| Yum! Brands News | |
| | Yum!Now News | |
| | Competitor Intelligence | |
| | Industry Trends | |
| | Policy & Regulatory News | |
| | | |
| Nation’s Restaurant News highlighted the rising trend of at-home meal kits in the restaurant industry, noting that Taco Bell has introduced Cravings Kits for making popular dishes at home. Taco Bell collaborated with Kraft Heinz for the kits, which are available exclusively at Walmart stores and online. Additionally, the chain launched an SOS Kit for college students, including Taco Bell at Home products and spill-resistant bed sheets for convenient dining. |
| Black Box Intelligence has included The Habit Burger as a finalist for its 30th annual Best Practices Awards. The awards recognize excellence and innovation in the restaurant industry, honoring outstanding achievements across various categories. The winners are set to be unveiled on February 27. |
| This KFC U.S. employee made the leap and you can, too |
Looking to change things up in your career, but not sure where to begin? Check out the latest #3Questions, the series that features conversations between employees and Yum! CEO David Gibbs, to see how Ray Jeffries, KFC U.S. PR analyst, had a vision, made connections and boldly stepped out of his comfort zone to land his dream job. You'll be left inspired and equipped for your next move! |  | (For Yum! Eyes Only) |
|
 |
| Jack in the Box and Del Taco are poised for significant growth in the U.S. After averaging negative comps from 2013 to 2020, Jack has seen a turnaround, with 93% franchised units and positive net growth in 2023. CEO Darin Harris emphasizes franchisee partnerships and aims for 2.5% net unit growth, $2.5 million AUV, 20% digital sales mix and $1 billion in sales by 2024. Del Taco, acquired in 2021, plans to refranchise and expand into new markets. The brands aim for a combined 35-55 gross openings in 2024, increasing in subsequent years, leveraging digital initiatives and enhancing the in-restaurant experience. |
| Jack in the Box is expanding its birria-inspired offerings with the testing of Birria Tiny Tacos at select locations in California and Nevada. Available for a limited time, these tiny tacos come in regular and Loaded varieties. The regular Birria Tiny Tacos feature crispy-fried birria tacos with a “Birria-style” dipping sauce, while the Loaded version adds shredded cheddar, cheese sauce and shredded lettuce. |
| Starbucks experienced a slowdown in sales, average-ticket growth and transactions in the last quarter of 2023, with year-over-year sales growth decreasing from 11.1% in October to 3.3% in December, according to data from Earnest Insights. Transaction count went from 3.3% growth in October to a 1% decline in December, while average ticket growth slowed from 7.5% to 4.4% over the same period. Analysts attribute the decline to various factors, including negative press and social media backlash. |
| Wendy’s, in collaboration with delivery platforms DoorDash, UberEats and Grubhub, is offering an exclusive “Members Only Baconator Blitz” promotion. DashPass, Uber One, Grubhub+ and Wendy’s Rewards members can receive a free Baconator with a $20 minimum order on the respective delivery apps. The deal, available from January 26 to January 28, includes extra perks like a $0 delivery fee in the Wendy’s app throughout the weekend. |
| SONIC Drive-In is offering a budget-friendly deal, “5 Under $10 For the Win,” perfect for watch parties or gatherings. Until the end of February, customers can visit their local SONIC and enjoy 5 Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburgers for under $10, or opt for a single one at $1.99. The Quarter Pound Double Cheeseburger features two seasoned, 100% pure beef patties, layered with melty American cheese, pickles, ketchup and mustard, all sandwiched between a golden, toasted bun. |
| According to Yelp data, the Raleigh metro area experienced only an 8% decline in new restaurant listings between 2019 and 2023. Despite the initial impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, when Yelp saw a 30% drop in listings, the number of new restaurants listed in Raleigh has been steadily increasing since. In 2019, 230 new restaurants were listed, and in 2023, 212 were added, indicating a positive trend. Nationally, the restaurant industry is rebounding, with almost 53,800 new restaurants opening across the U.S. in 2023, a 10% increase from the previous year and a 2% rise from 2019. |
| Brakebush Brothers, Inc., a foodservice chicken processor, has successfully acquired Lake Foods of Hartwell, GA, a facility specializing in raw, sized, marinated and ready-to-cook chicken products. Brakebush, a nearly century-old family-owned company, sees this acquisition as an opportunity to expand its customer base and actively pursue new business. With headquarters in Westfield, Wis., Brakebush now operates five production facilities across the United States. |
| Chicken Salad Chick, founded in 2008 by Kevin and Stacy Brown, has seen growth since its inception. Originally starting with a standalone location in Auburn, Ala., the brand gained momentum after selling out on its opening day, prompting rapid expansion. With around 250 locations across 18 states and an average unit volume of $1.5 million, the company aims to reach $400 million in systemwide sales by 2024. |
| Birmingham’s award-winning barbecue spot, Jim ‘N Nick’s, is undergoing significant internal growth with plans to open eight additional restaurants in 2024. The restaurant, known for its Southern hospitality and dedication to authentic barbecue, recently promoted key team members: Chief Marketing Officer Brad Jacobus, Vice President of Accounting Lindsey Pourciau and Vice President of People Chaz Patrick. The company also expanded its managing partner program, offering premium salaries, increased bonus potential and long-term incentives to general managers. |
| GCWen Management, an operator of 21 Wendy’s locations in Pennsylvania, has been fined $300,000 for 766 violations of the Pennsylvania Child Labor Act of 2023. The violations include failure to provide breaks to over 80 child employees, not securing work permits, failure to announce employment changes to a school district and employing children without parental authorization. |
|
|
