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Yum China Unveils China’s First 100% Renewable Energy Cold Chain Logistics Center

by Katie Lee

Shanghai — Yum China Holdings, Inc. has unveiled a landmark accomplishment in its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. As of July 2023, its company-owned logistics center in Nanning, Guangxi province, is completely powered by renewable energy. Yum China’s Nanning logistics center stands out as the first cold chain logistics center in China to fully operate on carbon-neutral power. This achievement aligns with the company’s objective to achieve net-zero value chain GHG emissions by 2050. Furthermore, this shift to green energy operation was achieved without increasing utility costs, further …

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construction and designNewsrestaurants

Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery Debut in Pacific Northwest With Co-Branded Location

by Katie Lee

Los Angeles — FAT (Fresh. Authentic. Tasty.) Brands Inc., parent company of Great American Cookies, Marble Slab Creamery and 15 other restaurant concepts, has opened a co-branded Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery location in Happy Valley, Ore. Situated in Clackamas County, the new store marks the first Pacific Northwest location for both brands. “We are thrilled to introduce our co-branded Great American Cookies and Marble Slab Creamery concept to the Pacific Northwest for the first time,” says Allison Lauenstein, president of the QSR Division at FAT Brands, Inc. …

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franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Zaxby’s Continues to Expand in Western U.S. with First Locations in Arizona

by Katie Lee

Athens, Ga. — Zaxby’s, a rapidly growing Athens, Ga.-based QSR franchise, now with over 930 locations, has recently signed a franchise development deal that will lead the company to enter its 21st state: Arizona. “This is such an exciting time for us,” says Bert Lane, Zaxby’s vice president of development. “Not only are we seeing growth in our tried-and-true Mid-Atlantic states and Southeast, but we’re thrilled to expand our footprint in the western part of the United States.” This year alone, Zaxby’s has sold 51 new locations and is on …

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Industry Voicesrestaurantssoftware/technologyvendors

A Delicate Balance

by Katie Lee

— By Savneet Singh — Balancing automation and workforce: navigating the future of restaurants. In an era of shrinking workforces and rising costs, the restaurant industry faces significant challenges in maintaining operational efficiency and profitability while delivering exceptional customer experiences. Many establishments have implemented automation — including robots and artificial intelligence (AI) — to address these pain points and supplement their human workforce. While automation enhances productivity and streamlines operations, restaurants must balance relying on technology and prioritizing the hiring/retention of employees. A Growing Need for Automation In a labor-driven, …

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construction and designfranchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Del Taco Opens First Drive-Thru Only Location Utilizing New Fresh Flex Store Design

by Katie Lee

Lake Forest, Calif. — Del Taco® has debuted its new “Fresh Flex” Drive-Thru Only location. Opening in Albuquerque, N.M., the location’s small footprint spans just 1,200 square feet. “Our Fresh Flex design offers a modern, sleek look that is aligned with our Del Taco® Better Mex® brand promise — better quality, better value,” says Tim Linderman, chief development officer. “This design allows us to reduce the overall footprint of the building which creates more real estate flexibility and the potential to reduce total buildout costs which will allow us to …

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Newspeoplerestaurants

Little Caesars® Promotes Key Leaders

by Katie Lee

Detroit — Little Caesars, the world’s largest privately owned pizza chain, has experienced explosive sales and new unit growth over the last several years, in existing and new countries around the globe. To support this and ongoing growth, Little Caesars’ 18-year CEO Dave Scrivano is promoting Paula Vissing and Ed Gleich to more expansive posts. Vissing, formerly chief operating officer, will now serve as president of Little Caesars global retail. Gleich, formerly chief innovation officer, will serve as president of global services for the brand. They will continue to report …

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franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Krystal Launches Strategic Refranchising Program on the Path to 500 U.S. Locations

by Katie Lee

Atlanta — Krystal, the original quick-service restaurant chain in the South, is unveiling a strategic refranchising initiative aimed at propelling the expansion of its brand presence. The program involves offering existing company-owned locations in markets previously unavailable for franchising, with a targeted focus on attracting established multi-unit operators who possess a proven track record and a desire to acquire a successful portfolio of existing restaurants and continue to build the market with new locations. This strategic move aligns with Krystal’s ambition to amplify its footprint across the United States, transitioning …

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Newsrestaurants

Roark Capital Agrees to Acquire Subway Restaurant Chain

by Katie Lee

Milford, Conn. — Private equity firm Roark Capital has entered into a definitive agreement with Subway to acquire the Milford, Conn.-based restaurant chain. The price was not disclosed, but according to CNBC, Subway previously sought $10 billion, and The Wall Street Journal reported on August 21 that Roark offered $9.6 billion. According to CNBC, other bidders reportedly included TDR Capital and Sycamore Partners. Founded more than 50 years ago by Peter Buck and Fred DeLuca, Subway boasts 36,592 restaurants globally, according to the company website. Market-research firm Technomic has reported that the chain garnered $9.8 billion …

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Newspeoplerestaurants

Subway® Announces New Senior Leadership Appointments

by Katie Lee

Miami — Subway, one of the world’s largest restaurant brands, has announced leadership transitions. After an 18-year tenure, Subway’s president of North America, Trevor Haynes, plans to leave the company at the end of the calendar year. Haynes, who joined Subway in 2006 as territory manager in Australia, has worked across several continents and held significant leadership positions during his time with the brand, including chief business development officer and interim CEO. Douglas Fry, country director of Subway Canada, will assume the role of president of North America, effective September …

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Industry Voicesrestaurantssignage

Their Story

by Katie Lee

— By Jon Jaggers — How to leverage brand heritage in the restaurant industry and beyond. Have you ever found yourself drawn to a restaurant not just because of the food, but because of its unique history and story? Maybe it’s a local diner that’s been around for decades, or a chain that’s been passed down from generation to generation. Whatever it may be, brand heritage is a powerful tool in the food and beverage industry. In this post, we’ll dive into why brand heritage matters, and how it can …

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