Continue to Site >>>

Heather Lalley

Managing editor

Articles by
Heather Lalley

Page 27
Operations

For Portillo’s, shrinking dining rooms are the way of the future

Known for its big, bustling on-premise seating, the newly public Italian beef brand said changing consumer demand is forcing it to consider new store designs.

Financing

Sweetgreen shares soar in Wall Street debut

The fast-casual salad chain, which has yet to turn a profit, saw its stock close at more than 76% above its starting price.

Workforce

Restaurants try ever-bigger lures to recruit and keep general managers

Double bonuses, airplane tickets, six-figure salaries and even their very own restaurant are just some of the perks the industry is offering to slow down turnover in the all-important GM post.

Financing

Newly public Portillo’s feels the margin squeeze

The fast-casual chain’s margins dropped more than four percentage points over last year due to higher labor and commodity costs. But the company said its new restaurants are far exceeding expectations.

Financing

Sweetgreen raises $364M in its IPO

The 140-unit salad chain priced its shares at $28 —$3 above its previously stated range—as it begins trading on the New York Stock Exchange Thursday.

Operations

Shake Shack CEO: We need to be an ‘omnichannel’ brand

The fast casual, which opens its first-ever drive-thru next month, continues to build out its digital channels and other ordering options after the pandemic upended its dine-in-focused operating model.

Marketing

Chains jump on Friendsgiving marketing opportunities

With vaccines readily available and growing comfort around holiday gatherings, restaurant chains are launching promotions for informal, non-traditional celebrations. Red Lobster biscuit stuffing, anyone?

Emerging Brands

Inside fast-growing food-and-games concept Puttshack

The mini golf eatertainment brand, which opened its second U.S. store early this month, is slated to open five more locations next year after securing a $60 million investment last spring.

Operations

Pie oh my: Bakers report a shortage of tins

With the holidays (and prime pie-eating season) approaching, restaurants are feeling the impact of soaring aluminum prices and shortages on their ability to source pie tins.

Financing

Worker shortages are cutting into Pollo Tropical’s earnings

The fast casual is recovering from the pandemic but it said its growth is being slowed in cities where it is having a hard time finding employees.

Financing

BurgerFi’s openings take a big hit due to supply and labor shortages

The better-burger brand had planned to open up to 30 new restaurants this year. On Thursday, the fast casual revised that estimate to 18 new stores.

Financing

Freshii continues to lag due to slow urban recovery

The Canadian fast casual’s same-store sales remain down more than 20% over pre-pandemic levels during the third quarter.

  • Page 27