The Latest
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Restaurant trend outlook for 2024
Slow traffic, growing interest in afternoon snacking and trends toward value menus, digital and in-store personalization will shape the restaurant landscape.
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Rave Restaurant Group appoints 6 execs, including new CFO
The company hired Jay Rooney as chief financial officer as it focuses on growing its buffet concept while overall unit count shrinks.
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Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf opens first drive-thru-only location in CA
The Rialto, California, restaurant is the first of what will likely be several order-ahead units that will target high-traffic markets.
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One Group Hospitality buys Benihana parent for $365M
The transaction will add $514 million in trailing 12-month revenue for the group, which also owns STK and Kona Grill.
Updated March 26, 2024 -
Deep Dive
What’s driving juice chains’ aggressive growth
Brands like Nekter Juice Bar, Main Squeeze Juice and Juice it Up are pushing into new markets and opening stores as demand rises for healthy foods.
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McDonald’s, NielsenIQ team for Cultural Relevance ad-testing module
By analyzing the role and effectiveness of cultural factors in content, this solution can help advertisers deliver more impactful and inclusive ads.
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McDonald’s, Krispy Kreme will offer doughnuts nationwide by 2026
The rollout, which follows a test at 160 stores in Kentucky last year, allows the fast food chain to expand its menu without having to change operations.
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Pizza Hut US president resigns
David Graves is leaving the chain after serving four years in multiple roles, and global CEO Aaron Powell will assume his responsibilities for the time being.
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How Corner Bakery grew AUV by $200K in 6 months
Under SSCP Capital’s ownership, the cafe chain seems to be turning a corner using new training, customer feedback tools and dayparts.
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Red Lobster appoints another CEO
Jonathan Tibus, who helped chains like Kona Grill and Krystal during bankruptcy, joins the struggling seafood chain following Horace Dawson's retirement.
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Starbucks names new chief procurement officer
Heather Ostis will focus on improving supplier performance and building network resiliency, among other goals.
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DoorDash to deliver by drone from a VA Wendy’s
Wing drones will deliver meals from the fast food location to nearby customers within about 30 minutes, the company said.
Updated March 22, 2024 -
Perkins unveils catering platform
The casual chain has added catering available for pickup and delivery to expand customer offerings, boost AUVs and grow franchisee profitability.
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Back to Basics: Building a dining room
Indoors or outdoors? Tables or bar stools? There’s a lot c-store retailers should consider when designing a dining space, experts say.
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Subway faces $50M suit for sexual abuse at franchisee
The suit claims Subway’s restaurant inspections and other forms of control over operations make it a joint employer with franchisee GRB Investments.
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Shake Shack hires Papa Johns’ Rob Lynch as CEO
Lynch will succeed Randy Garutti, who has been at the burger chain for over 20 years, on May 20.
Updated March 21, 2024 -
Papa Johns CFO takes interim-CEO post
Ravi Thanawala, who has been CFO since 2023, will step in to lead the company as Rob Lynch leaves to take the helm at Shake Shack.
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CosMc’s opens first Texas location
The McDonald’s spinoff launched its second site as it gears up for a major expansion in the Lone Star State.
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Opinion
Dynamic offers done right: Why Wendy’s was on the right track
Unlike surge pricing, dynamic pricing can enhance brand loyalty and foster a sense of community engagement beyond traditional marketing methods, writes Catherine Tabor, founder and CEO of Sparkfly.
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Ex-Auntie Anne’s president joins Taco John’s as CEO
Heather Neary replaces longtime CEO Jim Creel as the taco chain looks to grow within its existing markets and to enter new areas.
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Smashburger appoints Starbucks veteran as CEO
Denise Nelsen, former SVP of U.S. operations at Starbucks, started her new role overseeing Smashburger’s growth and menu innovation in January.
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Handel’s Ice Cream hires former Wetzel’s Pretzels chief as CEO
Jennifer Schuler joins the 130-unit brand after nine years at Wetzel’s, including five years as CEO, as the chain expects to surpass $130 million in systemwide sales this year.
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McDonald’s CEO Chris Kempczinski to become board chair
After eight years as chair and 28 years on McDonald’s board, Enrique Hernandez will retire at the chain’s annual shareholder meeting later this year.
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Starbucks adds regional CEOs, eliminates CMO post
The chain added CEOs for its North America and international divisions to give those regions more autonomy as it pursues its ambitious reinvention plan.
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Wonder raises $700M, plans to reach 90 units in 2025
After transitioning from food trucks to food halls last year, the company has already grown to 11 brick-and-mortar units with more in the works.