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| Wendy Novak, wife of Yum! Brands co-founder, longtime CEO and Chairman David Novak, has passed away at the age of 71. Diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes at age 7, Wendy dedicated her life to pediatric diabetes research. In 2022, the Novak’s gifted $15 million to create the Wendy Novak Diabetes Institute at Norton Healthcare, one of the largest donations in Norton's history. Wendy's personal experiences drove her dedication to improving diabetes care, and her legacy includes not only financial contributions but also personal involvement and inspiration for others. She leaves behind a lasting impact on diabetes research and treatment. |
| Thanh Huynh and Brian Tran won an $80,000 KFC-themed wedding after Mr. Tran’s creative proposal using KFC’s onion rings. The couple, avid KFC fans, celebrated their marriage uniquely, with KFC paraphernalia, a bucket-themed cake and even chicken suits at the Sydney Opera House. Their reception included KFC-filled buckets and a grazing table featuring the brand’s chicken. |
| A Pizza Hut Canada location on Great Northern Road has been offering free pizzas to the homeless and vulnerable as part of its "Hut to Heart” initiative since late January. Managed by new owners Hardik and Himanshu Soni, the store, with community donations, provides 10 to 15 pizzas daily. Customers can refer those in need, and Pizza Hut also allows pre-paid meals for anyone to claim. The initiative, running for 60 days with a goal of 600 pizzas, may extend based on community support, showcasing collective efforts to aid the needy. |
| Pizza Hut Australia has launched the Loaded Cookie, featuring a giant vanilla cookie topped with Nutella spread, sliced for sharing. Alongside, they are offering other hot desserts like Hershey’s chocolate chip cookie, family-size brownie and lava cakes, all complemented with ice cream. |
| Taco Bell U.S. is introducing Bell Bundles in Toledo, Ohio, offering combinations of popular items for $8.99. Options include Steak Quesadilla, Chalupa Supreme, Crunchy Taco, Cinnamon Twists and a drink, or Mexican Pizza, Beefy 5-Layer Burrito, Crunchy Taco, Cinnamon Twists and a drink. The duration of availability has not been announced. |
| Taco Bell U.S. is testing Cantina Chicken Loaded Nachos in Bakersfield, CA, featuring slow-roasted chicken, tortilla chips, nacho cheese sauce, sour cream, beans, pico de gallo, Creamy Chipotle sauce, guacamole and 3-cheese blend for $6.49. Bakersfield serves as a testing ground for the Cantina Chicken, set for a national launch in March 2024, introducing new ingredients like purple cabbage, pico de gallo, white corn taco shell and Avocado Verde Salsa packets. |
| Nation’s Restaurant News highlighted how Taco Bell is among the chains embracing a “co-creator era,” involving influencers, chefs, and fans in menu creation and decision-making. Taco Bell’s TBX program, involving emerging chefs in reimagining the Crunchwrap Supreme, aims to bridge the gap between company and consumer, fostering deeper connections and resonating with a broader audience. CMO Taylor Montgomery said, “There’s no better way to foster brand love than by giving our biggest fans a unique opportunity to leave their own mark on and be a part of Taco Bell history.” |
| Taco 'bout a tasty career for this executive! |
| Ready to embark on a delicious journey? You'll find one in the latest edition of "How I Got Here," featuring Taco Bell President of North America & International Scott Mezvinsky. From flipping burgers at McDonald's as a teen to now leading Taco Bell's global growth strategy, Scott is a foodservice veteran who knows a thing or two about the power of embracing challenges and fostering continuous growth. Don't miss out on the chance to learn from one of the industry's finest! |
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| The New York Times reported on the grievances of Starbucks workers in NYC regarding reduced hours and scheduling inconsistencies, leading to financial strain and difficulties accessing benefits. Complaints filed allege violations of the city’s Fair Workweek Law. Despite Mayor Adams’ support, concerns linger about the city’s response pace. Starbucks maintains commitment to compliance, while former officials criticize its efforts. The broader context highlights NYC’s progressive workplace legislation but underscores ongoing corporate-worker tensions. |
| Buffalo Wild Wings fulfilled its promise of free wings for Americans as the Super Bowl went into overtime. Patrons can redeem six boneless or traditional wings in any sauce from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. local time for dine-in or takeout. The chain, with ongoing BOGO offers, collaborated with comedian Nick Cannon for the promotions. |
