The restaurant industry accounts for a whopping 10 percent of the entire U. S. workforce. With its 14.7 million employees nationwide, the sector is projected to add another 1.6 million jobs within the next 10 years, according to National Restaurant Association. Yet, while the forecast is promising, the industry remains more vulnerable to high turnover… read more

Remember the value wars of a few years ago, when quick-service chains tried to one-up each other with lower and lower priced offerings? Then, when it turned out those offerings only appealed to value-seeking consumers with zero brand loyalty, many chains pulled back on the strategy, and, well, it didn’t go well. Now, the value… read more

Brinker International spent the first quarter strategizing its turnaround story. The second was about implementation. Now, it’s time for results. The parent company of Chili’s and Maggiano’s Little Italy said during a May 1 conference call that it “started to see momentum with significant changes in traffic” during the third quarter, a period that ended… read more

Following a racial discrimination scandal at a Starbucks in Philadelphia, the Seattle-based coffeehouse giant said it has reached a settlement with the two men involved in the incident. The agreement made with Donte Robinson and Rashon Nelson includes an undisclosed financial settlement, and an offer to pay for their undergraduate degrees at Arizona State University… read more

The swift rise of ramen restaurants across the U.S. has inspired a new wave of Japanese concepts that are not focused on sushi. Sushi is now considered as much a part of the American culinary experience as pizza. Ramen restaurants can be found in most major cities. And now, a growing number of chains based… read more

Boston Market has named Frances Allen, left, CEO, effective immediately, the rotisserie chain based in Golden, Colo., said. She replaces George Michel, who is retiring. Allen had been president of Jack in the Box since October 2014. Before that she was executive vice president and chief marketing officer of Denny’s. She also has worked at… read more

Cicis took the interim tag off William Mitchell’s CEO title, the company announced May 8. Mitchell, the former president of Dunkin’ Brands International, held the position since January. “Bill has an outstanding track record as a leader of large franchise systems, improving operations, customer service and overall business growth,” said Arlon managing director Ben Fishman…. read more

Suzanne Greco will be retiring as Subway CEO after three years, and the company has named brand development chief Trevor Haynes as interim CEO, the company said. The Milford, Conn.-based sandwich chain said Haynes, the Subway’s chief business development officer who joined the company in 2006 and serves on the brand’s executive leadership team, would… read more

The company has 44,000 locations globally — more than any other retailer. The National Retail Federation put its US store count at nearly 27,000 as of 2016, compared to 17,500 for Yum Brands, which runs Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and KFC, and the 14,000 locations for McDonald’s). The company said Wednesday it expects stores to close after… read more

Dunkin’ Donuts completed the conversion of a simplified menu in 100% of its U.S. units in the first quarter ended March 31. The menu change should increase afternoon sales and make value campaigns more effective, said David L. Hoffman, president of Dunkin’ Donuts U.S. and Canada. “This massive undertaking resulted in a 10% reduction of… read more