Heather Lalley

Managing editor

Articles by
Heather Lalley

Page 11
Financing

Multiconcept operator Ark Restaurants is looking to make an acquisition

In a significant reversal of its pandemic struggles, the owner of 17 full-service restaurants and an equal number of quick-service ones said it had a great quarter and is looking at adding another concept to its fold.

Leadership

Donatos names Steven Graves chief information officer

Graves will be responsible for digital growth and other initiatives at the pizza chain.

Setliff previously held executive posts with Jersey Mike’s Subs and Cici’s Pizza.

Executive changes have become increasingly commonplace coming out of the pandemic and the corner office is no exception. Changes include some of the nation’s biggest concepts.

The wing chain said Tuesday that it is actively exploring acquiring or building its own “poultry complex” in the next two to three years, to mitigate pricing volatility in its core commodity.

Self-service cases mean big average checks at Paris Baguette, which is rolling out a new prototype to spotlight its top-selling cakes.

Starting Tuesday, the Field Roast Signature Stadium Dog will be available at all 71 locations of the Chicago-based chain. It’s the first plant-based protein at Portillo’s in its nearly 60-year history.

The wing chain, whose stock price has fallen more than 50% this year, is testing “sauced-and-tossed” chicken sandwiches in 11 flavors at 60 restaurants.

The chicken chain said it has raised prices more than 13% in recent months but has taken a phased approach so as not to upset value-minded diners.

WOWorks, the collector of better-for-you fast-casual chains, now operates six brands and plans to have more than 400 locations by the end of the year.

The health-focused chain’s founder, Matthew Corrin, becomes executive chairman, while Victor Diab joins the Toronto-based brand as CFO.

Marketing Bites: The delivery app is seizing on cubicle-dwellers returning to their desks, Taco Bell teams up with Dolly Parton on a musical and more marketing news of the week.

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