Lisa Jennings

Executive Editor

Articles by
Lisa Jennings

Page 6
Marketing

The Keith Lee Effect extends way beyond one TikTok restaurant critic

Once the domain of newspapers and magazines, restaurant criticism has spread to social media, where both reviewers and reviewees have the potential to become viral superstars.

Operations

El Pollo Loco expects double-digit wage inflation

The California fast-food wage coming next month will force the chain to increase prices, but also look for ways to cut costs across operations.

News analysis: The controversy involving Panera Bread franchisee Greg Flynn may be moot, but the exemption baked into the impending fast-food wage remains unexplained.

The former Panera Bread president has served on the board and was interim CEO since November. He has launched a return to roots, aiming to embrace an identity as a culinary comfort kitchen.

With a major menu overhaul coming next month, the fast-casual chain may also be easing off on its commitment to responsibly raised meat.

Denver restaurateur Troy Guard is partnering with a Swedish startup to grow a fast-casual brand that is something different.

Openings and Closings: Reverie 2.0 is almost ready in Georgetown; Early to Rise is brunching it up in San Francisco; and Detroit's Book Tower adds sushi and sandos by Hiroki Fujiyama.

The deals are the latest in an ongoing franchisee acceleration program as as the sandwich chain pushes to reach 2,000 units, with 85% franchised.

This new concept coming to St. Louis will have two hydroponic vertical farms attached to the restaurant where fresh lettuces are harvested just feet away from diners.

Growing the Sambazon Açai Bowls concept will mean competing with its own CPG products and foodservice clients, but the CEO says it's about communicating the brand's mission.

Nancy and Lisa debate the up and downsides of these multi-concept outlets that are a leading cause of Choice Paralysis.

But the multi-tier Sweetpass subscription program is not showing results. CEO Jonathan Neman says it needs to be simpler.

  • Page 6