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Taco Bell will unveil Taco Bell Defy, one of its most innovative restaurant designs, in Brooklyn Park, Minn. June 7. Consisting of a four-lane drive-thru, Taco Bell Defy includes a proprietary vertical lift that sends Taco Bell items directly to awaiting customers.
7-Eleven opened its ninth Evolution Store in the United States at the corner of Preston Road and Alpha Road in Dallas. The Preston Road Evolution store marks the fifth location in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The location will include a unit of Laredo Taco Company, a popular south Texas restaurant concept.
Velvet Taco will open in the South End of Charlotte, N.C. The new location at 2170 Hawkins Street opens Monday, May 30. The South End neighborhood reflects a lively and vibrant nightlife scene, with a collection of restaurants serving elevated cuisine.
Wing Zone partnered with Miso Robotics to install Flippy 2 in future builds of its restaurants. The move follows a February announcement by White Castle indicating it would deploy Flippy 2s in 100 future locations. Wing Zone said it is the first fast-casual brand to “spec food robotics in its operations at this level.”
Despite inflation, consumers continue to dine out; but with prices rising, 54% of consumers are dining out less often. This is one of the observations that sales-and-marketing firm Acosta revealed via a recently-released report from its CORE Foodservice Division. Moreover, according to “The Why? Behind the Dine,” about a third of consumers are trading down rather than not going out, opting to eat at less expensive restaurants due to inflation. These diners are also seeking deals and choosing less expensive meals, indicates the report, which utilized an online survey to gather consumer insights.
Schlotzsky’s unveiled its first Design 1000 prototype restaurant in Oklahoma City. It was announced in the fourth quarter of 2020, along with Design 1800, the single drive-thru. In contrast, Design 1000 features two drive-thrus that were created on each side of the restaurant. This prototype reinforces the commitment of Schlotzsky’s to off-premises business, the sandwich chain announced in a statement.
US Foods announced that Pietro Satriano has stepped down as CEO upon the request of the Board of Directors, as per a cooperation agreement with Sachem Head Capital Management. Satriano will not be standing for re-election to the board, either, and is leaving the company. This is the latest chapter in the months-long proxy fight between US Foods and Sachem Head, its largest investor, which took an activist position. At one time, Sachem Capital had attempted to install its own CEO.
Nathan’s Famous unveiled Spicy Asian Barbecue and Slaw with Kogi Sticky Spicy Wing Sauce. With the barbecue and slaw, the restaurant chain is offering Spicy Asian BBQ Chicken Sandwich, Spicy Asian BBQ Slaw-Topped Hot Dog, Spicy Asian BBQ Chicken Tenders, Spicy Asian BBQ Chicken Wings, and Spicy Asian BBQ Chicken Fries & Slaw.
Papa Johns announced the retirement of Jack Swaysland, chief operating officer, international, and subsequent promotion of Amanda Clark to chief international and development officer. As such, Clark will oversee international strategy in addition to her global development tasks. Meanwhile, the pizza chain named Liz Williams chief international operations officer, assuming Swaysland’s role. The appointments are effective May 2.
Dunkin’ released its early summer menu headlined by Mango Pineapple Dunkin’ Refresher, Cake Batter Signature Latte and Tomato Pesto Grilled Cheese. In addition, a new Cornbread Donut and Munchkins arrived at stores nationwide. Meanwhile, the Inspire Brands subsidiary returned Butter Pecan Iced Coffee and Sunrise Batch Iced Coffee, too.
