For the first time in nearly four years, Chipotle gathered GMs and field leaders at its “All Managers Conference” in Las Vegas. Roughly 3,200 people attended. At one point, executives asked employees who had been promoted over that stretch to stand up. “And you know what?” CEO Brian Niccol told investors Tuesday. “Almost every person… read more
In February, Shake Shack CEO Randy Garutti told analysts that he wants the company to be better at hiring workers that “want to be with us, stay with us, and develop for the long-term.” To attract employees of that caliber, the fast-casual bolstered multiple benefits in 2021, according to the chain’s annual sustainability and workplace report. This… read more
Noodles & Company is adding a temporary $1 surcharge to all dishes featuring chicken to fight against soaring costs for the protein, the chain said this week. More than half of all customers at the pasta chain order chicken dishes and Noodles has watched its chicken costs climb 70% during the first quarter, compared to… read more
The Cheesecake Factory reported that staffing is no longer a problem for the casual-dining chain as it’s now above pre-pandemic staff levels despite a labor crisis in the restaurant industry. “We now have approximately 1% more staff members than we did just prior to the pandemic,” said CEO and chairman David Overton. They also have 3% more staff than at the end of 2021. Applicants-to-needs ratios are at the highest… read more
Organizations rely on the strength of their culture to attract and retain top talent. But if your culture isn’t healthy, you could be doing more damage than good to your bottom line. You can’t separate culture from the worst actions taken by your company. “Culture becomes decayed when you have a mismatch between your words… read more
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