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| Yum China is capitalizing on China’s thriving coffee market with a dual approach targeting both value-focused and premium segments. KCOFFEE, launched in 2015, has gained popularity, serving around 170 million cups annually. Yum China plans rapid expansion, deploying coffee trucks and pop-up kiosks. Meanwhile, the Lavazza joint venture, with 107 stores in 12 cities, focuses on providing a premium Italian coffee experience, utilizing Lavazza’s heritage to stand out in the competitive market. |
| Registered dietitian and nutritionist Jen Hernandez declared Taco Bell a “front-runner” for healthy fast-food options, praising its focus on fresh plants, plant proteins and low-sodium choices. Longevity dietitian Ella Davar also commended Taco Bell, highlighting the Breakfast California Crunchwrap for its complete protein content and generous addition of tomatoes and avocados. |
| 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) |
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| Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen has entered a master franchise agreement with Restaurant Brands Iberia to introduce the Popeyes brand in Italy. The first Popeyes restaurant in Italy is set to open later this year. The agreement reflects Popeyes’ ongoing expansion strategy in Europe, with a presence already established in countries such as Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, Romania, France, Poland and the Czech Republic. |
| Subway reported a 5.9% increase in same-store sales in North America and a 6.4% global increase for the year 2023. The launch of the footlong snack category in January, featuring Auntie Anne’s pretzels and Cinnabon churros, resulted in 3.5 million Sidekicks sales in the first two weeks. Subway’s CEO, John Chidsey, noted the brand’s transformation and highlighted the positive sales results as a testament to the team’s commitment. |
| Papa Murphy’s Take ‘n’ Bake Pizza is bringing back its HeartBaker Pizza nationwide, available from today through Wednesday, February 14. The HeartBaker Pizza, a Valentine’s Day tradition for close to 20 years, is crafted with fresh dough, made-from-scratch daily, topped with Traditional Red Sauce and 100% Whole-Milk Mozzarella Cheese. Tracey Ayres, VP of Brand and Innovation for Papa Murphy’s, expressed excitement about “reintroducing this beloved pizza.” |
| Starbucks reported a record 34.3 million active U.S. members in its Starbucks Rewards loyalty program for Q1 2024, marking a 13% year-over-year increase. The company is leveraging its Deep Brew data analytics and AI platform to identify specific Rewards member cohorts and offer relevant incentives. Starbucks highlighted the loyalty program as crucial in turning occasional customers into regulars, with plans to enhance personalized communication, expand ordering options and explore a partnership with Bank of America. |
| New York City’s Mexican food scene is flourishing, with a surge in restaurants offering region-specific foods and traditions. The growth is attributed to an increasing number of Mexican immigrants, particularly from Puebla, contributing to the nickname “Puebla York.” While California and Texas still host more Mexican eateries, New York is experiencing a culinary transformation with diverse offerings from high-end establishments to no-frills taco spots. |
| In the last quarter of 2023, customers at Chili’s Grill & Bar leaned towards affordability, choosing value meals like the 3 for Me option and ordering appetizers as main courses. The percentage of checks featuring deals rose 2 points to 31%, and menu mix dropped 4% YoY. While Brinker International executives partially attributed the shift to consumers becoming more conservative with spending, they acknowledged difficult comparisons to the previous year and self-inflicted factors, such as menu pictures emphasizing wings and quesadillas. |
| Sweetgreen is expanding its loyalty program with the introduction of an annual membership option for Sweetpass+. Priced at $100 for the year, the subscription offers perks such as a $3 daily discount on one order, personalized offers and access to exclusive brand experiences. The move comes after the successful launch of the first two tiers in April 2023, with the company reporting a 25% increase in membership in the latter half of the year. |
| Krystal, a quick-service restaurant chain in the Southern United States, is offering a game day deal from February 9 to February 11. Customers can purchase 10 wings or 10 Krystals starting at $9.99 during this promotional period. The deal is available for dine-in, take-out and online orders at participating locations. The promotion aims to cater to those hosting or attending game day gatherings. |
| A bill is heading for consideration in the Alabama House of Representatives that would require restaurants in the state to disclose the origin of most seafood on their menus. Additionally, foodservice establishments would need to specify whether the fin or shellfish was farm-raised or wild-caught. The disclosure would be required on menus, placards on walls and in any advertisements of a restaurant’s seafood options. |
| The California Labor Commissioner’s Office has reached a $1 million settlement in a case against Cheesecake Factory and two janitorial contracting companies for underpaying 589 janitorial workers. Cheesecake Factory agreed to pay $750,000 in back wages, while Americlean Janitorial Services Corp. is responsible for paying $200,000, and Magic Touch Commercial Cleaning, contracted by Americlean, would pay $50,000. The settlement includes a formal apology from Magic Touch and continued labor education for two extra years. |
| IHOP is leveraging its new point-of-sale (POS) system to roll out a community platform called “Stacking Up Joy.” Customers can add $1 or more to their checks in-store or online, with the money raised going to Feeding America. The new POS system, which is part of IHOP’s larger tech stack strategy, enables the brand to better tap into philanthropic and cultural moments and support its loyalty program, the International Bank of Pancakes. |
| Portillo’s CEO, Michael Osanloo, discussed the company’s strategy for achieving $10 million unit volumes at its restaurants. According to Osanloo, achieving this goal requires strong management, given the complexity of the business, particularly in the kitchen organization. Portillo’s aims to build its own leadership team through internal training programs, with 80-90% of its general managers being homegrown. Osanloo emphasized the importance of creating a career path and providing strong benefits to retain skilled workers and drive efficiency, creating a “virtuous cycle.” |
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