Sunday, August 10, 2025
Read the Magazine Subscribe

restaurants

Industry Voicesrestaurantsvendors

The Big Squeeze

by Katie Lee

— By George Lessmeister — 3 areas of margin pressure on restaurants.   Operating a restaurant can feel like a roller coaster ride. Revenue and volume plummeted during the pandemic and then climbed back to pre-COVID levels in 2022. Rising costs, however, are now squeezing profit margins. These ups and downs can make it difficult to plan. What’s the outlook for 2023? Supply Chain Challenges While supply chain bottlenecks are easing somewhat, they are expected to continue as a problem for the restaurant industry well into 2023. Some operators are …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

CRISP & GREEN Opens First Location in Manhattan; Continues Quest for 1,000 Units

by Katie Lee

New York City — CRISP & GREEN is set to open in New York City on June 1. Debuting in the popular NoMad neighborhood, this location also marks the company’s entry into its 10th state, with 10 additional states scheduled to open before the end of the year. Since its inception in 2016, the Minnesota-based company has consistently doubled its location count year-over-year, and the entry into this particular market symbolizes a very important turning point for the growth of the brand. Founded by wellness industry veteran and franchising expert …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Jersey Mike’s Opens in 50th State, Alaska

by Katie Lee

Wasilla, Alaska — Jersey Mike’s Subs has achieved a major milestone with the opening of its first restaurant in Alaska. The sub chain now offers its fresh sliced/fresh grilled sub sandwiches in all 50 states. “We now have more than 2,500 Jersey Mike’s locations in all 50 states,” says Hoyt Jones, president, Jersey Mike’s Franchise Systems, Inc. “From the beginning, we’ve believed in smart growth and our success is driven by franchise owners who are passionate about our brand and giving philosophy.” The new Jersey Mike’s is located at 1451 …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Panera Brands Establishes Next Generation of Leadership

by Katie Lee

St. Louis — Panera Brands Inc., which includes the fast-casual and hospitality brand Panera Bread as well as Einstein Bros. Bagels and Caribou Coffee, has established its next generation of CEO leadership and board governance in preparation for its eventual IPO. Current CEO Niren Chaudhary will become chairman of Panera Brands, handing the CEO reins to José Alberto Dueñas, currently president and CEO of Einstein Bros. Bagels, effective July 1, 2023. Former Starbucks CFO and independent director Patrick Grismer will become chairman of the audit committee. Over the last 4 …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Bonchon U.S. Appoints New CEO

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Bonchon, a global leader in fast-casual Asian fusion dining known for its Korean double-fried chicken, has appointed former global CFO Bryan Shin to lead Bonchon U.S. as CEO. Shin joined Bonchon as head of global finance in 2019 with more than 10 years in the global food and beverage space. He previously served in various top global leadership and senior positions with brands including Goose Island Beer Company, Yum! Brands and CJ Foodville (a subsidiary of Korean conglomerate CJ Group), where he implemented strategies for a global launch …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Industry Voicesrestaurantsretailerssoftware/technology

Essential Convenience

by Katie Lee

— By Bart Waldeck —   Retailers will need to embrace creative innovations in order to thrive in 2023 and beyond.   The retail landscape doesn’t look like it used to anymore — from buy online, pickup in store (BOPIS) and curbside delivery, to touchless shopping and scan-and-go checkouts, retail shopping trends have dramatically changed, both out of necessity due to the pandemic and evolving consumer preferences. Since COVID-19, retailers have had to shift store layouts, rethink operations and leverage new technologies to offer customers an innovative — and seamless …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newsrestaurantsretailers

Macy’s to Open The Social Kitchen & Libations in Macy’s Ridgedale in June

by Katie Lee

Minneapolis — Macy’s is expanding its restaurant portfolio with the opening of The Social Kitchen & Libations at Macy’s Ridgedale in Minnetonka, Minn. Its modern vibe and open kitchen concept connect traditions to trends, with a menu that pays tribute to Macy’s rich history in foodservice, spanning over 115 years. Macy’s has at least 15 store locations with various local and national restaurants included. “We are thrilled to announce the opening of The Social Kitchen & Libations, bringing a mix of traditional and modern flare to the Minneapolis and Saint …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

Vicky Bakery Appoints New CEO; Continues Franchise Growth

by Katie Lee

Miami — Vicky Bakery, South Florida’s original family-owned Cuban bakery since 1972, has named Mauricio Romero as its new chief executive officer. This announcement comes as Vicky Bakery is experiencing record-setting growth, continuous double-digit revenue gains, the opening of multiple new locations, and new strategic investments. Former CEO Alex Santiago will remain dedicated to his leadership role on Vicky Bakery’s board of directors. Romero comes to Vicky Bakery from his nearly 40-year career in the restaurant franchise industry where he has served in a variety of executive roles. Most recently, …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
franchise developmentNewspeoplerestaurants

TGI Fridays CEO to Step Down

by Katie Lee

Dallas — Ray Blanchette, chief executive officer of TGI Fridays, is stepping down. Rohit Manocha, chairman of the board and co-founder of TriArtisan Capital Advisors, will be assuming Blanchette’s responsibilities in the interim. The TGI Fridays executive team will report directly to Manocha. Blanchette led TGI Fridays for the past 5 years, managing the company through a successful turnaround that included both national and global growth as well as through the turbulent impacts around the COVID-19 pandemic. TriArtisan is the lead investor in TGI Fridays with extensive holdings in the …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
franchise developmentNewsrestaurants

Island Fin Poké Co. Debuts in Nashville, Tenn.

by Katie Lee

Nashville, Tenn. — On May 22, Island Fin Poké Co. will open its 26th location in the U.S. and second location in Tennessee, in Nashville. Offering Hawaiian-style poké bowls, this fast-casual restaurant is set to become a go-to spot for locals and visitors alike. “This is going to be a place where the community can go to get a well-balanced, convenient, healthy and fulfilling meal any day of the week,” says franchisee Tammy Fitzpatrick. “We’re excited to introduce this unique concept to Nashville. Island Fin offers the community a healthy alternative …

Continue Reading
0 FacebookTwitterPinterestEmail
Newer Posts
Older Posts