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| James Fripp, Yum! Brands chief equity, inclusion & belonging officer, joined Nation’s Restaurant News executive editor Alicia Kelso at the Women’s Foodservice Forum Leadership Conference to discuss the company’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, its work to accomplish gender parity and how it's investing in its people and their careers. |
| Yum China CEO Joey Wat reaffirmed plans to expand to 20,000 stores by 2026, serving 700 million Chinese, approximately half the population. With a focus on lower-tier cities, the company anticipates leveraging consumption upgrades. Over half of new stores target these markets, indicating growth potential. Yum China aims to return $1.5 billion to investors this year and at least $3 billion by 2026, following last year’s $833 million distribution. |
| In an interview, Taco Bell’s CMO, Taylor Montgomery, shared that he frequents the chain every other day, sticking to his favorite order of two to three crunchy tacos, a bean burrito with extra onions and a chicken quesadilla with double chicken. CEO Sean Tresvant also indulges three to four times a week, opting for supreme tacos and a bean burrito. Both are fans of Taco Bell’s Cantina chicken menu. Montgomery noted that the chain’s dedication to its fan base includes potentially bringing back discontinued items and introducing new dishes, reflecting its “rebel spirit” and commitment to innovation. |
| Taco Bell U.S. has introduced Agua Refrescas, a line of energy-boosting drinks available in Strawberry Passionfruit, Peach Mango and Dragonfruit Berry flavors. The test is limited to one location near Taco Bell’s headquarters in Irvine, California, featuring real fruit pieces and green tea as a base. CMO Taylor Montgomery noted that the chain aims to elevate Taco Bell as a beverage destination, aligning with industry trends. |
| The Habit Burger Grill has unveiled a new campaign featuring Charlie, an animated briquette mascot, symbolizing the brand’s commitment to quality. In the commercial, Charlie jumps into the flames, symbolizing the process of cooking their famous Charburger over an open flame. The tagline “Better By Char” emphasizes the brand’s dedication to delivering superior taste. Ken Chan, Head of Digital & Storytelling, highlighted Charlie’s representation of passion and quality, aiming to attract more customers with the campaign. |
| Collaboration across continents is key |
| Yum!'s scale is unmatched, and when we harness it, our brands win. KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell and The Habit Burger Grill have a history of maximizing their impact across the globe thanks to some of our most innovative menu items. Did you know KFC's most recent LTO, the Chizza, originated in the Philippines in 2015 and traveled to countries like South Korea, Mexico and Germany before landing in the U.S.? Learn about its journey as well as that of Taco Bell's Nacho Fries, Pizza Hut's Melts and more in this new episode of "Quick Bite." |
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| Since Doug Cook became Jack in the Box’s chief technology officer in 2021, the company has shifted from third-party tech partnerships to a more customized approach. Currently, digital sales account for 12% of their business, with a goal of reaching 20% within the year. Cook’s team is implementing a hybrid tech stack, combining internal development with a new POS partnership with Qu. The strategy aims to modernize their tech capabilities, enable omnichannel ordering and launch a new mobile app. |
| Starbucks has introduced a Mother’s Day drinkware collection featuring tumblers, mugs and a Stanley cup, ranging from $14.95 to $49.95. Exclusive items are available in select Starbucks stores, while others can be found nationwide. New gift cards honoring mother figures are also released, alongside rewards for Starbucks Rewards members who bring their own cups. |
| To celebrate National Grilled Cheese Day, Sonic is offering $1 Grilled Cheese Sandwiches on April 12. Available exclusively through the Sonic app or online, the sandwich features two thick slices of Texas Toast with melted American cheese. The offer is limited to one per customer and will be accessible in the in-app rewards tab. |
| Buffalo Wild Wings has launched its 100th Go location, focusing on delivery and takeout orders with a smaller footprint compared to traditional sports bars. As off-premise sales surge, Inspire Brands, BWW’s owner, mulls a public offering valued at $20 billion. BWW leads in the chicken wing category, serving over 3 million gallons of dressing in 2023. The Go format offers cheaper real estate and quicker operations, catering to customers preferring takeout. Off-premise sales now account for a third of BWW’s revenue. |
| Velvet Taco, led by CEO Clay Dover, is primed for significant expansion, aiming to reach “hundreds” of locations globally. The brand’s culture focuses on employee satisfaction, with attention to details like music playlists, fostering a sense of belonging dubbed “one tribe, one vibe.” Dover envisions growth to 200 locations by 2030, supported by robust infrastructure, infill expansion in major cities and entry into nontraditional locations like airports. |
| Mountain Mike’s Pizza is expanding into Wisconsin, marking its first presence east of the Mississippi River. The move comes through deals with first-time franchisees, the Shergill brothers, set to open three locations. CEO Jim Metevier highlighted the brand’s appeal to experienced franchisees. With record sales and ongoing expansion across ten states, including Arizona and Texas, owners Chris Britt and Ed St. Geme emphasized its growth momentum and diverse menu offerings. |
| Crumbl, known for its rapid expansion in the cookie franchise market, faced a decline in unit volumes and profits in 2023 despite adding 41% more locations. Average unit volumes dropped by 37% to $1.2 million, with per-store net profit down 58% to $122,955. This trend highlights the risks of quick growth, with demand spread thinly across a larger number of stores. While Crumbl surpassed $1 billion in system sales and defended its business model from copycats through lawsuits, challenges such as troubled locations and layoffs persisted. |
| Pollo Campero is celebrating its 100th U.S. restaurant opening by releasing a limited-time St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital commemorative cup, offering free drink refills for life with a $5 purchase. The milestone cup supports St. Jude with a $100,000 donation, partly funded by cup proceeds. The 100th location in Miami Gardens hosts a grand opening event on April 10, featuring giveaways and prizes, with the first 100 guests receiving free Pollo Campero for a year. |
| The U.S. Senate has voted to overturn the National Labor Relations Board’s expanded joint employer rule, joining the House of Representatives in the decision. The resolution is likely to face a veto from President Biden, who opposes it on grounds of interfering with workers’ bargaining rights. The rule, which would hold franchisors and franchisees jointly liable for labor standards, has drawn criticism from business groups, while the White House contends it would add costs for franchisors. Overturning the veto would require a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and House. |
| California has raised the minimum wage for fast food workers to $20, prompting some restaurants to replace workers with self-service kiosks. Despite automation trends predating the wage hike, it’s anticipated to accelerate tech adoption. Chains like McDonald’s and Shake Shack have already integrated kiosks, citing increased order sizes and profit margins. Franchisees are now rushing to install more kiosks, aiming for AI-powered drive-thru ordering and counter kiosks. While not intending mass layoffs, franchisees aim to mitigate increased labor costs, a move driven by necessity to maintain profitability amidst rising expenses. |
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