The Kraft-Heinz Company announced that it is voluntarily recalling about 7,000 cases of Taco Bell Salsa con Queso Mild Cheese Dip. The company says the product is separating, creating a situation where Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum) can grow, causing a potential health hazard. Clostridium botulinum is the bacteria that causes botulism.
Krispy Kreme announced taking a majority stake in Insomnia Cookies, a late-night cookie delivery company with 135 stores in the United States. Insomnia Cookies was launched in 2003 by Seth Berkowitz.. JAB Holding Company acquired Krispy Kreme for approximately $1.35B in 2016. Through Krispy Kreme’s investment, JAB is further extending its reach in bakery and coffee businesses in U.S. retail and foodservice
As it moves to further reinvigorate its business, Romano’s Macaroni Grill has launched a new menu and lunch specials, which include a limited-time lunch pass to save guests money. The 85-unit Italian-style casual-dining chain launched the Macaroni Grill Mix and Match (Mix + Match) program, whereby customers can combine any two options on the menu for under $11, or for the same price, they can choose the Unlimited Soup and Salad (Soup + Salad) Program... customers can purchase a Mix and Match lunch pass for $75, giving them access to complimentary lunch for the entire month of August 2018.
Fast casuals are the only segment in the restaurant industry that are growing traffic, says a report from NPD. The Chicago-based research firm has seen traffic grow 6 percent annually over the most recent five years. According to the NPD Fall 2017 ReCount restaurant census. The growth leaders among fast-casual chains included Chipotle, Panera, Panda Express, and Raising Cane's. Fast casuals have appealed to households with incomes of $100K or more.
John H. Schnatter. It will no longer sublease office space to Schnatter. This follows the resignation of the former chairman and his removal as spokesperson for the the company, which had already been announced—his Founder Agreement, had already been terminated by the same committee... Papa John’s announced Shnatter’s removal from advertising following use of "N" word.
Restaurant Business Online identified several up-and-coming chains in its Future 50. The data is based on 2017 information and estimates gathered by Technomic, Inc. The top five chains in the Future 50 comprise CoreLife Eatery, The Halal Guys, Wahlburgers, Maple Street Biscuit Co., and Honeygrow. Rounding out the top 10 are Bibibop Asian Grill, Babalu Tapas, Cava, Ahipoki Bowl, and Duck Donuts.
Uber and Venmo have partnered to add the Venmo digital wallet service as a payment method to Uber Eats and the Uber ride-sharing service. Uber riders will be able to pay with a Venmo balance, linked bank account, credit card or debit card so they can easily split the cost. Furthermore, the connectivity between the apps as a major convenience to users... the riding experience can be shared with an emoji that is specific to the Uber-Venmo partnership.
Research firm Mintel identified emerging flavor trends that have potential for application in foodservice. In its 2018 U.S. Flavor Trends Report, global spice blends were identified as having unique potential for restaurants and foodservice organizations.Berbere is a blend of several spices, including ginger, basil, chili peppers, and garlic. It’s been used in stews, notes Mintel…. Ras el hanout is a variable and evolving spice, typically including cardamom, cumin, and ginger. Togarashi is added to soups and proteins and saw a 9 percent increase in mentions on menus from 2015 to 2017.
Here are the trends that appeared in our "2018 Food and Dining Trends Report" earlier this year that have staying power: Plant-based foods going mainstream; off-premise food poularity; local gives way to regional attribution; manifestation...overuse of term “local” dilutes meaning, significance, say experts regional global territories: “Southern Low Country, Ozarks, Appalachia, Cuba, India and the Middle East.”
Restaurant challenges remain, including managing the costs of a restaurant business. It remains a focal point within the industry... dishes get sent back to the kitchen; or a sandwich at a deli shop gets dropped now and then; or some food even spoils... Food waste is a real issue. Moreover, dishonest employees who
take food or supplies can really cost you a fortune.
Starbucks will see its chief financial officer, Scott Maw, retire November 30. Maw started with the company as global controller in 2011 and later was promoted to senior vice president of corporate finance. Maw has a background in insurance and financial services, and is a graduate of Gonzaga University.
Beyond Meat indicates it has tripled production in Columbia, Missouri, with a second plant. Its new plant will expand production capacity from 30,000 to 100,000 square feet and add 250 new jobs....Beyond Meat produces plant-based proteins for a variety of customers. Beyond Meat has also recently added Beyond Sausage.