Core Insights - TCBY, a prominent frozen yogurt brand, has experienced significant decline from its peak, with a current operation of approximately 350 locations, representing an 88% decrease from its height of around 3,000 stores [2][6]. Company History - Founded in 1981 in Little Rock, Arkansas, TCBY became the first national frozen yogurt chain in the U.S. and went public within two years due to its rapid popularity [2]. - In 2000, TCBY was sold to Capricorn Investors for $140 million, marking the end of its family ownership [4]. - The brand struggled with declining earnings, leading to a bankruptcy filing for its parent company, Mrs. Fields Famous Brands, in 2008 [5]. Recent Developments - TCBY was rescued from a second bankruptcy by The Carlyle Group and Z Capital, who became majority stakeholders [6]. - As of 2022, TCBY had reduced to 168 domestic franchised locations, but has since been acquired by Pearl Street Equity [6]. - The company plans to reopen a franchise location in Oswego, Illinois, on November 22, 2025, with a promotional offer to attract customers [7].

Core Insights - KFC U.S. has appointed Melissa Cash as Chief Marketing Officer, effective September 16, 2025, to lead the brand's modern marketing strategy [1][2] - The leadership team is being strengthened with key appointments, including Francis "Rico" Arrastia as Chief Digital & Technology Officer, Tiffany Furman as Chief Growth Officer, and Sarah Crow as Chief Legal Officer [1][6][8][9] Company Strategy - Cash will focus on brand strategy, food innovation, integrated marketing, media and communications, consumer insights, and e-commerce marketing [2] - The brand aims to accelerate its Kentucky Fried Comeback Plan to enhance brand relevance and growth in a competitive market [5] Leadership Background - Melissa Cash has over 20 years of experience in brand development, previously serving as SVP and Chief Brand Officer at Wingstop, where she significantly increased revenue and brand awareness [4] - Francis "Rico" Arrastia brings 27 years of experience in product and technology leadership from companies like Levi Strauss & Co. and Walmart Global eCommerce [6][7] - Tiffany Furman has been with Yum! Brands for over 17 years, previously serving as CFO at Habit Burger & Grill [8] - Sarah Crow has six years of experience with Yum! Brands, previously leading the Global Franchising Office [9] Leadership Vision - Cash expressed enthusiasm for leading KFC's marketing efforts to enhance its cultural relevance and growth [5] - Arrastia aims to modernize KFC's digital and technology strategy to improve customer experiences and drive growth [7] - The assembled leadership team is expected to sharpen KFC's competitive edge and facilitate a significant U.S. comeback [10]

The original fried chicken chain also brings back the Colonel to its advertising as a feisty "Chefpreneur," signaling the brand's renewed obsessive pursuit of flavor LOUISVILLE, Ky., July 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- KFC® is cooking up something big. As fierce competition continues in the fried chicken wars, KFC—with 75 years of fried chicken legacy—is entering its comeback era and making KFC impossible to resist. Today, it issues a bold come back call to fried chicken fans with a "Free Bucket On Us" digital of ...