Delivery, offsite business, CRM deployment drive sales momentum for Bloomin’ Brands, Outback in Q3
More than 25 percent of sales for the combined chains of Bloomin’ Brands—Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar—in the very near future, said Elizabeth Smith, CEO for Bloomin’ Brands on a Q3 investor conference call September 29. The company benefited from having added 240 locations across the system thus far, and Bloomin’ Brands expects to add another 200 units by the end of this year... about 70 to 80 percent of Carrabba’s and Outback stores are “eligible” to be delivery restaurants (urban/suburban vs. rural).
Sonic Corp. reports improved sales for its final fiscal 2018 quarter
Sonic Corp. announced its financial results for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2018 (Q4). Sonic agreed to a merger agreement in which it will be acquired by Inspire Brands, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Roark Capital as of September 2018. Comparable sales across the system of Sonic drive-ins increased... or its fiscal 2018 year, Sonic reported that comparable sales have decreased 0.3 percent, comprising a 0.3-percent decline at franchised drive-ins and a 0.8-percent decrease at company-owned stores.
Sonic Drive-In introduces Classic, Spicy Footlong Philly Cheesesteak LTOs
Sonic has introduced the new Classic and Spicy Footlong Philly cheesesteaks for a limited time. The Classic is a combination of grilled steak and onions, topped off with a cheese sauce and nestled in a Sonic fluffy bun. Those seeking more "heat," will opt for the Spicy Footlong Philly with extra zing provided by the jalapeños and Baja sauce.
Restaurant marketers seek to understand Gen Z: Best practices
Embracing and understanding this next generation of consumer, Gen Z, is important to restaurateurs and restaurant companies across the United States. After all, this is the generation that spends the most of their hard-earned dollars on food prepared outside the home. According to a Piper Jaffray… 24 percent of Gen Z spending is on food. This is the generation that is seeing its maturation occur in a rapidly changing world.
Naf Naf Grill launches delivery, recognizes first-responder service
Naf Naf Grill, a Middle Eastern-style chain with 38 locations in more than eight major markets, has launched a new delivery service in partnership with DoorDash. Naf Naf favorites, including traditional shawarma, fresh falafel and handmade pita, can be served up at customers’ homes and offices using the Naf Perks app or online. To promote the service, Naf Naf will offer free delivery for a limited time.
Sonic adds LTO Breakfast Slingers to morning lineup
Sonic Drive-In has added a limited-time lineup of lighter-sized breakfast sandwiches to keep its customers on the move. The new Breakfast Slingers start at just $1.49 and 250 calories... Breakfast Slingers come in three options that are served on a buttery, brioche bun: egg and melted cheese and also either crispy bacon or savory sausage.
Bojangles’ accepts buyout offer from Durational Capital, The Jordan Company
Charlotte, N.C.-based Bojangles’ announced that it would be acquired by Durational Capital Management and The Jordan Company for $16.10 per share or about $594M... The buyout offer represents a 39-percent premium over the closing share price February 12, 2018, when there was initial speculation of a potential transaction, said the 766-unit chicken and biscuit chain.... a Bojangles’ sale culminated in a report by Reuters September 28 that the company was seeking strategic alternatives.
Restaurant chains offer up free food on Veterans Day to active, retired military
Restaurant chains are showing goodwill as they look to attract veterans and their families the 2018 Veterans Day weekend. Orange Leaf Yogurt is providing free frozen yogurt to active and retired military at participating stores. The nearly-200-unit chain is providing a coupon online for this offer on its website. At Ruby Tuesday, all military personnel will enjoy a free appetizer... military personnel will receive a free entree at California Pizza Kitchen from a special Veterans Day menu November 11.
Taco Bell introduces PARTY by Taco Bell group dining, party kits
Taco Bell has introduced its own group dining program at select restaurants, “PARTY by Taco Bell.” This program, which runs through December 22, seamingly as a test, will allow patrons to reserve tables that include a Taco Bell Party Decor Kit for up to 10 guests to celebrate special occasions.... Where are the PARTY by Taco Bell participating locations?
