U.S. Realizes Double-Digit Growth in Case Shipments of Plant-Based Proteins to Foodservice Operators

Case shipments of plant-based protein from broadline foodservice distributors to foodservice operators increased by 20 percent in the year ending November 2018 compared to year ago with all Census regions showing double-digit growth, reports The NPD Group. The West Census Region represents the most plant-based protein volume and case shipment growth followed closely by the South Census region, according to NPD’s SupplyTrack®.

About a quarter of the U.S. population, many of whom aren’t vegan or vegetarian, say that they eat and drink plant-based beverages and foods as well as animal protein on a regular basis. Among the reasons why plant-based proteins have ...

Americans to Eat More than 1.3 Billion Chicken Wings for Super Bowl

National Chicken Council calls on President Trump to declare day-after Super Bowl a national holiday

Will Americans be ‘winging it’ for the Big Game? The National Chicken Council (NCC) today released its annual Chicken Wing Report, and the answer is a resounding “yes!” NCC projects Americans’ consumption of the unofficial gameday menu staple – the chicken wing – will hit an all-time high at 1.38 billion wings during Super Bowl LIII weekend, as the Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots battle for the Lombardi Trophy. This figure is up two percent, or about 27 million wings, from 2018.

As Americans unite around their shared love of the chicken wing during Super Bowl LIII...

Buffalo Wild Wings has Money on Overtime, will Pay Out Free Wings if Game has an OT Finish

Whether it’s persuading a referee to reverse a sure touchdown, triggering the field’s sprinklers to trip a player about to score, or turning on the stadium’s industrial fans to blow a game-winning field goal wide, Buffalo Wild Wings ads have long touted its ability to influence the outcome of games by sending them to overtime. This year, America’s largest sports bar is taking this claim to the next level on football’s biggest stage to see if its “overtime button” really works. If the game on February 3 in Atlanta goes to overtime, Buffalo Wild Wings will celebrate by giving America free wings.

The Buffalo Wild Wings overtime button has apparently been working all year with a regular season that saw 15 overtime games, and for the first time in history, two postseason OT games in the same day. If this final game goes into extra time ...

Restaurant Brands International Announces Exciting Leadership Changes 

Restaurant Brands International Inc. ("RBI" or the "Company") (TSX/NYSE:QSR, TSX:QSP) today announced three leadership promotions that strengthen the Company's focus on accelerating its global growth. In addition, the Company pre-released comparable sales and net restaurant growth results, demonstrating the continued growth and performance in these key operational metrics.

Reflecting its confidence in the long-term outlook for the Company, the RBI Board of Directors has declared a dividend increase to $0.50 per common share and partnership exchangeable unit for the first quarter of 2019 and the Company also announced it is targeting $2.00 in dividends per common share and partnership exchangeable unit in 2019, compared to ...

Marvin Boakye Named Chief People Officer for Papa John’s

Papa John’s International, Inc., (NASDAQ: PZZA) announced today the appointment of Marvin Boakye as its first Chief People Officer. He will serve as a member of the Papa John’s Executive Leadership Team and report to President and CEO Steve Ritchie.

Boakye has more than 20 years of human resources experience, as well as expertise in change management and culture transformation. He has held human resources leadership roles for organizations across the United States, Canada and Latin America. Boakye joins Papa John’s after serving as vice president of human resources at petroleum company Andeavor in San Antonio, Texas, which was recently acquired by ...

Niche Brand Positionings can Help Canadian Restaurants Combat Traffic Challenges

Canadian consumers are visiting full-service restaurants slightly less frequently now than they were two years ago, Technomic reveals in the 2019 Canadian Future of FSR Consumer Trend Report. Likewise, sales growth for leading family-style and casual-dining chains is trailing the Top 200 chain average. To drive traffic and sales, FSR operators may want to look internally to pinpoint unique offerings and points of differentiation that will help them stand out from the competition.

“With fast casuals still growing quickly and newer channels like food halls and retail foodservice emerging, full-service operators are facing higher levels of competition ...

Starbucks Delivers Expands in U.S. Powered by Uber Eats

Today, Starbucks Coffee Company (NASDAQ: SBUX) announced the expansion of its successful Starbucks Delivers pilot to an additional six cities across the United States. The expansion, in partnership with Uber Eats, begins today in San Francisco, the first of six new markets to offer the service to customers. Following an initial test in Miami, the company remains on track to bring Starbucks Delivers to nearly one-quarter of U.S. company-operated stores, with planned expansion to select stores in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York and Washington, D.C., in the coming weeks. In total, Starbucks Delivers will be available in seven U.S. cities this spring.

The U.S. expansion of Starbucks Delivers follows success of the test in Miami that began in fall of 2018. The test, also powered by Uber Eats, saw strong demand, including repeat business throughout the day and...

Technomic's Take: 4 Global Trends for 2019

In order to keep up in foodservice, it’s important to always be forward-thinking. What will be the next big trend? What flavors are on the rise? What’s the next packaging enemy after plastic straws? Technomic recently released the top seven flavor trends to keep an eye out for in 2019, but we decided to take our predictive abilities beyond that, looking at what’s in store for restaurants on a global level this year.

Consumers’ lifestyles across the world are becoming busier and their needs are more demanding. From functional menu items to eco-friendly packaging, let’s look at the broader view of foodservice trends. Explore four key trends we predict will be showcased within restaurant menus, service strategies and best practices in 2019 ...

The New Big King XL Sandwich at Burger King Restaurants Outsizes the Competition

Burger King restaurants is flame-grilling the competition with a new sandwich that has 175% more beef than the Big Mac. Introducing the BIG KING XL sandwich, featuring more than 1/2 lb** of flame-grilled 100% beef, topped with melted American cheese, sliced onions, zesty pickles, crisp lettuce and our special savory sauce all on a toasted sesame bun.

Available at restaurants nationwide and starting today, the BIG KING XL sandwich will make guests want to swap their bread for beef—literally ...

DoorDash becomes First On-Demand Destination to Offer Delivery in All 50 States

DoorDash, the last-mile logistics company connecting customers with their favorite restaurants through door-to-door delivery, today announced it is the first on-demand platform to operate in all 50 U.S. states across more than 3,300 cities across North America.

DoorDash is now live in its 48th, 49th and 50th states with food delivery operations underway in Alaska, Montana, and South Dakota. The company is also launching in several new cities across North Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming. To celebrate its entry into all 50 states, DoorDash is offering 50 cent deliveries for customers in all 50 states. The promotion is valid for ...

Luis Ruvalcaba Jr. Named Chief Operating Officer at On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina

On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina® has announced the addition of Luis J. Ruvalcaba, Jr. to its executive team as Chief Operating Officer. Ruvalcaba brings more than 25 years of service and hospitality operations experience, with specializations in talent development, operational excellence, and industry leading results to the On The Border team.

“We’re thrilled to have Luis join the On the Border Team!” said Matt Hood, Chief Executive Officer for On The Border. “He shares our company-wide goal of pushing performance forward in strategic ways to deliver sustainable results. Luis will be a tremendous asset in helping us reclaim our position as the leader in Mexican Casual Dining ...

Mintel Announces Four U.S. Foodservice Trends for 2019

Mintel, the world’s leading market intelligence agency, has today (January 14, 2019) announced four trends set to impact the US restaurant industry in 2019. In the year ahead, the foodservice landscape will evolve, driven by increased awareness around social and environmental responsibility and innovation in technology-enabled customer service.

You Are Where You Eat

Where you choose to dine says more about you than just your food preferences; it’s a reflection of who you are. With more restaurants extending their reach beyond the dining table, diners are supporting restaurants with cultures and values that align with...

