Manasquan, NJ – Jersey Mike’s Subs has appointed Betsy Mercado as the company’s first-ever Chief People Officer, a newly created role aimed at guiding the brand’s people strategy as it accelerates nationwide and global expansion. The announcement is effective immediately.

Mercado will oversee leadership development, compliance, and the overall team member experience while advancing initiatives to build high-performance teams and sustain the brand’s culture. CEO Charlie Morrison said Mercado’s mix of franchise expertise and human resources leadership makes her “the ideal leader to advance our people-first culture” as the sandwich chain continues rapid growth.

Mercado brings more than 20 years of HR leadership experience across restaurants and franchises. She most recently served as Chief People Officer at Flynn Group, the world’s largest franchise operator, where she directed people operations for more than 2,700 restaurants and fitness clubs. She also previously held senior HR leadership positions at The Palm Restaurants.

In her new role, Mercado said she aims to “enhance an environment where every team member can grow, contribute meaningfully, and take pride in being a part of the Jersey Mike’s story.”

TOMS RIVER, NJ – Burger King is rolling out its first-ever Monster Menu, a Halloween-themed lineup of new creations that hit restaurants nationwide on Tuesday. The chain, known for putting a spooky twist on the holiday, is offering items inspired by classic monsters and served in limited-edition packaging.

The Monster Menu features four new items: the Jack-O-Lantern Whopper, served on a bright orange bun topped with black sesame seeds; Vampire Nuggets, shaped like bats and fangs and packaged in coffin-style cartons; Mummy Mozzarella Fries, breaded sticks paired with marinara; and the Franken-Candy Sundae, a soft-serve dessert with OREO crumbles, purple candy syrup, and popping candy.

Joel Yashinsky, Burger King’s Chief Marketing Officer, said the promotion is part of the company’s annual effort to deliver “spirited” offerings during Halloween. He noted the brand has expanded the experience with themed packaging, collectible crowns, buckets, and Scooby-Doo toys.

For children, the chain is also revamping its King Jr. Meal, introducing Vampire Nuggets as the first major menu innovation for the kids’ meal in years. Each box includes a toy from a new Scooby-Doo series, allowing kids to join the Mystery Gang in solving spooky challenges.

The limited-time Monster Menu will be available at participating U.S. Burger King locations through Halloween.