Peter Romeo

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Panera looks to add a new menu category

The bakery-cafe chain is launching a new line with the addition of warm grain bowls.

Cracker Barrel airs its plans as a 3-concept company

Its namesake brand will focus intently on dinner, a bid to build on the success of a new chicken line, while the parent operation tweaks Holler & Dash and works with Punch Bowl Social.

Emerging Brands

J. Alexander’s plans another concept

The polished-casual operator intends to stay in the high end of the casual market with a new steak and seafood venture.

Leadership

Talk about a CEO hot seat

As the new CEO of Red Robin, Paul Murphy is walking into one of the industry’s more remarkable leadership challenges. Here’s why.

Operations

Philly’s salt-warning mandate takes effect

Chain restaurants are required to flag menu items that contain at least 2,300 milligrams of sodium per serving.

Operations

Lawsuit questions legality of drive-thru-only service

An ADA lawsuit alleges that Taco Bell is discriminating against the sight-impaired at night, when only the drive-thru might be open.

Financing

Huddle House agrees to buy Perkins for $51.5M

The purchase will create a family restaurant empire extending to 700 locations and $800 million in annual sales.

Leadership

For Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, rejuvenation is a process

At a time when many chains are searching for a magic bullet, the venerable casual-dining brand has found a reinvigoration takes time and a multitude of efforts.

Leadership