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| In this month’s episode of the Recipe for Restless Creativity podcast, new host Kelly McCulloch sits down with Liz Matthews, Global Chief Food Innovation Officer, to talk about Taco Bell’s new and upcoming menu items, including the chain’s latest innovation, the Cantina Chicken Menu. |
| Taco Bell is collaborating with Beekeeper Coffee to launch the limited-edition Beekeeper Coffee Horchata Cold Brew Latte. Revealed at the Live Más Live event, this unique beverage blends cinnamon, vanilla and Beekeeper’s honey for a distinctive flavor. Details on availability at Taco Bell locations will be announced soon. |
| Taco Bell U.S. has launched the Cheesy Chicken Crispanada nationwide, inspired by empanadas. Packed with Monterey pepper jack, cheddar, mozzarella cheeses and seasoned shredded chicken, it’s priced at $3.49 for on-the-go snacking or combo meals. Unveiled at the Live Más Live event, it’s part of Taco Bell’s 2024 marketing calendar, focusing on chicken-based items like the Chicken Cantina Menu. The Crispanada initiates a year of innovation, reflecting Taco Bell’s commitment to fusion cuisine and pushing culinary boundaries. |
| Jason Triail, The Habit Burger Grill’s new Director of Culinary Innovation, highlighted his diverse culinary background that he is bringing to the chain. With experience ranging from kitchen work to management and co-founding a meal kit company, he now focuses on elevating The Habit’s offerings. Triail noted that he prioritizes authenticity and plans to involve all departments in his innovation process, ensuring that new menu items align with The Habit’s identity. Despite his role, he said that he remains loyal to his favorite order. “I always stick to the Double Char cheeseburger,” Triail said. |
| Yum! Brands helps restaurant team members weather storms |
From Mozambique to Mexico, Yum! responded to 11 natural disasters last year, including Cyclone Freddy, Hurricane Otis, wildfires in Hawaii and the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey and Syria. When these events occur, Yum! and its franchisees direct their team members to apply for emergency relief online, leading to immediate response grants if approved.
Learn more about the Yum! Foundation’s global Disaster Relief Fund on Yum!Now. |
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| The National Owners Association, representing McDonald’s franchisees, noted that it advocates for the return of the Snack Wrap to the menu, citing its popularity and potential for value offerings without discounting core menu items. They also propose utilizing CosMc’s as a test site for affordable beverages. Franchisees expressed concerns over rising costs and pressure to offer discounts. While McDonald’s emphasized increased cash flow, franchisees argued that cost-cutting measures have shifted financial burdens onto them. McDonald’s CEO suggested a loss of low-income customers, sparking debate amid positive sales. |
| Wendy’s has collaborated with Cinnabon for a new breakfast delight: Cinnabon Pull-Aparts. Available starting Feb. 26 during breakfast hours, the treat features Danish dough glazed with cinnamon, brown butter and sugar, topped with Cinnabon’s cream cheese frosting. While a departure from the classic cinnamon roll, Wendy’s promises familiar flavors. |
| Restaurant Brands International (RBI) is revising its growth projections for China due to insufficient investment from franchise partners. Despite expectations for accelerated development in China, RBI now anticipates mid-4 percent net restaurant growth in 2024, down from the initial 5-plus percent. Unlike its U.S. operations where RBI controls menu innovation and advertising spending, in China, they rely on franchisees. Burger King China, with nearly 1,600 stores, seeks further growth to compete effectively. |
| Subway Canada has suggested that your sandwich order correlates with your dating style. For instance, if you prefer the Green Goddess sandwich, you might approach dating in a classic yet dynamic way. Opting for the Stampede Brisket sandwich could mean you’re adventurous and confident, while choosing the Meatballer might indicate you’re into tried and true methods and enjoy casual group hangouts. Subway Canada encouraged customers to enjoy Valentine’s Day with delicious sandwiches. |
| Bojangles is reintroducing its Bojangler Fish Sandwich for Lent. Featuring a crispy Alaskan Pollock filet seasoned with Bo’s Famous Seasoning, topped with American cheese and tartar sauce, all on a toasted bakery bun, it’s an option for those seeking variety. Available for a limited time, customers can purchase it a la carte or as part of a combo meal with a side and drink. The sandwich can be ordered at participating Bojangles restaurants or through their app and delivery services. |
| For the restaurant industry as a whole, the labor landscape has improved, with jobs returning post-pandemic. However, labor costs remain high, and retention is challenging. Despite improvements, recruiting employees remains a top industry challenge. While workers are less likely to quit now, average wages have risen significantly. Full-service restaurants are slow to recover, while limited-service concepts thrive, especially in the South and West. Employment patterns also reflect population shifts towards warmer states. |
| In 2023, the plant-based food sector faced a slowdown, prompting operational changes for major players like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods. Impossible Foods noted it aims to broaden its consumer base by refining messaging. Meanwhile, emerging brands like Meati Foods are adopting inclusive marketing strategies. Despite sustainability efforts, taste remains paramount for consumers. Beyond Meat reported negative sales growth, while Impossible Foods focuses on innovation. |
| Denny’s Corp. noted that it is focusing on convenience by expanding operating hours and offering off-premises options through virtual brands. The company’s virtual brands, including The Meltdown and Banda Burrito, are part of a strategy to leverage dinner and late-night capacity. Denny’s also opened its first Keke’s daytime breakfast café outside Florida, introducing a simplified menu and alcohol beverage program. Despite challenges, Denny’s noted it plans to expand its presence in Tennessee, Florida and Texas. |
| Slice House by Tony Gemignani achieved a record day of pizza sales, serving 8,200 slices at Allegiant Stadium during Super Bowl LVIII. With five locations at Allegiant Stadium and a total of 29 locations in California and Nevada arenas, including Oracle Park and Levi’s Stadium, Slice House boasts a total of 145 units open or in development nationally. Founder Tony Gemignani expressed excitement over the milestone, emphasizing food’s ability to unite people. |
| The House Oversight and Accountability Committee is investigating the IRS’s treatment of One Fair Wage (OFW), a union arm attempting to eliminate the tip credit, amid allegations of illegal favorable tax treatment. OFW, accused of engaging in political advocacy despite its non-profit status, faces scrutiny for potential violations of tax regulations. Rep. James Comer highlighted OFW’s lobbying activities and demanded IRS briefing and relevant materials by February 28. |
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