The Team at Eatery Pulse includes writers and editors with restaurant industry expertise and know-how. Count on Eatery Pulse to provide restaurant news using original-source industry articles, executive interviews, news briefs and feature pieces & videos that inform and inspire restaurant leaders.
Taco Bell has introduced its own group dining program at select restaurants, “PARTY by Taco Bell.” This program, which runs through December 22, seamingly as a test, will allow patrons to reserve tables that include a Taco Bell Party Decor Kit for up to 10 guests to celebrate special occasions.... Where are the PARTY by Taco Bell participating locations?
Consumers are enjoying restaurant food in the comfort of their own homes and their places of work. Restaurant chains have focused on delivery and takeout as a way to capture the upside of this trend. According to Melissa Wilson of restaurant consulting firm, Technomic, appearing in April at the Restaurant Leadership Conference in Phoenix, restaurant delivery is expected to grow by 12 percent. ..In fact, several high-profile announcements during the summer have highlighted the importance of delivery to restaurant chains. Chipotle, Naf Naf Grill, California Pizza Kitchen, Shake Shack, and Applebee’s...
Consumers are enjoying restaurant food in the comfort of their own homes and their places of work. Restaurant chains have focused on delivery and takeout as a way to capture the upside of this trend. According to Melissa Wilson of restaurant consulting firm, Technomic, appearing in April at the Restaurant Leadership Conference in Phoenix, restaurant delivery is expected to grow by 12 percent. ..In fact, several high-profile announcements during the summer have highlighted the importance of delivery to restaurant chains. Chipotle, Naf Naf Grill, California Pizza Kitchen, Shake Shack, and Applebee’s...
More than 25 percent of sales for the combined chains of Bloomin’ Brands—Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar—in the very near future, said Elizabeth Smith, CEO for Bloomin’ Brands on a Q3 investor conference call September 29. The company benefited from having added 240 locations across the system thus far, and Bloomin’ Brands expects to add another 200 units by the end of this year... about 70 to 80 percent of Carrabba’s and Outback stores are “eligible” to be delivery restaurants (urban/suburban vs. rural).
Qdoba has introduced a Pulled Pork and Queso Burrito. The 750-unit fast-casual says its pulled pork is the leanest protein on the menu. Inside the burrito, guests will find the pulled pork, slow braised with a seasoning blend infusing it with tomatoes, onion, garlic and mild chile flavors, nestled in a warm flour tortilla with a cilantro-lime white rice and seasoned with black beans, cilantro, and topped with pico de gallo, shredded cheese and Qdoba’s 3-Cheese Queso.
Keeping in par with those traditions, several restaurants are celebrating the season with news dishes that take these humble ingredients and add culinary expertise to it. Firebirds Wood Fired Grill takes bold American cuisine and adds a contemporary touch. Its fall menu features all its previous fall favorites. Its dishes showcase crispy brussel sprouts, wood-grilled cauliflower, sprinkles of pumpkin seed, and a dash of spice, rubbed into the meat for an added kick.... Corner Bakery is using fresh ingredients to create an autumnal breakfast menu. “We are excited to introduce our guests to Corner Bakery’s new harvest creations.
Sonic Corp. announced its financial results for the fourth fiscal quarter of 2018 (Q4). Sonic agreed to a merger agreement in which it will be acquired by Inspire Brands, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Roark Capital as of September 2018. Comparable sales across the system of Sonic drive-ins increased... or its fiscal 2018 year, Sonic reported that comparable sales have decreased 0.3 percent, comprising a 0.3-percent decline at franchised drive-ins and a 0.8-percent decrease at company-owned stores.
Muscle Maker Grill launched a limited-time burger menu offering October 22, marketed as promoting a healthier lifestyle for its guests. The new Muscle Maker Grill Burger Bar Menu lineup is available a five-style, build-your-own custom menu. Veggie options include the grass-fed beef, turkey, all-natural chicken breast or veggie burger. Guests can pick their style, including Mushroom Supreme, California Club, Classic Jalapeno and the Recovery Burger, served up on a whole wheat bun and a side of potato fries.
Quick-service restaurant chains are amping up their promotions and limited-time offerings during the Halloween season. Burger King is introducing a nightmarish burger called the Nightmare KIng, intended and “clinically proven” to induce increased nightmares. The Nightmare King sandwich contains a quarter-pound flamed-grilled beef patty, 100-percent white meat crispy chicken fillet, melted cheese, thick-cut bacon, mayo and onions on a glazed green sesame seed bun.
Shake Shack has partnered with food and retail firm Grupo Toks to launch in Mexico with a store opening in Mexico City in 2019. The new development deal will pair the classic burger, hot dog and custard chain with the 40-year expertise of Mexico City-based Grupo Toks to build 30 stores... Shake Shack will work with local suppliers to build a flagship Shack that reflects the Mexico City community and heritage
Romano's Macaroni Grill is focusing on classic comfort foods as it introduces its fall 2018 seasonal menu. The 108-unit Italian-style casual-dining restaurant chain is rolling out eight fall dishes as limited-time offerings: Prosciutto and Cheese Board, Osso Bucco, Braised Lamb Shank, Porterhouse Steak, Pumpkin Cheesecake, and Sea Salt Caramel Gelato.
Starbucks has named Patrick Grismer executive vice president and chief financial officer, succeeding Scott Maw, who is retiring at the end November. Grismer will report to Kevin Johnson, Starbucks president and chief executive. Grismer brings global financial expertise from leadership roles in several large, consumer-facing companies, including Hyatt Hotels, KFC parent Yum Brands and The Walt Disney Company, spending more than 25 years as these hospitality and foodservice behemoths.