Protecting a restaurant brand while engaging 3rd party delivery-service providers
Consumers are enjoying restaurant food in the comfort of their own homes and their places of work. Restaurant chains have focused on delivery and takeout as a way to capture the upside of this trend. According to Melissa Wilson of restaurant consulting firm, Technomic, appearing in April at the Restaurant Leadership Conference in Phoenix, restaurant delivery is expected to grow by 12 percent. ..In fact, several high-profile announcements during the summer have highlighted the importance of delivery to restaurant chains. Chipotle, Naf Naf Grill, California Pizza Kitchen, Shake Shack, and Applebee’s...
Qdoba adds Pulled Pork and Queso Burrito to U.S., Canadian stores
Qdoba has introduced a Pulled Pork and Queso Burrito. The 750-unit fast-casual says its pulled pork is the leanest protein on the menu. Inside the burrito, guests will find the pulled pork, slow braised with a seasoning blend infusing it with tomatoes, onion, garlic and mild chile flavors, nestled in a warm flour tortilla with a cilantro-lime white rice and seasoned with black beans, cilantro, and topped with pico de gallo, shredded cheese and Qdoba’s 3-Cheese Queso.
Restaurant chains show off fall flavors
Keeping in par with those traditions, several restaurants are celebrating the season with news dishes that take these humble ingredients and add culinary expertise to it. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill takes bold American cuisine and adds a contemporary touch. Its fall menu features all its previous fall favorites. Its dishes showcase crispy brussel sprouts, wood-grilled cauliflower, sprinkles of pumpkin seed, and a dash of spice, rubbed into the meat for an added kick.... Corner Bakery is using fresh ingredients to create an autumnal breakfast menu. “We are excited to introduce our guests to Corner Bakery’s new harvest creations.
Restaurant Strategy ›
Protecting a restaurant brand while engaging 3rd party delivery-service providers
Consumers are enjoying restaurant food in the comfort of their own homes and their places of work. Restaurant chains have focused on delivery and takeout as a way to capture the upside of this trend. According to Melissa Wilson of restaurant consulting firm, Technomic, appearing in April at the Restaurant Leadership Conference in Phoenix, restaurant delivery is expected to grow by 12 percent. ..In fact, several high-profile announcements during the summer have highlighted the importance of delivery to restaurant chains. Chipotle, Naf Naf Grill, California Pizza Kitchen, Shake Shack, and Applebee’s...
Delivery, offsite business, CRM deployment drive sales momentum for Bloomin’ Brands, Outback in Q3
More than 25 percent of sales for the combined chains of Bloomin’ Brands—Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar—in the very near future, said Elizabeth Smith, CEO for Bloomin’ Brands on a Q3 investor conference call September 29. The company benefited from having added 240 locations across the system thus far, and Bloomin’ Brands expects to add another 200 units by the end of this year... about 70 to 80 percent of Carrabba’s and Outback stores are “eligible” to be delivery restaurants (urban/suburban vs. rural).
The One Group Hospitality hires two senior executives, taps Celeste Fierro for VP of Special Events role
The One Group Hospitality, Inc. has transitioned Celeste Fierro to the new vice president of Special Events position as it leverages her special event expertise and hires two new executives. The One Group oversees the STK restaurant chain, a hip, high-energy steakhouse concept. The new executives joining The One Group are Connie Collins, named vice president of Operations and Global Training, and Tyler Loy, who has joined the team in a newly-created position, taking on the vice president of Strategy and Measurement role.
Restaurant marketers seek to understand Gen Z: Best practices
Embracing and understanding this next generation of consumer, Gen Z, is important to restaurateurs and restaurant companies across the United States. After all, this is the generation that spends the most of their hard-earned dollars on food prepared outside the home. According to a Piper Jaffray… 24 percent of Gen Z spending is on food. This is the generation that is seeing its maturation occur in a rapidly changing world.
