First up is expected to be Lowell Café, one of eight restaurant and lounge concepts that will allow onsite cannabis smoking, vaping and consumption of edibles. The restaurant is scheduled to open in September. Lowell is one of 16 businesses planning to combine cannabis and foodservice in some form that have won a first round… read more

“We are leaning in to accelerate the transition of our Pizza Hut U.S. asset base to truly modern delivery/carryout assets,” said David W. Gibbs, president, chief operating officer and chief financial officer for Yum! Brands, in an Aug. 1 earnings call to discuss second-quarter results. “This will ultimately strengthen the Pizza Hut business in the… read more

Historically, chains like Hooters and Twin Peaks, and their scantily clad waitresses, established a niche audience, of mostly men, in the sports-bar restaurant space. But industry consultants suggest that although they’re holding their own, times have changed, and they need to adapt in order to keep pace. Showing how challenging the category can be, the Arc… read more

Water. It’s essential for life … and baking. But it can also pose huge risks, from physical hazards to bacteria transport, making it a key consideration for sanitation and food safety. In Saturday’s education session “Food Safety Best Practices for Operations, Engineers and Sanitarians,” Karl Thorson, global food safety and sanitation manager for General Mills,… read more

David Fairhurst will fill the newly expanded role of corporate executive vice-president, chief people officer, effective Oct. 1. He will oversee global human resources with additional responsibility for global training. Mr. Fairhurst will replace Rich Floersch, executive vice-president and chief human resources officer, who will retire Dec. 31. Mr. Fairhurst joined McDonald’s UK in 2005… read more

Michael R. Nettles, previously senior vice-president, chief information and digital officer, will take over the new role of executive vice-president, chief operating and growth officer at Papa John’s International, Inc. The personnel move was part of a new organizational structure that is consistent with the company’s strategy to improve customer experience, according to the Louisville-based… read more

Yum! Brands, Inc. has named executives to two newly created tech-focused positions, hiring Clay Johnson as chief digital and technology officer and Gavin Felder as chief strategy officer. The new positions will partner with the KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell divisions to advance the company’s technological capabilities. Mr. Johnson will lead Yum! Brands’ global… read more

Noodles & Company’s comeback doesn’t discard the playbook. There are complex components, from a massive menuboard initiative to one of the most successful product launches in recent fast-casual history, but the foundation sparks a familiar tale. And that’s why it’s lasted well beyond the burst stage. Noodles & Company’s turnaround has sustained, chief executive Dave Boennighausen… read more

Seattle-based health-oriented concept Evergreens has purchased a similar concept, Garden Bar in Portland, Ore., for an undisclosed sum, the two chains announced. Garden Bar is being renamed Garden Bar by Evergreens and its staff will become Evergreens employees. Its founder, Ana Chaud, will be the restaurants’ new vice president of brand development. The price of… read more

Wendy’s is taking its breakfast menu nationwide in 2020 and will hire 20,000 new employees to support the morning meal, the company announced. The fast-food chain, which has been a holdout in the breakfast area among major national chains, currently has breakfast in 300-plus restaurants. Items on Wendy’s breakfast menu includes the Breakfast Baconator, Frosty-ccino and… read more