True Food Kitchen named Peggy Rubenzer chief people officer. This follows the appointment of Shannon Keller to the chief marketing officer role earlier this year. The Phoenix, Ariz.-based chain hired Rubenzer to oversee True Food Kitchen’s Human Resources and Training functions. The True Food Kitchen chief people officer will report to Christine Barone, its chief executive, said the announcement.
Red Lobster Summer Power Bowls are new lunchtime options for the season. Additionally, the Orlando-based seafood chain is featuring Endless Soup, Salad and Biscuits. The Red Lobster Summer Power Bowls collection features the Dragon Power Bowl and the Summer Power Bowl. Endless Soup, Salads and Biscuits and the Summer Power Bowl collection make up the new Red Lobster Seafood Lover’s Lunch Menu.
This month, Coffee Beanery opens a new location in Shelby Township, Mich., just over 60 miles from its home office in Flushing. The store will host its grand opening June 6-8. Coffee Beanery specializes in decadent specialty drinks and well-known indulgent creations, including the Black and White Frappalatte and Iced Fudge Ripple. The coffee chain also offers estate and Swiss Water Process decaf coffees.
Del Frisco’s Burger and Bordeaux Wine Pairings will be featured at all Del Frisco’s Grille restaurants. The combinations conjure up an unexpected affair as the 23-unit chain looks to draw increased business this spring and summer. The special menu places premium wines from France side-by-side with Del Frisco’s burger dishes. The Bordeaux wines are sourced from the Southwest French region split by the Gironde River and the White Region.
The Krystal Company burger chain introduced new Frosted Slushies for summer. The Atlanta-based quick-service operator prepares the Krystal Frosted Slushie using its Sprite Slushie and adds soft-serve vanilla ice cream. Krystal offers the new frozen treat in lemonade, grape and fruit punch flavors.
Long John Silver Grilled Menu has debuted for summer. New dishes include the Grilled Taco Trio, Grilled Salmon or Shrimp Rice Bowl and Grilled Salmon or Shrimp Meal. The summertime dishes come in Baja, Sweet Chili and Southwest flavors.
This month, about 400 students descended on Washington, D.C. for the 2019 National ProStart Invitational (NPSI). The competition is organized by the National Restaurant Educational Foundation (NRAEF). ProStart is a comprehensive, classroom–to-work vocational program that trains students in the culinary arts and restaurant management.
Carl’s Jr. announced it added Western Fries and a Triple Western Bacon Cheeseburger. The new menu additions are a spin on its Western Bacon Cheeseburger, which has become a fan favorite. Also, the Franklin, Tenn.-based QSR suggested the original Western Bacon Cheeseburger is a top seller.
Applebee’s Loaded Fajitas have been introduced at its restaurants across the country. It tops the New Loaded Fajitas with a heaping serving of hot queso and Applewood-smoked bacon sprinkles. Additionally, Applebee’s offers the fajitas in sirloin steak, chicken and shrimp varieties. 1,830-unit Applebee’s serves the fajitas on a sizzling plate with ‘fajita vegetables’ and Spanish rice.
As far as National ProStart Invitational winners go, the state of Texas was the top dog this year. Students at its Dr. Gene Burton College and Career Academy in Rockwall and Ben Barber Innovation Academy in Mansfield took home first place trophies in Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management competitions, respectively. The National ProStart Invitational (NPSI), held this year in Washington, D.C. at the historic Omni Shoreham Hotel, is a fierce student competition that is organized by the National Restaurant Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF). Florida also posted a strong showing this year, placing in the top five in Culinary and Restaurant Management.
