Extraordinary leadership during a historic economic and social crisis has earned five restaurant CEOs a nomination for the industry’s top honor, Restaurant Business’ Restaurant Leader of the Year. The nominees for the 2021 award are Jose Cil, CEO of Burger King and Popeyes parent Restaurant Brands International; David Deno, CEO of Outback and Carrabba’s parent… read more

MOD Pizza announced it would be launching a full line of customizable salads at all 490 units of the fast-casual pizza chain. A lineup of four pre-designed salads — Caesar, Garden, Greek, and Italian Chop — along with four newly-designed dressings — Caesar, Sherry Dijon, Greek Herb Tahini, and Zesty Roma —  will be added… read more

Chipotle Mexican Grill has diverted 51% of its waste through recycling, composting and waste-to-energy programs, according to the fast-casual chain’s 2020 sustainability report released Thursday. This third annual report details Chipotle’s sustainability goals, impact, and progress made in its environmental initiatives. For example, diverting more than half of their waste meets a goal originally outlined… read more

The Louisville, Ky.-Based Restaurant Holdings Company also Plans to Achieve net Zero Emissions by 2050 Yum Brands announced Monday the company’s plans to reduce greenhouse gases by 46% by the year 2030, along with achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2050. The Louisville, Ky.-based parent company of Pizza Hut, KFC, Taco Bell, and… read more

The parent of Saladworks is doubling down on its nontraditional growth strategy. After unveiling a plan to add 90 locations with Ghost Kitchen Brands in late March, Woworks announced this week an agreement with ghost kitchen franchise Combo Kitchen to bring its Saladworks and Frutta Bowls concepts into the kitchens of existing restaurants. The partnership… read more

Starbucks invested $300,000 this week to help increase equitable access to COVID-19 vaccines and help underserved communities become vaccinated. Of that money, $250,000 went to Team Rubicon – a non-profit that mobilizes veterans and their skills to help people recover from humanitarian disasters – which is currently working to deliver vaccines to rural and tribal… read more

The fifth new director named to the Board in the last four years, Mr. Wade’s appointment is the result of the Company’s robust board succession and refreshment program – a core element of the Board’s larger, ongoing commitment to alignment with and accountability to shareholders. Mr. Wade is President of Union Square Hospitality Group, LLC… read more

The Lost Cajun, a full-service concept once headed for aggressive growth, filed bankruptcy Wednesday after devastating effects from the pandemic. The restaurant’s franchising company, The Lost Cajun Enterprises, filed the petition. The Lost Cajun Spice Company—created in 2016 to coordinate the sale and distribution of goods to the restaurants—also declared bankruptcy. The Lost Cajun Enterprises… read more

Now they Can’t Find Workers A few weeks ago, Philippe Massoud posted online ads looking for a cook to hire at ilili, his New York City restaurant. Typically, he said, 60 or 80 people might show up to interview for a position like that one. This time? Nobody. “That has not happened, ever, in the… read more

“This acquisition complements our existing health and nutrition portfolio in terms of brands and channels,” said Greg Behar, CEO of Nestle Health Science . . . . Nestle Buys Vitamin Maker Bountiful’s Main Brands for $5.75 Billion has bought the main brands of vitamin and supplements maker The Bountiful Company for $5.75 billion, the world’s… read more