Del Taco Restaurants, Inc. Announces Preliminary Unaudited Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2018 Sales Results 

Del Taco Restaurants, Inc., (NASDAQ: TACO), the second largest Mexican-American quick service restaurant chain by units in the United States, today announced preliminary unaudited fiscal fourth quarter 2018 sales results for the period ending January 1, 2019 ahead of management’s presentation and webcast at the ICR Conference at 10:00 am ET this morning. Del Taco also provided updated guidance for fiscal year 2018 as well as initial guidance for fiscal year 2019.

Fiscal Fourth Quarter 2018 Highlights

• System-wide comparable restaurant sales grew 1.9%, marking the 21st consecutive quarter of gains;
• Company-operated comparable restaurant sales grew 1.0%, marking the 26th consecutive quarter of gains. Company-operated comparable restaurant sales growth was comprised of average check growth of 4.9%, including ...

Domino's Announces New Executive Vice President of Supply Chain

Domino's Pizza (NYSE: DPZ), the largest pizza company in the world based on global retail sales, has hired Stu Levy as its Executive Vice President of Supply Chain. Levy will report to Chief Executive Officer Richard Allison and will join the company effective Jan. 21.

Levy was most recently Executive Vice President, Chief Transformation Officer for Republic Services, Inc., a leading provider of non-hazardous solid waste collection, transfer, disposal, recycling and energy services serving more than 14 million customers nationwide.

Prior to joining Republic, Levy spent 13 years with Bain & Company, and served as a partner from 2008-2014, where he advised clients on strategy, marketing, organization, operations, technology, and mergers and acquisitions...

Del Taco Rolls Out Delivery to Los Angeles with Grubhub

Del Taco Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ: TACO), the nation’s second leading Mexican quick service restaurant,* today announced it recently expanded delivery with Grubhub (NYSE: GRUB), the nation’s leading online and mobile food-ordering and delivery marketplace, to all participating restaurants in the Los Angeles area, with plans to launch delivery system-wide to participating locations in the first quarter of 2019.

“We know how important delivery is to our guests, and with our Grubhub partnership rolling out in Los Angeles, even more loyal fans can enjoy their Del Taco favorites delivered to their doorstep, office or wherever they are,” said Barry Westrum, Del Taco’s Chief Marketing Officer. “We pride ourselves on freshness, value and convenience, and are able to take that one step further with the help of Grubhub ...

Zion & Zion Study Reveals the Usage and Demographics of Food Delivery Apps

Restaurant food delivery services like Grubhub, UberEATS, DoorDash, and Postmates are transforming the way people get their meals from an enormous number of restaurants without leaving home. To understand how prevalent the use of these multi-restaurant delivery websites/apps is, as well as their relative popularity, the market research team at Zion & Zion conducted a new study.

The study reveals interesting findings that have numerous implications for both restaurants and food delivery website/app companies ...

Tacos with a Side of Purpose - Taco Bell Unveils new 2019 U.S. Commitments

This New Year, millions of Americans have once again committed to a fresh batch of resolutions, though it is statistically proven that most will not stick for more than a couple of weeks. While that fall-off is currently beginning for many, Taco Bell is announcing its set of New Year's "commitments" that the brand will follow through on in 2019, and beyond.

"We decided to scratch the idea of New Year's resolutions and instead make New Year's commitments," said Julie Masino, President of North America at Taco Bell. "From simplifying our ingredients while improving food quality, to creating more new jobs, to improving our recycling efforts, these are just some of our promises to keep doing even better and being even better, and they are promises that we know we will keep."

In 2017, Taco Bell vowed to remove XL soda cups, use only cage-free eggs across its menu, only serve chicken raised without antibiotics important to human medicine, develop more opportunities for young people by supporting the Taco Bell Foundation in growing the Live Más Scholarship program and create more U.S. jobs. Having made good on those commitments, Taco Bell is now taking its purposeful initiatives to the next level ...

White Castle Becomes the First Fast-Food Chain to Debut Impossible Foods’ New Recipe

White Castle will become the first fast-food chain in the city to debut the next-generation Impossible Burger.

Starting today, the all-new White Castle Impossible Slider recipe from Impossible Foods will be available at White Castle restaurants in the Las Vegas area including on the Strip, Downtown, and in the nearby town of Jean. Over the next few months, the new White Castle Impossible Slider recipe will roll out at all remaining 377 White Castles nationwide.

“White Castle is Impossible Foods’ largest customer so far, and the partnership has been a total sensation—acclaimed by food critics and a social media phenomenon with a trending hashtag,” said David Lee, Impossible Foods’ Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer. “There was never any doubt White Castle would get first priority for the national rollout of our new recipe ...

McDonald's Introduces Big Mac Bacon, Quarter Pounder Bacon, and Cheesy Bacon Fries

Mouths Prepare to Water as McDonald’s Classics with Bacon is first Limited Time Offer of 2019

Bacon makes everything better, and the only thing better than bacon is McDonald’s adding it to three of its widely-loved Classic menu items. That’s right bacon aficionados, today McDonald’s unveils the Big Mac® Bacon burger, Quarter Pounder®* Bacon burger and Cheesy Bacon Fries for a limited time. Just when you thought your taste buds couldn’t discover more deliciousness, Bacon on Classics will be available for a limited time starting Wednesday, January 30 at participating restaurants nationwide. The new line-up includes ...

Firehouse Subs Brings the Heat with New Spicy Cajun Chicken Sub

To kick off Firehouse Subs' 25th anniversary year, the brand debuts its latest result of menu innovation, the Spicy Cajun Chicken Sub. Available now for a limited time in all U.S. and Puerto Rico restaurants*, this sub is a hearty serving of Cajun-seasoned grilled chicken breast with zesty cherry peppers, melted Pepper Jack cheese and house-made Cajun mayo, served steaming hot on Firehouse Subs' signature toasted sub roll, available in white or wheat.

At $5.55 for a medium Spicy Cajun Chicken Sub**, Firehouse Subs guests can enjoy the brand's newest menu item at an affordable price that delivers the unmatched quality, portions and flavor they expect and enjoy. Additionally, guests can make their sub a combo with ...

Dunkin’ Brings New Go2s Value Menu Choices to its January Menu

January is a time when many Americans put saving money at the top of their list of New Year’s resolutions. Dunkin’ is giving guests a great way to start 2019 with great value choices, offering its popular Dunkin’ Go2s value menu to bring customers the chance to choose from three of the brand’s popular breakfast menu items priced at $2, $4 and $5 for two of their go-to favorites.

Available beginning today at participating Dunkin’ restaurants nationwide for a limited time, the Dunkin’ Go2s menu includes ...

Dairy Queen System Offers Premium Meal at a Value Price

Signature Chicken Strip Basket offered for only $4.99 for a limited time

The Dairy Queen® system is kicking off the New Year by offering its premium Chicken Strip Basket for the value price of $4.99, available at participating DQ® and DQ Grill & Chill® locations nationwide during the month of January only.

Fans will enjoy the $4.99 Chicken Strip Basket filled with succulent chicken strips made from 100 percent all white meat chicken tenderloins, Texas toast and crispy fries, served with a choice of dipping sauce including warm country gravy, new zesty queso, ranch or ...

Online Tribes Are Defining Health for Consumers in America

U.S. consumers are seeking their echo chambers of health or tribes through blogs and social media, much in the same way they use them for lifestyles and politics, reports The NPD Group. Health professionals, friends, and family were once go-to sources for information on health, but the rising number of bloggers and online communities enable consumers from anywhere on the planet to find like-minded individuals. And just like other echo chambers, oftentimes consumers will follow plans promoted by a blogger or online community as opposed to sound science.

