Taking a Strategic Approach to Crisis Communication

With the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) investigating a multi-state cyclosporiasis outbreak, restaurant operators and guests are questioning how to stay safe while dining out. Outbreaks are affecting restaurants across the country, according to data from Placer.ai. Given that the outbreaks are linked to contaminated lettuce and other greens, chains associated with lettuce-heavy menus…

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Dealing with the Customer Aggression Crisis

Customer aggression is a growing operational challenge as nearly 40 percent of frontline workers believe it has increased over the past year with 42 percent reporting incidents in the past month, according to a survey from 3Gem Research & Insights commissioned by HALOS. “Restaurant owners and managers need to have strategies in place to minimize…

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Flexeserve Names Crouch Ops Coordinator

Megan Crouch has joined Flexeserve as operations coordinator for the Texas-based foodservice equipment manufacturer. She replaces Rachel Chin who moved into a sales coordinator role for Flexeserve. Megan Crouch In her role, Crouch helps support “the customer experience” for Flexeserve customers in The Americas, per a company release. This includes organizing meetings at the company’s…

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Electrolux Professional Group Updates Sales Team

Electrolux Professional Group tapped company veteran Alex Edwards to serve as vice president of sales for North America. In this role Edwards will lead Electrolux Professional Group’s chain and general market sales organizations. Edwards’ career with Electrolux Professional Group spans 22 years, during which time he’s held various positions across customer service, product management and…

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Smart Care Solutions Appoints New President/CFO

A chief people officer also joins the service company, which operates in all 50 states. Smart Care has made two senior leadership appointments, both effective immediately, in order to accelerate its growth and operational performance. Veronica Lubatkin joins as president and chief financial officer, while Jenna Susanke is now chief people officer, reporting to CEO…

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Carpigiani Adds Distributor for Texas, Oklahoma

The addition to the frozen dessert machine maker’s network marks a ‘significant step’ in strengthening its presence in the two states. Carpigiani North America has appointed Forbes Hever & Wallace as its general market distributor for Texas and Oklahoma. The appointment took effect July 1. Based in Coppell, Texas, FH&W has served the foodservice industry…

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Cracker Barrel taps former Bloomin’ chief as CEO

David Deno will succeed Julie Masino, who is leaving less than a year after surviving an ouster attempt triggered by rebranding backlash. Dive Brief: Cracker Barrel has named David Deno, former chief executive officer of Bloomin’ Brands, as its CEO effective Aug. 10, according to a Monday press release. Deno, who led the Outback Steakhouse…

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Gong cha Signs 50-Unit Agreement in Texas

Gong cha, the world’s leading bubble tea brand with nearly 2,200 locations across 33 international markets, has signed a 50-unit exclusive area development agreement in Texas with seasoned franchise operator, Bakers Acres & Cattle Company (BACC). The agreement marks the largest direct franchising deal in Gong cha history and further expands the company’s U.S. footprint…

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