Operations

New restaurant equipment and back-of-the-house technology

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.

Operations

Inflation eases for The Cheesecake Factory, but so does customer spending

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 02, 2023

The chain said business is returning to its pre-pandemic rhythms: "It feels like a relatively normal year."

Operations

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.

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

Sweetgreen plans to open more automated restaurants next year

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 02, 2023

The salad chain expects to open as many as nine of its Infinite Kitchen locations in 2024 while two to four existing units will be retrofitted with the robotic make lines. More are planned for 2025.

Operations