Food Pathogen Detection Startup Wins IFT FIRST Pitch Competition

SnapDNA was named the winner of the Food Disruption Challenge Pitch Competition at the Institute of Food Technologists’ FIRST virtual conference on July 21. The innovation challenge saw founders behind emerging and investment-ready companies pitch their endeavors to a panel of industry experts. Participating companies received pitch preparation and mentoring support from IFT leading up…

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Two Sides to Salmonella Kentucky

Travelers beware: Some Salmonella Kentucky pathogens are not the type of souvenir you want to bring home from your trip. Researchers at Washington State University (WSU) are trying to discover why Salmonella Kentucky bugs acquired in Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa are more likely to cause disease and be antibiotic-resistant than those acquired domestically.…

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BRIO Italian Grille Reopens at Quakerbridge Mall in New Jersey

RIO Italian Grille has reopened in Lawrence Township at Quakerbridge Mall. The restaurant’s new owner, Earl Enterprises, is excited to reopen the beloved restaurant, saving jobs, and recommitting to serving their community in the process. The restaurant is open Monday – Sunday from 11:00 AM – 10:00 P.M. serving both in-restaurant dining, outdoor dining, TO…

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Quick! Do you Know your Company’s Values?

At some point during their evolution, companies go through the values exercise. The founder may decide to write them down. Or the company’s values could be the subject of a whiteboard exercise by the leadership team at an off-site. Or employees may be surveyed for their input. There is no “right” way to do the…

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Fast Food Chains like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Popeyes are Taking Extra Precautions to Avoid Shortages Amid Supply Chain Disruptions and Increased Sales

McDonald’s told franchisees to limit orders of bags and straws after high usage during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Wall Street Journal reported. The chain says that customers are unlikely to notice anything amiss in restaurants. “Despite temporary pressures in the industry, the impact to restaurants is minimal. Based on what we know today, we are…

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Wendy’s to Expand REEF Delivery Kitchens with 700-Unit Deal

The Wendy’s Co. and REEF Technology have agreed to a deal that calls for 700 delivery kitchens over the next five years in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, the companies said. Dublin, Ohio-based Wendy’s said it expects the agreement with Miami-based REEF to produce about 50 delivery kitchens this year and the…

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Pokeworks Promotes Steve Heeley to CEO

Irvine, Calif.-based fast-casual poke brand, Pokeworks, announced the promotion of chief marketing officer Steve Heeley to CEO. He will be replacing the brand’s co-founder and former CEO, Mike Wu, who will be stepping into the role of chief of culinary. “This announcement is a strategic part of our company’s evolution,” Wu said in a statement.…

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“Bubbles, Wine & Brews”

The company announced a “Bubbles, Wine & Brews” menu, featuring curated and locally sourced beer and wine options, as well as Bud Light, Blue Moon, and Corona, and mimosas and wines from Barefoot–Bubbly Brut, Bubbly Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The pilot is now available at three restaurants in San Diego and New Mexico and will…

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How Small Restaurant Owners are Navigating the Labor Shortage

Every few weeks, it seems, a new photo goes viral on social media showing a sign in a restaurant window declaring: “This restaurant is closed because no one wants to work.” Restaurant owners have, for months now, been quoted in articles and TV news hits decrying the ongoing labor shortage, blaming the enhanced unemployment benefits enacted…

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