Rick Zambrano 
Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer will open new locations in Dallas, Miami and Nashville by early 2023. Married couple and founders Chris Barish and Julie Mulligan will expand their brand of burgers and CrazyShake milkshakes to 21 locations worldwide. After the three openings, the burger chain will operate in six states and nine countries.
WOWorks acquired Barberitos Southwestern Grille and Cantina and Zoup! Eatery. The parent of Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, and The Simple Greek will be adding the two brands, which the companies feel share a “common core DNA,” to the fast-casual portfolio.
Sunny Street Cafe began piloting a new brunch mimosa beverage program this year in its Texas markets. Based on the test feedback, the breakfast-and-lunch restaurant chain will roll out new drinks to all of its cafes this year. Executives expect the rollout of these cocktails and mocktails to begin in late Q2. Meanwhile, Sunny Street introduced a new design that will be implemented in three markets.
The National ProStart Invitational (NPSI) returned to an in-person format this year at the Washington Hilton in Washington, DC May 6 – 8. The event stands as a bright spot for the restaurant industry, which is recovering from the pandemic—a testament that the National Restaurant Association’s Educational Foundation arm and countless educators continue to advocate for the next generation of culinary professionals, owners and managers in the restaurant industry.
The cost of menu inflation will impact consumer behaviors, including the frequency of dining out at US restaurants. This will also impact consumer perception of restaurants as 74 percent of diners expect restaurants to cut portions in response to wholesale cost increases. Consumers anticipate restaurants will use a tactic to cut portions but maintain the same price, known in food retailing as “shrinkflation.” The nationwide survey commissioned by MarketMan, a back-of-house restaurant management software company, reveals insights from 1,500 US consumers.
As the restaurant industry seeks to recover amid the challenges of inflation and supply chain challenges, its traffic is down 2% from last year. The latest update from the NPD Group, indicates total restaurant visits decreased by 2% in the first quarter of 2022, but were up 1% in comparison to 2020’s first quarter.
Native Foods unveiled a Chicken Fajita Cheesesteak, Wasabi Crabcake Sandwich and Szechuan Asparagus as part of the 2022 spring menu. Also, Broccoli Cheddar Soup, Thai Beef Bowl and Strawberry Cheesecake rolled out. Chris Bertke, the newly-appointed executive chef, used springtime colors as inspiration for the new preparations.
Jack in the Box will begin a pilot in San Diego in which it will deploy Flippy 2 and Sippy from Miso Robotics. According to Miso, these are core products designed for restaurant chains with standalone locations. The machines will “leverage artificial intelligence, machine learning, computer vision and data analytics to maximize efficiency in the commercial kitchen,” announced the robotics and automation company.
Panera Bread launched an Unlimited Sip Club for $10.99, expanding a program made famous by its MyPanera+ coffee subscription. The new beverage program will include Panera’s portfolio of self-serve beverages. Customers can sip on hot and iced coffee, hot and iced teas (regular, Sweet Tea, where available, and Passion Papaya Green Iced Tea), Agave Lemonade, Pepsi-Cola fountain beverages, and Panera’s newly-released Charged Lemonades.
Fat Brands has integrated the concepts from its Global Franchise Group acquisition. The move puts gives Fat Brands a foothold in the snack and pizza categories. The purchase of Round Table Pizza, Great American Cookies, Marble Slab Creamery, Hot Dog on a Stick, and Pretzelmaker opens up new opportunities.