An example of the internet’s influence on health is that nearly 60 percent of consumers who engage in clean eating, research their foods online. More than a quarter of adults rely on social media for information on GMOs and in which food they’re found. Consumers engaged in the lifestyles like paleo, Whole30, and plant-based often...

Denny's Brings Even More Value and Flavor to Breakfast Favorites

Denny's is celebrating the new year with an even tastier breakfast lineup, offering guests more value and variety than ever before. For a limited time only, guests can enjoy the Super Slam-pler featuring two buttermilk pancakes, one thick slice of French toast sprinkled with powdered sugar, two eggs, and two bacon strips for only $5.99. What's more, starting at just $6.99, America's diner will now feature four craveable new omelettes, all with a deliciously surprising twist and packed full of flavor.

"With our new Super Slam-pler, we're serving up even more of the food our guests crave, without sacrificing on taste or budget," said John Dillon, chief brand officer for Denny's. "At Denny's, we are constantly looking for ways to deliver more for less, and the incredible value we've packed into this new breakfast lineup is ...

On the Border Kicks Off Endless Tacos Starting January 7th

Endless Crunchy and Soft Tacos for just $8.99

To kick the new year off with a delicious start, On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina® will be offering guests the opportunity to enjoy as many Seasoned Ground Beef or Chicken Tinga tacos as they want for just $8.99, all day, any day. The tasty deal starts Monday, January 7, and will be available at all participating On The Border restaurants for a limited time.

"Endless Tacos is for all taco lovers out there," said Rebecca Miller, Senior Vice President of Marketing for On The Border. "Endless Tacos at OTB means endless opportunity for our guests to enjoy their favorite tacos round after round ...

High Bluff Capital Partners Names Tim Casey to Head Fast-Casual Brand Portfolio

Restaurant Industry Veteran to Serve as President and CEO of Rego Restaurant Group, Including Quiznos & Taco Del Mar

Restaurant industry veteran Tim Casey has been named president and CEO of Rego Restaurant Group – the fast-casual restaurant platform backed by High Bluff Capital Partners that includes Quiznos and Taco Del Mar – as it eyes additional brand acquisition opportunities. He succeeds Gerry Lopez, who served as CEO and chairman on behalf of High Bluff to set up its two initial investments.

With an extensive track record enhancing economic models for franchise brands, Casey previously served as president and CEO of PepperJax Grill and as president of QDOBA Mexican Grill. Earlier in his career, he was a vice president at Starbucks Coffee Company ...

White Castle Introduces the Sloppy Joe Slider at Restaurants Nationwide

White Castle is cooking up the comfort this winter season with new menu offerings that bring a tangy, cheesy twist to some of America's favorite comfort foods. The new Sloppy Joe Slider and Mac and Cheese Nibblers are available now at White Castle restaurants for a limited time.

The Sloppy Joe Slider, available for just 99¢, features 100% lean ground beef in a sweet and tangy sauce with garden vegetables including onions, tomatoes and bell peppers, and comes topped with smoked cheddar cheese. The Mac and Cheese Nibblers, another White Castle take on a comfort food staple, feature delicious cheddar cheese and macaroni, coated with a craveable crispy cheddar batter. The Mac and Cheese Nibblers are served in three sizes ...

Cruise and DoorDash Announce Partnership to Test Autonomous Deliveries

Cruise’s self-driving fleet will launch food delivery with DoorDash in early 2019 in San Francisco

Cruise and DoorDash today announced they are partnering to pilot food and grocery delivery by Cruise’s autonomous vehicles through the DoorDash platform. The testing program will begin in early 2019 with an initial focus on the San Francisco market.

“Delivery is a significant opportunity for Cruise as we prepare to commercialize our autonomous vehicle technology and transform transportation,” said Cruise CEO Dan Ammann. “Partnering with DoorDash will provide us with critical learnings as we further our mission to deliver technology that makes people’s lives better and ...

Del Taco Continues to Lead Value with Launch of Bold New Mix2 Value Menu

QSR value leader kicks off 2019 with new mix & match 2 for $4 and 2 for $5 value menu platform

Del Taco Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ: TACO), the nation’s second leading Mexican quick service restaurant,* is further building on its heritage as the value leader in the industry with the introduction of its new Mix2 Menu. An unbeatable value, Del Taco’s Mix2 Menu allows guests to mix and match two fresh, quality menu items from a selection of fan-favorites for just $4 and $5.**

“In a landscape that’s saturated with limited item five- and six-dollar offers, Del Taco is drawing on its legacy as the value leader in the fast food space to deliver unmatched flavor per dollar,” said Barry Westrum, Del Taco’s Chief Marketing Officer. “Not only are we offering a combination of craveable items for an unbeatable price, but these are products that really show how we’re changing the game in the fast food category ...

Officially Dunkin': New Look and New Menu Items Provide Energizing Start to 2019

The New Year is all about new possibilities and opportunities, and enthusiasm enough to maybe finally keep those resolutions. In the spirit of "new year, new you," Dunkin' is presenting an exciting new look to its product packaging, while welcoming both new and returning favorite menu items, to give the brand and its guests an energizing start to 2019.

Officially Dunkin': New Packaging

Last September, Dunkin' Donuts revealed plans to put the company on a first-name basis with America, in recognition of its long relationship with fans who have referred to the brand simply as "Dunkin'." As part of its rebranding efforts, in January Dunkin' will introduce ...

Lynn Schweinfurth Named Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for Red Robin

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Inc., (NASDAQ: RRGB), today announced the appointment of Lynn Schweinfurth as executive vice president and chief financial officer, effective January 28, 2019. As the Company previously announced, Guy Constant, Red Robin's current executive vice president and chief financial officer, will move to lead Company and Franchise operations, development and facilities as executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Ms. Schweinfurth will be responsible for leading all financial disciplines at Red Robin including accounting, strategic and financial planning, operations analysis, treasury and ...

IHOP Announces New 'All You Can Eat Pancakes' Deal with Any Breakfast Combo

New in 2019, Guests Can Choose from Unlimited Stacks of Delicious Buttermilk Pancakes with a Classic Egg and Meat Combo or Get a Full Order of All You Can Eat Buttermilk Pancakes for Just $4.99

IHOP is starting the New Year off with a delicious tradition by bringing back its wildly popular 'All You Can Eat Pancakes' promotion and this year, IHOP will sweeten the deal. For a limited time, guests can enjoy unlimited refills of the brand's hot, fluffy Buttermilk pancakes with any classic breakfast combo. Guests can also enjoy a full stack of never-ending Buttermilk pancakes for just $4.99.

The current promotion is available January 2 through February 24, 2019 at participating IHOP restaurants nationwide. Offer is valid per guest, per order, dine-in only and includes a choice between ...

Beyond Meat Partners with Carl’s Jr. to Launch the Beyond Famous Star at More than 1,000 Locations

• The two brands unite to bring forth a major innovation in fast food and Beyond Meat’s largest partnership to date in the U.S.
• The charbroiled Beyond Famous Star® will feature Beyond Meat’s new Beyond Burger 2.0 patty, the latest iteration of the company’s flagship product.

Beyond Meat is partnering with Carl’s Jr. to launch The Beyond Famous Star, which marries the 100% plant-based Beyond Burger patty with the restaurant’s fan-favorite Famous Star burger.

The new Beyond Famous Star is a first-of-its-kind flexitarian take on the iconic Carl’s Jr. Famous Star, with a 100% plant-based patty from Beyond Meat. The quarter-pound patty is cooked top-to-bottom on an open flame in Carl’s Jr.’s unique char broiler, packing its delicious flavor right into the burger.

