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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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...
Restaurant Leadership ›
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
Fiesta Restaurant Group taps Jackie Swift-Kurkjian as senior director, Off-Premise Consumption
Fiesta Restaurant Group, parent of Taco Cabana and Pollo Tropical, announced that Jackie Swift-Kurkjian has joined the company as senior director of Off-Premise Consumption. In this role, she will lead the efforts to build the catering, online and delivery sales channels at Pollo Tropical and Taco Cabana. Her role will help the brands leverage new information systems, resources and people as part of Fiesta’s Strategic Renewal Plan.
Restaurant Franchising ›
Roark Capital-controlled Inspire Brands to acquire Sonic Corporation for $2.3B
The ink was still drying on the acquisition of Jamba Juice by Focus Brands, a wholly-owned Roark Capital subsidiary, when Inspire Brands, another Roark subsidiary, announced its agreement to acquire Sonic in a transaction valued at $2.3B. Inspire Brands is the parent of restaurant chains Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings and Rusty “R” Taco.
Fat Brands announces first co-branded restaurant in Arizona
Fat Brands has announced the development of a co-branded restaurant in Cave Creek, Arizona. The first co-branded restaurant of Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express in Arizona is the result of a new deal with franchise partner Gregg Wright. Fatburger has a strong reputation with guests and a national presence since it started in Southern California 70 years ago.
Popeyes strikes deal for Philippines expansion
Popeyes will be entering the Philippines via a new master franchising agreement. The quick-service brand, owned by Restaurant Brands International (RBI), announced reaching a deal with Kuya J Holdings Group, which already operates 100 Kuya J Restaurant locations in the Philippines. The Kuya J Restaurant chain is best known for its crispy pata, kare-kare, caldereta, and halo-halo.
Popeyes Q2 2018 sales driven by unit growth, restaurant delivery
Restaurant Brands International (RBI), reported financial results for Popeyes for Q2 2018. RBI acquired Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen in an all-cash transaction for $1.8B in March 2017. Popeyes grew its sales to $937M, a 10.7-percent increase, compared to a 3.3-percent increase in the same period last year.
Restaurant Technology ›
ezCater bolsters executive team, naming new chief strategy, chief sales officers
ezCater is bolstering is executive suite with new hires after a $100M Series D round of financing. It has named James Rosenstock as chief strategy officer, while tapping Mike O’Hanlon for the ezCater chief sales officer role. The company is quickly positioning itself for growth. This follows the acquisition of Paris-based GoCater. As chief strategy officer, Rosenstock will lead financial, international and corporate development for ezCater.
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.
Chipotle launches delivery in 70 markets with DoorDash, offers free delivery
Chipotle Mexican Grill has expanded its partnership with DoorDash to enable national delivery in 70 markets and at over 1,800 Chipotle locations. Chipotle’s customers will be able to order delivery using the website or the Chipotle mobile app. For a limited time, between August 27 and September 12, 2018, guests will get free delivery on orders of $10 or more (not including tip or tax).
JAB-owned Krispy Kreme acquires majority stake in Insomnia Cookies
Krispy Kreme announced taking a majority stake in Insomnia Cookies, a late-night cookie delivery company with 135 stores in the United States. Insomnia Cookies was launched in 2003 by Seth Berkowitz.. JAB Holding Company acquired Krispy Kreme for approximately $1.35B in 2016. Through Krispy Kreme’s investment, JAB is further extending its reach in bakery and coffee businesses in U.S. retail and foodservice
Fat Brands announces first co-branded restaurant in Arizona
Fat Brands has announced the development of a co-branded restaurant in Cave Creek, Arizona. The first co-branded restaurant of Fatburger and Buffalo’s Express in Arizona is the result of a new deal with franchise partner Gregg Wright. Fatburger has a strong reputation with guests and a national presence since it started in Southern California 70 years ago.
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
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.
Carolina Panthers fans win big with Krispy Kreme Dozen Original Glazed promotion
Fans of the Carolina Panthers are winning big this football season with a Krispy Kreme Doughnuts promotion. The chain is offering guests in the Carolinas a dozen Original Glazed Doughnuts for $5.99 (coffee not included) the Monday after a Carolina win, representing a discount of about 25 percent. The Panthers win on September 9 against the Dallas Cowboys (16-8) sealed the first deal today for fans in South and North Carolina.
Twists and toppings can up the salad experience for diners
Salads aren’t just for dieters anymore. Consumers who are looking for healthier and functional dining options are adding salads to meals, or opting for salads as meals when dining out at restaurants. A few twists on salads can take them to the next level. The difference between a ‘salad” and a ‘bowl” can be in their size, and the amount of protein, rice or grain ingredients relative to greens and vegetables. In functionality, protein is a big winner and “protein bowls” have become more widespread.
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 chain to bolster presence in home market
Bojangles’, a chain known for its all-day breakfast, chicken-centric menu and southern sides, reported having two new restaurants under construction in North Carolina, as it looks to bolster its presence in its home market. Additionally, Bojangles' is remodeling a store at 1064 Blowing Rock Road near the Boone Mall.