Taco Bell will unveil Taco Bell Defy, one of its most innovative restaurant designs, in Brooklyn Park, Minn. June 7. Consisting of a four-lane drive-thru, Taco Bell Defy includes a proprietary vertical lift that sends Taco Bell items directly to awaiting customers.
7-Eleven opened its ninth Evolution Store in the United States at the corner of Preston Road and Alpha Road in Dallas. The Preston Road Evolution store marks the fifth location in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The location will include a unit of Laredo Taco Company, a popular south Texas restaurant concept.
Schlotzsky’s unveiled its first Design 1000 prototype restaurant in Oklahoma City. It was announced in the fourth quarter of 2020, along with Design 1800, the single drive-thru. In contrast, Design 1000 features two drive-thrus that were created on each side of the restaurant. This prototype reinforces the commitment of Schlotzsky’s to off-premises business, the sandwich chain announced in a statement.
Sunny Street Cafe began piloting a new brunch mimosa beverage program this year in its Texas markets. Based on the test feedback, the breakfast-and-lunch restaurant chain will roll out new drinks to all of its cafes this year. Executives expect the rollout of these cocktails and mocktails to begin in late Q2. Meanwhile, Sunny Street introduced a new design that will be implemented in three markets.
Häagen-Dazs unveiled a new store design in Walnut Creek, Calif., which follows a brand fresh launched in 2021. The Häagen-Dazs tapestry wallpaper tells its flavorful story, including a display of vanilla flower and chocolate ingredients. Also apparent are art pieces reflecting 3D-printed vanilla flower, strawberry and caramel art pieces.
WOWorks announced new franchise agreements and co-branded locations as part of the recent growth of its franchised brands, including Saladworks, Frutta Bowls, Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh and The Simple Greek. Co-branded locations will represent much of the expansion that will be cemented through the end of the year.
Another Broken Egg Cafe will debut its New South design at caes in The Vinings, Dunwoody and Roswell—three remodeled locations in the Atlanta area—November 29, 2021. The breakfast-brunch concept’s reimagined look brings the craft cocktail bar front and center, highlighting the role of adult beverages and fresh juices in its brand.
Panera Bread opened its new concept store in Ballwin, Mo., featuring its next-generation restaurant design. The new prototype, which was announced last May, offers an upgraded dine-in experience, centered around the trademark fireplace, with enhanced digital options to personalize the guest experience, in addition to a dual drive-thru.
Papa Johns launched a brand refresh, updating its logo and dropping the apostrophe from its brand name, and rolled out a new store design. The logo has new visual context, inspired by the fresh ingredients it uses, like the red, from tangy tomato; green, from fresh basil; and off-white, from fluffy dough; in addition to custom typography and design elements. The reformatted restaurants in 2021 will provide a more seamless customer experience and offer more guest-centric off-premises options.
A new Krystal concept store will open in Atlanta, highlighting the to-go model, with interactive lighting emphasizing quick pick-up options. The prototype, which is situated within minutes of the slider-chain’s headquarters, will incorporate a more streamlined kitchen, as well as design elements that highlight the brand.
