Coeur d’Alene, Idaho — Pita Pit, a Mediterranean fast-casual brand specializing in made-to-order pita sandwiches, has rolled out a nationwide brand refresh. The refresh introduces new features, such as a modernized restaurant design and drive-thru business model, reimagined menu, technological upgrades and a new logo. Pita Pit’s rebrand is a key component in the company’s growth strategy. The new drive-thru model allows franchise partners more real estate options, as the smaller footprint of about 800 to 1,000 square feet can flex to fit into a variety of layouts that fit …
software/technology
— By Jaime Bettencourt — Creating destination stores for lasting connections. The meteoric rise of e-commerce has forced traditional brick-and-mortar retail to reckon with a new reality: physical stores must provide immersive in-store experiences. Retailers failing to integrate digital channels and offer the best of online shopping offline will struggle to stay competitive in this omnichannel environment. Major brands have learned the hard way that simply having a physical location won’t suffice, with some closing hundreds of underperforming stores because they weren’t offering customers experiences beyond mere product displays and …
— By Sabina Campbell — The trend-driven revolution in modern kitchen equipment. The landscape of the culinary industry in 2024 remains fundamentally anchored in the time-honored tradition of crafting delicious dishes; however, the methods and tools at the disposal of chefs and restaurant owners are transforming at an unprecedented pace. Smart technology, artificial intelligence (AI) and a steadfast commitment to sustainability are at the forefront of this revolution, leading to significant advancements in operational efficiency and culinary prowess. In the modern restaurant’s kitchen, what was once the realm of hands-on …
— By Katie Fairchild — 9 steps to managing multi-location restaurant businesses. The dynamic world of running multi-units, multi-brands and franchises offers many advantages. From full-service to fast food and everything in between, having the efficiencies that come with an existing brand, business model and established infrastructure can be an advantage for operators. However, with these advantages comes unique challenges. One of the major issues for operators of multiple entities is that the individual businesses or locations may have their own goals, processes, software, language and more. The final goal …
New Hartford, N.Y. — PAR Technology Corporation, a global foodservice technology company and provider of unified commerce for enterprise restaurant brands, has closed two transactions that expand its cloud-based unified commerce software offerings into convenience stores and fuel retailers, as well as international markets. PAR has entered into an agreement to acquire TASK Group for cash and PAR common stock at an implied value of approximately $206 million assuming an all-cash transaction, and has completed its acquisition of Stuzo Holdings, LLC for approximately $190 million paid in cash and stock. …
Boston — Toast, the digital technology platform built for restaurants, has formed an agreement with Caribou Coffee to implement Toast Enterprise Solutions across 500 initial coffeehouse locations in the United States. In addition to Toast point-of-sale (POS) terminals, Caribou Coffee will use Toast Payments, Kitchen Display Systems (KDS) and Multi-Location Management. To help support the brand’s growing coffeehouse footprint, Caribou Coffee sought a modern technology partner with a robust, scalable POS solution that would be easy to use for all stakeholders including company and franchisee operators and team members. Focused …
Austin, Texas, and Lerma, Mexico — Mexican retailer Waldo’s Dollar Mart is using Oracle Cloud finance and merchandising applications to manage its complex, multi-format business model while continuing to scale to offer customers more choices in products and buying channels. By moving to Oracle Cloud, Waldo’s consolidated and rationalized more than 62 legacy applications and streamlined its distinct business processes across its grocery and clothing operations. Waldo’s operates more than 800 grocery and clothing stores throughout Mexico. By continuing to modernize its operations with Oracle Cloud, Waldo’s can now improve …
Dallas — When SSCP acquired Corner Bakery Cafe in June 2023, its goal was to stabilize the brand and lay a strong foundation that would drive growth of the 100+ unit chain in 2024 and beyond. Less than 6 months later, Corner Bakery Cafe’s comprehensive brand revitalization efforts are well underway — already resulting in positive sales growth, steady employee retention and improved guest experience. In addition, Corner Bakery Cafe is embarking on a comprehensive plan to remodel most of its corporate cafes in the coming months. Simultaneously, the brand …
Irvine, Calif. — Restaurant365, a leading all-in-one restaurant enterprise management platform, has named Jessica Lanier as its new chief financial officer, effective immediately. Lanier most recently served as vice president of finance at Qualtrics. “Jessica is a world-class finance leader, and we’re grateful to add her to our talented team. She will fit right in as she brings a passion for high-growth SaaS and experience with the milestones we plan to reach on the road ahead,” says Tony Smith, CEO and co-founder of Restaurant365. Prior to Qualtrics, Lanier served as …
Panda Express Partners with GridPoint Across All U.S. Restaurant Locations
Reston, Va. — GridPoint, a leading cleantech company that decarbonizes commercial buildings and accelerates the transition to a sustainable energy future, has expanded its partnership with Panda Express, the largest Asian dining concept in the United States. With nearly 2,500 locations, Panda Express will deploy GridPoint Intelligence™ to all U.S. locations during the next 18 months to optimize energy consumption, reduce energy costs and ensure that all restaurants remain at maximum temperature comfort for its guests and associates throughout varied climate conditions year-round. “We have sought solutions that can deliver …