We all know that ultra-processed foods like candy, soda, pre-packaged microwave meals, and hotdogs aren’t healthy. That certainly isn’t breaking news. But, the true extent of their negative impact on the human body and lifespan will likely surprise many readers. It’s one thing to hear that sugary cereals or bags of chips are “bad for… read more
When the topics of sanitation and maintenance come up in a commercial bakery, the trays or baskets that deliver finished product to the bakery’s customer usually aren’t top of mind. As pieces that go out into the world and then return to the bakery — bringing back with them anything they encountered along the way… read more
Whatever business-travel problems you’ve encountered in the past, World Central Kitchen’s have almost certainly been worse. This Washington, D.C., nonprofit founded by chef José Andrés in 2010 has spent the past decade cooking for disaster survivors in some of the least convenient places on Earth. And since last winter, it’s had to deal with a… read more
In addition to so many other things, 2020 brought one of the largest merger-and-acquisition deals in the restaurant space with the marriage of Dunkin’ Brands with multi-concept group Inspire Brands. We also saw a number of companies filing bankruptcy because of COVID, which resulted in a number of changes in ownership, particularly in the latter… read more
Centre Lane Partners – the parent company of Conshohocken, Penn.-based salad chain Saladworks — has acquired fast-casual Mediterranean brand Garbanzo Mediterranean Fresh and fast-casual smoothie/bowl concept Frutta Bowls, to form new holding company, Woworks, the company announced. The Saladworks team will be taking over both brands’ infrastructure and operations to drive growth. Garbanzo CEO James… read more
The Darden Restaurants Board of Directors has elected Chief Executive Officer Eugene (Gene) I. Lee, Jr. as Chairman of the Board, succeeding Charles (Chuck) M. Sonsteby, effective January 4, 2021. Sonsteby will become the Board’s Lead Independent Director. “At a time of unprecedented change in our industry, the Board concluded that it is in the… read more
Walk-On’s will anchor the all-new “Purdue Marketplace” set to enhance dining offerings for Purdue’s West Lafayette campus and community. Construction of this new, world-class food hall in the Purdue Memorial Union began this fall and is anticipated to be completed in January of 2022. The 4,800-plus square foot Walk-On’s will feature a condensed menu with… read more
Applebee’s and IHOP parent Dine Brands announced Tuesday that Thomas Song resigned as CFO. The move is effective January 22. The move marks another leadership shakeup for the company, which announced in May that CEO Stephen Joyce’s contract wouldn’t be renewed on February 1. In November, the brand hired John Peyton, CEO, and president of… read more
Independent Restaurants: New $900 Billion Stimulus ‘Falls Woefully Short’ Sunday’s news lawmakers reached a final deal to distribute a fresh $900 billion COVID-19 relief package was met with trepidation by at least one corner of the restaurant industry. The Independent Restaurant Coalition, formed by chefs and independent restaurant owners, said in a statement the bill… read more
Restaurants Adapt to Covid with Virtual Locations and Off-Premise Services Legacy pizza chains have done off-premise right for decades, from proper food preservation to a brand-friendly last-mile experience. In our current reality, the rest of the industry is in a quick rush to catch up and adapt to optimize their brand experience from end to… read more