Eatery Pulse Team 
US Foods named Andrew Iacobucci senior executive vice president, field operations and chief commercial officer. Iacobucci will be responsible for the company’s sales, commercial excellence, and merchandising. In addition, he will oversee marketing, the US Foods Chef’Store chain, US Foods Direct, and MOXē teams.
Cafe Rio debuted a slow-simmered Beef Birria protein. The preparation reflects traditional cooking methods, the chain said. Select beef cuts are simmered with guajillo and arbol chiles. The chain uses tomatoes, garlic and onions, producing a flavorful and tender dish, according to a statement. Beef Birria comes with its savory consommé.
Unified commerce platform Qu named Niko Papademetriou co-founder. The Board of Directors and leadership team recognized his accomplishments and relentless pursuit of the development and improvement of the organization through this additional title.
WOWorks, the parent of Saladworks, added a new line of drinks from Tractor Beverage. The partnership with the drink company, producing first and only certified organic, non-GMO beverages, will bolster the drink lineup of the company’s various brands. The additions will take place at Saladworks, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh, The Simple Greek, Barberitos Southwestern Grille and Cantina, and Zoup!
Aloha Poke opened a restaurant in Deerfield, Illinois, a northern suburb in the Chicago market. The poke chain featuring sashimi-grade seafood and proteins, paired with house made sauces, continues its expansion. Deerfield becomes the 21st unit in the system while at the same time, the 14th company store.
Checkers and Rally’s expanded its line of mushroom-infused burgers with the debut of Fried Mushroom Buford. The QSR chain also added a new $5 Meal Deal, comprising its Checkerburger/Rallyburger and Mushroom Swissburger.
Island Fin Poké Co. added a Korean BBQ Chicken Bowl to the menu. For a limited time, guests can try the new bowl, which diversifies the chain’s food offerings, and will appeal to a broader customer base.
Mr Gatti’s Pizza signed a development agreement with Brent Swadley for Oklahoma, Arkansas and Missouri. The deal calls for 17 units to be opened over six years.
Chain restaurants and bars are gearing up to attract diners during March Madness. The NCAA tournament has key rounds during the upcoming week. Miller’s Ale House, O’Charley’s and Wings and Rings are notable examples.
Limited restaurant brands are increasingly relying on technology to grow their business. Digital sales will continue to grow, but at a more modest pace, according to restaurant POS platform Qu’s “State of Digital Report”. In its fourth annual version, the report includes findings that digital sales reached 25% of sales on average for the largest share of brands. Some attained 50% or more of their business from digital sales.
