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
Food & Beverage News
Former Dunkin’ Exec Named CEO at Cicis
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 to Retire as Subway CEO
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
Fast Food Sandwich Chain Subway Expects to Close About 500 Stores
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’ Sees p.m. Potential in Simplified Menu
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
Texas Roadhouse Stayed True and Built One of the World’s Best Rest. Chains
Kent Taylor stuffed the proposal into an envelope and scootered his way to Ross Perot’s Bermuda vacation home. The billionaire and former presidential candidate was staying in a home tucked behind a gated community, but Taylor, the founder and CEO of Texas Roadhouse, has never been one to reverse course in the face of resistance…. read more
In-N-Out Goes Down Under in Latest Trademark Suit
California institution In-N-Out Burger is going down under in its latest attempt to protect its world-known trademarks. In the latest challenge, the Irvine, Calif.-based operator has accused an Australian burger brand with trademark infringement. The fast-food burger joint Down N’ Out, with two locations in Sydney, bills itself as selling “American style burgers, done right.”… read more
White Castle Introduces Impossible Burger Sliders
White Castle will debut the Impossible Slider — a variation on its iconic mini-sandwiches using the plant-based Impossible Burger — at 140 locations in New York, New Jersey and Chicagoland. The move makes the 400-unit hamburger chain, based in Columbus, Ohio, the largest restaurant group to serve the meat alternative. “Innovation has been core to everything we’ve… read more
Former McDonald’s CEO Invests in Veggie Fries
Farmwise, L.L.C., maker of fries, rings and tots made with vegetables, has closed a $4.5 million financing round led by Cleveland Avenue L.L.C., the venture capital firm founded by former McDonald’s Corp. chief executive officer Don Thompson. Founded in 2014, Boston-based Farmwise uses a blend of vegetables, legumes and potatoes to produce its Veggie Fries,… read more
Marfrig Global Foods to acquire 51% stake in National Beef
Marfrig Global Foods, one of the world’s largest animal protein producers, has reached an agreement to acquire a 51% stake in National Beef Packing Co., L.L.C. for $969 million. Based in Kansas City, National Beef is the fourth-largest beef processor in the United States with slaughtering capacity of 12,000 heads of cattle per day and… read more