Operations: Page 30

  • A photograph of two bowls from Smoothie King
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    Permission granted by Smoothie King
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    Smoothie King expands menu with bowls

    The fast casual smoothie chain is rolling out six bowls this week across 1,100 locations nationwide as it plots expansion. 

    By • April 4, 2023
  • A photograph of Dine Brands chief people officer Sarah Cannon-Foster
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    Courtesy of Dine Brands
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    Dine Brands hires chief people officer

    Sarah Cannon-Foster, who has over 30 years of experience in human resources, will focus on growing and developing talent during her first 100 days as Dine Brands’ top HR executive. 

    By • April 4, 2023
  • A man and a woman dressed as a chef look at a tablet. Explore the Trendline➔
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    Wavebreakmedia via Getty Images
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    Trendline

    Back-of-house Technology

    From voice AI at the drive-thru to robot-powered makelines, restaurants are investing in technology solutions to optimize kitchen operations and reduce employee turnover. 

    By Restaurant Dive staff
  • A photograph of El Pollo Loco's Original Pollo Bowl.
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    Permission granted by El Pollo Loco
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    El Pollo Loco rolls out updated, tier-based rewards program

    In its first major loyalty revamp since launching the program in 2017, the QSR offers 12 different rewards available within four point levels.

    By • April 4, 2023
  • An image of Noodles & Company's daily rewards perks.
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    Permission granted by Noodles & Company
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    Noodles & Company adds daily perks to rewards program

    The fast casual brand will offer daily perks, like discounts, free upgrades and add-ons, along with existing rewards benefits like early access to menu items.

    By • April 3, 2023
  • A photo of a Rutter's location.
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    Permission granted by Rutter's
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    Rutter’s launches rotating foodservice menu

    Starting with three items, including a peanut butter burger, the c-store chain’s new options will change out regularly throughout the year.

    By Jessica Loder • April 3, 2023
  • A McDonald's store is shown in Houston, Texas.
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    Brandon Bell via Getty Images
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    McDonald’s reportedly gears up for corporate layoffs

    Employees have been asked to work remotely from Monday to Wednesday so leadership can lay workers off virtually, The Wall Street Journal reports. 

    By • April 3, 2023
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    TennesseePhotographer via Getty Images
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    Firehouse Subs CEO retires

    After over 13 years leading the sandwich chain, Don Fox handed leadership over to the company’s COO Mike Hancock. 

    By , • March 31, 2023
  • Burger King gets a fresh look
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    Courtesy of Burger King
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    Burger King franchisee bankruptcies may signal more QSR trouble

    The bankruptcy of two major Burger King operators laid bare the problems facing franchisees. But at Burger King, the worst may be over.

    By • March 31, 2023
  • Panera Bread storefront
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    Permission granted by Panera Bread
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    Panera’s latest innovation uses Alexa ordering capabilities

    MyPanera rewards members can order pickup or delivery with voice or touch on Echo Show devices.

    By • March 29, 2023
  • A photograph of IHOP's Eggs Benedicts
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    Courtesy of IHOP
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    IHOP to serve biggest menu revision to date

    The new items, which will be added on Monday, span across breakfast, lunch and dinner and are part of the company’s ongoing menu innovation strategy. 

    By • March 29, 2023
  • A photo of the inside of Jinya Ramen Bar
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    Permission granted by Jinya Ramen Bar
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    Jinya Ramen Bar to grow from 52 units to 200-plus in 10 years

    The Asian food chain opened eight restaurants last year and aims to add 25 locations annually.

    By • March 29, 2023
  • An image of six restaurant CEOs
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    Courtesy of Modern Restaurant Market, True Food Kitchen, The Habit Burger, Starbucks, CKE Restaurants, Restaurant Brands International
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    Who’s who: Meet the newest CEOs of the restaurant industry

    Chains like Starbucks, Restaurant Brands International, CKE Restaurants and True Food Kitchen gained new leadership during Q1.