| Jack in the Box is addressing challenges in attracting lower-income consumers by introducing value menu options and leveraging digital channels for targeted offers. Late-night sales remain a focus, with positive transactions observed for the sixth consecutive quarter. Forecasted pricing increases aim to align company-owned stores with peers, with potential additional price adjustments in California due to minimum wage hikes. Despite slight negative trends in February, the brand noted it anticipates a return to positivity with strategic actions and the reintroduction of the popular Smashed Jack burger. |
| Wendy’s announced it is set to introduce the Cinnabon Pull-Apart, a breakfast item reminiscent of McDonald’s Cinnamelts, featuring Danish dough with cinnamon, brown sugar and cream cheese frosting, available from February 26. Reddit users noted that this may fill the void left by the discontinued McDonald’s Cinnamelts. |
| California is increasing the minimum wage for fast-food workers to $20 an hour in April, potentially leading to higher restaurant prices. Analysts anticipate price hikes of 5% to the low- double-digits, potentially deterring customers and favoring grocery purchases. The wage increase could prompt competition for labor across industries, potentially leading to widespread wage increases. While the legislation primarily affects suburban restaurants, urban quick-service establishments may also adjust pricing. |
| Consumer pushback against high prices, particularly in food and consumer goods, is helping ease inflation. The strategy of dramatically raising prices, known as “seller’s inflation,” is faltering as consumers resist. Executives from companies like PepsiCo and General Mills acknowledge the shift in consumer behavior and plan to rein in price increases. This trend, coupled with the Fed’s expectation of falling inflation, suggests a significant impact on pricing decisions and consumer spending habits. |
| Bloomin’ Brands plans to close 41 stores, including underperforming restaurants and Aussie Grill locations, citing factors like historical performance and needed renovations. CEO David Deno assured impacted employees will have transfer opportunities or receive severance payments. The closures mainly affect older assets with leases from the 90s and early 2000s. Despite uneven comparable sales across brands, Bloomin’ aims to open 40 to 45 new restaurants in promising trade areas. |
| GoTo Foods (formerly Focus Brands) noted that it remains open to acquisitions despite a six-year hiatus, attributing the market’s sluggishness to post-COVID dynamics and interest rate fluctuations. The company’s rebranding aligns with its transition into an interconnected platform of brands, facilitating smoother integration of future acquisitions. CEO Jim Holthouser emphasized strategic alignment over mere scale expansion, seeking brands that complement existing offerings. |
| Texas Roadhouse is outpacing Outback Steakhouse in restaurant sales, with a 10% increase in Q4 2023 compared to a decline at Outback. Despite food inflation and beef supply shortages, Texas Roadhouse maintains growing foot traffic while Outback sees fewer customer visits. Texas Roadhouse’s stock has soared by 25%, reaching around $150, while Outback’s parent company, Bloomin’ Brands, stays around $27. |
| A judge has temporarily halted the enforcement of a contentious change in the “joint employer” definition, which would hold franchisors accountable for their franchisees’ labor issues. The delay, extended to March 11, follows a legal challenge by industry groups, including the Texas Restaurant Association and the International Franchise Association. The proposed definition broadens franchisors’ liability, allowing them to be sued for franchisees’ labor violations and facilitating unionization efforts. Critics argue it threatens the franchising model, while proponents believe it ensures labor standards. |
| Los Angeles County has filed a lawsuit against Grubhub, alleging deceptive business practices including misrepresentation of delivery fees, false advertising of free online ordering and unfair treatment of restaurants and drivers. The suit seeks injunctions against these practices, restitution and fines for violations of state laws. Grubhub denies the allegations but plans to defend its practices in court. The lawsuit reflects increasing regulatory scrutiny of gig economy firms, with previous settlements in Washington, D.C. and Massachusetts over similar issues. |
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