The formation of Cosmic Wings, Applebee’s new delivery-only concept, is the confluence of three opportunities, says Scott Gladstone, vice president of strategy and development. The rise of delivery and growth of the wing category are no-brainers. But the third one, an exclusive partnership with Cheetos, is where Cosmic Wings most plants its flag. The virtual… read more
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Cracker Barrel’s Revitalized Menu Marries Tradition and Innovation
Cracker Barrel’s culture is rooted in heritage, but that doesn’t mean tradition can’t be reimagined. The commitment to innovation was on full display in 2020 as the 663-unit brand released a revamped dinner menu, diversified its family meal deals, and introduced alcohol for the first time in its 51-year history. Cammie Spillyards-Schaefer, vice president of… read more
National Restaurant Association and NRAEF Announce Board of Directors
National Restaurant Association and NRAEF Announce Board of Directors The National Restaurant Association and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) announced their 2021 board officers and directors. Brian Casey, president of Oak Hill Tavern and the Company Picnic Company, will serve as chair of the National Restaurant Association Board of Directors, and Susan Adzick,… read more
Food Safety Top of Mind for US, other Consumers
Food Safety Top of Mind for the US, other Consumers According to a new study from the Beijing-based Mars Global Food Safety Center that surveyed more than 1,750 people in the US, UK and China, more than half of respondents (52%) feel that food safety is a top-three global issue – and 77% think it’s… read more
COVID-19 and Meat and Poultry Processing
A team of Kansas State University researchers is using a $1 million grant from the US Department of Agriculture – and an additional grant from the State of Kansas – to study how to effectively control the spread of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in the nation’s meat and poultry processing facilities. The study,… read more
This Restaurant Just Launched 8 New Brands. Sales Boomed
When Dog Haus launched in 2010, its concept made a lot of sense…for the year 2010. Its mission was to elevate stadium food into a culinary masterwork, and it did so by selling dogs and sausages decorated with ingredients such as bacon, pastrami, caramelized onions, and arugula. The three founders, Hagop Giragossian, Quasim Riaz, and… read more
The Senate Overwhelmingly Passed Restaurant Relief Budget Resolution Amendment
The U.S. Senate overwhelmingly passed an amendment to the budget Thursday calling for direct relief to the restaurant industry in a 90-10 vote. The Restaurant Rescue Plan which was initially proposed in a bipartisan effort by Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Sen. Krysten Sinema (D-Ariz.), was based on the original RESTAURANTS Act that was put… read more
McDonald’s Management Lays Out 2021 Strategic Priorities
Christopher J. Kempczinski, president and chief executive officer of McDonald’s Corp., laid out the fast-food company’s priorities during a Jan. 28 conference call. “Our significant marketing investment remains a true growth driver,” he said. “We’re improving creative effectiveness and leaning into social and digital to drive customer engagement. Teams remain focused on the right balance… read more
Father-and-Son Duo Launches Modern Baking Company
The startup’s initial lineup features a pancake and waffle mix, a brownie mix, and a chocolate muffin and cake mix, along with a zero-calorie sweetener made from monk fruit and corn-based erythritol. The plant-based, diabetic-friendly products are gluten-free and contain no added sugars. Launched in January, TruEats is the culmination of a multi-generational journey to… read more
Bipartisan $120 Billion RESTAURANTS Act to Provide Long-Term Relief for Restaurants is Re-Introduced
Hours after the Senate voted overwhelmingly to pass an amendment to the proposed budget resolution to establish a dedicated restaurant relief fund, the $120 billion RESTAURANTS Act of 2021 was reintroduced to Congress Friday as a bipartisan, bicameral effort from Sens. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-Ariz.), and Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) and Brian… read more