Rick Zambrano 
US Foods named Dave Flitman chief executive officer effective January 5, 2023. Flitman comes to US Foods from Builders FirstSource, and brings to the broadline foodservice distributor 35 years of manufacturing and distribution expertise, including food distribution. He will also join the US Foods Board of Directors.
The National Restaurant Association released its “What’s Hot Culinary Forecast” 2023. The report highlights trends in the restaurant industry, along with products that will drive the popularity of restaurant menus next year. From local culture to comfort fare, and menu streamlining to globally-inspired salads and huacatay, 2023’s trends are shaping up to be divergent.
Salata rolled out a Chicken Tortilla Soup as a permanent addition to its menu. The fast-casual salad chain, with 90 stores systemwide, considers the soup as a complement to any of its made-to-order salads or wraps.
Perkins will introduce Baconfest, featuring bacon-forward menu items, like the Bacon Pepper Jack Omelet, November 9. The bacon celebration will also include Maple Bacon Pancake Platter, Bacon & Broccoli Breakfast Skillet, Bacon Spinach Benedict, Smokehouse Bacon Double Cheeseburger, and Big Bacon BLT.
Farmer Boys promoted Joseph Ortiz to president and chief operating officer (COO), replacing longtime leader of the brand, Dave Wetzel. Ortiz had previously served as vice president of finance & accounting. In that position he had led the finance and accounting teams, also overseeing the information technology team. In that role, he also created new strategies and growth models, also improving workflow and development plans, noted a statement from Farmer Boys.
Caribou Coffee launched an Egg Nog Cold Foam and Maple Waffle Breakfast Sandwich as part of its holiday menu. Among additional, festive holiday beverages added, Ho Ho Mint Mocha includes real chocolate melted into steamed milk and combined with espresso and mint flavor. The seasonal drink comes topped with whipped cream and peppermints, available iced, blended or nitro. Caribou also added Fa La Latte, Spicy Mocha and Ice Crafted Press with Egg Nog Cold Foam.
Multi-unit restaurant operators are forging ahead in the last calendar quarter of the year with new, limited-time and permanent menu items. The rollout of these items is an effective way of bringing customers in for something new and fresh.
California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) opened a new restaurant in its “own backyard” in Laguna Niguel, just 20 miles southeast of Costa Mesa. The location on La Paz Road is the former site of a Stonefire Grill eatery, and not far from CPK HQ in Los Angeles. The opening today follows the brand’s multi-year plan to expand in core markets, grow its domestic and international franchise store count, build out its licensing presence, and drive profitable guest traffic.
American West Restaurant Group (AWRG), the third largest US Pizza Hut franchisee, named Jason Cochran CEO. With 25 years of combined retail and restaurant experience, Cochran takes the helm of the largest franchise group in Southern California and Utah.
Breakfast was the most important meal, reports The NPD Group, based on restaurant traffic growing by 4% in August year-over-year. This key meal of the day’s importance is evident in the current trend rate. Breakfast is just one percentage point of recovering from pre-pandemic levels based on traffic.
