chicken

Financing

KFC grew in the U.S. for the first time in 17 years in 2021

The chain lost its status as the country’s biggest chicken concept. But eight years of same-store sales growth, new remodels and an improved outlook has the company looking forward.

Leadership

Tom Ferguson, 57, founder and CEO of Rise Biscuits dies

Ferguson started the 17-unit chain in 2012. The company called him “a champion of others, a mentor, and a devoted husband and father.”

Digital sales make up just 15% of the fast casual’s business today, and the chain’s CEO said its diners simply prefer the dining room.

The fast-growing wing chain saw a 27.5% increase in bone-in wing prices during the fourth quarter, but said the cost finally appears to be on a downward trend.

Taste Tracker: Cracker Barrel’s wines; McAlisters spotlights steak; chicken stars at Pei Wei, Checkers and Ledo Pizza; Genghis Grill does Mardi Gras; Smokey Bones candy coats cocktails.

But the chain’s sales improved last quarter and it remains in a much stronger position than it was three years ago.

Six things to know about the fast casual’s new “restaurant of the future,” and why it’s so bullish on using technology to sell more chicken wings.

The wing chain’s new “restaurant of the future” will allow the brand to test equipment and layouts to maximize its off-premise business.

Unlike last year, there’s no wing shortage but wing prices remain high, driven by surging demand, labor shortages and other record-high costs surrounding their production.

Breakfast warms up at Toasted Yolk and Dunkin’; Zaxby’s and Slim Chickens riff on chicken; new bowls star at Sweetgreen; BJ’s and Cinnaholic sweeten the menu.

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