    By • March 29, 2023
  • Ordering takeout and delivery convenience food from an online Asian restaurant delivery meal from a smart phone.
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    YinYang via Getty Images
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    QSRs expect 51% of tasks will be automated by 2025

    Operators said they will invest more in technology to support digital order fulfillment, operational efficiency in the kitchen and faster checkout times, per an Incisiv report. 

    By • March 29, 2023
  • A photograph of Fogo de Chao's roasted power vegetable bowl
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    Permission granted by Fogo de Chão
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    Fogo de Chão says plant-based fare, cocktail lounges attract young diners

    By offering a richer menu than just fire-roasted meats, the Brazilian restaurant has gained strong awareness among younger consumers, which has helped it open new restaurants.

    By • March 24, 2023
  • Barista at Luckin Coffee shop.
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    Getty Images via Getty Images
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    Luckin Coffee’s ‘revenue reckoning’ takeaways

    The Beijing-based chain was initially viewed as a kind of David poised to take on the Goliath of the coffee world — Starbucks — in China.

    By Maura Webber Sadovi • March 23, 2023
  • An image of Elote Mexican Street Corn Hash at First Watch
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    Permission granted by First Watch
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    How breakfast brands are reinventing morning menus

    Restaurants like First Watch, Snooze and Another Broken Egg Cafe have been adding twists to classic menu items as the segment emphasizes affordable brunch options.

    By • March 23, 2023
  • A photograph of John Williams, CEO at True Food Kitchen.
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    Permission granted by True Food Kitchen
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    True Food Kitchen appoints Lazy Dog exec as CEO

    John Williams joins the 43-unit, wellness-focused chain as it looks to grow and open a new fast casual concept to reach new customers. 

    By • March 23, 2023
  • A photograph of Black Bear Diner
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    Permission granted by Black Bear Diner
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    Breakfast eateries embrace delivery, technology

    Chains have adapted front- and back-of-house operations to accommodate more off-premise sales and technology to improve the dine-in experience.

    By • March 22, 2023
  • A Papa John's sign.
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    Joe Raedle / Staff via Getty Images
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    Papa Johns CFO resigns

    Ann Gugino, who has been at the pizza chain since 2020, is leaving effective May 31. Papa Johns has begun a search for a permanent CFO. 

    By • March 22, 2023
  • An image of Pretzel Bites and a lemonade from Pretzelmaker
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    Retrieved from Pretzelmaker on March 21, 2023
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    Pretzelmaker opens first drive-thru

    The Mason City, Iowa unit will include the chain’s Fresh Twist brand menu, which launched in 2018 to meet demand for breakfast and late-night options. 

    By • March 21, 2023
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    Drew Angerer / Staff via Getty Images
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    Survey: 66% of franchisees feel optimistic about business

    Changing consumer preferences may push franchisees to invest in store remodels and digital ordering and delivery systems, TD Bank found in a survey.

    By • March 21, 2023
  • A photograph of a First Watch restaurant
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    Permission granted by First Watch
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    Deep Dive

    Rise and shine: Why breakfast chains are booming

    Early bird foot traffic from remote and hybrid workers is boosting same-store sales growth at A.M. eateries, fueling sizable expansion pipelines.

    By • March 21, 2023
  • An image of a Chick-fil-A customer scanning her rewards program at the drive-thru
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    Retrieved from Chick-fil-A on March 17, 2023
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    Chick-fil-A to roll out updates to rewards program in April

    Chick-fil-A One, which has over 50 million members, will offer new items and increased points for redemption on some items starting April 4.

    By • March 17, 2023
  • An image of CKE Restaurants CEO Max Wetzel
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    Courtesy of CKE Restaurants
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    CKE names former Papa Johns COO as CEO

    Max Wetzel joins the parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s after working at Papa Johns for over three years in various executive positions. 

    By • March 17, 2023
  • An image of Crisp & Green
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    Courtesy of Crisp & Green
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    Steele Brands’ 250-unit pipeline will take it nationwide

    After consumer interest in health food boomed following the COVID-19 pandemic, the holding company accelerated franchising of its Crisp & Green concept, which will soon operate in 25 states.

    By • March 17, 2023