“We know people are looking for options – in fact, roughly one-third1 of consumers identify as flexitarians – and we’re thrilled to partner with Beyond Meat to bring ...

All you can Eat Riblets and Chicken Tenders Back at Applebee’s and Better with Double Crunch Shrimp

Get Ready to Get Satisfied with Mountains of Riblets, Tenders or Shrimp for a Limited Time

Starting today, the famous, mouth-watering, All You Can Eat Riblets & Chicken Tenders returns to Applebee’s® restaurants nationwide, but that’s not all – this all-star cast also features Double Crunch Shrimp. This new Applebee's All You Can Eat Riblets, Chicken Tenders & Double Crunch Shrimp menu starts at just $14.99 for your favorite meats plus a side of Coleslaw and All You Can Eat Classic Fries. Hurry in, because this unlimited feast will only be around for a limited time.

“Our All You Can Eat Riblets & Chicken Tenders limited time offer was a smashing success in 2018, and we’re excited to bring it back to kick off 2019, but we’ve made the guest-favorite even better ...

A New Year and Sonic Drive-In’s New Hearty Chili Bowl

Starting at just 140 calories, the Hearty Chili packs a full serving of vegetables

SONIC® Drive-In (NASDAQ: SONC) brings the heat this winter with a new warm and tasty menu item – Hearty Chili Bowl. Finally giving super-fans an opportunity to enjoy their favorite SONIC chili flavor as a snack, side dish, or meal, the new Hearty Chili Bowl serves up the same great savory, beefy taste with an irresistible update.

Starting at just 140 calories, the new Hearty Chili Bowl is made with hearty beef, a full serving of ...

Chipotle Launches Lifestyle Bowls so Customers can Achieve New Year's Wellness Resolutions

Paleo, Keto, Whole30® and Double Protein-approved options are now available for delivery exclusively through Chipotle's mobile app and website

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced the launch of a new collection of Lifestyle Bowls, just in time for New Year's Resolutions. The new line includes a Paleo Salad Bowl, Keto Salad Bowl, Whole30® Salad Bowl and Double Protein Bowl, all exclusively available through the mobile app and on the Chipotle website for in-restaurant pickup or delivery. These first-to-category, diet-driven menu offerings are helping those who have committed to living a healthier lifestyle by making it easy to order delicious bowls that only contain the real ingredients permitted by certain diet regimens.

One notable expert showing support for the launch is Whole30® co-founder Melissa Hartwig Urban. "We are always looking for ways to make the Whole30 easier and more accessible, and travel has always been a pain point. It's not always easy to find ...

Pizza Inn Beefs Up its All Day Buffet with Philly Cheesesteak Pizza

New hearty pizza now available at America’s Hometown Pizza Place for a limited time

Pizza Inn is sure to steal a pizza your heart with the new Philly Cheesesteak Pizza now available system-wide.

The new addition to the All Day Buffet is not just any ordinary slice. This delicious pie is loaded with steak, onions, green peppers, mushrooms and mozzarella cheese layered on top of Pizza Inn’s signature Alfredo sauce.

“We took a classic sandwich favorite and made it into one of our signature pizzas that’s perfect for the winter months,” said Denise Pedini, Executive Vice President of Marketing. “Nothing says football playoffs like a good Philly Cheesesteak. We can’t wait to hear what our customers think of it after they take their first bite ...

Chick-fil-A’s Most-Ordered Menu Items of 2018

When the craving strikes, every Chick-fil-A fanatic has their go-to menu item, whether a savory classic or a sweet frosted treat. But have you ever wondered how popular your favorite menu item is nationwide? The results are in, and we’ve identified the top 10 most-loved, most-ordered and most-craved Chick-fil-A menu items of 2018*:

10. Spicy Deluxe Sandwich

This sandwich brought the heat throughout 2018. Bolder and zestier than our Original Chicken Sandwich, the Spicy Deluxe is seasoned with a blend of peppers and served with pepper jack cheese for that extra zing.

9. Chicken Biscuit

Our biscuits are baked fresh throughout the morning and are a delicious way to start the day! Whether you eat yours plain or pair it with honey, jam or your favorite Chick-fil-A sauce, our iconic Chicken Biscuit is the best way to wake up your taste buds...

MegaBites are Back at Church's Chicken - Now in New Buttermilk Ranch

Fan Favorite Returns With a Tangy New Flavor Twist Starting December 27th

One of Church's Chicken's® most popular innovations in boneless chicken – Chicken MegaBites™ – has returned to Church's restaurants nationwide for a limited time only, now with a tangy new flavor twist. Beginning December 27, guests may choose between new Buttermilk Ranch or Original Chicken MegaBites when creating their own $3, $5 or $10 meals.

Buttermilk Ranch MegaBites are all white meat chicken bites, hand battered and breaded in Church's signature coating and cooked to a golden crisp. Before serving, MegaBites are then tossed in Church's tangy, herbed buttermilk ranch seasoning. The innovative preparation technique creates a burst of zesty ranch flavor that comes from the chicken itself ...

Wienerschnitzel Greets 2019 with Mouth-Watering Offers

From 99-cent Chili Cheese Fries to the return of Pastrami, The World’s Largest Hot Dog Chain is the place to be for the New Year

Wienerschnitzel is ringing in 2019 as only the World’s Largest Hot Dog Chain can – with a special 99-cent price on its famous Chili Cheese Fries on January 1 and the return of its Pastrami menu for a limited time.

Chili fans can swing by their neighborhood Wienerschnitzel to enjoy French Fries topped with cheese and the restaurant chain’s world-famous chili for just 99 cents. The special one-day-only price is valid on Jan. 1 only. There is a limit of five Chili Cheese Fries per person.

Simultaneously, Pastrami is back with three original menu offerings: the popular Pastrami Dog featuring ...

Cicis Primed for Growth in 2019

Nation’s leading pizza buffet will grow to 500 restaurants by 2021

Cicis, the nation’s leading pizza buffet restaurant known for its unlimited pizza, pasta, salad and dessert buffet, is growing its national footprint, and by 2021 the concept plans to have almost 500 locations that celebrate the pizza chain’s commitment to variety, value and fun.

Cicis recently launched a new restaurant incentive program, which offers franchisees $77,500 toward the upfront costs for new store development, including $22,500 in franchise fee savings, a $50,000 equipment and inventory credit and $5,000 in matched grand opening marketing funds.

“This is a dynamic time to join the Cicis franchise family,” said CEO Bill Mitchell. “With limited direct competitors and four distinct revenue streams ...

McDonald’s Refocuses Value Efforts as Customers Seek Savings this Holiday Season and in the New Year

Company brings back 2 for $5 Mix & Match Deal including 100% fresh beef* Quarter Pounder® with Cheese, announces enhancements to $1 $2 $3 Dollar Menu

As part of McDonald’s ongoing efforts to serve up more of the delicious food our customers crave at a great value, we’re pleased to bring back the 2 for $5 Mix & Match Deal on December 21 for a limited time at participating restaurants nationwide.

With the return of the 2 for $5 Mix & Match Deal, customers can choose two craveable and delicious menu items at a great value. Burger fans will rejoice thanks to the introduction of a new headliner: the hot and deliciously juicy 100% fresh beef Quarter Pounder with Cheese. The fresh beef Quarter Pounder with Cheese is an exciting addition to the lineup, which also includes iconic menu options that we know our customers love like ...

TripAdvisor Reveals the Top Restaurant Chains in America for 2019

Eddie V's Prime Seafood, The Capital Grille and Ruth's Chris Steak House Best Reviewed Small, Medium and Large Chains in the U.S.

