Golden Corral takes a step away from the buffet

The new fast-casual Homeward Kitchen concept is finally getting ready to open in December. Golden Corral is getting ready for its fast-casual debut. But that doesn’t mean it plans to move away from the buffet format. The company’s first Homeward Kitchen, a fast-casual spinoff that will not be a buffet, is scheduled to open in…

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Wonder completes acquisition of Blue Apron for $103M

Customers can now order Blue Apron meal kits in Wonder’s app for pickup and delivery. Virtual food hall concept Wonder on Monday completed its acquisition of meal kit company Blue Apron for $103 million, or $13 a share. The deal takes the struggling Blue Apron private and gives Wonder a new revenue channel as it…

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Why Burger King struggled, according to Patrick Doyle

The executive chairman of the chain’s parent company Restaurant Brands International said operators had too much risk, particularly on the balance sheet. Many Burger King operators had too much leverage, per Patrick Doyle. Burger King franchisees operated with too much risk, which when coupled with the “black swan” event in the pandemic proved to be…

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Joe & the Juice has a new majority owner

Investment firm General Atlantic has agreed to take majority stake of the global coffee, juice and sandwich chain with plans to expand franchising. Joe & the JuiceFounded in Copenhagen, the chain has about 360 units globally, including 70 in the U.S. The growing Joe & the Juice chain has a new majority owner. Investment firm…

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Qu POS System lands investment

Qu, a cloud-based POS system for limited-service restaurants, has landed an investment from Enlightened Hospitality Investments (EHI), the fund run by Union Square Hospitality Group founder and Chairman Danny Meyer. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. It’s the 22nd investment for EHI, which focuses on restaurants and restaurant tech suppliers. Qu offers what it…

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Global Foodservice News – November 1, 2023 Edition

US Manufacturing output rises Solidly in September Reuters – Production at U.S. factories increased more than expected in September despite strikes in the automobile industry curbing motor vehicle output. This is further evidence that the economy exited the third quarter with momentum. Manufacturing output rose 0.4% last month, the Federal Reserve said on Tuesday. Data…

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The Melting Pot has 94 restaurants in 30 states.

Despite Inflation, Tradition Drives Diners to The Melting Pot THE CHAIN WANTS TO OPEN 15 STORES BY 2025. Consumers may be tightening their wallets, but tradition and experience are still driving them toward The Melting Pot, according to franchise strategist Collin Benyo. From what he’s seen, guests are pulling back on spending for smaller events.…

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Chipotle to Begin Test of Automated Makeline

The race to roll out an automated makeline is on. Chipotle said Tuesday it will begin testing a new automated digital makeline in its Chipotle Cultivate Center in Irvine, Calif. Described as a “cobot,” because it involves some human interaction, the new makeline system was designed by the robotics company Hyphen, which Chipotle invested in…

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Amy’s Kitchen adds family-size entrees

Amy’s Kitchen is adding a new mealtime solution to the freezer aisle with the launch of six family-size entrees. Featuring a new packaging design, the entrees are ideal for three to four people and come in six varieties, including: Cheese enchiladas — Organic corn tortillas filled with a blend of cheeses, topped with olives and…

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Popeyes puts a spin on its chicken sandwich with Truff

Popeyes’ new chicken sandwich features Truff’s Spicy Mayo and is now available at restaurants nationwide. Popeyes has launched a new variation of its wildly successful chicken sandwich through a partnership with Truff, a Southern California-based hot sauce brand. The new Spicy Truff Chicken Sandwich is now available in restaurants nationwide and for delivery for $5.99.…

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