The Latest
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Courtesy of Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux
Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux names third CEO in 2 years
Chris Porcelli, the brand’s CFO, will succeed Chris Dawson, becoming the third man to lead the chain since the start of 2023.
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Retrieved from Chipotle on October 03, 2023
Chipotle starts in-store testing for avocado, makeline robots
The two pieces of equipment, including the Autocado, were developed in conjunction with firms backed by its venture fund.
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Thai Phi Le/Restaurant Dive
Wendy’s hires US operations lead, chief legal officer as executive shuffle continues
The burger brand remade much of its leadership this year as it looks to return to net unit growth in the U.S.
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Michael Loccisano/FilmMagic via Getty Images
Dave & Buster’s prioritizes tech investments on the hunt for better experience
Technology updates and the introduction of on-premise sales managers who tailor consumer experience to specific stores are showing promise.
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Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Chuck E. Cheese parent sued over workplace sexual harassment
A 17-year-old employee alleges she was inappropriately touched by a manager over a period of months while working at a West Virginia Chuck E. Cheese.
Updated Sept. 13, 2024 -
Permission granted by MOD Pizza
Mod Pizza will refranchise corporate stores
The pizza chain’s new owner, Elite Restaurant Group, is undertaking a comprehensive refranchising effort at the largely company-operated brand.
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Courtesy of McDonald's
McDonald’s extends $5 meal deal in value push
The Golden Arches is also adding other value promotions as it looks to bounce back from weak comparable sales in Q2 and better compete with rival offerings.
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Permission granted by PepsiCo Beverages North America
Pepsi chases pizza deliveries in a sports car to push pairing power
A stunt campaign boosts the brand's partnership with DoorDash that will dole out free pizza from Little Caesars, Papa Johns, Pizza Hut and Marco’s Pizza.
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Courtesy of Smashburger
Smashburger hires chief development officer
Jim Sullivan will work on elevating the brand’s identity as a fast casual player through its development strategy.
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Permission granted by BurgerFi
BurgerFi declares bankruptcy
The company has struggled with same-store sales declines and net losses for several quarters, mirroring the problems of recent Chapter 11 filings for Red Lobster and Buca di Beppo.
Updated Sept. 11, 2024 -
Courtesy of Dickey's Barbecue Pit
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit franchisee files for bankruptcy
The Michigan-based operator blamed the brand’s franchising requirements for the Chapter 11 filing, rather than broader macroeconomic conditions.
Updated Sept. 11, 2024 -
Permission granted by Starbucks
Starbucks CEO’s 4-part strategy hinges on coffeehouse roots
In a letter to workers and consumers, Brian Niccol laid out a multipart strategy for revitalizing the chain’s core business in the U.S.
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Bruce Bennett via Getty Images
TGI Fridays acquisition falls through, bondholders seize assets
Hostmore still wants to sell its restaurants after the U.K. franchisee’s acquisition plan was torpedoed by the casual dining brand's manager termination event.
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Jason Davis via Getty Images
Waffle House’s former CEO Walt Ehmer dies
Ehmer led the restaurant brand for more than a decade, before he was succeeded by Joe Rogers III last year. He was 58.
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Permission granted by Puttshack
Puttshack enters Minnesota with planned mini golf center
The eatertainment chain’s expansion could indicate vitality for the sector, which has seen layoffs and disappointing sales at some brands in recent weeks.
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Permission granted by Chili's Grill & Bar
Q&AChili’s CMO on brand’s winning value message and evolving data strategy
Swipes at fast food competitors over rising prices, including through a retro video game, helped boost Chili’s same-stores sales by 14%.
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Courtesy of Chipotle
Deep DiveBrian Niccol was hired to transform Starbucks. Is that possible?
Niccol must contend with the coffee chain’s growing brand identity and consumer perception problems, and balance its “third place” value proposition with efficient digital fulfillment.
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Joe Raedle via Getty Images
Papa Johns hires ex-Wendy’s CIO as digital chief
Kevin Vasconi joins his old boss, Todd Penegor, in leading the pizza chain as it looks to improve its value proposition and continue franchised growth.
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Permission granted by Modern Market Eatery
Thrive Restaurant Group buys Modern Market Eatery
Thrive previously committed to opening 41 units as Modern Market’s largest franchisee, but felt that buying the brand was a natural next step in its growth.
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Brandon Bell via Getty Images
Court approves Red Lobster’s restructuring, buyout plan
The seafood chain will emerge from bankruptcy with P.F. Chang’s former CEO at the helm and $60 million in new funding.
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Courtesy of Applebee's
Q&AApplebee’s CMO on how brand’s NFL sponsorship feeds its new campaign
The casual dining chain will leverage its role as the official grill and bar of the NFL in ads and a content series starring league pros.
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JazzIRT via Getty Images
The restaurant labor market in 6 key statistics
Turnover has fallen in H1 2024, while unemployment and total jobs in restaurants remained steady, indicating a return to pre-pandemic labor market dynamics.
Updated Sept. 6, 2024 -
Courtesy of Topgolf
Topgolf will be spun off by its parent company
Management pursued a full strategic review of Topgolf following disappointing same-venue sales, and determined separate companies would enhance strategic focus.
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Courtesy of Pinstripes
Pinstripes warns of corporate layoffs as losses mount
This workforce reduction is part of the chain’s plan to save $4 million in corporate costs, and follows a series of venue-level cost cutting measures.
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Brandon Bell via Getty Images
Chick-fil-A plots major expansion in Michigan
The fast food giant expects to open 25 to 30 franchised units in the Mitten State, adding to its existing 28 units.
