ezCater bolsters executive team, naming new chief strategy, chief sales officers
ezCater is bolstering is executive suite with new hires after a $100M Series D round of financing. It has named James Rosenstock as chief strategy officer, while tapping Mike O’Hanlon for the ezCater chief sales officer role. The company is quickly positioning itself for growth. This follows the acquisition of Paris-based GoCater. As chief strategy officer, Rosenstock will lead financial, international and corporate development for ezCater.
Restaurant marketers seek to understand Gen Z: Best practices
Embracing and understanding this next generation of consumer, Gen Z, is important to restaurateurs and restaurant companies across the United States. After all, this is the generation that spends the most of their hard-earned dollars on food prepared outside the home. According to a Piper Jaffray… 24 percent of Gen Z spending is on food. This is the generation that is seeing its maturation occur in a rapidly changing world.
Naf Naf Grill launches delivery, recognizes first-responder service
Naf Naf Grill, a Middle Eastern-style chain with 38 locations in more than eight major markets, has launched a new delivery service in partnership with DoorDash. Naf Naf favorites, including traditional shawarma, fresh falafel and handmade pita, can be served up at customers’ homes and offices using the Naf Perks app or online. To promote the service, Naf Naf will offer free delivery for a limited time.
Chipotle launches delivery in 70 markets with DoorDash, offers free delivery
Chipotle Mexican Grill has expanded its partnership with DoorDash to enable national delivery in 70 markets and at over 1,800 Chipotle locations. Chipotle’s customers will be able to order delivery using the website or the Chipotle mobile app. For a limited time, between August 27 and September 12, 2018, guests will get free delivery on orders of $10 or more (not including tip or tax).
Panda Express features Honey Sesame Chicken Breast LTO, launches new mobile app
Panda Express is returning the Honey Sesame Chicken Breast, a fan favorite, as a limited-time offer. The entree fill feature crispy chicken breast strips, string beans and yellow peppers, prepared in a sweet sesame sauce that is now made with organic honey... now returns with a mobile app and the slogan, “Honey, it’s back!” The Panda Express mobile app is also expected to be a guest favorite, allowing for interactive ordering process, group ordering, and multiple user selections from different phones
ezCater taps Janine Allo as first chief people and culture officer
ezCater announced a new Human Resources executive to support the growth of the rapidly-rising business catering marketplace on the heels of its acquisition of Paris-based Go Cater, a corporate catering ordering and spend-management platform. Janine Allo has been named Chief People and Culture Officer. She comes to ezCater with 25 years of experience helping organizations grow in a changing environment. Allo was recently VP of Global Talent at Flex International, and there she helped the company grow amid a transformation and rebranding initiatives.
Fast-growing fast-casual chains identified in industry trade magazine Future 50
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, Venmo partner for seamless payment experience on Uber, Uber Eats
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.
