New Products from Krispy Kreme, Auntie Anne’s and Baskin-Robbins With foodservice brands leaning into fall flavors, recent menu Krispy Kreme launched its fall-inspired Autumn Orchard Collection, which features five donuts, including a salted caramel brownie donut. The sweet-and-salty donut is topped with salted caramel brownie batter flavored frosting, a salted caramel drizzle and brownie bits…. read more

MTY Food Group Inc. announced that it has completed the acquisition of BBQ Holdings, Inc. through the consummation of a merger of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Grill Merger Sub, Inc., with and into BBQ Holdings without a vote of the BBQ Holdings stockholders in accordance with Section 302A.613(4) of the Minnesota Business Corporation Act (the “MBCA”)…. read more

Cracker Barrel’s Push for Youthful Traffic is Working While the chain has experienced a lower visitation from guests 65 and older for months now, the company saw increased traffic from younger customers in the fourth quarter (ending July 29), especially millennials between 25 and 34 and customers between 44 and 55. “Although it will take… read more

Retail franchise Cinnabon is expanding its grocery distribution and releasing eight new ready-to-bake and ready-to-heat desserts at Walmart stores nationwide to celebrate National Cinnamon Roll Day. The new products will roll out in two phases, with the first launch Oct. 1 and the second launch Nov. 1. Included in the first phase are the four… read more

Despite signs of a cooling job market, they can’t compete with big companies for workers; ‘We’re not feeling it yet.’ By Ruth Simon Follow | Photographs by Kendrick Brinson for The Wall Street Journal Sept. 26, 2022, 5:33 am ET The economy is weakening, big companies from Ford Motor Co. to Facebook’s parent are cutting… read more

The Coronavirus pandemic changed how we do almost everything, but there have been a few (very faint) silver linings. Nobody really enjoyed wearing masks, but NPR notes that they momentarily turned schools and businesses into flu-free zones. Early pandemic restrictions and social distancing fears almost took restaurants down initially, but the Nation’s Restaurant News reports… read more

The candles are part of the steakhouse chain’s new online merch store, where superfans can buy shirts, hats and other items. Texas Roadhouse is turning one of its most beloved menu items into a candle. The steakhouse chain is now selling Honey Cinnamon Butter candles, with a scent inspired by the sweet butter it serves… read more

Darden CEO: Olive Garden is Doing Just Fine Darden CEO Rick Cardenas could sense a common theme as analysts peppered him and CFO Raj Vennam with inquiries during the company’s recent Q1 earnings call. “We’re getting a lot of questions on traffic at Olive Garden,” the chief executive pointed out. There’s a reason why. Olive… read more

Ali Group Updates the Welbilt Leadership Team Multiline foodservice equipment manufacturer Welbilt made a series of changes to its leadership team both at the corporate level and across several of its lines. At the corporate level, company veteran Jim Courtright will now serve as vice president of sales, Americas for Welbilt. He will be responsible… read more