TripAdvisor today announced a new ranking revealing the top restaurant chains in the U.S. for 2019 based on millions of reviews and opinions from TripAdvisor diners. In this first-ever list, TripAdvisor highlights 30 restaurant chains of all types – inclusive of fine dining, casual dining, quick service and fast casual. Honorees are organized into three categories based on the number of property locations listed on TripAdvisor: small, medium and large.

Rankings for each restaurant chain were determined using an algorithm that took into account the quality, quantity and recency of reviews from all of a chain's property locations that were listed on TripAdvisor during a 12-month period ...

Technomic: Increased Delivery Usage Shows Potential for Driving Incremental Occasions

Consumers who are relying more heavily on delivery than in the past report a net increase in the number of orders they are placing overall, according to the 2018 Takeout & Off-Premise Consumer Trend Report. For operators, this may ease concerns with regards to the potential cannibalization of dine-in or carryout occasions.

“Among those who have increased their usage of takeout since 2016, ease of use with regards to mobile apps and websites is increasingly cited as a driving force behind this,” says Bret Yonke, manager of consumer insights at Technomic. “Moving forward, look for third-party delivery companies to seek out greater brand loyalty from consumers by offering subscription-based packages that provide exclusive perks beyond simply waiving delivery fees.”

Additional key takeaways from the report include...

Giant Deal Alert: Wendy's Giant Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger $5 Meal Deal Returns

Double doesn't always have to mean trouble. Especially when it means getting double the fresh, never-frozen beef* and double the Applewood smoked bacon. Introducing, the Giant JBC, a giant way to enjoy twice the fresh, never frozen beef you love from Wendy's.

This beefed-up cheeseburger is made even bigger with the giant-junior $5 meal deal that comes with it. Fans can get the Giant JBC, made with two fresh, never frozen beef patties, Applewood smoked bacon and a slice of melty American cheese, plus 4-piece chicken nuggets, small fries and a small drink for only ...

Taco Bell Unveils Major Development Push into New York Market

Making spirits bright three years since revealing plans to enter urban markets nationwide, Taco Bell will officially be opening three of its famous Cantina restaurants in Manhattan at 840 8th Avenue, 224 7th Avenue, and 500 8th Avenue by the end of 2018. The brand has also partnered with New York's Blue Point Brewing Company for the launch of Big City Bell Pilsner, which will be available in all three locations in the coming months.

Entering the Big Apple with Cantina restaurants is a major milestone for the brand, as Taco Bell has historically focused its development efforts in suburban areas with its traditional drive-thru concepts. However, metropolitan cities such as New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles are now seeing Cantina and Urban In-line restaurants popping up throughout those communities ...

Chipotle Celebrates College Football Fans with the Free Delivery Bowl

Chipotle Saves Millions Forgoing Traditional Sponsorship and Gives it Back to Fans

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) today announced a new way to celebrate bowl season with the launch of the first-ever Chipotle Free Delivery Bowl. From now through January 7, Chipotle enthusiasts and college football fans everywhere can cheer on their favorite teams with free delivery on any Chipotle order worth $10 or more.

"Given the iconic nature of Chipotle's Burrito Bowl, many consumers have pointed out that we should sponsor a bowl game," said Chris Brandt, chief marketing officer at Chipotle. "We listened and decided to do something about it. But, rather than spending millions on a traditional game sponsorship, we decided to give that money back to our fans in the form of free delivery."

In previous bowl seasons, people relied on the limited delivery options available, but now that Chipotle offers delivery, fans can enjoy real food made with real ingredients from the comfort of their own couches, tailgating ...

Dunkin' Brands Announces New Executive Promotions and Appointments

Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN), the parent company of Dunkin' and Baskin-Robbins, today announced two executive promotions, naming Tom Manchester as Senior Vice President, Integrated Marketing, Dunkin' U.S. and Jonathan Biggs as Vice President, Operations, Baskin-Robbins U.S. & Canada. The company also announced the appointment of Rick Gestring as Vice President, Operating Systems and Restaurant Experience, Dunkin'.

In his new role, Mr. Manchester will have responsibility for Culinary Innovation, Consumer Insights, Brand Marketing and Field Marketing. He will continue to report directly to Tony Weisman, Chief Marketing Officer, Dunkin' U.S. Over his 17-year career at Dunkin', Mr. Manchester has led the brand's sports marketing initiatives and developed its sports strategy built on engaging ...

Meet Serve, the Newest Member of the Postmates Fleet

A revolution just arrived at your doorstep.

After combing through millions of deliveries, researching customer interactions, and testing multiple autonomous delivery modes, we are proud to unveil the first robotic delivery device created from the ground up by an on-demand delivery company.

Meet Serve.

7 years and hundreds of millions of deliveries later — we realized that we are in a unique position to create our very own autonomous delivery vehicle, that pairs a patented Socially-Aware-Navigation system with the proprietary Postmates software that customers around the country know and love. By developing an in-house, design-first approach, Serve was built to respect cities, meet customer demands, and help local businesses sell even more.

By leveraging data to model the modern way in which food and goods move around our cities ...

Applebee's Purchases 69 Restaurants In Franchise Transaction

Today, Applebee's Grill and Bar announced the closing of the transaction purchasing 69 restaurants in North and South Carolina. The restaurants will be operated under industry veteran and Applebee's chief operating officer, Kevin Carroll.

"Through the third quarter of 2018, Applebee's business performance has been the best it's been in more than a decade as we continue to lead the casual dining category," says John Cywinski, Applebee's brand president. "I'm pleased with this transaction and confident in our plans to evolve and selectively refine our restaurant portfolio. We are consistently reviewing our portfolio and making strategic decisions to better position our brand for the future."

Applebee's same-restaurant sales increased 7.7 percent in the third quarter, a majority of which was driven by traffic, resulting in a third quarter year-to-date comp sales increase of... 

Black Shamrock Partners Completes Sale of Smashburger to Jollibee Foods Corporation

Global Restaurant Group Buys Full Control from BSP

Black Shamrock Partners (BSP), formerly Consumer Concept Group & Affiliates, today announced that Jollibee Foods Corporation (PSE: JFC), Asia's largest food service company, has acquired the remaining 15 percent of Smashburger, the Denver-based 'better burger' concept, bringing Jollibee full ownership of the brand.

In 2015, Smashburger entered into a strategic partnership with Jollibee Foods Corporation to sell 40 percent of the Company at a $335M USD value ...

Applebee's Neighborhood Grill & Bar Purchases 69 Restaurants In Franchise Transaction

Company announces successful transaction of 69 restaurants in North and South Carolina; Comes to resolution with RMH franchise group following court decision

Yesterday, Applebee's Grill and Bar announced the closing of the transaction purchasing 69 restaurants in North and South Carolina. The restaurants will be operated under industry veteran and Applebee's chief operating officer, Kevin Carroll.

"Through the third quarter of 2018, Applebee's business performance has been the best it's been in more than a decade as we continue to lead the casual dining category," says John Cywinski, Applebee's brand president. "I'm pleased with this transaction and confident in our plans to evolve and selectively refine our restaurant portfolio. We are consistently reviewing our portfolio and making strategic decisions to better position our brand ...

Chipotle Completes Executive Leadership Team 

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: CMG) yesterday announced that its executive leadership team is now complete with the hiring of Roger Theodoredis as the company's chief legal officer and Tabassum Zalotrawala as chief development officer. Both Theodoredis and Zalotrawala will report to Brian Niccol, the company's chief executive officer.

Chipotle has welcomed new executive leaders in 2018, beginning with Brian Niccol's appointment to CEO and member of the Board in March of this year. Each member of the team brings a unique set of experience that will allow Chipotle to deliver on its strategy of winning today and cultivating a better future.

