As the number of restaurants in the US continues to climb and unemployment levels decline, operators are turning to several tactics to attract and retain employees. The restaurant and foodservice industry will provide 16.3 million jobs by 2027, an increase of 1.6 million positions from the estimated 14.7 million industry jobs in 2017, The National… read more

Houston’s largest Taco Bell franchisee is positioned to get even bigger after selling a controlling take to a New York private equity firm. New York-based Bessemer Investment Partners, which traces its roots to the Carnegie Steel fortune, purchased a majority interest in Houston-based KorMex Foods through its newly formed MAS Restaurant Group. Terms were not… read more

New York City residents can’t lob a bagel without hitting a food cart, bodega or restaurant of some sort. But if they’re aiming for outlets of the national quick-service chains, fuhgeddaboudit. The Big Apple ranks low among all U.S. cities in penetration by dominant fast-food brands, a dubious distinction shared by the likes of restaurant… read more

Two units were opened outside of the United States in January. The venture was conceived primarily as an international growth vehicle, but “We will open some locations in the Tampa market to monitor and fine-tune the concept as needed,” a spokeswoman for Bloomin’ said in an email to Restaurant Business. Among the unique operational features of Aussie Grill… read more

Patxi’s Pizza, a family-friendly chain specializing in Chicago-style deep dish pizzas that was recently purchased by Elite Restaurant Group, has introduced a new and improved menu at all 17 locations in California, Colorado, and Washington. The menu revamp is part of the brand’s efforts to refocus on hospitality and create a memorable experience for guests…. read more

US Foods Holding Corp. announced the company’s newest US Foods Scholars scholarship recipients. Seven students from four cities across the U.S. were selected to receive up to $20,000 each to support their continued culinary education, in addition to hands-on training opportunities with US Foods culinary professionals. The US Foods Scholars program was developed to inspire… read more

Edward Gleich has been promoted to chief innovation officer at Little Caesars. In his new role, he will be responsible for developing ideas and processes, strategically moving potential innovations from seed stage to implementation. He also will evaluate changing business needs and allocate resources to continue pushing the brand forward. Mr. Gleich joined Little Caesars… read more

Miguel Lozano, who was an El Pollo Loco restaurant manager more than two decades ago, will return to the brand next month as the Costa Mesa, Calif.-based company’s chief operating officer. He starts April 1. Lozano replaces Gus Siade, former senior vice president of operations who left in January. Lozano, the third new executive to join… read more

Beverly Carmichael will resign April 5 as Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc.’s chief people, culture and resource officer after a little more than a year in the role, the casual-dining company said in federal filings. The Greenwood Village, Colo.-based casual-dining company had named Carmichaelto head human resources in December 2017. Carmichael was responsible for Red… read more