US Foods named Andrew Iacobucci senior EVP, field operations and chief commercial officer

US Foods names Andrew Iacobucci senior EVP, field operations, chief commercial officer

Star executive, who held interim CEO role for eight months starting in May, recognized in new appointment

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.

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Cafe Rio debuted a slow-simmered Beef Birria protein

Cafe Rio adds limited-time Beef Birria to menu

Guests of Mexican-style fast casual can add new protein to burritos or quesadillas

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.

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Saladworks, sister chains add Tractor Beverage offerings

Lemonade, Farmers Punch, Strawberry Dragonfruit, Berry Patch among new drinks at WOWorks’ fast-casual brands

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!

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Aloha Poke opened a restaurant in Deerfield, Illinois, northern suburb in Chicago market

Aloha Poke opens 14th company store in Deerfield, Illinois

Twenty-first systemwide restaurant opens ahead of Richmond, Texas opening

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.

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Quick-service restaurant brands increasingly relying on technology while they have reached 25% digital sales on average

Artificial Intelligence is ‘new’ online ordering: Qu ‘State of Digital’

Digital sales continue to grow, but at slower pace; tech solutions address inaccuracy in order fulfillment

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.

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