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Heather Lalley

Managing editor

Articles by
Heather Lalley

Page 34
Operations

Caribou looks to build its brand with coffee delivery subscriptions

The Minneapolis-based chain on Wednesday launched home delivery for weekly or monthly subscriptions of coffee, tea and ready-to-drink, canned beverages.

Leadership

Luna Grill taps Tony Reaman as CFO

Reaman comes to the Mediterranean fast casual after five years in finance for Corner Bakery Cafe.

Financing

Portillo’s details ambitious growth goals

In its IPO filing, the 67-unit fast casual known for hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches, said it was “well-positioned for global growth.”

Marketing

Chipotle signs two college athletes to marketing deals

The fast casual is taking advantage of a relatively new NCAA policy that allows student athletes to be paid by brands under “name, image and likeness” contracts.

Leadership

Freddy’s names Laura Rueckel CMO

The marketing veteran joins the fast-growing fast-casual concept six months after its sale to Thompson Street Capital Partners.

Emerging Brands

Why a fast-casual sandwich chain is putting its money behind hot chicken

The latest episode of the “Buzzworthy Brands” podcast features Michael Goldberg, CEO of Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, which recently made a major investment in three-unit hot chicken concept Bangin’ Buns.

Food

Chipotle creates an LTO mashup of two recently added menu items

The chain’s new Quesabrisket features a cheese quesadilla stuffed with smoked brisket, a protein that debuted systemwide last week.

Financing

Portillo’s files for its IPO

The 67-unit concept said it will use the proceeds to pay off $470 million in debt. It adds its name to a growing list of restaurants who are becoming publicly traded companies.

Operations

Independent restaurants remain in crisis mode

There’s little to no post-pandemic recovery for small operators, with the delta variant creating continued anxiety and uncertainty. And winter is coming.

Beverage

A nationwide alcohol shortage is causing headaches for bars and restaurants

Unlike some of the other supply chain issues during the pandemic, low supplies of liquor, beer and wine could have serious impacts on an operator’s bottom line as dine-in service resurges.

Leadership

Marugame Udon hires former Pieology Pizza CEO to lead U.S. growth

Gregg Imamoto is the 11-unit fast casual’s new CEO. He will be charged with expanding the Japanese brand in this country.

Emerging Brands

Hot chicken concepts are red hot right now

Lots of money has flowed into emerging hot chicken chains in recent weeks as the Gen Z-friendly segment readies for massive growth.

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