Operations: Page 15
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Red Robin rolls out points-based loyalty program
Members receive $10 for every 100 points earned, a shift from the old program, in which a free entree was granted after nine entrees were purchased.
By Julie Littman • May 23, 2024 -
Inside CosMc’s: Slow drive-thru service may undercut customization’s perks
McDonald’s spinoff brand, which targets Gen Z with highly caffeinated drinks and snacks, is a “learning lab” that needs work to compete with legacy QSRs.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 22, 2024 -
Grubbrr CEO: Automation could make restaurants a high-wage, high-productivity business
Kiosks may not be a silver bullet for labor troubles — they seem better suited to boost check sizes — but they may be part of a gradual transformation of restaurant work, Sam Zietz said.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 21, 2024 -
It’s more than shrimp: What led to Red Lobster’s bankruptcy
A cash shortage, traffic declines and pressure from equity sponsor Thai Union to become its sole shrimp supplier led to high costs — compounding losses induced by the ill-fated Ultimate Endless Shrimp promo.
By Julie Littman • May 21, 2024 -
CEC Entertainment appoints CFO
Scott Drake is now the company’s top financial executive, and CEC also promoted three execs to various positions in operations and legal.
By Julie Littman • May 21, 2024 -
Top 500 restaurant chains grew 2023 sales 7.5% despite traffic declines
Emerging concept 7 Brew was the fastest-growing chain, increasing its unit count over 373% last year, according to a Datassential report.
By Julie Littman • May 20, 2024 -
Red Lobster declares bankruptcy
The chain’s bankruptcy is the culmination of months of financial woes, which included significant losses, trouble paying its bills on time and a planned divestment by its minority owner.
By Julie Littman • May 20, 2024 -
3 major c-store chains make foodservice updates
GPM Investments is adding a famous hot dog brand to more than 450 stores, while Casey’s and 7-Eleven both updated their pizza lineups.
By Jessica Loder • May 20, 2024 -
Q&A
Ask an expert: What structural problems killed the ghost kitchen?
Despite failed pioneers and industry consolidation, the ghost kitchen model could rise again as shifting real estate market conditions make them more attractive, says Alon Lagstein, counsel at Carlton Fields.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 17, 2024 -
Sbarro names RBI exec as North America president
Mario Bojorquez will support company restaurants and franchisee expansion, operational execution and brand growth.
By Julie Littman • May 16, 2024 -
How 6 chains are reacting to California’s minimum wage law
Brands like Jack in the Box, Shake Shack and Chipotle have raised prices to help offset labor costs incurred following the $20 hourly wage.
By Julie Littman • May 16, 2024 -
Deep Dive
Chipotle leverages RFID technology, increases overall visibility
Executive Carlos Londono spoke about the company’s operations and its efforts to bring the technology to all of its 3,500 restaurants.
By Alejandra Carranza • May 15, 2024 -
Long John Silver’s rolls out rewards program
Seacret Society members earn four coins for every dollar spent online that can be redeemed later for items like Hushpuppies and Grilled or Variety Platters.
By Julie Littman • May 15, 2024 -
Cava’s new $35M factory will support 750 restaurants
The Verona, Virginia, facility manufactures dips, spreads and salad dressings for its restaurants and CPG business.
By Julie Littman • May 15, 2024 -
Red Lobster closes 48 locations, auctions off contents
The chain, which has had trouble paying its bills on time, may be considering bankruptcy as its minority owner divests from it.
By Julie Littman • May 14, 2024 -
Fat Brands files for Twin Peaks IPO
Fat plans to use the proceeds of an IPO to deleverage its balance sheet, which includes over $1 billion in debt taken on in a flurry of recent acquisitions.
By Julie Littman • May 14, 2024 -
Harris Teeter takes on fast food chains
The grocer is offering a rotating selection of prepared foods for $5 at a dozen stores in the Washington, D.C., area.
By Sam Silverstein • May 13, 2024 -
McDonald’s to focus on digital marketing with new fund
The fund, which will be paid with existing contributions, will allow the chain to market more effectively to customers within its app.
By Julie Littman • May 10, 2024 -
Thai Union to fully divest from Red Lobster by the end of year
The minority owner is engaging with potential buyers after determining Red Lobster’s financial requirements no longer align with its capital allocation plans.
By Julie Littman • May 10, 2024 -
Potbelly unveils smaller, digital-centric prototype
The 1,800-square-foot design is 500 square feet smaller than a traditional Potbelly store, which CEO Robert Wright said will help lower construction and lease costs.
By Julie Littman • May 9, 2024 -
Operators predict continued catering boom
Return-to-office is increasing demand for business catering as employers use meal plans to draw workers in-person, according to a survey from ezCater.
By Julie Littman • May 9, 2024 -
California bans hidden fees starting July 1
The state will require businesses to include all mandatory fees in listed prices, making it harder for restaurants to impose service charges.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 9, 2024 -
Smoothie King hires Yum Brands exec as CFO
Gavin Felder, who most recently served as chief strategy officer at Yum Brands, joins the chain as it continues an aggressive growth push with positive same-store sales momentum.
By Julie Littman • May 9, 2024 -
Dutch Bros expands mobile order test
After seeing strong results from its initial pilot, the chain has expanded the channel to several more Arizona locations and expects to offer the function at most stores by the end of the year.
By Julie Littman • May 8, 2024 -
Dine’s sales sour on virtual brand closures, slow traffic
IHOP and Applebee’s promotions and LTOs weren’t enough to offset a dip in consumer spending during Q1.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 8, 2024