Global Foodservice News

The brand has inked a deal with Bliss Bites to open five Fridays restaurants across New York. TGI Fridays has signed its first domestic development agreement in more than a decade, reenergizing its growth plans in the U.S. The brand has inked a deal with Bliss Bites to open five Fridays restaurants across New York.…

The lawsuit said the AI tool collects data that competing franchises wouldn’t normally share. McDonald’s is facing a federal lawsuit that alleges its AI-enhanced pricing tool violates antitrust laws because it shares nonpublic data with franchisees who might be competing in the same market. The lawsuit, which was filed Friday in Illinois, said McDonald’s pricing…

Alisa Gmelich brings over 30 years of brand experience to her new role, where she will oversee growth, guest experience improvements and menu optimization. Dive Brief: CKE Restaurants appointed Alisa Gmelich as Hardee’s president, the company said in a press release on Wednesday. Gmelich has extensive experience in franchising and has worked in leadership roles…

Lauren Crowley joins the brand amid an ongoing turnaround strategy that includes new training programs for restaurant-level employees. Name: Lauren Crowley New title: Chief people officer, Sweetgreen Previous title: Senior vice president of human resources, OC Sports & Entertainment Lauren Crowley has over 20 years of experience with human resources functions across consumer and technology…

There aren’t many investors willing to bet on small, emerging brands. But a relative newcomer to the space is Uncommon Brands. Based in Dallas and backed by Crux Capital, Uncommon Brands was founded in late 2023 following the acquisition of Fuego Tortilla Grill, a fast-casual oversized-taco concept open 24 hours that had four locations at…

The owner of Papa Murphy’s, Cold Stone Creamery, and dozens of other concepts opted not to sell itself, and is planning some “portfolio optimization.” “Everything is for sale if the price is right.” MTY Group has spent its history buying up brands, and in the process built up a portfolio of more than 80 brands,…

The group is also expanding its popular New York concept, the Corner Store, to Las Vegas next month. Cafe Charmant opened on September 15 in New York’s West Village neighborhood. The 70-seat restaurant is a coastal take on a classic French brasserie, and it’s Catch Hospitality Group’s fourth standalone concept to open in the past…

After shuttering all 97 restaurants, the once-dead concept is about to open its third location. But can an all-you-can-eat brand make it in today’s economy? News of Souplantation’s return to California ricocheted across social media last week, sparking celebration among fans. But questions remain. Once you get past the nostalgia, can an all-you-can-eat concept make…