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Heather Lalley

Managing editor

Articles by
Heather Lalley

Page 21
Emerging Brands

Tony Roma’s gets ready for its fast casual debut

The 50-year-old casual-dining chain, which has shrunk to just seven U.S. units, sees a future in its smaller Bones & Burgers offshoot.

Operations

Back Yard Burgers, after many hurdles, gets ready to grow again

The better-burger brand is about 75% smaller than it was 15 years ago. But it is looking to get back into the new-restaurant business.

Technology

Pret a Manger ordered to pay $677K to settle biometric lawsuit

A former employee of the fast-casual chain in Chicago said she was improperly made to use her fingerprint to clock in and out of work.

Technology

Levy launches high-tech innovation studio

The arena and stadium foodservice operator is looking to test and implement technology to make its operations “frictionless.”

Leadership

Saladworks’ parent WOWorks hires Brian Farris as chief development officer

Farris has previously held executive posts with Schlotzsky’s, Focus Brands, Quiznos and Boston Market.

Emerging Brands

How Obama's personal finance advisor is trying to change the face of restaurants

Robbie Robinson, co-founder of the Pendulum Holdings investment and advisory group, partnered with Chopt parent Founder’s Table to bring capital to operators who typically don’t get funding.

Emerging Brands

Sweetfin gets an investment from an Italian poke chain

Poke House has taken a minority stake in the 14-unit poke fast casual based in Southern California, allowing it to speed up its growth.

Operations

Without aid, indies are facing bankruptcy, new survey says

Independent operators are being pushed to the brink and are taking on mounting personal debt, according to survey results released by the Independent Restaurant Coalition, which is pressing Congress for more funding.

Operations

Potbelly has big birthday plans: Looking for franchisees

The fast-casual sandwich shop, which started 45 years ago in a Chicago antique store, wants to become a majority-franchised chain.

Financing

Smokey Mo’s BBQ acquired by Switchback Capital

The 16-unit quick-service chain will be opened to franchising and will undergo a rebrand, the new owner said.

Emerging Brands

How Hopdoddy prepared to get acquisitive

The Texas-based better-burger fast casual used the pandemic’s challenges to become leaner and stronger. Then it decided to buy a competitor and it might scoop up more.

Financing

Hopdoddy to acquire Grub Burger Bar

The two Texas-based better-burger concepts are joining forces to form HiBar Hospitality Group, which will be backed by L Catterton.

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