Atlanta — Tropical Smoothie Cafe®, a national fast-casual concept known for its better-for-you smoothies and food with a tropical twist, will donate 100,000 smoothies nationwide to local healthcare workers and first responders to help support those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. “In cafes across the country, the Tropical Smoothie Cafe family is working tirelessly to support our local communities, which are currently facing unprecedented hardship,” says Charles Watson, CEO of Tropical Smoothie Cafe, LLC. “Our safety is dependent upon the selfless, hard work of our local healthcare …
restaurants
Vancouver, B.C. — Ready, a financial technology company that offers seamless self-pay and food ordering solutions to hospitality venues across North America, launches its “virtual ordering kiosks” to businesses that have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, waiving its standard fees until June 1 so the venue will pay no extra than the cost of the transaction to continue to operate. This technology allows restaurants to shift to a contactless on-premise pickup ordering model, supporting the safety of the community and allowing businesses to remain operational. “The safety of the …
San Francisco — As cities around the country shut down amid COVID-19 fears, few industries are feeling the effects quite as harshly as restaurants. The long term impact on restaurants and their staff is predicted to be devastating. In a matter of weeks, restaurants have gone from service as usual to, in many cases, a 100% loss in income. According to a report by the Job Quality Index (JQI), a research project from Cornell Law School and the Coalition for a Prosperous America, in the restaurant industry alone more than …
Louisville, Ky. — Yum! Brands, Inc. has provided an update on the next phase of its response to the COVID-19 pandemic. “Working together, we can limit the spread of COVID-19 while offering convenient, affordable food in a low contact environment,” says David Gibbs, CEO of Yum! Brands. “But our employees — like millions of others — are worried and our franchisees are under stress. We need to support them so they can be there for our customers. As the situation changes rapidly, KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and The Habit …
Mt. Prospect, Ill. — Diversified Foodservice Supply, LLC (DFS) is expanding its Do It Yourself (DIY) program by introducing new videos that enable foodservice operators to make DIY fixes for common kitchen repairs and to handle preventive maintenance tasks that keep kitchens up and running. It also committed to ongoing educational alerts that help operators adhere to changing sanitary protocols. In addition, the company is expanding capabilities to provide quick response and nationwide distribution of product rollouts. These new offerings supplement the existing library of DIY products and resources available …
Bloomfield Hills, Mich. — As of March 19, 2020, Taubman Centers, Inc. temporarily closed all but two of the company’s U.S. shopping centers in response to COVID-19. The closures will continue through March 29, or later if required by state or local government. “After numerous discussions with state and local officials, we will temporarily cease operations in all but two centers this evening,” says the company’s chairman, president and CEO, Robert S. Taubman. “We are clearly in unprecedented times and this is right decision for our shoppers, retailers, employees and …
Louisville, Ky. — Yum! Brands, Inc. has acquired The Habit Restaurants, Inc., following the approval by The Habit Burger Grill stockholders. The transaction marks the addition of the first fast-casual concept to Yum! Brands’ portfolio of iconic global restaurant brands. The acquisition of The Habit Burger Grill adds an award-winning fast-casual concept with a loyal fan-base to Yum! Brands, the world’s largest restaurant company in terms of units and parent of KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. Founded in California in 1969, The Habit Burger Grill offers a flavor-forward variety …
Austin, Texas — The first Twin Peaks restaurant in the Austin area, which originally opened in 2007, got a lift and reopened its doors with a fresh new look on March 7, 2020. Since that time, due to COVID-19 concerns, in-house diners will have to wait a little longer to enjoy the interior renovations. The restaurant remains open for to-go orders only. Twin Peaks’ restaurant renovations include an updated interior with enhanced dining areas, a modernized furniture and décor package to include all-new contemporary finishes and completely remodeled restrooms. Out …
San Francisco — Uber Eats has announced efforts to support independent restaurant owners and operators as the hospitality industry faces unprecedented challenges amidst the COVID-19 state of emergency. “We know the coming weeks will be challenging ones for many small business owners, and we want to help restaurants focus on food, not finances,” says Janelle Sallenave, head of Uber Eats for the U.S. and Canada. “That’s why we’re working to drive increased demand to more than 100,000 independent restaurants across the U.S. and Canada through free delivery and marketing efforts.” …
Washington, D.C. — Jersey Mike’s Subs has been rapidly expanding throughout the Washington, D.C., Maryland and Virginia (“DMV”) region with the help of real estate partner KLNB. In total, KLNB has closed 17 deals for Jersey Mike’s across the DMV over the past 18 months, for a total of nearly 27,000 square feet and a lease volume of $10.46 million. KLNB has a long-standing partnership with Jersey Mike’s and has represented the company’s real estate interests throughout the DMV for 8 years. KLNB principal Ryan Minnehan and retail specialist Michael …