News

Heather Neary to leave Auntie Anne’s as parent Focus Brands overhauls management

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 18, 2020

Melissa Smith was named chief people officer for Focus; Kendall Ware was named chief brand officer of Carvel and Cinnabon; and Alisa Gmelich was named chief brand officer for Auntie Anne’s.

Leadership

Olive Garden's parent names CEO Gene Lee chairman

By Peter Romeo on Dec. 18, 2020

Rick Cardenas will move up to president and COO of Darden Restaurants while Raj Vennam will become CFO.

Workforce

NYC limits grounds for firing quick-service restaurant workers

By Peter Romeo on Dec. 18, 2020

A bill approved yesterday also requires QSRs to follow the reverse order of seniority when making layoffs.

Operations

Are you an industry news ace?

By Heather Lalley on Dec. 18, 2020

See if you can pass this week's Restaurant Business news quiz.

Financing

How technology and Taylor Swift are keeping Olive Garden relevant

By Peter Romeo on Dec. 18, 2020

Parent Darden Restaurants is sketching out a five-year technology "road map" while looking at increased expansion opportunities for its biggest brand.

Technology

You can soon order Burger King through Google

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 18, 2020

The burger chain has added Google integration at 5,000 U.S. restaurants as it works to make ordering easier. It also has a unit in a ghost kitchen.

Technology

Cava’s new app hopes to mimic the in-restaurant experience

By Heather Lalley on Dec. 18, 2020

The fast casual’s redesigned app was created to “balance speed and joy,” Cava’s CEO said.

Financing

McDonald’s fight highlights a common source of franchise conflict

By Jonathan Maze on Dec. 18, 2020

Franchisors benefit from higher sales, while franchisees need to make a profit. The difference frequently causes controversy, says RB’s The Bottom Line.

Technology