Third-party delivery tech integrator Chowly acquired Koala, which is a guest experience platform

Third-party order tech integrator Chowly acquires Koala

Both companies will represent 16,000 restaurant locations, touching 350,000 orders per day

Third-party order technology integrator Chowly acquired Koala, which is a guest experience platform. Established and emerging restaurant brands rely on Koala to enhance the digital ordering experience. Koala powers this across the web, app and on kiosks.

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Commercial foodservice customer traffic, to restaurants + other foodservice outlets, ended 2022 flat versus last year

Foodservice customer traffic in 2022 flat compared to 2021: NPD

Convenience-store foodservice traffic a bright spot within overall industry

US commercial foodservice customer traffic, both to restaurants and other foodservice outlets, ended 2022 flat versus last year. This data point portends a more positive outlook for 2023, according to research from The NPD Group. With regard to spending (sales), that was up 4% due to higher prices.

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Church’s Texas Chicken named Will Cash vice president, purchasing

Church’s Texas Chicken names Will Cash VP of purchasing

Church’s new vice president of purchasing previously held roles at Popeyes, Krispy Kreme

Church’s Texas Chicken named Will Cash vice president, purchasing. Cash brings to Church’s extensive procurement and supply chain expertise, according to an announcement. He will start the new role this week.

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Focus Brands named Julie Younglove-Webb CBO of Auntie Anne’s, Jim Cannon, SVP of design and construction

Focus Brands names Julie Younglove-Webb chief brand officer, Auntie Anne’s

multi-unit franchisor also hires Jim Cannon for SVP of design and construction role, Chris Newman, SVP of real estate position

Focus Brands named Julie Younglove-Webb chief brand officer of Auntie Anne’s. In addition, it hired Jim Cannon as SVP of design and construction and appointed Chris Newman to the role of SVP of real estate. Focus Brands operates and franchises the Auntie Anne’s, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, McAlister’s Deli, Moe’s Southwest Grill, and Schlotzsky’s brands.

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Restaurant operators still face challenges keeping restaurants fully-staffed

As restaurant operators look to staff up, they prepare for worst

More than quarter of operators report being more than 20% below staffing levels, according to National Restaurant Association

Restaurant operators continue to face challenges keeping their restaurants fully-staffed. Six in 10 restaurants are understaffed, according to the National Restaurant Association’s Restaurant Business Conditions Survey. By and large, both full-service operators (63%) and limited-service operators (61%) say their restaurant does not have enough employees to meet customer demand.

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Jollibee will open its first US two-lane drive-thru January 18 in Orlando on East Colonial Driv

QSR chain Jollibee opens first two-lane drive-thru in United States

Orlando Jollibee becomes chain’s 87th store

Jollibee will open its first US two-lane drive-thru January 18 in Orlando on East Colonial Drive. The chain’s fourth location in Florida will mark this off-premises first. The fast-growing fried chicken QSR chain menus fried chicken Chickenjoy, chicken sandwiches and Philippine-inspired sides.

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Recent survey suggests restaurant operators are making tough decisions amid challenges: Business Conditions survey

Food, labor costs are significant challenges: Association survey

Total of 59% of operators have changed menu items amid challenging economic environment, according to Business Conditions survey

A recent survey suggests that restaurant operators are making tough decisions amid the challenges of higher food costs, labor expenses and energy/utility costs. The National Restaurant Association Business Conditions survey reveals how operators are responding to the challenge. Inflation has impacted supply costs, increased borrowing expenses and triggered menu price increases.

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Jack in the Box partnered with Tree Restaurant Group for 37 stores + purchase of 46 existing units in key markets

Jack in the Box signs largest single deal for Southeast United States

Milestone deal with Tree Restaurant Group covers 46 existing stores, development of 37 new restaurants

Jack in the Box partnered with Tree Restaurant Group for 37 new restaurants, as well as the purchase of 46 existing units in key markets. Partners Jeff Yablun and Frank Conley will operate Jack in the Box stores in Nashville, Baton Rouge, La., Greensville, S.C., and Charlotte, N.C.

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