Sales productivity has never been more important, yet sales teams today face tougher obstacles than ever as the current crisis makes most in-person interactions impossible. Almost 90 percent of sales have moved to a remote model since the pandemic began, according to McKinsey. Almost every B2B company’s products and services are now being sold virtually…. read more
Before March 2020, at least 70% of sales calls were virtual, according to Forbes. With the effects of the current pandemic, that number has skyrocketed. As the country begins to reopen, we’re still far from business as usual—especially for sales teams. In-person meetings, sales kickoffs, and training sessions simply aren’t happening. Many companies face the… read more
In a restaurant world made more challenging by the coronavirus pandemic’s business disruption and associated safety measures, quality human resources will win out. That was the suggestion of a recently retired Taco Bell HR executive and the human resources leader of the Portillo’s fast-casual chain during the closing Restaurants Rise webinar, “How to Win in… read more
On a warm summer night, two food trucks pulled onto a tree-lined street in a hilltop neighborhood outside Seattle. The smell of grilled meat filled the air, and neighbors slurped on boba tea drinks. Toddlers, teens, their parents, and dogs sat in the grass, chatting behind masks, laughing, and mimicking imaginary hugs to stay socially… read more
FAST Acquisition Corp., the latest special purpose acquisition company in the restaurant space with a $200 million target, listed on the New York Stock Exchange Friday, and the co-CEOs say they are looking to acquire a brand in the quick-service space. “We’re looking for quick-serve, fast-food, small-dining-room brands that we can take from good to… read more
A new battle is erupting among Grubhub and New York City leaders over a proposal to extend the city’s temporary cap on delivery commission fees, a relief effort that is expected to end next month. Back in May, New York City leaders capped third-party delivery commissions at 20% to help restaurants during the pandemic. The… read more
The Restaurant Employee Relief Fund, which began in late March, is helping more than 43,000 restaurant workers impacted by the COVID-19 health and economic crisis. The Foundation’s four-month campaign, championed by celebrity chef Guy Fieri, garnered over $21.5 million in financial aid for struggling restaurant workers. The money raised came from both corporate donors (more… read more
In the works for a few years, the smaller footprint stores are designed for contactless carry out; but are Cantinas and fast social designs out? A Taco Bell executive gives us the lowdown. In early March, Taco Bell announced a bold plan to open ‘fast social’ restaurants with stadium-style seating for gamers. But those dine-in-focused… read more
In her new role Ms. Ruggeri will have responsibility for finance, accounting and information resources, reporting to Andy Heily, president of Continental Mills. Before joining Continental Mills Ms. Ruggeri spent more than 16 years at Starbucks Coffee Co., most recently as senior vice-president of finance for the Americas. She began her career in 1998 as… read more
Adrienne Berkes, a longtime leader at Yum! Brands, Inc., has joined create-your-own pizzeria Pieology as chief marketing officer. Ms. Berkes will be responsible for expansion of the brand overseas as well as throughout the United States. Adrienne is an accomplished marketing strategist with strong QSR retail experience and a passion to build brands,” said Gregg… read more