One of the most time-worn concepts in restaurants is the notion you hire for skill rather than experience. After all, the industry’s classic position as an entry-to-the-workforce employer lends itself to blank resumes. Wesley Suitt, head of client success—Americas at Harver, a volume hiring solution for hourly roles that work with McDonald’s and Chili’s, believes… read more
Starbucks has hired a former McDonald’s executive to oversee technology as returning CEO Howard Schultz explores changes to the coffee chain’s drive-thru, mobile order-and-pay, and other systems. Deb Hall Lefevre will become Starbucks’ chief technology officer on May 2, according to a spokesperson. She takes over for Hans Melotte, who served as interim CTO for… read more
Old Metairie’s newest restaurant will be built upon old experiences passed down for generations. TANA is the latest concept from award-winning Executive Chef Michael Gulotta, who already oversees Mopho and Maypop in the New Orleans area. Gulotta is teaming up with longtime friend and business partner Jeff Bybee to introduce a dining experience on Metairie Road… read more
BJ’s Restaurants CEO Greg Levin feels nothing but encouragement as the calendar glides through April, and for good reason. After seeing two-year same-store sales sink 3.3 percent in December and 6.4 percent in January, comps returned to positive at 1.2 percent in March and mid-single-digit growth in April. Restaurants are averaging $118,000 in weekly sales, a 1.2… read more
Sweet Treats Moms take on many different roles, and she deserves a dessert as versatile as she is – like TGI Fridays’ new Mother of All Desserts. The dessert includes a full slice of Cinnabon Caramel Cheesecake, a house-made giant OREO Cookie topped with Cookies & Creams ice creams and sprinkles, and the ultimate side… read more
To say that the hospitality industry has shifted over the past two years is an understatement. And as we contemplate this “new normal,” it’s important for hospitality operators to understand that their playbook essentials need to shift if they want to remain successful. In an industry that was historically slow and resistant to embrace technology, QR… read more
New items make up 30 percent on Friendly’s revamped menu . . . . Friendly’s Embarks on New Culinary Adventure When Amici Partners Group officially purchased Friendly’s out of bankruptcy in early 2021, it wasn’t doing so as an unfamiliar party. Investors of the company have been involved with the legacy chain in several capacities over the… read more
Two seasoned restaurant executives and recent authors provided insights into the future of personalization and digital layering in the restaurant industry during an event this week in Dallas, saying the industry is on the verge of another “category killer.” Greg Creed, former CEO of Yum Brands, and Meredith Sandland, former chief operating officer at Kitchen… read more
Restaurant chain operator Dine Brands Global Inc. has gained strength in the two years since the pandemic started, with Chief Executive John Peyton outlining three strategies that contributed to the change. First, the Glendale company innovated the in-restaurant guest experience for diners at its Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill & Bar and International House of Pancakes (IHOP) restaurants. “For… read more
But in January, Chief Executive Officer Chris Elliott saw signs that consumers were feeling the squeeze of soaring inflation. So he took the $12.99 surf-and-turf dish off the specials list, replaced it with a fish-and-chips platter, and slapped a $9.99 price tag on it. Even with the change, though, customer traffic has been flagging in… read more