The full leadership team includes ...

AAA: One in Three Americans Will Travel this Holiday Season, the Most on Record

AAA forecasts that more than one-third of Americans will travel this holiday season. The record-breaking 112.5 million travelers taking to the nation’s runways, roads and rails for the year-end holidays represents a 4.4 percent increase over last year and the most since AAA has been tracking holiday travel. For the more than 102 million people who will pack up their cars for a holiday road trip, INRIX, a global mobility analytics company, predicts travel times in the most congested cities in the U.S. could be as much as four times longer than a normal trip.

“’Tis the season for holiday travel, and more Americans than ever will journey to spend time with friends and family or choose to take a vacation,” said Bryan Shilling, managing director, AAA Travel products and services. “Strong economic growth fueled by robust consumer spending continues to drive strong demand for seasonal travel. With a record-breaking one-third of the country choosing to travel this holiday, roadways and airports are sure to be busy...

How Much 12 Classic Fast-Food Items Used to Cost

Find out what your favorites cost back in the day

McDonald’s Big Mac

In 1967, when McDonald’s introduced the sandwich that became iconic, it cost 45 cents. The price remained about a dollar through much of the 1970s, but it has gone up since. These days, the cost of two all-beef patties, special sauce, lettuce, cheese, and onions on a sesame seed bun ranges around the world. In New York City in 2018, a Big Mac would set you back $5.09.

Burger King Whopper

Ten years earlier, Burger King released its flame-broiled signature sandwich in Miami. The price in 1957 ...

KFC is Now Selling a Firelog that Smells like its Fried Chicken, but Supplies are Limited

A warm, cozy, crackling fireplace - that smells like fried chicken? KFC is selling a limited-edition firelog that will fill your home with the scent of the Colonel’s Original Recipe fried chicken.

Just in time for winter, KFC is bringing the heat.

Kentucky Fried Chicken doesn't have a new spicy sandwich but rather a firelog that smells like its fried chicken.

The limited edition 11 Herbs & Spices Firelog costs $18.99 and is available while supplies last at www.kfcfirelogs.com. The price includes tax, shipping and handling.

"The smell of the Colonel’s Original Recipe fried chicken is unmistakable," the fast-food chain said in a statement, noting it worked with Enviro-Log to create "the ultimate winter necessity ...

Taco Bell Unveils New Cravings Value Menu Offerings that are Beyond Belief

Taco Bell Continues to Redefine Value with Unbelievable New $1 Grande Burritos and Cravings Meals for $5

In a time when value menus are either shrinking portion sizes, walking away from creating innovative $1 products, or forcing fans to buy food they don't want, Taco Bell is doing something, well, beyond belief. From new $1 Grande Burritos to popular $5 Cravings Box, it's wrapping up fan favorites into a revamped, unified menu called the Cravings Value Menu, continuing its unwavering commitment to give fans food they crave starting December 27.

The Cravings Value Menu is packed with a vast array of flavorful, filling and innovative decadence ranging from $1 and $5. Taco Bell kicks off this new menu with the limited time offering of the $1 Grande Burrito in two varieties ...

The Wendy's Company Announces Major Advancement in Beef Sourcing

Today, The Wendy's Company announced an industry-leading step that will allow the company to better understand and communicate how cattle for Wendy's fresh beef* hamburgers are raised, facilitating advancements in areas such as animal care, antibiotics and sustainability. This comes on the heels of an earlier 2018 announcement on transitioning Wendy's tomato supply to vine-ripened tomatoes exclusively from greenhouse farms, which was driven by the same Company commitment to providing the freshest, highest-quality food possible for its customers.

Food

"Quality is Our Recipe" isn't just a Company tagline. Wendy's takes extraordinary pride in serving and sourcing high-quality food to...

An Increasing Number of Restaurant Meals Are Being Eaten At Home, Where U.S. Consumers Want to Be

U.S. consumers are staying home and eating more meals at home, and an increasing number of those meals eaten at home are purchased from restaurants and foodservice outlets, reports The NPD Group.

For a variety of reasons — streaming media, working from home, the need to find comfort and shelter from the maddening crowd, or practicing Hygge, the Danish art of coziness — U.S. consumers are staying home. Staying home also means eating more meals at home and an increasing number of those meals are purchased from restaurants and foodservice outlets. In the year ending September 2018 dining at a restaurant represented 37 percent of all visits and remained flat compared to last year and restaurant meals consumed in-home accounted for 32 percent of all traffic and increased visits by 2 percent, reports The NPD Group.

Proof that U.S. consumers are homebodies is that 71 percent of those who chose to eat at home were at home prior to eating the restaurant meal. Adult, single person parties with higher incomes of $100K or above are driving ...

McDonald’s Announces New Antibiotic Policy for Beef

As one of the world’s largest restaurant companies, McDonald’s has the opportunity to use our scale to tackle some of the most complicated challenges facing people, animals and our planet - and help drive industry-wide progress.

Today, McDonald’s is announcing a policy to reduce the overall use of antibiotics important to human health, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), which applies across 85% of our global beef supply chain.

According to the WHO, antibiotic resistance is one of the biggest threats to global health, food security, and development today. With our new policy, McDonald’s is doing our part to help preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics for human and animal health in the future.

"Antibiotic resistance is one of the greatest threats to mankind today. We commend McDonald's effort to develop a global policy guiding how antibiotics are used within its beef supply chain. The company has set an ambitious timeline for ...

Chicken Salad Chick Signs Franchise Agreements for Development Beyond the Southeast

Fast casual concept to open first locations in Ohio and Illinois

Chicken Salad Chick, the nation's only southern inspired, fast casual chicken salad restaurant concept, announced today the signing of new franchise agreements that will expand its footprint beyond the Southeast and into the Midwest and South Central regions. These agreements will grow Chicken Salad Chick's presence in existing markets, including Texas and Louisiana, and mark its entry into Ohio and Illinois.

First-time Chicken Salad Chick franchisees Beth and Mike Heydt of Right to Serve, LLC and Jen Critchfiled of Buckeye Chick are fueling development in Ohio with the opening of the state's first restaurants in Columbus and Mason respectively. Illinois will also welcome its first Chicken Salad Chick location when Brad and Lisa Mazanek and Hannah Lukowski of SJ Restaurants, LLC open their new restaurant in Edwardsville next year, with an additional slated for development in O'Fallon. The company will continue to ...

Del Taco plants Beyond Meat Tacos in San Diego

The first Mexican fast food chain to offer plant-based Beyond Meat® taco options expands test further in Southern California

Del Taco Restaurants, Inc. (NASDAQ: TACO), the nation’s second leading Mexican quick service restaurant,* today announced the expansion of its Beyond Tacos test to San Diego. Beginning Thursday, December 13th, Del Taco, the first Mexican fast food chain to offer Beyond Meat’s plant-based protein option, will be testing Beyond Tacos – made with Del Taco’s seasoned Beyond Meat recipe – at 16 locations in San Diego, and five in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties.**

“With a growing demand for vegan and vegetarian options among our guests, we saw an opportunity within the space to partner with Beyond Meat to develop a proprietary blend of seasoned, 100 percent plant-based meat ...

Boston Market makes Holiday Prep a Breeze with Festive Meal Solutions for All

Signature Holiday Heat & Serve meals including Prime Rib, Holiday Home Delivery, Catering and more are available during the most wonderful time of the year

Prime Rib? Ham? Turkey? Check! Holiday hosts can check every item off their grocery list this year with the help of the Holiday Experts at Boston Market®. For those who wish to pick up and bring home a pre-cooked holiday feast, have one shipped directly to their door or even enlist catering services for their social or work event this month, Boston Market is offering a variety of meal solutions to make any celebration just that much more merry and bright.