Restaurant Leadership ›
Starbucks taps ex-Hyatt executive to succeed Maw as chief financial officer
Starbucks has named Patrick Grismer executive vice president and chief financial officer, succeeding Scott Maw, who is retiring at the end November. Grismer will report to Kevin Johnson, Starbucks president and chief executive. Grismer brings global financial expertise from leadership roles in several large, consumer-facing companies, including Hyatt Hotels, KFC parent Yum Brands and The Walt Disney Company, spending more than 25 years as these hospitality and foodservice behemoths.
National Restaurant Association forges equity deal with Technomic parent for NRA Show oversight
According to an announcement from Technomic, its parent, Winsight LLC, has forged a new deal with the National Restaurant Association, expanding its penetration of the foodservice information services market in the U.S. The agreement for an undisclosed amount will hand over operational oversight of the National Restaurant Association Show to Winsight, and the Association will gain an advisory board seat and an equity partnership with Winsight.
The One Group Hospitality hires two senior executives, taps Celeste Fierro for VP of Special Events role
The One Group Hospitality, Inc. has transitioned Celeste Fierro to the new vice president of Special Events position as it leverages her special event expertise and hires two new executives. The One Group oversees the STK restaurant chain, a hip, high-energy steakhouse concept. The new executives joining The One Group are Connie Collins, named vice president of Operations and Global Training, and Tyler Loy, who has joined the team in a newly-created position, taking on the vice president of Strategy and Measurement role.
Inspire Brands taps new president for Buffalo Wild Wings chain
Buffalo Wild Wings new president is Lyle Tick, a marketer, advertiser and merchandise executive with a deep repertoire across several retail brands and marketing agencies. Parent company Inspire Brands made the announcement... after the acquisition of Buffalo Wild Wings by Arby’s Restaurant Group, closely-held by Roark Capital at the time. 1,200-unit Buffalo Wild Wings and the Atlanta-based Inspire Brands executive team are looking for a big turnaround
Chain Limited-Time Offers ›
QSR chains amp up promotions during Halloween 2018 season
Quick-service restaurant chains are amping up their promotions and limited-time offerings during the Halloween season. Burger King is introducing a nightmarish burger called the Nightmare KIng, intended and “clinically proven” to induce increased nightmares. The Nightmare King sandwich contains a quarter-pound flamed-grilled beef patty, 100-percent white meat crispy chicken fillet, melted cheese, thick-cut bacon, mayo and onions on a glazed green sesame seed bun.
Bojangles brings back Pork Chop Griller Biscuit
Bojangles’ has brought back the Pork Chop Griller Biscuit as a limited-time offering... The breakfast sandwich is popular with the chain’s fans and nestles a grilled pork chop between a Bojangles’ signature buttermilk biscuit... Guests can order the Pork Chop Griller Biscuit LTO as a combo with Bo-Tato Rounds...
Panda Express features Honey Sesame Chicken Breast LTO, launches new mobile app
Panda Express is returning the Honey Sesame Chicken Breast, a fan favorite, as a limited-time offer. The entree fill feature crispy chicken breast strips, string beans and yellow peppers, prepared in a sweet sesame sauce that is now made with organic honey... now returns with a mobile app and the slogan, “Honey, it’s back!” The Panda Express mobile app is also expected to be a guest favorite, allowing for interactive ordering process, group ordering, and multiple user selections from different phones
Eatery Pulse Media expands multimedia news platform nationally with Eatery Pulse Streem, Restaurant C-Suite
Eatery Pulse Media, a fast-growing information services, consulting and content marketing firm, is expanding its multimedia platform nationally. Its newest industry publication for restaurant decision-makers, Restaurant C-Suite Magazine, will debut in September 2018. Additionally, to further serve the needs of top-level industry management, newly-launched Eatery Pulse Streem and its email blasts will curate the most relevant and meaningful industry news updates and present them weekly in web, 4K-UHD video, audio podcast, and mobile on-the-go formats, starting in November.
ezCater taps Janine Allo as first chief people and culture officer
ezCater announced a new Human Resources executive to support the growth of the rapidly-rising business catering marketplace on the heels of its acquisition of Paris-based Go Cater, a corporate catering ordering and spend-management platform. Janine Allo has been named Chief People and Culture Officer. She comes to ezCater with 25 years of experience helping organizations grow in a changing environment. Allo was recently VP of Global Talent at Flex International, and there she helped the company grow amid a transformation and rebranding initiatives.
