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| Pizza Hut U.S. and San Antonio Spurs player Tre Jones are collaborating with the Spurs Youth Basketball League (SYBL) for a promotional initiative in 2024. Pizza Hut, as the presenting partner of SYBL, will donate a portion of proceeds from large one-topping stuffed crust pizza sales between Jan. 8 and Feb. 4 to benefit Central and South Texas youth. SYBL provides funding and resources for youth basketball programs, fostering a positive and safe environment for nearly 10,000 children annually. |
| Flynn Group, the largest Pizza Hut franchisee with 930 restaurants in 27 states, is offering a “Guest Appreciation Day” deal on January 10. Customers purchasing a large menu-priced pizza from any Flynn Group Pizza Hut location will receive a free large one-topping pizza by using the promo code “FreePizza.” The deal is available online, in-store and through the company’s call center. |
| In an interview, Pizza Hut Romania’s General Manager Costica Misaca, who assumed the role in September 2023, outlined the brand’s strategy for 2024. Misaca highlighted the strategy to optimize costs, enhance agility and improve customer experience. Misaca noted that he anticipates positive results post-reorganization, targeting a business turnaround by the end of 2024. The restructuring involves costs of approximately RON 6.4 million and employee relocation within the company’s broader network. |
| Pizza Hut U.K., Ireland and France has appointed Jana Ulaite as Chief Marketing Officer, enhancing its leadership team. With a background in tech, entertainment and gaming sectors, including roles at TikTok, Apple and Tempest, Ulaite aims to elevate Pizza Hut’s brand strategy and accelerate growth in the region. Her focus includes creating a more modern experience for customers, leveraging her tech expertise. “I’m delighted to be joining Pizza Hut U.K. and Europe’s leadership team. As one of the world’s largest restaurant and takeaway franchisers, it is truly an iconic brand,” Ulaite said. |
| Mark King, who served as CEO of Taco Bell for four years, stepped down at the end of 2023 after overseeing remarkable growth. During his tenure, annual sales increased from $11.8 billion to a potential $15 billion in 2023. King’s strategy focused on scaling up, overcoming challenges and embracing innovations like digital-focused restaurant models. King’s successor, Sean Tresvant, aims to strengthen Taco Bell’s global reach, targeting 10,000 restaurants and $20 billion in sales within the decade. King remains on the Taco Bell Foundation board, emphasizing the company’s commitment to giving back. |
| Taco Bell U.S. is set to launch its new Cravings Value Menu on January 11, featuring 10 items priced at $3 or less. The menu includes six new items and four classics, with prices ranging from $1.19 to $2.99. Options cater to both meat-eaters and vegetarians, such as the $1.49 Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito and the $1.99 Double Stacked Taco. Additionally, Taco Bell introduces the “Build-Your-Own-Cravings-Box” for $5.99, offering a specialty item, classic item, side and medium fountain drink. |
| Taco Bell Costa Rica is introducing a Takis Burrito featuring seasoned ground beef, spicy Takis rolled corn tortilla chips, sour cream and a soft flour tortilla with nacho cheese sauce for dipping. Resembling Taco Bell’s Beefy Crunch Burrito with Flamin’ Hot Fritos, this offering caters to fans of the popular rolled chips. |
| Jason Triail has been appointed as the director of culinary innovation at The Habit Burger, succeeding Adam Baird. Triail expressed his enthusiasm for joining The Habit Burger, aiming to contribute to its growth and innovation. He plans to refresh the chain’s salads, explore new menu categories like soups and potentially introduce value propositions while maintaining the brand’s “California Fresh” approach. “I saw this opportunity and realized I could be part of something that’s already great and is about to do a 2.0. If I can apply all the experience of the past 10 years I think I can have a lot of fun and contribute a lot,” he said. |
| A new year, a new #3Questions |
With the arrival of the new year comes a #3Questions that's as hot and fresh as a Pizza Hut Melt! Ashley Hull, the brand's associate manager of supply chain, dishes out the secret ingredients to her inspiration and enthusiasm for growth. Plus, Yum! CEO David Gibbs reveals what he is most looking forward to from Yum! and the brands in 2024 (will Digital & Tech please stand up?). |  | (For Yum! Eyes Only) |
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| Papa John’s International reported a 14% reduction in restaurant openings in 2023, falling short of its earlier projection of at least 245. The pizza chain attributed the shortfall to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the war between Israel and Hamas, causing delays and closures. Papa John’s also faced unanticipated closures in international markets, including the U.K., where the company is restructuring its business. The impact on restaurant openings is part of Papa John’s broader growth strategy. |
| Domino’s is set to embrace a more flexible strategy in 2024, with plans to explore various initiatives, including the relaunch of loyalty programs, promotional campaigns and a deeper collaboration with Uber Eats. The chain, unveiling its “Hungry for More” strategy, aims to boost traffic through innovative marketing and technology enhancements. The revamped loyalty program, with lower entry thresholds, is expected to attract a broader customer base, including lower-income consumers. |
