Global Foodservice News
Portillo’s hires Outback Steakhouse vet as CEO
Brett Patterson, who most recently served as CEO of Miller’s Ale House, joins the chain as it slows down its unit growth. Dive Brief: Portillo’s has appointed Brett Patterson as president and CEO, effective Feb. 23, the company said in a Wednesday press release. He will also join the company’s board of directors. He will…
Read MoreHow McDonald’s won back low-income diners
Over a year after it began rolling out various value options, the chain is seeing improved scores on affordability and notched 6.8% comparable sales growth in the fourth quarter. Dive Brief: McDonald’s U.S. increased comparable sales by 6.8% during the fourth quarter and 2% for the year, according to an earnings release. McDonald’s has now…
Read MoreFAT Brands calls investor group’s request to suspend CEO Andy Wiederhorn a ‘personal attack’
The bankruptcy court denied the ad hoc group’s emergency motion, with the objection citing ‘no actual emergency’ Shortly after an ad hoc group of FAT Brands investors filed a lawsuit demanding the immediate suspension of Andy Wiederhorn as CEO alleging bankruptcy rules violations, FAT Brands submitted an objection to the court, calling the emergency request…
Read MoreGlobal Foodservice News — February 1, 2026
Industry Spotlight Key tailwinds for the restaurant industry in 2026 While the expectation is modest growth, some factors such as lower gas prices, tax cuts, and the FIFA World Cup could provide a much-needed boost During a recent interview at the annual ICR Conference in Orlando, William Blair analyst Sharon Zackfia said that although…
Read MoreKimberly-Clark reports operating growth in 2025 and expects higher earnings in 2026
The company delivered gains in volume, productivity and profitability, supported by its transformation strategy, portfolio innovation and cost discipline Kimberly-Clark Corporation (Nasdaq: KMB) reported its financial results for the fourth quarter and full year 2025, posting improvements in volume, operational efficiency and profitability in line with its innovation-driven growth model. During the fourth quarter, the…
Read MoreWEKO highlights the role of controlled fluid application in tissue paper quality
The company’s solutions act on stages such as ply bonding, embossing and print preparation, influencing performance and sensory perception of the final product In the tissue paper industry, small adjustments in the production process can generate significant impacts on the final product quality. Characteristics such as softness, bulk, strength, embossing definition and print quality are…
Read MoreBeyond the Barrier: The State of Hand Protection in 2026
Integrating worker well-being directly into the food safety ecosystem. As we settle into 2026, the days of viewing hand protection as a mere commodity — or a simple box to check for OSHA compliance — are behind us. We know this because we at Nelson-Jameson are having these conversations with food manufacturers every single day.…
Read MoreAI Skepticism
Here’s something nobody saw coming: The generation most skeptical of artificial intelligence (AI) isn’t the one who doesn’t understand it. It’s the one who understands it best. Every new technology faces resistance. The internet? A fad. Smartphones? Unnecessary. Social media? A waste of time. But tech skepticism has always followed the same pattern—older workers resisted,…
Read MoreWireless Headset Maker Unveils Future-Ready Cloud Interface for Quick Service Restaurant Drive-Thru Operations
A Dallas tech firm is introducing a new cloud-based audio interface for automated order taking (AOT) which will give U.S. quick service restaurant (QSR) providers a practical pathway to future cloud-enabled drive-thru operations. Quail Digital, which designs, develops and manufactures digital wireless headset communication systems and is maker of the professional-grade Pro9 QSR headset system,…
Read MorePAR Technology to buy Bridg to unite loyalty and in‑store data
Since 2012, Bridg has helped grocers, convenience stores and QSRs link in-store purchases to privacy compliant customer profiles. Foodservice technology provider PAR Technology has entered an agreement to acquire shopper intelligence and identity resolution platform Bridg from Cardlytics. As agreed, PAR Technology will acquire all Bridg’s assets for $27.5m, subject to purchase price adjustments. The…
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