National Restaurant Association forges equity deal with Technomic parent for NRA Show oversight
According to an announcement from Technomic, its parent, Winsight LLC, has forged a new deal with the National Restaurant Association, expanding its penetration of the foodservice information services market in the U.S. The agreement for an undisclosed amount will hand over operational oversight of the National Restaurant Association Show to Winsight, and the Association will gain an advisory board seat and an equity partnership with Winsight.
Pincho Factory launches multi-pronged delivery program, online ordering service
Latin street-food chain Pincho Factory announced a partnership with Uber Eats, Postmates, DoorDash, and online ordering platform Olo to bring delivery service to all of its locations this fall. The 10-unit fast-casual chain is known for... the Pincho Burger, Steak Latin Ricebowl and its namesake line of pinchos. Delivery is part of its strategic growth, and the service will also serve franchisees well.
Sonic Drive-In introduces Classic, Spicy Footlong Philly Cheesesteak LTOs
Sonic has introduced the new Classic and Spicy Footlong Philly cheesesteaks for a limited time. The Classic is a combination of grilled steak and onions, topped off with a cheese sauce and nestled in a Sonic fluffy bun. Those seeking more "heat," will opt for the Spicy Footlong Philly with extra zing provided by the jalapeños and Baja sauce.
Starbucks taps ex-Hyatt executive to succeed Maw as chief financial officer
Starbucks has named Patrick Grismer executive vice president and chief financial officer, succeeding Scott Maw, who is retiring at the end November. Grismer will report to Kevin Johnson, Starbucks president and chief executive. Grismer brings global financial expertise from leadership roles in several large, consumer-facing companies, including Hyatt Hotels, KFC parent Yum Brands and The Walt Disney Company, spending more than 25 years as these hospitality and foodservice behemoths.
Macaroni Grill adds fall comfort menu as LTO, Braised Lamb Shank, Pumpkin Cheesecake
Romano's Macaroni Grill is focusing on classic comfort foods as it introduces its fall 2018 seasonal menu. The 108-unit Italian-style casual-dining restaurant chain is rolling out eight fall dishes as limited-time offerings: Prosciutto and Cheese Board, Osso Bucco, Braised Lamb Shank, Porterhouse Steak, Pumpkin Cheesecake, and Sea Salt Caramel Gelato.
Shake Shack brokers deal to expand American burger-custard chain to Mexico
Shake Shack has partnered with food and retail firm Grupo Toks to launch in Mexico with a store opening in Mexico City in 2019. The new development deal will pair the classic burger, hot dog and custard chain with the 40-year expertise of Mexico City-based Grupo Toks to build 30 stores... Shake Shack will work with local suppliers to build a flagship Shack that reflects the Mexico City community and heritage
QSR chains amp up promotions during Halloween 2018 season
Quick-service restaurant chains are amping up their promotions and limited-time offerings during the Halloween season. Burger King is introducing a nightmarish burger called the Nightmare KIng, intended and “clinically proven” to induce increased nightmares. The Nightmare King sandwich contains a quarter-pound flamed-grilled beef patty, 100-percent white meat crispy chicken fillet, melted cheese, thick-cut bacon, mayo and onions on a glazed green sesame seed bun.
Muscle Maker Grill offers new Burger Bar Menu for limited time
Muscle Maker Grill launched a limited-time burger menu offering October 22, marketed as promoting a healthier lifestyle for its guests. The new Muscle Maker Grill Burger Bar Menu lineup is available a five-style, build-your-own custom menu. Veggie options include the grass-fed beef, turkey, all-natural chicken breast or veggie burger. Guests can pick their style, including Mushroom Supreme, California Club, Classic Jalapeno and the Recovery Burger, served up on a whole wheat bun and a side of potato fries.