Food & Beverage News

When COVID-19 hit in March, Vincent Williams, the owner of Los Angeles-based, fast-casual concept Honey’s Kettle Fried Chicken, was planning on expanding his business with both virtual and traditional brick and mortar restaurant locations in new markets throughout Southern California and Arizona. But by the start of the coronavirus-related lockdowns, his sales had dropped by…

Shake Shack, which still has about 40% of its dining rooms shuttered to slow the spread of COVID-19, is rolling out an interactive summer camp box to entertain consumers who are stuck at home. The New York City-based fast-casual burger chain launched Shack Camp this week. The program provides six weeks’ worth of family-friendly activities for…

The new restaurant is covered in solar panels and has a 1,700 square foot living wall that naturally cools the building and collects rain water. The restaurant is already open for drive-thru and delivery from 8 am to 10 pm. The 8,024 square foot restaurant is covered in solar panels and features eco-friendly design features…

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, one of the largest upscale steakhouse companies in the world, today announced that Michael O’Donnell, the Company’s current executive chairman, will retire effective December 9, 2020. Following this date, O’Donnell will remain as member of the board of directors. Mike O’Donnell stated, “It’s been a privilege to serve as Executive Chair of Ruth’s Chris for…

In my coaching and consulting sessions with executives during the pandemic, we’ve discussed critical issues such as speed, agility, resilience, pivoting, adaptability, prioritizing, change, strategy, scenario planning, transformation, rebuilding, rethinking and much more. Excellence in customer service As we enter the new normal, excellence in customer service will be an imperative! In an era where…

In 1975, 17-year-old Peter Cancro bought Mike’s Subs with the financial help of his football coach, Rod Smith, who was also an executive at the local town bank. Cancro had worked at the New Jersey sub shop for three years. The handshake deal would lead to Cancro building an empire of sandwich stores under the…

Social-distancing limits for dining rooms are constraining Darden Restaurants Inc.’s units more than local coronavirus capacity restrictions, the Olive Garden parent’s CEO said, but the company is installing temporary plastic barriers to provide seating expansion. The Orlando, Fla.-based casual-dining company, which owns LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen and other full-service concepts, said 91% of its…

Yum! Brands announced that it’s pledging $100 million in the next five years to fight inequality. The global mission, referred to as the Unlocking Opportunity initiative, will combat discrimination across KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill by focusing on equity and inclusion, education, and entrepreneurship. As part of these efforts, Yum!…

The image of a black woman will be removed from the brand’s pancake mixes, syrups and other products, the company said. A new name will be announced following the first phase of packaging changes, which will begin appearing throughout the fourth quarter. The 130-year-old Aunt Jemima brand and imagery originally were based on the minstrel…

Affiliates of Fortress Investment Group LLC and its operating partner, Golden Child Holdings, have acquired Krystal Restaurants LLC. Krystal filed for bankruptcy in January and was put up for sale as part of the reorganization process. Fortress emerged as the successful bidder of the business. Thomas Stager was named president of Krystal, effective immediately. He replaces…