"We pride ourselves on helping so many make their holiday meals special by providing more time for families at the table instead of the kitchen," stated Boston Market Chief Executive Officer, Frances Allen. "Let us do the work for you ahead of any holiday celebration you have on the calendar leading up to the New Year. With options like Prime Rib Heat & Serve, Holiday Home Delivery, hot and ready-to-eat catering and ...

Papa John’s Investigation Continued by Former Louisiana Attorney General

Former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., Esq., a partner at the law firm of Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC, announces that KSF has commenced an investigation into Papa John’s International, Inc. (NasdaqGS: PZZA).

In July 2018, a public battle erupted between founder, John Schnatter, and the Board of Directors after he resigned as Chairman when his use of a racial slur during a conference call was made public, later reversing his decision, leading the Board to limit his involvement. Schnatter, who owns 30.9% of the Company, subsequently filed suit against ...

Dunkin' Brands Promotes Company Veteran John Varughese to Head International Businesses

Company has almost 9,000 Dunkin' and Baskin-Robbins stores in almost 70 countries outside the U.S.

Dunkin' Brands Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: DNKN), the parent company of Dunkin' (DD) and Baskin-Robbins (BR), announced today that John Varughese has been promoted to Senior Vice President, International with responsibility for all aspects of Baskin-Robbins and Dunkin' business units outside the U.S. Mr. Varughese will report directly to Dave Hoffmann, Dunkin' Brands CEO and Dunkin' U.S. President, and will serve on the Company's leadership team. He replaces Nigel Travis, Dunkin' Brands Chairman, who served as interim head of International for the past nine months. Mr. Travis will continue in his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors.

A veteran Dunkin' Brands executive, Mr. Varughese has been with the Company for 16 years, all of it working with the Baskin-Robbins and Dunkin' international business units ...

Grubhub Releases Annual "Year In Food" Report Detailing Most Popular Dining Trends Of 2018

While vegan-friendly bean burritos top the chart, chicken rules the roost when it comes to food preferences

Grubhub, the nation's leading online and mobile food-ordering and delivery marketplace, today released findings from its annual "Year in Food" report. To find out what food trends shaped the year (or didn't), Grubhub analyzed millions of orders placed by more than 16 million diners on its platform and surveyed consumers across the country on their ordering tastes and eating habits.

Key takeaways include

Forget Cryptocurrency; Papa John's Introduces “Crusto-Currency” with New Papa Dough

Earn Points Faster than Ever Before with Papa John’s New Gold Standard Rewards Program

Papa John’s International, Inc. (NASDAQ: PZZA) today announced a new Papa Rewards program that rewards points five times faster than before. Points earned turn into the gold standard of pizza rewards currency: Papa Dough, which can be redeemed towards anything on the menu – pizzas, sides, deserts and more (excluding alcohol) – including limited time offers and deals.

Changes to the program include:

• Now receive one point for every dollar spent (previously 1 point for every $5 spent).
• 75 points = $10 Papa Dough
• No limitations for the amount of points that can be earned per transaction
• Now able to earn on any order – on web, apps, by phone or in store ...

JJ’s Red Hots Brings Back the Best of the Best for the 2018 Holiday Season

JJ’s Red Hots, famous for serving Charlotte’s best hot dogs and hand-crafted artisanal sausages, as well as exciting house-made sides and toppings, is bringing back the “Best of the Best” for the 2018 holiday season: creative Hot Dog masterpieces from 2015 – 2017, designed by 3 local Charlotteans.

“’Best of the Best’ truly means something at JJ’s Red Hots because we raise the bar on creativity and flavor every day,” said JJ’s owner and proprietor Jonathan Luther. “For the next three weeks, our guests have the opportunity to enjoy the most popular Hot Dogs from the past three years, unique recipes from real people and fans of the JJ’s brand ...

Inspire Brands Completes Acquisition of Sonic Corp.

Inspire Brands, Inc. today announced the completion of its $2.3 billion acquisition of Sonic Corp.

With the acquisition of Sonic, Inspire now encompasses more than 8,300 restaurants and generates annual systemwide sales in excess of $12 billion, making it the fifth-largest restaurant company in the United States. In addition to Sonic, Inspire’s restaurant portfolio includes Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, and Rusty Taco.

“We are thrilled to officially welcome Sonic to the Inspire family,” said Paul Brown, Chief Executive Officer of Inspire Brands. “Sonic and its franchisees have created one of the most successful and distinctive brands in the restaurant industry ...

Shake Shack's First Store in Mainland China will be Settled in Shanghai Xintiandi in Early 2019

The burger shop Shake Shack from New York will be settled in the north of Shanghai Xintiandi in early 2019. As the first store in the Mainland, Shake Shack will bring a variety of signature dishes to give guests a taste of authenticity.

Shake Shack has teamed up with Hong Kong Maxim Group to bring together Shanghai's local contractors, producers and artists to bring a refreshing cultural experience to everyone before opening.

Innovative visual artist Bruce Cui has been exploring and trying to create a new inspiration for various trend symbols and modern art. This cross-border cooperation combines the representative elements of Shanghai urban culture with Shake Shack's iconic menu ...

Chicken Fight: Are Chicken Strips Cannibalizing Chicken Nugget Servings At Foodservice?

Product innovation and new fast casual chicken concepts reinvent chicken strips

Not since the classic why did the chicken cross the road? question has there been such a puzzling chicken question as this: Are chicken strips cannibalizing chicken nugget servings at foodservice? Chicken strip servings at restaurants and foodservice outlets increased by 16 percent in the quarter ending September 2018 compared to same period last year whereas chicken nugget servings declined by 3 percent, reports The NPD Group. The logical answer is that fans of breaded chicken are swapping out nuggets for strips. The correct answer: No they’re not.

Chicken nuggets lost buyers but these buyers were not...

Flynn Restaurant Group LP Acquires 368 Arby’s Restaurant Locations  from U.S. Beef Corp.

Significant Acquisition Cements Flynn Restaurant Group’s Position as Largest Franchise Operator and Top 20 Foodservice Company in America Generating $2.3 Billion in Sales

RB American Group LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Flynn Restaurant Group LP, today announced that it has acquired 368 Arby’s® restaurants throughout the U.S. from United States Beef Corporation (US Beef). Arby’s, the second largest sandwich restaurant brand in the world, is a perfect fit for Flynn Restaurant Group, whose portfolio includes household names like Applebee’s®, Panera Bread® and Taco Bell®. RB American Group will be Flynn Restaurant Group’s fourth prominent restaurant brand.

With this acquisition, Flynn Restaurant Group will own and operate a combined total of 1,245 quick-service, fast casual and casual dining restaurants, generating $2.3 billion in sales and employing approximately 50,000 people in 33 states. Flynn Restaurant Group’s subsidiaries include ...

QSR Automations and Google integrate DineTime restaurants to Reserve with Google

QSR Automations, the hospitality industry leader in kitchen automations and guest management solutions, has collaborated with Google to integrate DineTime, a reservation management platform, to Reserve with Google.

Reserve with Google allows Google users to discover and book services straight from Google Search and Google Maps. DineTime equipped restaurants will be able to use the booking button built by Google. The integration uses DineTime’s API to serve up restaurants real-time inventory to diners looking for a table. Google users can make a dining reservation directly through web and mobile versions ...

