— By Andrew Eck — From the inside looking out: 2021 foodservice industry trends. I think we all put a lot of pressure on 2021 to be a year of rebounding, the year that we return to normal. So far, we are off to a slow start! From the events in Washington, D.C., in early January to the traumatic weather events we have seen in Texas recently, maybe 2021 won’t be perfect, but I do believe there is reason for optimism. There is reason for a lot of optimism, …
Louisville, Ky. — Biscuit Belly, a chef-driven fast-casual breakfast and brunch concept specializing in gourmet biscuit sandwiches, has signed its first and second multi-unit development agreements to franchise 10 locations throughout Lexington, Ky.; Knoxville, Tenn.; Huntsville, Ala.; and Birmingham, Ala. This marks the first development deals since the brand launched its franchising efforts at the end of 2020 and supports Biscuit Belly’s plans to grow to 20-25 locations by the end of 2021. Seasoned multi-unit franchisees Jay and Kelly Shoffner and their family will own and operate six new Biscuit …
Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Fatburger, Johnny Rockets and seven other restaurant concepts, has added additional depth to its senior management team with three new hires: Allen Sussman, general counsel; Ken Kuick, chief financial officer; and Rob Rosen, EVP capital markets. “FAT Brands has experienced remarkable growth in spite of the pandemic, opening new restaurants around the world, and we’re not done yet,” says Andy Wiederhorn, CEO of FAT Brands. “Bringing these three talented professionals on-board will bring additional intellectual capital and practical …
Wichita, Kan. — Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has recently signed four multi-unit agreements that will result in a total of 29 new restaurants. The expansion follows a strong 2020 in which the concept celebrated its 400th restaurant opening. The 29 restaurants will be developed by four different franchise groups across Southern California, Central Florida, Texas and Ohio. FFC will be developing seven restaurants in Central Florida. DJ Steakburgers will be developing three additional restaurants in northern Ohio. HCI Hospitality has signed to develop seven locations in Texas. Salim Development Group will …
Itasca, Ill. — Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, a dine-in cinema with movies, beer, food and events, has partnered with Fellowes and its air purifiers with patented technology. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, Alamo asked Fellowes to assess its facilities in an effort to keep guests and staff in a clean and healthy environment they can trust and feel safe in. “Before we put AeraMax Pros in there, I was getting calls left and right about odor issues — but since then I haven’t had any of those same complaints,” says …
Austin, Texas — Freebirds World Burrito is unveiling new interior and exterior design elements at all locations. The design refresh has begun across all major markets with the remaining locations rolling out this summer. Inside Freebirds, updated murals and colors are inspired by the brand’s deep-rooted Texas pride and heritage. Guests are greeted by a large “It’s Your World” sign against a blue sky with fluffy white clouds, representing the infinite possibilities and free spirit that is Texas. The phrase was originally created by a Freebirds Tribe member to greet …
San Diego — QDOBA Mexican Eats, the largest franchise opportunity in the fast-casual Mexican segment, has hired franchising veteran Shawn Caric as vice president of franchise development. In his new role, Caric will be directing the 740-unit brand’s strategic franchise expansion across key markets in the United States and Canada. Caric most recently served as the director of development for the Midwest region at Dunkin Brands, leading real estate signings and site approval for 11 states. Over the years, Caric has developed a strong record for successfully leading dynamic teams …
Pittsburgh — Evergreen Grease Service, Inc. has installed The Vector System in two of its semi-trucks, reducing carbon emissions from these trucks to near-zero, with plans to convert the whole fleet by 2022. This move is a major step towards Evergreen’s goal of reducing carbon emissions. Evergreen specializes in the collection of cooking oil, grease and waste fats from the commercial cooking and restaurant industry, and its partners process these waste products into biodiesel, a low-carbon alternative to traditional diesel. The Vector System, designed by Optimus Technologies, is a bolt-on …
Brooklyn, N.Y. — Van Leeuwen Ice Cream, the nationally recognized brand known for its made-from-scratch dairy and vegan ice creams, has opened its first-ever Texas store in Houston’s luxury shopping center, Rice Village. As the first of three Houston openings slated for summer 2021, Van Leeuwen Rice Village opened on May 8. Since starting as an New York City food truck in 2008, Van Leeuwen has expanded into grocery stores across the country and opened retail shops in New York, Los Angeles and now Texas. Van Leeuwen offers more than …
Austin, Texas — Tiff’s Treats, the Austin, Texas-based brand that pioneered the warm cookie delivery concept, will open its first Oklahoma store on May 15, 2021. It will be located in Oklahoma City’s Bricktown district. Tiff’s Treats is known for fast, contactless cookie delivery with a menu of 11 classic cookie flavors, periodic flavor-of-the-week options and decadent brownies, baked to order and delivered warm with cold milk and ice cream pairing options. In 1999, Tiffany Taylor accidentally stood up Leon Chen for a date. As an apology, she baked and …
