Maryland entrepreneurs enter next Cava chapter with Zoes acquisition finalized
Cava has completed the acquisition of Zoe's Kitchen, according to an announcement from Cava November 21. Zoe’s shareholders received $12.75 per share in the all-cash transaction. Panera Founder Ron Shaich had backed the deal, which was funded by his Act II Holdings investment... SWaN & Legend Venture Partners and Revolution Growth.
Maryland entrepreneurs enter next Cava chapter with Zoe’s acquisition finalized
Cava has completed the acquisition of Zoe's Kitchen, according to an announcement from Cava November 21. Zoe’s shareholders received $12.75 per share in the all-cash transaction. Panera Founder Ron Shaich had backed the deal, which was funded by his Act II Holdings investment... SWaN & Legend Venture Partners and Revolution Growth.
Food trends for 2019 and beyond
Food and beverage trends are usually based on more than just flavor profiles. What becomes popular is often based on the mood of the market. The attitude of the consumer is decided by the perceived strength of the economy, collective fears and anxiety, or other often hard to predict factors. On the topic of predicting up-and-comers, top forensic trendologist, Suzy Badaracco, president of Culinary Tides, explains that consumers are not feeling particularly grounded or confident... 2019 food trends
Sweetgreen receives $200M in new funding led by Fidelity Investments
Sweetgreen, a health-oriented fast-casual chain, serving creative salads and bowls built around proteins, grains and vegetables, has raised $200M in its latest raise, following a $35M raise just three years ago. This new round was led by Fidelity Investments. Sweetgreen plans to use the investment to further advance its digital platform, it announced... allow the 90-unit chain to advance its supply chain platform through the use of blockchain.
Bojangles accepts buyout offer from Durational Capital, The Jordan Company
Charlotte, N.C.-based Bojangles’ announced that it would be acquired by Durational Capital Management and The Jordan Company for $16.10 per share or about $594M... The buyout offer represents a 39-percent premium over the closing share price February 12, 2018, when there was initial speculation of a potential transaction, said the 766-unit chicken and biscuit chain.... a Bojangles’ sale culminated in a report by Reuters September 28 that the company was seeking strategic alternatives.
Building training programs that foster inclusion, safety in the MeToo era
Creating a comfortable, professional, and respectful workplace is vital to fostering an environment that promotes productivity and idea generation in any industry. Today, particularly with the rise of the #MeToo Movement, employers and companies must consider the way in which an employee may feel threatened, anxious, or disrespected. Everyone with a leadership position should be well-equipped to deal with the challenges that come with running a multifaceted and diverse business.... Creating interactive and tailored training sessions that follow the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines...
Restaurant chains offer up free food on Veterans Day to active, retired military
Restaurant chains are showing goodwill as they look to attract veterans and their families the 2018 Veterans Day weekend. Orange Leaf Yogurt is providing free frozen yogurt to active and retired military at participating stores. The nearly-200-unit chain is providing a coupon online for this offer on its website. At Ruby Tuesday, all military personnel will enjoy a free appetizer... military personnel will receive a free entree at California Pizza Kitchen from a special Veterans Day menu November 11.
Taco Bell introduces PARTY by Taco Bell group dining, party kits
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?
How restaurants can improve the 3rd party restaurant delivery experience
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...
Protecting a restaurant brand while engaging 3rd party delivery-service providers
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...
Delivery, offsite business, CRM deployment drive sales momentum for Bloomin’ Brands, Outback in Q3
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).
