News

El Pollo Loco president and CEO Larry Roberts steps down

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 02, 2023

He will stay on as consultant through Dec. 28 as the company searches for a replacement. COO Maria Hollandsworth will take leadership in the interim.

Premium

Operations

Fast-casual pizza faces an existential crisis

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 02, 2023

Blaze Pizza is preparing for a brand relaunch, but the concept must first solve some fundamental problems laid bare by the pandemic. CEO Beto Guajardo outlines his strategy for profitability.

Food

Chicken drives R&D at Black Bear Diner, Velvet Taco and Piada

By Patricia Cobe on Nov. 02, 2023

Taste Tracker: Marco’s Pizza pushes portability; California Fish Grill and Slim Chickens innovate bowls; Thanksgiving flavors trend at Dog Haus and Baskin Robbins; and more menu news of the week.

Financing

First venture beyond restaurants brings a new name for Greg Flynn's mega-franchise company

By Peter Romeo on Nov. 02, 2023

The rechristening is simultaneous with the purchase of 37 franchised Planet Fitness gyms.

Operations

Portillo's rides out traffic declines with 'transaction arbitrage'

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 02, 2023

Moves into high-population-growth states are driving revenue growth that company officials say will help the Chicago-based chain manage through ebbs and flows of consumer behavior.

Operations