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Financing

Companies are still lining up to go public despite recent volatility

 By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 20, 2022

The Bottom Line: Tropical Smoothie Café and Coopers Hawk are both reportedly planning upcoming IPOs, adding to a growing list. But some recent offerings haven’t fared well.

Consumer Trends

What'll it be for a COVID-wisened industry, experience or convenience?

 By Nancy Kruse and Peter Romeo on Jan. 20, 2022

Sweet & Sour: Nancy Kruse and Peter Romeo look at the oft-voiced theory that the pandemic has shifted the focus of restaurant customers and operators to the convenience of takeout and delivery. Neither one is buying it. Some axe throwing and a drink, anyone?

Financing

Who are Dutch Bros' biggest competitors? It's complicated

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 20, 2022

A quarter of the chain’s sales come from its "Blue Rebel" energy drinks and it does just as much business in the afternoon as it does in the morning. Its competition goes well beyond Dunkin' and Starbucks.

Operations

Tom Colicchio will help Cooper’s Hawk kick off one of its two new concepts

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 20, 2022

Carla Hall will be among the rotating chefs providing menus for the chain’s new Esquire by Cooper’s Hawk restaurant in Chicago, to open this year. The company is also creating a Neapolitan pizza concept.

Financing

The coffee business goes to the drive-thru

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 20, 2022

Giants like Starbucks and Domino’s are building more drive-thrus while regional drive-thru chains have exploded. And consumers are flocking to them.

Food

TGI Fridays mixes up the menu with a taste of nostalgia

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 20, 2022

The casual-dining chain is bringing back its greatest hits, updating guest favorites with new twists.

Technology

Levy launches high-tech innovation studio

By Heather Lalley on Jan. 20, 2022

The arena and stadium foodservice operator is looking to test and implement technology to make its operations “frictionless.”

Workforce

Starbucks opts not to require worker vaccinations

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 19, 2022

The coffee giant, which earlier announced plans to require vaccines or tests, is now encouraging inoculation after the Supreme Court killed the federal mandate.

Technology

Tech roundup: Latest restaurant tech unicorn isn’t first of its kind

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 19, 2022

Flipdish is one of many online ordering companies jostling for restaurant dollars. Also, Serve unveils a more autonomous delivery bot, DoorDash’s CEO joins Meta’s board and more.

Financing

A former McDonald’s franchisee looks back at her long career

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 19, 2022

A Deeper Dive: Tracy Johnstone sold her restaurants after more than 30 years in the business. She talks on the podcast about learning to love the business and thriving in a male-dominated world.

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