| Carrols Restaurant Group, the largest Burger King franchisee in the U.S., reported positive preliminary sales results for Q4 2023 and the full year. Total restaurant sales for Q4 increased by 5.7% to $470.4 million, with comparable restaurant sales up 7.2% for Burger King and 7.6% for Popeyes. For the full year 2023, total restaurant sales increased by 8.4% to $1.88 billion, Burger King’s comparable restaurant sales increased by 9.3%, and Popeyes’ comparable restaurant sales grew by 10.1%. |
| Starbucks plans to double its stores in India, aiming to operate 1,000 stores by 2028. The focus will be on tier-2 and tier-3 cities, expanding beyond major metropolises. The company also plans to enhance its presence through drive-thrus, airports and 24-hour cafes. Starbucks has been operating in India since 2012 through a joint venture with Tata Consumer Products. The move aligns with Starbucks’ broader ambitions to strengthen its position in promising global markets. |
| El Pollo Loco is addressing rising labor costs in California by leveraging labor efficiencies instead of raising menu prices. The chain plans to deploy order kiosks, streamline kitchen procedures and reinforce a culture of recognition and accountability. While the company may raise prices by “mid-single digits,” it aims to offset labor costs. El Pollo Loco is emphasizing its signature grilled chicken, targeting younger consumers through TikTok marketing and focusing on value for families in promotions. |
| Fitch Ratings anticipates a value-oriented environment and flattish to low-single-digit growth in the restaurant industry in 2024. The firm expects larger brands to have an advantage in gaining market share due to their scale and sophisticated analytics. While predicting traffic to be similar to 2023, Fitch foresees consumers becoming more value-conscious and seeking affordability. Restaurants that offer strong perceived value, affordability and effective execution are expected to outperform others. Several restaurant chains have already introduced value-oriented offerings to cater to cost-conscious consumers. |
| FAT Brands plans to focus on cobranding, conversion and cross-utilization in 2024. The company aims to maximize synergies among its portfolio of brands, such as cobranding strategies like FAT Burger and Buffalo’s Express, Johnny Rockets with Hurricane Grill & Wings, and FAT Burger with Round Table Pizza. Additionally, FAT Brands plans to convert Smokey Bones locations to Twin Peaks as part of the upcoming IPO. |
| First Watch is set to acquire 21 restaurants in North Carolina, along with the corresponding franchise rights for the territory, for a total of $75 million. This acquisition is part of First Watch’s ongoing strategy to acquire franchise-operated restaurants and contribute to its long-term growth and value creation. The deal is expected to close by the end of April. Additionally, First Watch announced preliminary results for the fourth quarter, citing a 5% increase in same-store sales as of December 31, 2023, and a 7.6% increase for the full year. |
| Mod Pizza has appointed Beth Scott as its new CEO, succeeding Scott Svenson, who co-founded the company with his wife Ally. Svenson will take on the role of executive chairperson, offering support to the new CEO. Mod Pizza has been focusing on growth and experimenting with new menu items, such as wings and Pocket Pies. The company had over 540 units at the beginning of 2024. |
| The slider category is witnessing new entrants and franchise growth, with brands like Smalls Sliders and Savvy Sliders gaining momentum. Smalls Sliders, based in Atlanta, operates from 750-square-foot shipping containers and focuses on cheeseburger sliders, fries, drinks and milkshakes. It plans to open 40 new locations in 2024 and has a pipeline of over 120 units under development. Savvy Sliders, based in Michigan, offers a broader menu with mini-burgers, chicken, fish and spicy falafel sliders. It plans to open 20-25 new stores in 2024, aiming for 100 openings annually within four years. |
| Fast-food workers in California are set to see a higher baseline pay of $20 per hour. The move comes after California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a law in September, and the new pay floor is scheduled to take effect on April 1. This wage increase could have spillover effects, prompting employers in other sectors to raise wages to remain competitive. The move in California may set a new benchmark and influence similar campaigns in other states, with low-wage workers using $20 an hour as a target wage in union drives and negotiations. |
| Raul Gil, the proprietor of three Las Vegas restaurants operating under the name Casa Don Juan, has been sentenced to 37 months in prison and charged $2.2 million in back taxes and penalties. Gil was found guilty of underreporting sales by falsifying financial records. He directed his bookkeeper to hide $5.1 million in revenue over a five-year period, leading to a $1.6 million shortfall in federal taxes. When the IRS audited Gil, he instructed his personnel to create fake sales records, including POS data, to support the reported numbers. |
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