Global Foodservice News

José Andrés’ ThinkFoodGroup is scheduled to make its Chicago debut this summer in a big way with four new concepts, beginning with Jaleo in July. Originally announced in January as part of the “Spanish destination” Andrés is planning in the River North neighborhood, Jaleo will be the first to open, with its menu of tapas,…

The Buona Companies, owner and operator of the famous Chicago-based restaurant chain, recently announced the grand re-opening of their restaurant in Darien, Illinois. This location has been undergoing renovations to modernize the space for several months and will be open to the public on July 7th. In addition, when the location reopens, not only will…

Famous Dave’s parent BBQ Holdings announced Friday it will purchase Village Inn and Bakers Square for $13.5 million, two months after hinting another acquisition was imminent. The package includes 135 Village Inn restaurants—21 company-owned and 114 franchised—and 13 company-owned Bakers Square locations. The deal is expected to close by the end of July. “We believe…

Maryville, Tenn.-based Ruby Tuesday has named two new execs to C-suite positions, the company announced Monday. George Evans was promoted from vice president of operations excellence to chief operating officer, and Kathy Buckley joined the company as chief financial officer. “We are pleased to announce the addition of George and Kathy to the Ruby Tuesday…

P.F. Chang’s China Bistro Inc. is continuing to expand its smaller To Go Concept, which it introduced last year, with an opening today in Irving, Texas, and another planned next month for Orlando, Florida, the company said. The Scottsdale, Ariz.-based casual-dining company, which opened the first smaller To Go restaurant in Chicago in February 2020,…

The purchase of Global Franchise Group will give FAT Brands more than 2,000 franchised and company-owned restaurants around the world. FAT Brands announced Monday that it will spend $442.5 million to acquire Hot Dog on a Stick parent Global Franchise Group. In addition to Hot Dog on a Stick, Global Franchise Group franchises quick-service concepts…

The purchase of Global Franchise Group will give FAT Brands more than 2,000 franchised and company-owned restaurants around the world. FAT Brands announced Monday that it will spend $442.5 million to acquire Hot Dog on a Stick parent Global Franchise Group. In addition to Hot Dog on a Stick, Global Franchise Group franchises quick-service concepts…

Congress unveiled new legislation . . . . Congress introduces a $60 billion replenishment of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund Congress unveiled new legislation — the Restaurant Revitalization Fund Replenishment Act of 2021 — to replenish the depleted first round of restaurant relief. Congress introduced legislation to replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund with a $60 billion…

A first-of-its-kind law that limits fast-food chains’ ability to fire employees in New York City is being challenged in federal court by advocacy groups that blast the measure as a way for unions to promote restaurant workers’ interests without being voted into that role. The plaintiffs are also seeking to overturn a related measure that…

With this new partnership, Chef Andrea Zanin will consult with the Electrolux Professional team in North America to promote innovation. We are excited to announce our partnership with Chef Andrea Zanin in North America. He will be working closely with the company to provide education and support for Electrolux Professional solutions. Chef Zanin will be…