set to open in 2026. 'Since opening our first location nearly three years ago in Sarcelles, we have been looking for the right strategic opportunities to continue our expansion in France,' said Taylor Wiederhorn, Chief Development Officer of FAT Brands. 'Mehdi Bella and his team have a vast amount of experience within the restaurant space and successfully operate their own restaurant franchise in the country. We are confident they are the right partners to quickly scale Fatburger to amplify the brand's presence across France—showcasing what makes Fatburger unique—our custom-built burgers, Fat and Skinny Fries and hand-scooped milkshakes.' Ever since the first Fatburger opened in Los Angeles 70 years ago, the chain has been known for its delicious, grilled-to-perfection and cooked-to-order burgers. Founder Lovie Yancey believed that a big burger with everything on it is a meal in itself; at Fatburger 'everything' is not just the usual roster of toppings. Burgers can be customized with everything from bacon and eggs to chili and onion rings. In addition to its famous burgers, the Fatburger menu also includes Fat and Skinny Fries, sweet potato fries, scratch-made onion rings, Impossible™ Burgers, turkeyburgers, hand-breaded crispy chicken sandwiches, and hand-scooped milkshakes made from 100 percent real ice cream. For more information on Fatburger, visit ### About FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands FAT Brands (NASDAQ: FAT) is a leading global franchising company that strategically acquires, markets and develops fast casual, quick-service, casual and polished casual dining restaurant concepts around the world. The Company currently owns 18 restaurant brands: Round Table Pizza, Fatburger, Marble Slab Creamery, Johnny Rockets, Fazoli's, Twin Peaks, Great American Cookies, Smokey Bones, Hot Dog on a Stick, Buffalo's Cafe & Express, Hurricane Grill & Wings, Pretzelmaker, Elevation Burger, Native Grill & Wings, Yalla Mediterranean and Ponderosa and Bonanza Steakhouses, and franchises and owns over 2,300 units worldwide. For more information on FAT Brands, please visit About Fatburger An all-American, Hollywood favorite, Fatburger is a fast-casual restaurant serving big, juicy, tasty burgers, crafted specifically to each customer's liking. With a legacy spanning 70 years, Fatburger's extraordinary quality and taste inspire fierce loyalty amongst its fan base, which includes a number of A-list celebrities and athletes. Featuring a contemporary design and ambiance, Fatburger offers an unparalleled dining experience, demonstrating the same dedication to serving gourmet, homemade, custom-built burgers as it has since 1952 – The Last Great Hamburger Stand™. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, including statements relating to the timing and performance of new store openings and area development agreements. Forward-looking statements reflect expectations of FAT Brands Inc. ('we' or 'our') concerning the future and are subject to significant business, economic and competitive risks, uncertainties and contingencies. These factors are difficult to predict and beyond our control, and could cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. We refer you to the documents that we file from time to time with the Securities and Exchange Commission, such as our reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q and Form 8-K, for a discussion of these and other factors. We undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances occurring after the date of this press release. MEDIA CONTACT: Erin Mandzik, FAT Brandsemandzik@ in to access your portfolio
