Food & Beverage News
How a Banker Turned Podcaster Is Telling the Stories of Africa’s Cuisines
When co-workers would ask Yorm Ackuaku, “What is African food?” the question irked her, and she didn’t know how to answer. “At that point, I hadn’t traveled outside of West Africa, so I couldn’t speak for the rest of the continent,” she says. “There’s a wide variety of food in Ghana alone. I could only…
Read MoreTaco Bell to debut ‘Go Mobile’ Prototype Store with Double Drive-thru lanes, Curbside Pickup
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 MoreKrispy Kreme Sets Date for Times Square Debut
“We’re filled with joy to share the sweet news that Krispy Kreme is opening in Times Square,” said Michael Tattersfield, chief executive officer of Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corp. “We said earlier this year that when New York City and Times Square are ready, we’ll be ready. We can’t wait to bring a new bright Hot…
Read MoreWhiskey Cake Names Ray Risley President and Chief Operating Officer
Risley, a seasoned hospitality executive, brings a long track record of attracting and developing high-level talent to Whiskey Cake. With an impressive history of progressing leaders in the industry, Risley creates a culture amongst employees that promotes the continued ability to adapt, evolve and thrive. “Ray’s strength in growing brands through investment in team is…
Read MoreThe Entrepreneur said he Intends to Start a Business Incubator
Robert Thompson has resigned as CEO of Punch Bowl Social, the food-and-entertainment concept he founded eight years ago, to form an innovation lab for developing products aimed at millennials and Gen Zers. His resignation is the latest twist for a venture formerly hailed as one of the restaurant industry’s hottest concepts. Thompson had successfully pitched…
Read MoreThomas Keller to Permanently Close TAK Room and Bouchon Bakery in Hudson Yards
Famed chef and restaurateur Thomas Keller on Wednesday announced that one of his newest restaurants is closing permanently because of “irreparable damage” from the pandemic: TAK Room in New York City’s Hudson Yards complex. His Thomas Keller Restaurant Group is also shuttering a location of Bouchon Bakery that was also in the sprawling 18 million-square…
Read MoreBut Delivery is Increasing, and Pickup is Preferred — Because People just Want to Leave the House
Despite the ongoing pandemic, consumers are warming more to the notion of dining out — something they yearn to do more — but more than two-thirds say they still prefer cooking and eating at home out of concern about exposure to coronavirus, according to new research by global consulting firm AlixPartners. Adam Werner, AlixPartners managing…
Read MoreThe Largest Restaurant Companies Most Likely to Default Include Dave & Buster’s, Bloomin’ Brands and Denny’s
As the restaurant industry attempts to slowly recover from the wide-ranging effects of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, AS\\according to S&P Global Market Intelligence the odds that a restaurant will default on its debt fell to 10% in July from 35% in April. For larger chains, performance and financial stability is almost where it was a year…
Read MoreBrinker International to Acquire 116 Chili’s Grill & Bar Restaurants from ERJ Dining
Brinker International, Inc. has signed a letter of intent to acquire 116 Chili’s Grill & Bar restaurants from ERJ Dining. Louisville, Ky.-based ERJ Dining has been a franchisee of Brinker’s for the past 14 years. According to Brinker, the Chili’s restaurants primarily are located in the Midwest and generate approximately $300 million in annualized revenue.…
Read MoreSun Capital Partners Inc. to Acquire Johnny Rockets
FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands announced plans to acquire the Johnny Rockets fast-casual burger chain from an affiliate of private equity firm Sun Capital Partners Inc. for $25 million. FAT Brands is a global franchising company that acquires, markets and develops fast-casual and casual dining restaurant concepts around the world. Johnny Rockets was founded in…
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