Torchy’s Tacos beefs up executive leadership team
Elizabeth Baxter, Scott Hudler join Torchy’s Tacos executive team Torchy’s Tacos is beefing up its executive team. The 60-unit chain […]
Technomic, GroundTruth reveal restaurant chain opportunities by season
Measuring Restaurant Performance by Season report reveals chains’ best seasons Now that winter is in full blast, restaurant operators are looking ahead to spring and 2019 as […]
Applebee’s launches All-You-Can-Eat Riblets and Chicken Tenders with Double Crunch Shrimp LTO
Applebee’s adds Shrimp to Riblets and Chicken Tenders LTO as further enticement The Applebee’s chain has brought back its All […]
Starbucks opens Dewata Coffee Sanctuary in Indonesia
Largest coffee destination in Southeast Asia to be ‘sensory coffee journey’ Starbucks has opened its largest Southeast coffee destination in Bali Indonesia. The Starbucks Dewata Coffee Sanctuary, on Sunset […]
What’s Hot 2019 Culinary Forecast: cannabis, CBD, zero-waste, global breakfast
CBD- and cannabis-infused food and beverages are top-ranking trends in the results of the What’s Hot Chef Survey, published in […]
Peet’s Coffee features turmeric coffee drinks LTO
Peet’s Coffee has brought back its turmeric coffee drink, Golden Caffè Latte, in 2019 as part of its winter beverage […]
DoorDash, Cruise test autonomous food delivery in new partnership
DoorDash, Cruise to test self-driving delivery at restaurants, grocers Through a new partnership, Cruise and DoorDash will be testing autonomous […]
Dunkin’ releases new packaging, new LTOs, returns Brown Sugar Chipotle Bacon
At Dunkin’, some things will change, but much will remain the same in 2019. The company will be updating its […]
Carl’s Jr. adds Beyond Famous Star, Beyond Burger patty 2.0 option
Beyond Famous Star will walk fine line at meat-lovers’ chain Carl’s Jr has launched the Beyond Famous Star sandwich, utilizing the Beyond Burger patty, made with all plant-based ingredients […]
Restaurant Food Trends ›
National Restaurant Association previews hot 2019 food trends
Extrapolating today’s food trends for applicability in 2019 is not the easiest of tasks so the National Restaurant Association (NRA) […]
Robots, cannabis, sour, meal kits: restaurant trends of 2019
While some of these trends are continuations of factors that are already playing a large role in the contemporary hospitality market and others are more speculative, Baum and Whiteman’s 2019 trend report highlights 13 trends...automated pizza and burger production machines, as well as a robotic barista, upscale fast casual, cannabis and synthetic meat are trends to watch in 2019.
Food trends for 2019 and beyond
With food trends, the why is often more important than the what Food and beverage trends are usually based on […]
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 Technology ›
Lavu and Dining Alliance enter into joint marketing collaboration
Lavu, a mobile POS (point-of-sale) company, and Dining Alliance, a group purchasing organization, have entered into a joint marketing agreement. […]
Robots, cannabis, sour, meal kits: restaurant trends of 2019
While some of these trends are continuations of factors that are already playing a large role in the contemporary hospitality market and others are more speculative, Baum and Whiteman’s 2019 trend report highlights 13 trends...automated pizza and burger production machines, as well as a robotic barista, upscale fast casual, cannabis and synthetic meat are trends to watch in 2019.
Restaurant chains tap big data for growth, customer engagement
Restaurant big data has a myriad of uses that gives marketers the upper hand Big data is making a significant […]
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.
Restaurant Marketing ›
Restaurant chains tap big data for growth, customer engagement
Restaurant big data has a myriad of uses that gives marketers the upper hand Big data is making a significant […]
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?
How restaurants can improve the 3rd party restaurant delivery experience
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...
Sonic Drive-In to open first restaurant in Alaska
Sonic Drive-In is readying a new restaurant in Alaska at 2100 East Parks Highway—its first in the state. Sonic is […]
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?
How restaurants can improve the 3rd party restaurant delivery experience
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.