Plant-based sandwich on menu for all of December
Native Foods released the Glazed and Confused sandwich as its Chef’s Special of December. The vegan fast casual also launched a gift card promotion.
Restaurant News
Caribou Coffee opens first US franchise store in Wooster, Ohio
New franchise location built in Cabin design with franchise partner Mike Mariola
Caribou Coffee opened a new store in Wooster, Ohio, its first domestic franchised coffee shop. The November opening of the Wooster Caribou Coffee was in partnership with franchisee Mike Mariola of Mike Mariola Restaurants (MMR).
Mariola plans to develop additional units across Ohio, including in the Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati markets. Launching last October, Caribou Coffee’s franchising program is gearing up.
US Foods names Dave Flitman CEO
Executive from Builders FirstSource comes to US Foods with heavy manufacturing, distribution experience
US Foods named Dave Flitman chief executive officer effective January 5, 2023. Flitman comes to US Foods from Builders FirstSource, and brings to the broadline foodservice distributor 35 years of manufacturing and distribution expertise, including food distribution. He will also join the US Foods Board of Directors.
Deals may not have significantly improved sales for restaurant operators
Sales performance for non-discounting operators same as those who offer discount occasions
For restaurants, deals may not be cutting it, according to data revealed by The NPD Group. The Chicago-based consultancy reports that neither deal nor non-deal commercial foodservice visits increased in the quarter that ended in September. Foodservice deal occasions were down 1% from last year and non-deal orders were down 2%
Impossible Foods names Noel Clarke SVP of International
Former Unilever executive to grow business abroad as Impossible penetrates key global markets
Impossible Foods named Noel Clarke SVP of International. Clarke will lead the company’s international strategy, along with the sales team, to grow business across its markets outside the United States. He comes to Impossible Foods from Unilever, having worked there for more than one decade.
Just Salad debuts ‘Race to Rewards’ loyalty program
New program uses gamification to incentivize reward-earning customer choices
Just Salad launched its loyalty program, “Race to Rewards,” offering personalized rewards to its customers. According to the fast-casual chain, the program is crafted to “ incentivize healthy, climate-conscious food choices.”
SBA releases last of RRF grant amounts to next-in-line applicants
Restaurant operators pending in queue to receive $83M in funds week of November 27
The Small Business Administration (SBA) released $83M in pending unobligated Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF) grant amounts today, according to the National Restaurant Association. The released funds went to 169 restaurant operators that had submitted applications that were pending.
Sweetgreen unveils order-ahead ‘sweetlane’ in Schaumburg
Ilinois location is first such drive-thru for healthy-oriented fast casual
Sweetgreen opened its order-ahead drive-thru lane, called “sweetlane,” in Schaumburg, Ill. The Schaumburg sweetlane is the first such drive-thru for the company. Customers can order ahead on the app or online, and then proceed to pick up the order at the sweetlane.
Tim Hortons adds Peppermint Mocha Latte, holiday drinks menu
Peppermint Mocha Cream Cold Brew, Peppermint Hot Chocolate, Peppermint Mocha Iced Capp, Holiday Tree Donut also rolled out
Tim Hortons added a Peppermint Mocha Latte and a Peppermint Mocha Cream Cold Brew as part of its release of holiday beverages. The seasonal drinks also include the Peppermint Hot Chocolate and Peppermint Mocha Iced Capp. Holiday-theme cups and donut boxes also rolled out.
Cafe Rio brings back Carne Asada to restaurants systemwide
Limited-time premium steak returns November 28
Cafe Rio Mexican Grill returned Carne Asada to restaurants systemwide. Starting November 28, the fast casual chain’s premium steak is on the menu for a limited time.