The Thai restaurant is using robots to run between the dining room and kitchen at its locations in Minneapolis and Maple Grove. Sawatdee, the Upper Midwest’s first Thai restaurant that’s now in its second generation of family ownership, now appears to be the first restaurant in Minnesota to put robots in the dining room. And… read more
Global Foodservice News
How Marco’s Pizza is Preparing Itself for Growth with Technology and Innovation
Marco’s Pizza is trying to be the fourth-largest pizza chain and, after a year like 2020, the quick-service restaurant is on the right path. “We’re surging ahead and looking to double operations in the next few years,” said Steve Seyferth, chief experience officer for Marco’s Pizza. Last year, the quick-service pizza chain saw same-store sales… read more
Why Tropical Smoothie Cafe is Bucking the Ghost Kitchen Trend
When it comes to one of the industry’s hottest trends, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, which recently crossed 1,000 locations, isn’t joining the herd. Ghost kitchens? CEO Charles Watson says they are not a part of the chain’s sizable growth plans. For Watson, it comes down to the brand’s roots as a franchisee-led organization. Since operators haven’t… read more
Caribou Coffee Adds Franchising to its US System for the First Time
Caribou Coffee on Monday introduced a domestic franchise program for the first time in the U.S. The 718-unit brand has previously franchised internationally and includes 314 company-owned locations, primarily in the Midwest. The program includes the chain’s “Caribou Cabin” prototype, which launched in 2019 with a drive-thru focus and smaller footprint, as well as Caribou’s… read more
Electrolux Professional to Acquire Unified Brands
Electrolux Professional has entered into an agreement to acquire Unified Brands Inc and related assets, a leading US-based manufacturer of foodservice equipment. The acquisition will significantly strengthen Electrolux Professional’s presence in the US and supports Electrolux Professional’s focus on growth with the foodservice chains. Electrolux Professional will acquire Unified Brands for approximately SEK 2,140m (USD… read more
Global Foodservice News – October 1, 2021 Edition
The Middleby Corporation announced the acquisition of Imperial Commercial Cooking Equipment . . . . Middleby Acquires Imperial Commercial Cooking Equipment Based in Corona, Calif., the company manufactures ranges, fryers, ovens, countertop equipment, and other specialty cooking products for the commercial kitchen. Imperial has annual revenues of approximately $40 million. “Imperial is a leading, highly-respected… read more
Sabir Sami, New Chief Executive Officer of Yum! Brands’ KFC Division
When KFC rings in the new year it will do so with a new leader. KFC’s parent, Yum! Brands, Inc., announced on Sept. 22 that Sabir Sami has been promoted to chief executive officer of the KFC Division, effective Jan. 1, 2022. Mr. Sami will succeed Tony Lowings, who will step down as CEO at… read more
Gene & Georgetti Celebrates 80 Years
Gene & Georgetti, Chicago’s original steakhouse since 1941 is celebrating. “We are celebrating making it this far through this pandemic, we are celebrating our team and all of the tireless work that they have done the last year and a half, and we are celebrating reaching 80 years of business this year,” says Michelle Durpetti,… read more
How Subscriptions Became Quick Service Restaurants’ Hottest Marketing Trend
This month, Taco Bell became the latest restaurant chain to launch a subscription service, by testing a “Netflix for Tacos” pass. The pilot program, which launched at Tucson, Arizona locations, allows customers to get one taco a day for a monthly fee. The Taco Lover’s Pass pilot will run between September 9 and November 24,… read more
First Watch Sets IPO Share Price, Could Raise $218 Million
First Watch Restaurant Group Inc. will likely debut its initial public offering on the Nasdaq market late next week, raising as much as $218 million in two grants of stock. The Bradenton, Fla.-based company proposed offering 9.5 million shares, in a range of $17 to $20 each, which could raise more than $189.1 million and… read more