Rick Zambrano

In first quarter of 2023, deal-involved visits rose 8% vs last year

Foodservice visits involving deals rise as restaurants drive traffic with promotions: Circana

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Rubio’s, Miller’s Ale House, O’Charley’s among restaurants launching value-driven promotions to attract customers as foodservice visits involving deals increase by 8%

Persistent inflation and higher food prices have caused consumers to look for deals. According to data from Circana, the first quarter of 2023 showed a significant increase in the number of customer visits involving food deals at commercial foodservice outlets. Primarily driven by consumers seeking deals and specials, these deal-involved visits rose 8% compared to the prior year.

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José Alberto Dueñas will become CEO of Panera Brands

Panera Brands names José Alberto Dueñas CEO, readies IPO

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Patrick Grismer, formerly CFO of Starbucks, joins Board Audit Committee

Panera Brands continues to ready itself for an IPO. The company has solidified its leadership team ahead of the eventual offering. José Alberto Dueñas will become chief executive officer of Panera Brands July 1, 2023. He will take the place of the company’s current CEO, Niren Chaudhary, who will transition to chairman of the Panera Brands Board of Directors.

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ProStart influences young lives beyond kitchen: New Jersey culinary team

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Passaic County Technical Institute’s ‘family’ of students shows heart, demonstrates success of vocational mentoring in providing life lessons, early-adulthood networking

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s ProStart program has made tremendous impact in training vocational students for successful careers in the restaurant industry. Educators, chefs and vocational trainers work in tandem to teach students skills that will further their careers and enhance their lives.

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O’Charley’s introduced Smash Hit Burgers...menu items will roll out in restaurants starting May 22

O’Charley’s Smash Hit Burgers debut

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New items provide variety in burger category on casual-dining chain’s menu, include $5 off promotion on National Burger Day

O’Charley’s will introduce a line of Smash Hit Burgers. The new menu items will roll out in its restaurants starting May 22, ahead of National Burger Day (May 28). In addition, on National Burger Day (only), O’Charley’s customers will receive a $5 discount on any burger.

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For Chipotle, is the recent launch of Farmesa in Santa Monica a good move?

Chipotle’s new bowl-forward concept: a distraction?

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Will new fast-casual brand from Chipotle generate its own momentum or create drag on the namesake Mexican-style chain?

For Chipotle, is the recent launch of Farmesa in Santa Monica a good move? It had been rumored for several weeks that Chipotle Mexican Grill would debut a new restaurant concept. What surprised some was that the prototype was somewhat similar to what was already out there.

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Michigan, Connecticut take top spots in ProStart’s 2023 NPSI

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Delaware, Texas secure second place finishes in culinary, management competitions

Michigan, Connecticut, Delaware, and Texas took home the top prizes at the 2023 National ProStart Invitational (NPSI). The event featured grueling competitions in culinary and business management categories. More than 400 students competed for top prizes. Overall, the top 10 teams will receive almost $200,000 in scholarships.

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Papa Johns’ Papadia line will expand with the addition of Doritos Cool Ranch Papadia.

Papa Johns adds Doritos Cool Ranch Papadia to menu

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Limited-time offering comes in chicken, beef, steak options

Papa Johns’ Papadia line will expand with the addition of Doritos Cool Ranch Papadia. The new limited-time menu item comes in three options: chicken, beef or steak. The line extension brings a new mashup that embraces the flatbread-style Papadia platform.

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Main Squeeze Juice Company acquired I Love Juice Bar, a 23-unit chain

Main Squeeze Juice completes acquisition of I Love Juice Bar

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Executives anticipate reduced costs to franchisees as a result of economies of scale

Main Squeeze Juice Company acquired I Love Juice Bar, a 23-unit chain based in Tennessee. I Love Juice Bar operates in Tennessee and Texas. The 28-unit juice bar and smoothie chain will integrate I love Juice Bar under the Main Squeeze Juice Co. system and brand.

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Garnett Station Partners acquired polished, casual-dining chain Firebirds

Garnett Station Partners acquires Firebirds

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Purchase by investment firm to trigger accelerated growth of casual-dining strong performer

Garnett Station Partners acquired polished, casual-dining chain Firebirds for an undisclosed amount. The restaurant company operates 56 units in 20 states. Firebirds’ menu features dishes prepared on a wood-burning grill. The restaurants include the popular, cocktail-centric FIREBAR.

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