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| KFC Japan is collaborating with SPY x FAMILY, offering two meal combos exclusively through the KFC Net Order app. Patrons can choose between a two-piece chicken meal or a chicken katsu burger, each accompanied by a biscuit and medium drink. Every meal includes one of four Forger family sticker sheets featuring new artwork of Anya, Loid, Yor and Bond enjoying KFC’s Original Recipe. The collaboration is available in Japan, with stickers given out at participating stores while supplies last, coinciding with the release of the SPY x FAMILY: CODE White movie in U.S. theaters. |
| Restaurant operators in California are grappling with strategies to offset the state’s new $20 fast-food wage, raising prices cautiously amid concerns about consumer sensitivity. Diversified Restaurant Group operates about 200 of its 360 locations, most of which are Taco Bells, in California. SG Ellison, CEO of the operator, noted that the company can’t simply rely on pricing, citing the economy. “We’ve taken a cautious approach on menu pricing,” Ellison said. “We’re not looking to say pricing is going to solve this problem for us today. The macros for the consumer are tight today.” |
| Chef Lawrence Smith of Phoenix’s Chilte has been selected for Taco Bell’s inaugural TBX program, joining two other chefs to remix the iconic Crunchwrap Supreme. Known for his experimental Mexican-inspired cuisine, Smith brings creativity and a love for Taco Bell to the collaboration. His unconventional journey from football to culinary arts has shaped his unique approach to cooking. The remixed Crunchwrap Supremes, each chef’s spin on the classic, will be available at select Taco Bell locations later this year. Smith sees the collaboration as a fun opportunity to blend Taco Bell nostalgia with Chilte’s off-the-cuff street style. |
| The Habit Burger Grill has expanded its presence in Florida with the opening of its 11th location in Cutler Bay. Featuring their signature Charburgers and sandwiches, the restaurant will host VIP events for CharClub and app members before its public debut on April 24. The 2,317 sq. foot restaurant offers drive-thru, dine-in, takeout and delivery options, including self-serve kiosks and delivery through various platforms. |
| 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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| Chipotle is offering a buy-one-get-one-free deal on Monday, April 22, for customers wearing any hockey jersey. After 3 p.m. local time, visit a participating Chipotle location to receive a free entrée with the purchase of another of equal or greater value, up to five free menu items per check. This offer is valid for in-restaurant orders only, not applicable to catering, mobile, online or delivery orders. Entrées purchased are eligible for Chipotle Rewards points, and the deal cannot be combined with other coupons or promotions. |
| Little Caesars has inked multi-unit franchise agreements to open more than 30 stores in seven states, including California, Tennessee and Texas. The brand aims to accelerate development using offsite construction through its PODs prototype. This move follows the chain’s return to net unit growth in 2023 after shedding stores in previous years. The agreements signify momentum for Little Caesars, which plans to open 92 franchised stores in 2024. |
| Guernsey Holdings has acquired 20 Zaxby’s restaurants in South Carolina, working alongside the franchisee’s management to complete the purchase from Performance Management Group. With expertise in building multi-unit franchised restaurant platforms, Guernsey Holdings aims to drive growth in its newly acquired locations. Zaxby’s, a prominent quick-service chicken brand, operates nearly 941 locations across the U.S. |
| Starting April 19, Wendy’s offers free French fries every Friday for the remainder of the year, totaling 37 opportunities. Customers can claim any size of fries with any purchase via the Wendy’s app, with no minimum spend required. The promotion is valid for both mobile orders and in-store purchases if the offer is loaded onto the customer’s card before payment. Additionally, Wendy’s introduced a new Frosty flavor, orange dreamsicle, blending classic orange creamsicle pop flavors with the richness of a Frosty. |
| In celebration of 4/20, Wingstop is reintroducing the Wingstop Hot Box, available from April 18-21. This special offering includes the newest T.H.C. (The Hot Chili) Rub* flavor, featuring a blend of chili peppers and secret spices. Customers can choose from a selection of Wingstop favorites, including chicken sandwiches, wings or tenders, all tossed in the T.H.C. Rub. The Hot Box also includes seasoned fries, ranch dressing and a 20 oz drink. |
| NRN’s first Restaurant Leadership Conference post-Informa’s acquisition of Winsight highlighted key industry topics. Labor was a focal point, especially with California’s $20 minimum wage. Executives from Cava, Freddy’s and Red Lobster emphasized holistic people strategies beyond wages, focusing on benefits, training and culture. Technology discussions shifted towards labor-saving features like kiosks and AI’s impending role. Technomic’s update dubbed 2024 as a “year of reality reset.” The event also featured notable figures like Jersey Mike’s CEO Peter Cancro and Martha Stewart. |
| A HungerRush survey revealed that nearly two-thirds of consumers react negatively to dynamic pricing, with four in five willing to change their dining habits to avoid surge prices. While smaller restaurants may have more leeway to experiment with pricing, larger chains face backlash. Wendy’s faced criticism when considering dynamic pricing, showcasing consumers’ preference for consistency and fairness. Unlike industries like ride-sharing, where dynamic pricing is more accepted, restaurants encounter resistance due to the impact on customer experience. |
| Fat Brands has inked a deal with California Burger to introduce Fatburger to 40 Round Table Pizza locations across Northern California over the next decade. The first hybrid units are set to debut this year. This move is part of Fat Brands’ strategy to diversify menus and boost revenue for franchisees through co-branding. The company has successfully implemented co-branded concepts before, seeing a sales lift of 10% to 20%. With over 200 co-branded locations already, Fat Brands aims to continue expanding its portfolio with similar initiatives, projecting significant growth in the coming years. |
| Krispy Kreme is transitioning its loyalty program from a punch-card style to a points-per-dollar system, offering 10 points for every dollar spent. While the redemption cost isn’t specified, the program includes personalized rewards and surprise offers. However, Krispy Kreme reserves the right to modify rewards and points needed. The rewards menu consists of doughnuts and beverages. |
| Martha Stewart recently opened her first restaurant at age 80, acknowledging restaurants as one of the toughest businesses. At the Restaurant Leadership Conference, she discussed her diverse career, from stockbroker to caterer to media mogul. With plans for a Netflix documentary and dabbling in artificial intelligence, Stewart remains innovative. However, she’s not keen on plant-based restaurants, emphasizing people’s preference for tradition and familiar flavors. The conference, organized by Restaurant Business and Informa, provided insights into Stewart’s career and perspectives on the industry. |
| A straw poll at the National Restaurant Association’s Public Affairs Conference showed that 65% of attendees favored Donald Trump over Joe Biden in a hypothetical presidential election. This preference surprised political commentators, who noted the ongoing uncertainty of the 2024 race. Issues like inflation and abortion were key concerns for voters, with Republican and Democratic attendees alike prioritizing inflation. Senator Roger Marshall, a speaker at the conference, discussed legislation to address credit-card processing rates. |
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