Carbon accountants help firms keep their climate pledges The other day when Cooper Elsworth stepped into a Sweetgreen restaurant in Boston, he already knew what he was going to order. “I’m vegetarian, so I’ll probably go for the hummus crunch salad,” Elsworth said. “That’s the lowest-emissions salad at Sweetgreen.” He knows this arcane fact because… read more
Global Foodservice News
Restaurant brands are starting to pilot artificial intelligence to streamline food service
How Restaurants Such as Panera and Chipotle are Dipping into A.I. to Streamline Food Prep and Ordering From drive-thru to back-of-house operations to predictive ordering for consumers, restaurant brands are starting to pilot artificial intelligence to streamline food service. The technology has yet to reach critical mass at major chains but has the potential to… read more
Virtual Concepts have turned into Culinary Goldmines
Like many others, the fast-casual giant is learning how to unlock the true benefits of a virtual brand . . . . The Making of Chipotle’s Fresh-Forward Ghost Kitchen In the wake of COVID, virtual concepts have turned into culinary goldmines. The industry could potentially reach $1 trillion by 2030, according to research firm… read more
Crimson Coward Nashville Hot Chicken expands into Maryland
Crimson Coward Nashville Hot Chicken is bringing its premium hot and flavorful chicken fare to another state. Restaurant Management Group-Mid Atlantic (RMG-MA) has signed an Area Representative Agreement to expand the company into Maryland. This is the second state on the east coast, following Virginia, both of which are under RMG-MA. The L.A. hot chicken… read more
Ocean Prime to Open First Sarasota Location in 2024
Cameron Mitchell Restaurants’ Ocean Prime brand announced its first Sarasota restaurant and 19th location, which will be located in the heart of The Quay Sarasota, a 14-acre waterfront development that merges the scenic waterfront marina setting with luxury residences, upscale shopping, and premier culinary experiences. Ocean Prime Sarasota is scheduled to open in late 2024,… read more
While Construction Bids are Stabilizing, Permits and Equipment Timelines aren’t
Darden Softens Unit Growth Targets as COVID Impact Persists Two years ago during a call with investors, former Darden CEO Gene Lee lamented how COVID delays were harming unit growth. He hoped the company would soon reach the higher end of its 2-3 percent expansion target. While Rick Cardenas is now chief executive, the central… read more
Is a recession looming? Customer loyalty is key to Making it Through
Restaurant Meals are Frequently Among the First Things Consumers Cut Recessions can make any business — large or small — uneasy about potential drops in sales from the decline in economic activity. With inflation and ongoing supply chain issues, experts predict a 70% likelihood of a U.S. recession in 2023, with at least 41% of… read more
Voodoo Doughnut Appoints new Executives
Voodoo Doughnut Appoints new Executives to Drive Growth and Innovation Voodoo Doughnut, the innovative brand behind the handmade, gourmet doughnut category, is pleased to announce the appointment of three accomplished professionals to its leadership team. These strategic additions further strengthen the brand’s industry expertise and serve as catalysts for propelling its growth trajectory. Jack Quigley,… read more
KFC is Rolling Out its BBQ Chicken Sandwich Nationally
KFC’s new sandwich comes as several brands add variations to the high-demand offering, indicating we may be in a second phase of the so-called chicken sandwich wars . . . . KFC’s Ultimate BBQ Fried Chicken Sandwich test, launched in Tampa, Florida, in February, must have proven successful; the chain announced today that the sandwich… read more
Global Foodservice News – June 15 Edition
My Rewards members who purchase any burger on the app will receive a mystery Famous Star offer . . . . Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s Offer Mystery Deal for International Burger Day Calling all burger lovers. For International Burger Day on May 28, Carl’s Jr.® and Hardee’s® are offering deals for My Rewards members… read more