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| According to a Pizza Hut survey of 5,000 Americans, the average person in the U.S. consumes pizza three times a month, eating around eight slices. Thin crust is the favorite for 28% of respondents, followed by stuffed crust (20%) and thick crust (14%). New York-style pizza is the most popular (35%), with pepperoni as the top topping (42%). Pizza Hut is launching the Hot Honey Pizza, featuring a red habanero pepper and honey drizzle. “This bold innovation not only elevates our pizza experience, but also opens up exciting opportunities to showcase our wings. Get ready for a flavor revolution that goes beyond pizza,” Rachel Antalek, Pizza Hut’s Chief Food Innovation Officer, said in a statement. |
| Taco Bell has introduced a new burrito in Puerto Rico called the “Ruffles Crunchy Double Dippers.” This grilled burrito contains seasoned ground beef, shredded cheddar, Creamy Jalapeno sauce and crushed Ruffles potato chips. Accompanied by cups of nacho cheese and additional crushed Ruffles for dipping, the burrito is reminiscent of a 2014 test item called the “Double Dipper.” |
| Yum! Brands leads in developing leaders |
| At Yum! Brands, our unrivaled talent is our greatest asset – one that we invest in heavily. That’s one of the reasons why TIME magazine included us on its first “Best Companies for Future Leaders” list. The accolade is evidence of a continued effort to develop our company leaders. Watch to learn how we do this in the latest episode of “Quick Bite,” the video series that profiles innovative work in about a minute. |
| Wendy’s has appointed PepsiCo veteran Kirk Tanner as its new CEO, effective Feb 5. Tanner, currently heading Pepsi’s North American beverage business, brings over three decades of experience with the company. Outgoing CEO Todd Penegor, who led Wendy’s since 2016, saw the chain surpass Burger King as the second-largest U.S. burger chain by sales. However, Wendy’s faced challenges, with decreased spending by low-income consumers and a franchisee declaring bankruptcy. |
| Subway is set to introduce a new menu category, “Sidekicks,” featuring footlong snacks starting January 22. The chain collaborated with Cinnabon and Auntie Anne’s culinary teams to create the Cinnabon Footlong Churro and Auntie Anne’s Footlong Pretzel. The menu also includes the Footlong Cookie, previously tested on National Cookie Day in 2022 and 2023. The move aligns with Subway’s emphasis on new menu items and follows its 2021 Eat Fresh Refresh overhaul. |
| In 2023, Bojangles achieved significant development success by adding 270 units to its growth pipeline and accelerating expansion in new markets. The brand’s expansion strategy includes an updated restaurant design, a new staffing model and a streamlined menu with a focus on boneless chicken across three dayparts. Bojangles opened 40 new restaurants in 2023, with 10 in new markets. |
| El Pollo Loco has announced the return of its Shredded Chicken Crunchy Taco in response to customer demand. The Crunchy Taco features a double layer of crunchy, fried corn tortillas filled with tender, shredded fire-grilled chicken, topped with mild roasted tomato salsa, crisp shredded lettuce and melty Jack cheese. The Crunchy Taco is available systemwide at El Pollo Loco restaurants, and customers can place orders online for pickup or delivery through the El Pollo Loco website or Loco Rewards app. |
| In 2024, the fast-food industry is expected to focus on value offerings to drive traffic, as chains like McDonald’s and Wendy’s had raised prices in 2023. Fast-food chains are likely to increase value menu options and promotions to attract customers who have shifted preferences to fast-casual restaurants. While value offerings can help regain low-income customers, it may come at a cost, impacting restaurant margins. Chains are expected to leverage smartphone apps, digital offers and loyalty programs to provide value. |
| Gregg Majewski, former CEO of Jimmy John’s and owner of Genghis Grill, BD’s Mongolian Grill and Flat Top Grill, is expanding his virtual restaurant brand portfolio through Craveworthy Brands. The company is launching Craveworthy Kitchens, designated spaces within existing restaurants that will serve multiple virtual brands, creating additional revenue streams for franchise operators without requiring extra space or separate back-of-house operations. |
| Dine Brands, the parent company of Applebee’s, IHOP and Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, has appointed Scott Gladstone as Chief Development Officer. In addition to his new role, Gladstone will continue to serve as the company’s International President, overseeing the global portfolio of Applebee’s and IHOP restaurants across 18 international markets. The creation of the Chief Development Officer position is aimed at leveraging shared resources and enhancing franchisor capabilities across Dine Brands’ system. |
| Doherty Enterprises, one of the largest franchisees in the U.S., has acquired 21 Applebee’s restaurants in the New York City metro area from Apple Metro. This acquisition expands Doherty’s Applebee’s portfolio, and the company now operates 104 Applebee’s locations in New York, New Jersey, Florida and Georgia. The deal is seen as a strategic move aligning with Doherty Enterprises’ vision for growth and innovation in the restaurant franchise space. |
| Panera Bread is facing a third lawsuit related to its “Charged Lemonade,” with the latest suit accusing the caffeinated drink of causing “permanent cardiac injuries” to a consumer. The 28- year-old plaintiff claims to have experienced brain fog, body shakes, heart palpitations, shortness of breath and difficulty thinking after consuming the beverage. The lawsuit alleges that the consumer had no underlying medical conditions before drinking the Charged Lemonade. |
| Vox AI has announced the launch of its advanced AI and machine learning technology designed for seamless restaurant drive-thru orders. The technology is designed to be efficient, conversational and can speak 35 languages, aiming to relieve overworked employees, boost revenue and increase ROI. Vox AI is currently undergoing a proof-of-concept pilot with one of the world’s largest fast-food chains and is in discussions with multiple other quick service restaurants. |
| Walmart is increasing the pay for its store managers, raising the average salary from $117,000 to $128,000 starting February 1. The move is aimed at attracting and retaining talent in a competitive labor market. Additionally, Walmart is redesigning its store manager bonus program, with managers who meet all targets eligible for up to 200% of their base salary. The bonus calculation will now incorporate a store’s profit more significantly. |
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