It must be prime season for sub chains to upgrade their menus, as tiny Quiznos just joined giant Subway in a rollout of new items. Earlier this month, the newest of Quiznos 255 U.S. locations, a unit in Hobbs, N.M., launched an expanded menu with globally inspired flavors. The restaurant also updated its equipment, adding flat… read more
Global Foodservice News
Portillo’s Beef Bus Whets Appetites Ahead of Texas Opening
Portillo’s Inc. will be entering the Texas market in the fourth quarter, but as it breaks ground on its first unit in the state it is building brand awareness and whetting the appetites of future customers with its Beef Bus. The Oak Brook, Ill.-based Portillo’s, which has 71 units and went public last year, uses the Beef… read more
Howard Schultz Gives Some Hints About Starbucks’ Future
Starbucks’ Interim CEO Howard Schultz on Monday hinted at potentially significant changes as part of a strategy to “reinvent” the coffee giant, declaring that “this is the next chapter of Starbucks” while listing several “bold ideas” that will guide the chain’s future going forward. But he was scant on the details, simply promising that they… read more
7 Ways to Improve Your Customers’ Takeout Experience
Restaurant takeout has been around for decades, but it has recently surged in popularity thanks to food delivery apps like DoorDash and the sudden outbreak of COVID-19. More people are ordering meals to go, and restaurants must provide a better takeout experience to maximize their profits and maintain a solid reputation. Here are seven ways… read more
Dave & Buster’s Opens Coca-Cola Market with Automated Checkout
Dave & Buster’s Entertainment Inc. announced that the company is testing checkout-free convenience store technology at its Hollywood, Fla. Location. The Game & Go micro-market has opened in partnership with Zippin, which is providing the checkout-free technology, and Coca-Cola, which is providing the beverages. “Innovation is critical in the entertainment business and our new Game… read more
Global Foodservice News – July 1, 2022 Edition
In addition to double-digit sales growth, the eatermtainment chain set new marks for revenue, adjusted EBITDA, and net income . . . Dave & Buster’s Comeback Reaches Record Level In the summer of 2020, it seemed as if the eatertainment industry was headed for disaster. With dining rooms closed and no one heading out to… read more
Specialty Food Industry Still Growing with many Start-ups
The specialty food industry is still growing and winning new startups, many of whom enthusiastically told their stories earlier this month at the Summer Fancy Food Show in New York City. The show was back in person for the first time since 2019, showing off the latest in new and innovative foods and beverages. The specialty food category… read more
Wingstop is making a push in Canada.
The Dallas-based chicken wing chain is planning to open its first location in Toronto this month, with a planned grand opening set for June 29 that will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony and beatboxing. It will be the first of 100 locations planned for the country, making it a key element in Wingstop’s international push. “Our… read more
Wichita-based Thrive Restaurant Group looks to HomeGrown as its next growth vehicle
Thrive Restaurant Group, a decades-old family-run business operating dozens of restaurants in multiple states, mostly in the Midwest, has long-run traditional casual-dining concepts, but now they see potential in their breakfast, lunch, and brunch concept, HomeGrown. Founded about five years ago as HomeGrown Wichita, there are now three such restaurants in their hometown, plus a… read more
El Pollo Loco Nails Authenticity to Bring Birria to the Menu
Birria tacos have been trending on Instagram and TikTok for over a year, and El Pollo Loco, the Mexican-born, Los Angeles-based chain, has been watching. “We’ve been following birria for some time, and the timing was right for us to put it on the menu,” said Heather Gardea, El Pollo Loco’s VP of culinary development…. read more