Global Foodservice News
Ballyhoo Hospitality’s Ryan O’Donnell on the Confidence that Comes from Surviving a Crisis
There’s a certain confidence that comes from surviving a crisis. At least that’s how Ryan O’Donnell sees it, as he prepares to open two new Chicago-area restaurants this year. O’Donnell is co-founder of Ballyhoo Hospitality with his wife Anna O’Donnell. The group operates five independent concepts, including two that opened during the pandemic shutdown. Coming…
Read MoreBiden Issues Executive Order Encouraging Federal Action to Limit or Ban Non-Compete Agreements
On July 9, 2021, President Biden signed the Executive Order on Promoting Competition in the American Economy, which encourages the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) to employ its statutory rulemaking authority “to curtail the unfair use of non-compete clauses and other clauses or agreements that may unfairly limit worker mobility.” Executive Order, Section 5(g). While the…
Read MoreThe Globally Inspired Menu at Popular Reflects New York City and all Three Chef’s Influences
Ian Schrager, co-creator of Studio 54 and well-known hotelier, has unveiled the newest restaurant at Public in NYC: Popular, complete with Peruvian fare and headed by chefs Diego Muñoz and John Fraser. The restaurant, along with a new cantina/bar and a gourmet food bazaar, opened to the public last week. “Never before have two chefs…
Read MoreThe new CMO replaces Rani Yadav, who Left in March
Union Square Hospitality Group has named Marissa Freeman its new chief marketing officer, replacing Rani Yadav. Freeman most recently was a chief brand officer at Hewlett Packard Enterprises, spearheading the launch of that brand as one of the companies that were created when Hewlett Packard split in two in 2015 (the other was HP Inc.)…
Read MoreCanadian Concept Plans to Open First U.S. Unit in New York City this Year, with more to Come
A plant-based quick-service concept newly named Odd Burger has big plans to cross the Canadian border into the U.S. this year to plant its flag. Now officially named Odd Burger Corp. as of Tuesday, the Toronto-based parent company was previously known as Globally Local Technologies Inc. It went public in Canada in April, raising $4.2…
Read MoreGrubhub Launches Guarantee for on-Time Food Delivery and Lowest Price
With the ink dry on new ownership by Just Eat Takeaway, Grubhub on Monday took a shot at the competition by launching a new guarantee promising consumers on-time delivery at the lowest delivery price, or the diner will receive perks for free food. Calling it the Grubhub Guarantee, the Chicago-based delivery provider said the promise…
Read MoreRibs Chain Tony Roma’s has New Owner with Plans for Growth
Hoping to become the world’s leading American rib brand, the parent of Tony Roma’s on Tuesday announced it has been acquired by Equity Investors of New England Inc. Terms were not disclosed. In addition, Orlando, Fla.-based Romacorp Inc. named Ramon Bourgeois to the role of chief operating officer and acting CEO. Bourgeois is an industry…
Read MoreFamous Dave’s Parent Company will Nearly Double in Size with Planned Acquisitions
In June, Famous Dave’s BBQ parent company BBQ Holdings announced its intention to acquire VIBSQ Holdco LLC, the parent of Village Inn and Bakers Square, for around $13.5 million, with the deal expected to go through by the end of July. With this deal, one year after the acquisitions of Granite City and Real Urban…
Read MoreRuby Tuesday Brings Virtual Concept to In-Store Menu
Ruby Tuesday announced the addition of Libby’s BBQ with a new feature menu this summer. Originally crafted in the Ruby Tuesday kitchen as a delivery-only concept, Libby’s BBQ offers smoky, tender, saucy BBQ entrees and is now available to order at all Ruby Tuesday locations for dine-in, Ruby TueGO and delivery for a limited time…
Read MoreWhere the Restaurant Recovery Goes from Here
A bipartisan group in Congress continues to chase $60 billion in further restaurant aid. A dozen senators and 150 House members sponsored legislation this week to replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund, which has faced its share of heat in recent days. The grant program rescinded nearly 3,000 minority- and women-owned applications due to a federal…
Read More
