Just a few weeks ago, COVID was largely in the rear-view mirror for Chipotle Mexican Grill. Now, the pandemic is again hitting the chain’s workforce, its CEO said, as the highly transmissible delta variant continues its surge around the country. “Now it is definitely back in front,” Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol said Wednesday during a… read more
The company announced a “Bubbles, Wine & Brews” menu, featuring curated and locally sourced beer and wine options, as well as Bud Light, Blue Moon, and Corona, and mimosas and wines from Barefoot–Bubbly Brut, Bubbly Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The pilot is now available at three restaurants in San Diego and New Mexico and will… read more
Every few weeks, it seems, a new photo goes viral on social media showing a sign in a restaurant window declaring: “This restaurant is closed because no one wants to work.” Restaurant owners have, for months now, been quoted in articles and TV news hits decrying the ongoing labor shortage, blaming the enhanced unemployment benefits enacted… read more
Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. has proposed an initial public offering of its common stock . . . . For a Second Time, Krispy Kreme could go Public Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc., a privately held company since 2016, has proposed an initial public offering of its common stock. The company on May 4 reported it confidentially… read more
Bojangles’ strategic roadmap is supported by a tripod of operational and cultural infrastructure, explains Chief Growth Officer Jose Costa. The first leg is the foundation, which is about running flawless operations while maintaining the speed of service, product quality, and maintenance of facilities. The next support beam is modernization—bringing relevancy to the brand, both inside… read more
Twin Peaks claims to have the coldest beer in the business, but its growth strategy is bringing the heat. At the close of July, the sports bar stands at roughly 80 units, with about 55 of those owned by franchisees. By the end of 2021, Twin Peaks should expand to 90–91 restaurants, including openings in… read more
New York City needs to seriously consider limiting dine-in restaurant service to customers who can prove they’ve been vaccinated against COVID-19, Mayor Bill de Blasio said during a round of media appearances on his efforts to avert another spike in infections. He also issued what his office termed “an official call” for restaurants and other… read more
The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted virtually every industry since it began back in March of 2020, especially the retail restaurant industry. The combined effects of America’s pandemic response, such as increased savings and social distancing measures, have forced many businesses to close some of their locations throughout the country, and others to shut down… read more
The fast-casual, whose sales exploded during the pandemic, is planning to open 25 company-owned restaurants—a mix of ghost kitchens and traditional stores—in the heart of New York City, the company announced during a call with analysts Wednesday detailing its second-quarter earnings. “The New York market is one with a lot of white space for our… read more
Smokey Bones’ virtual brand The Wing Experience is throwing its hat into the chicken sandwich ring and is about to put the other chicken sandwiches to shame. Starting now, its new Crispy Chicken Sandwich is golden fried to perfection and available in 50 different flavors – more than any other brand. While other chicken sandwiches… read more