Global Foodservice News
First Watch appoints CFO
Ashlee Weisser, who has worked at First Watch since 2023, takes over for the retiring Mel Hope. Name: Ashlee Weisser New title: Chief financial officer, First Watch Previous title: Senior vice president, financial planning and analysis, First Watch Ashlee Weisser was promoted to CFO on June 8, succeeding Mel Hope, who is retiring. Hope will…
Read MoreHow Authentic Restaurant Brands Revived Pollo Tropical’s Momentum
The fast casual has experienced 40 straight months of traffic growth and posting a nearly $4 million AUV. Pollo Tropical CEO Dirk Montgomery describes the chain as an “icon” in the state of Florida. Of the chain’s roughly 150 locations, about 80 percent are in the Sunshine State, and that’s a footprint and reputation built…
Read MoreCracker Barrel says recovery from logo fallout is ahead of schedule
Traffic is still down, but moving in the right direction, prompting the company to raise its revenue guidance for the fiscal year. Customers are returning to Cracker Barrel faster than the company was expecting after last fall’s new-logo debacle sparked severe traffic declines. Same-store restaurant sales in the quarter ended May 1 fell 2.6% year…
Read MoreKFC plans to test a new prototype called Open House
The restaurant will open later this summer in McKinney, Texas, and will include table service and a drive-thru. KFC U.S. likes what it sees from its spinoff concept Saucy so much that it continues to expand the fledgling brand into new markets, including outside of Florida for the first time since its debut in late…
Read MorePanera parent JAB brings new leadership to consumer portfolio
The Luxembourg-based investment firm has named two co-heads of business development and portfolio management in New York and London. The Europe-based parent to Panera Brands, Pret A Manger and more has new leadership. Luxembourg-based JAB on Thursday announced a refresh of its boards and leadership team across its consumer portfolio companies. David Serre and Emiliano…
Read MoreStarbucks says its turnaround is ahead of schedule, but has a long way to go
The coffee shop giant, making the rounds of investor conferences this week, says it has plenty of capacity to build sales, especially in the afternoons. Starbucks’ comeback under CEO Brian Niccol is running ahead of schedule, at least according to company executives. But that doesn’t mean it’s finished. Niccol, along with Starbucks CFO Cathy Smith,…
Read MoreWhat To Do When Private Equity Buys Your Restaurant Franchise
It’s a time for due diligence and reflection, not panic. Private equity’s appetite for franchises has surged over the past two years. Roark Capital bought Subway for nearly $10 billion and a majority stake in Dave’s Hot Chicken for nearly $1 billion. During the same period, Blackstone purchased Jersey Mike’s, and KKR acquired Nothing Bundt…
Read MoreWhy trade, swipe fees are NRA’s political priorities for restaurants
The National Restaurant Association is urging the Trump administration to approve the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Trade Agreement and take a do-no-harm stance on tariffs. Editor’s Note: This Q&A is part of a series of interviews with political figures in the restaurant industry about the issues facing brands, workers and operators in 2026. This is the second part…
Read MoreGlobal Foodservice News — June 1, 2026
Industry Spotlight Tommy Bahama’s restaurants are thriving, on and off the beach The clothing company has carved out a unique niche in casual dining with its combination of retail stores and restaurants that offer customers a sense of escape. When most people think of Tommy Bahama, they probably picture Hawaiian-print shirts, Panama hats and polos…
Read MoreFacilities Profit When Tech Meets Trash
Facility managers have enough safety risks to consider without these threats compounding when scrap materials—cardboard, plastics, and metals—pile up to create tripping hazards and attract pests. They see these materials as waste and a nuisance that costs money to remove. The standard reaction is to hit the “easy button” by calling a hauler, paying a…
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