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| Yum! Brands has promoted Joe Park to Chief Digital and Technology Officer, effective March 1. Park, previously the Chief Digital and Technology Officer for Pizza Hut Global, will succeed Clay Johnson. Park, who joined Yum in 2020, oversaw the deployment of AI-based platforms and digital solutions at Pizza Hut. His new role involves leading the global technology strategy, collaborating with franchisees and continuing the company’s digital initiatives. |
| KFC China has partnered with Mount Wutai, a sacred Buddhist site, to launch a special sandalwood latte as part of its K Coffee offering. Available until January 21, the coffee features oriental sandalwood scent, significant in Buddhism. The cup showcases Wutaishan-themed artwork and blessings from the Huangdi Neijing. Priced at 22 RMB (3.10 USD) with a “buy one get one free” offer, the collaboration includes a blessing sticker set. |
| Taco Bell U.S. is set to host a significant event, “Live Más Live,” in Las Vegas on February 9, coinciding with Super Bowl weekend, marking the transition of leadership from Mark King to Sean Tresvant. Described as the brand’s most interactive experience since The Taco Bell Hotel in 2019, the event promises musical performances, celebrity appearances, fan recognition and a preview of upcoming menu innovations. Tresvant emphasized transparency, access and celebration, stating that 2024 marks a new beginning for Taco Bell. |
| The Taco Bell Foundation has raised $40,000 for Junior Achievement Canada since launching fundraising efforts in the country last summer. The foundation’s entry into Canada aims to positively impact the lives of young Canadians by providing skills, confidence, resources and connections for success in school and beyond. The Community Grants program in Canada will support organizations like Junior Achievement, focusing on breaking down educational barriers. |
| Diversified Restaurant Group, a major Taco Bell franchisee, is expanding with a new location at 15498 State Ave in Basehor, Kansas. The grand opening is scheduled for January 11, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony by the KC Chamber of Commerce. Festivities start at 9 am, with the first 100 customers receiving an exclusive Taco Bell cup and a free taco coupon. Customers spending $20 or more on Uber Eats or DoorDash will get $5 as part of a limited-time offer. |
| 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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| The National Consumers League has filed a lawsuit against Starbucks, alleging that the company’s claim of ethically sourced coffee is false and misleading. The advocacy group cited media reports of abuses on farms supplying coffee and tea to Starbucks, casting doubt on the company’s packaging, which states a commitment to “100% ethical coffee sourcing.” The lawsuit points to incidents such as a 2022 case in Brazil where workers were rescued from a coffee farm, exposed by Repórter Brasil, and a 2023 BBC report on sexual abuse and working conditions on a tea plantation in Kenya, which was a former Starbucks supplier. |
| Papa John’s is restructuring its international growth model, which may involve closing underperforming restaurants in key markets. CEO Rob Lynch emphasized the need to focus on high-performing outlets and ensure franchisees are profitable for long-term success. Papa John’s operates over 2,500 international locations, having opened about 200 units outside the U.S. in the past three years. |
| Panera Bread is offering a special deal in celebration of National Soup Month this January. Customers can enjoy a cup of soup for just $1 when they order an entrée through the app using the code “SOUP.” The offer is available for a limited time and cannot be combined with other promotions. Additionally, Panera Bread has introduced two new Sourdough Melts, the Bacon Avocado Melt and the Southwest Chicken Melt, priced at $8.99 each. |
| Popeyes is launching an unprecedented promotion, “Wings for Wings,” offering free 6pc Wings with any online or in-app purchase if a football team with wings in its name, logo or mascot wins the big game in February. Redeemable on Fat Tuesday, Feb. 13, the offer celebrates the permanent launch of Popeyes’ five fan-favorite wing flavors: Ghost Pepper, Sweet ‘N Spicy, Honey BBQ, Roasted Garlic Parmesan and Signature Hot. Popeyes’ first-ever TV advertisement during the big game's first quarter will feature the new wing flavors. |
| White Castle is set to open its third location in Arizona by the end of 2024, expanding to Goodyear. The new 3,220-square-foot restaurant will feature both classic menu items and modern technology, including the AI-assisted drive-thru menu board named “Julia.” The Goodyear location, near the intersection of McDowell Road and Interstate 10, is expected to open late this year and will have 52 dining room seats, a covered patio with 14 outdoor seats and a double drive-thru. |
| In 2023, the restaurant industry grappled with challenges such as inflation, menu price hikes, staffing shortages and supply chain disruptions. Toast’s Voice of the Restaurant Survey, conducted between May and June, revealed key insights. Inflation persisted as a top concern, prompting 42% of operators to raise menu prices. Improving profitability emerged as a crucial goal, leading operators to focus on high-margin menu items and leverage technology, including point-of-sale systems. Despite rising rent prices, 29% of surveyed restaurants expressed a desire to expand in the next 12 months, reflecting a positive industry outlook. |
| Boston Market, facing numerous lawsuits over unpaid bills and closures of up to 200 locations, has introduced a “profit center program” allowing individuals to open a location inside an existing establishment, such as a restaurant, deli or gas station. The chain, currently subject to over 140 lawsuits since 2020, plans to charge no franchise fees but aims for a collaborative approach. The owner-operators will receive Boston Market’s food products, brand goodwill and access to operational systems. |
| Christine Barone, after a year as Dutch Bros president, has become the CEO as the brand aims for significant growth in 2024 and beyond. The company, planning to open 150-165 new locations this year, is on track to surpass 1,000 locations by 2025. To support this growth, there’s a new leadership team in place, including a new CFO and president of operations. Dutch Bros also plans to tweak its growth strategy by going wider in trade areas and diversifying lease types. |
| Tropical Smoothie Cafe, headquartered in Atlanta, has launched a nationwide line of Tropic Bowls and revamped its breakfast menu, featuring SNL’s Chloe Fineman as the brand’s “Tropic Time Concierge” in a new advertising campaign. The campaign, centered around a beach resort theme, encourages customers to “treat themselves” to the new Tropic Bowls, available in four flavors like Acai Bowl and Green Dream Yogurt. |
| A study by RBR Data Services reveals a 43% increase in restaurant kiosks over the two years leading to June 2023, reaching nearly 350,000 installations worldwide. The report predicts that there will be almost 700,000 kiosks installed globally by 2028. As hospitality overheads rise globally and minimum wages increase in many developed countries, restaurant chains are expected to introduce or expand kiosks as a way to rationalize operations and boost transaction values. |
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