In first quarter of 2023, deal-involved visits rose 8% vs last year

Foodservice visits involving deals rise as restaurants drive traffic with promotions: Circana

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Rubio’s, Miller’s Ale House, O’Charley’s among restaurants launching value-driven promotions to attract customers as foodservice visits involving deals increase by 8%

Persistent inflation and higher food prices have caused consumers to look for deals. According to data from Circana, the first quarter of 2023 showed a significant increase in the number of customer visits involving food deals at commercial foodservice outlets. Primarily driven by consumers seeking deals and specials, these deal-involved visits rose 8% compared to the prior year.

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Panera Bread rolled out Drive-Thru Pick-Up, leveraging its digital capabilities

Panera rolls out order-ahead Drive-Thru Pick-Up enhancement

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Promotion with discount code launched to celebrate rollout

Panera Bread rolled out Drive-Thru Pick-Up, leveraging its capabilities to meet the demands of consumers adopting digital ordering. The new drive-thru option combines digital ordering with drive-thru convenience. Customers order ahead on the Panera app, and then pick up orders with ease.

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Eddie Merlot’s, a steakhouse chain out of Denver, released a Summertime Grill menu

Eddie Merlot’s unveils Summertime Grill menu

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Grilled Swordfish, Bone-In Kansas City Strip, Charred Summer Street Corn added

Eddie Merlot’s, a steakhouse chain based in Denver, released a Summertime Grill menu. The curated collection of dishes, reflecting the art of grilling, and allow guests to give into bold flavors. Filet Mignon & Citrus Shrimp Scampi, Grilled Swordfish and Bone-In Kansas City Strip are part of the seasonal menu.

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Jack in the Box signed an agreement for 22 locations in Mexico with Augustin Terrazas

Jack in the Box inks deal for 22 new units in Mexico

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Recently-signed agreement calls for 22 new units across four territories in Mexico

Jack in the Box signed an agreement for 22 new locations in Mexico. The deal with Augustin Terrazas becomes the first such in Mexico for the QSR chain in over three decades, and will expand the brand across four northern Mexican states.

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South-Florida-based Vicky Bakery named Mauricio Romero CEO

Vicky Bakery names Mauricio Romero CEO

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Alex Santiago, outgoing chief executive, to continue to serve on Board of Directors

South-Florida-based Vicky Bakery named Mauricio Romero chief executive officer. Outgoing CEO, Alex Santiago, will continue to support the brand’s growth through his seat on the Board of Directors. His family will also take part in molding the future of the Vicky Bakery brand through franchising.

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José Alberto Dueñas will become CEO of Panera Brands

Panera Brands names José Alberto Dueñas CEO, readies IPO

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Patrick Grismer, formerly CFO of Starbucks, joins Board Audit Committee

Panera Brands continues to ready itself for an IPO. The company has solidified its leadership team ahead of the eventual offering. José Alberto Dueñas will become chief executive officer of Panera Brands July 1, 2023. He will take the place of the company’s current CEO, Niren Chaudhary, who will transition to chairman of the Panera Brands Board of Directors.

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ProStart influences young lives beyond kitchen: New Jersey culinary team

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Passaic County Technical Institute’s ‘family’ of students shows heart, demonstrates success of vocational mentoring in providing life lessons, early-adulthood networking

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s ProStart program has made tremendous impact in training vocational students for successful careers in the restaurant industry. Educators, chefs and vocational trainers work in tandem to teach students skills that will further their careers and enhance their lives.

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Red Lobster returned Crabfest in 2023, choices from full pound of steamed Snow or Bairdi Crab Legs

Red Lobster returns Crabfest, guest-popular promotion

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Crab legs, surf and turf special included in casual-dining chain’s special

Red Lobster returned Crabfest in 2023. The popular promotion with guests is back for a limited time. Guests can choose from a full pound of steamed Snow or Bairdi Crab Legs with a topping of their choice. The casual dining chain will offer Roasted Garlic Butter, Honey Sriracha, Lemon Pepper, or Simply Steamed flavor options. The meal comes with crispy potatoes and a choice of side.

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