News

A look at rising menu price inflation

By Jonathan Maze on Jul. 13, 2022

Prices hit a 40-year high again in June. But overall inflation has been worse.

Restaurant menu prices hit another 40-year high in June

By Jonathan Maze on Jul. 13, 2022

Prices for full-service restaurants rose 8.9% on an annual basis while fast-food meals increased 7.4% as overall inflation rose at its highest rate since 1981.

Marketing

Salt & Straw churns out a new ice cream topping: Perfume

By Heather Lalley on Jul. 13, 2022

Marketing Bites: No, it’s not an April Fool’s joke; plus, White Castle pushes late night, Nando’s celebrates its South African heritage and more marketing news of the week.

Technology

Wow Bao to open vending machines nationwide

By Joe Guszkowski on Jul. 13, 2022

The Asian bao chain is starting with 50 kiosks this week in Florida and Georgia through a partnership with Automated Retail Technologies.

Financing

Fazoli's owner Fat Brands names James Neuhauser executive chairman

By Reyna Estrada on Jul. 13, 2022

The restaurant franchise operator also named Lynne Collier a new independent director. Ed Rensi, the company’s former chairman, will become vice chairman.

Financing

A look into Subway’s new menu, and whether it will further the brand’s turnaround

By Jonathan Maze on Jul. 13, 2022

A Deeper Dive: Pat Cobe, senior menu editor for Restaurant Business, joins this week’s podcast to discuss the new “Subway Series” menu change and whether it will generate sales.

Leadership

Nekter Juice Bar names Natalie Green COO

By Reyna Estrada on Jul. 13, 2022

She has worked with the California-based juice chain for the past 11 years and will oversee operations.

Premium

Financing

Crumbl Cookies goes to war against copycats

By Jonathan Maze on Jul. 13, 2022

The Bottom Line: The fast-growing cookie chain has been filing lawsuits against companies over mimicking its business ideas. It goes to the heart of one of its biggest risks.

Technology