Pizza Hut U.S. to Acquire Online Ordering Provider QuikOrder

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Acquisition of Long-Time Pizza Hut Technology Partner Expands Digital Ordering Capabilities

Pizza Hut, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE: YUM), today announced that its U.S. business has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire QuikOrder, a leading online ordering software and service provider for the restaurant industry. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but it marks one of Pizza Hut's largest acquisitions to date.

By acquiring QuikOrder's online ordering capabilities, Pizza Hut U.S. will improve its ability to deliver an easy and personalized online ordering experience and accelerate digital innovation across its base of more than 6,000 restaurants in the U.S. In 2018, approximately half of Pizza Hut U.S. sales were ...

Dickey’s Winter Challenge: Tackle the Mac Stack

This winter, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit challenges guests to tackle the Mac Stack, a Dickey’s classic. Whether guests are enjoying this delicious menu item at their local Dickey’s or order for delivery while watching their favorite football team, the Mac Stack is something every guest should have in their mealtime playbook.

The Mac Stack features a large helping of Dickey’s savory mac n’ cheese and is topped with the guests’ choice of slow-smoked meat.

“At Dickey’s, our focus has and always will be on our authentic, Texas-style meats and savory sides ...

Full-service Restaurants Look to Bounce Back and Establish New Growth Strategies for Future Success

The full-service segment—and casual dining in particular—has faced numerous challenges over the past several years, but cautious optimism is emerging as some turnaround efforts gain traction. Technomic’s 2018 Future of FSR Consumer Trend Report finds that while the segment isn’t out of the woods, increased emphasis on value, off-premise sales, alcohol and memorable away-from-home experiences is helping the category move in the right direction.

“Following a year in which the total unit count for Top 500 casual-dining chains declined 1.5%, some brands are starting to see positive signs at the unit level,” explains Charles Winship, senior research analyst at Technomic. “As the segment’s turnaround continues, efforts will turn to cultivating sustainable, long-term growth strategies that avoid the issues that led to casual dining’s downturn to begin with, such as weak value propositions, an oversupply of restaurants and failing to evolve with consumers’ dining habits.”

Key takeaways from the report include...

Minor League Baseball and Applegate to Provide a “Cleaner” Option of Classic Ballpark Fare

Applegate Farms will become the “Official Natural and Organic Meat of MiLB,” the first-ever partnership in the category for Minor League Baseball

Minor League Baseball™ (MiLB™) today announced that Applegate Farms, LLC , the nation’s leading natural and organic meat company will become the “Official Natural and Organic Meat of MiLB,” the first-ever partnership in the category for Minor League Baseball.

By partnering with Minor League Baseball, Applegate will give fans cleaner, more natural choices of traditional ballpark staples – including “The Cleaner Wiener™” – Applegate’s 100 percent grass-fed beef hot dogs. Made with only simple ingredients (100 percent grass-fed beef, water, salt and spices) and never any chemical nitrites or nitrates added, fans can spend more time thinking about how to top their hot dog versus what’s inside.

The Applegate “cleaner, crave-able food for everyone” mantra will carry over to concessions options at select Minor League Baseball ballparks, with teams offering ...

Jack in the Box National Franchisee Association Files Breach of Contract Against Franchisor

Franchisees Focus on Use of Marketing Funds and Relationship Issues Significantly Impacting the Business Model

The Jack in the Box National Franchisee Association (NFA) today announced that it has filed a breach of contract and implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing lawsuit against Jack in the Box (NASDAQ:JACK) in Los Angeles, California. The lawsuit details Jack in the Box’s failure to perform its contractual obligations, resulting in a negative impact on its franchisee financial business model as it pertains to the rights assured to franchisees under their current franchise agreements.

The lawsuit cites the following:

• Breach of a 1999 settlement agreement with the NFA by refusing to provide franchisees with an audit of the marketing fund and documentation detailing the income and expenditures of the fund as required therein.
• Violation of the good faith and fair dealings provisions of the franchise agreements by Jack in the Box in inappropriately requiring franchisees to undertake major remodeling programs on stores where roofing and ...

Bellisio Foods Acquires Frozen Specialties, Inc.

Bellisio Foods, Inc., part of the CP Foods worldwide family of companies, one of the nation’s largest and fastest growing frozen food companies, has entered into a definitive agreement with Swander Pace Capital to acquire Frozen Specialties, Inc. (FSI), a leading producer of frozen pizza and Pizza Bites® based in Perrysburg, Ohio. The acquisition closed last week and will be folded under Overhill Farms, Inc, a national leader in private label, co-manufacturing and foodservice products.

“This acquisition of FSI brings together our vibrant, growing companies who share an expertise in delivering delicious, exciting brands and private label products to retail customers that delight consumers,” said Ken Stickevers, President and CEO at Bellisio Foods, Inc.

FSI is a leading producer of private label and co-manufactured frozen Value Pizza and Pizza Bites and supports nearly every major retailer across the ...

FAT Brands Acquires Yalla Mediterranean

Rapidly Growing West Coast Franchisor Expands with Acquisition of Authentic Mediterranean Cuisine Chain

FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: FAT) (“FAT Brands” or the “Company”) completed the acquisition of Yalla Mediterranean, a Los Angeles-based chain specializing in authentic, healthful Mediterranean cuisine and environmentally-friendly operations. With the acquisition of Yalla Mediterranean, FAT Brands franchises more than 300 restaurants worldwide and has over 300 additional restaurants under development in 32 countries, with annual system-wide sales greater than $300 million.

Founded in 2014, Yalla Mediterranean serves authentic cuisine prepared fresh daily with farm-friendly, GMO-free local ingredients from a menu that includes vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options to accommodate customers with a wide variety of dining needs and preferences ... 

Order a Whopper Sandwich for a Penny at McDonald’s with the BK App

Download the BK® App. Go to a McDonald’s. Order the WHOPPER® Detour for 1¢. Pick it up at a BURGER KING® Restaurant.

Today, the BURGER KING® brand is turning more than 14,000 McDonald’s into BURGER KING® restaurants. Sort of. For a limited time, when you go within 600 feet of a McDonald’s restaurant you can order a flame-grilled WHOPPER® sandwich for only 1¢ on the newly revamped BK® App. It’s what we call a WHOPPER® Detour.

The WHOPPER® Detour works by geofencing McDonald’s locations across the country. If a guest is inside one of these geofenced areas and has the new BK® App on their device, the app will unlock the WHOPPER® sandwich for a penny promotion. Once the 1¢ WHOPPER® sandwich order is placed, the user will be “detoured” away from McDonald’s, as the app navigates them ...

Taziki’s Mediterranean Café Launches New Innovative App

Customers to Receive Offers And Better Ordering Experience

Taziki's Mediterranean Café Launches New Innovative AppBirmingham, AL (Restaurant News Release) Taziki’s Mediterranean Café, recently named one of Inc. 5000’s fastest growing companies, has seen an impressive rise in online ordering and to-go sales in 2018.

During the past three years, the company has experienced an over 200% increase in the amount of online and to-go orders.

As a result, Taziki’s is focusing on efficiency and improving the customer experience with the ordering process. The restaurant is working to create more convenient ways to order ahead, both with a mobile app and online ordering options ...

Burger Chain Jack in the Box Explores Sale - Sources

Jack in the Box Inc (JACK.O), a U.S. hamburger restaurant chain with more than 2,000 restaurants, is exploring options that could include a sale of the company after divesting its Qdoba brand earlier this year, people familiar with the matter told Reuters on Thursday.

A sale would be the latest in a series of deals in the fast food sector this year, including the sale of drive-in burger chain Sonic to Arby’s owner Inspire Brands for about $1.57 billion.

Jack in the Box started talks with potential buyers this month, including private equity firms...