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Heather Lalley

Editor in chief, Winsight Grocery Business

Articles by
Heather Lalley

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Operations

Starbucks rethinks its bathroom policy

In 2018, following a widely publicized racist incident in one of its stores, the coffee giant opened its restrooms to all. But interim CEO Howard Schlutz says a mental health crisis is putting that policy (and worker safety) in jeopardy.

Operations

Shake Shack frustrated by clogs in its new-restaurant pipeline

The burger chain planned to open up to 50 new units this year but has pared that down to 40 to 45 stores because of a variety of delays and slowdowns. Many will have to open in the fourth quarter.

Marketing

Slim Chickens tries to crack the student-athlete partnership code

Marketing Bites: A year after chains could hire college athletes for marketing deals, the chicken brand is launching a five-athlete council; plus more marketing news of the week.

Emerging Brands

Fast-growing Velvet Taco outgrows its HQ

The 33-unit fast casual known for its creative tacos will move into an office space about five times bigger than its current one later this year.

Leadership

Blaze promotes Ed Yancey to chief development officer

Yancey, an industry veteran, has served as vice president of franchise development at the fast-casual pizza chain since 2020.

Leadership

WOWorks adds two chief brand officers

The fast-casual operator, which recently acquired two new chains, has promoted Lauriena Borstein and John Geyerman to each oversee three concepts.

Financing

Despite a record quarter, Dave & Buster’s waits for its events business to pick up

The food-and-games chain reported same-store sales growth of 10.9% over 2019, but food and beverage sales are down and so are special events.

Consumer Trends

Fast-casual customers are starting to expect a drive-thru

As the lines between fast casual and fast food blur, diners are increasingly expecting quick-service convenience at more-polished limited-service chains, according to a new Technomic consumer report.

Leadership

Habit Burger CFO Ira Fils moves to El Pollo Loco

Fils, who had been with the Yum Brands’ burger concept since 2008, has also worked at Mimi’s Café and Rubio’s Restaurants.

Marketing

There’s a battle simmering between Italian restaurants Carbone’s and Carbone

Dallas-based Carbone’s is accusing New York’s Carbone, owned by Major Food Group, of stealing its name and causing confusion in its hometown.

Leadership

Dig hires Tracy Kim as COO

Kim comes to the vegetable-focused, 30-unit chain from fitness app Aaptiv.

Marketing

Ditch the Air Jordans: Wingstop wants you to sport some Lemon Pepper 1’s

The wing chain, turning a viral tweet into reality, created custom sneakers with its green-and-white colors and winged logo. It’s giving them away on social media.

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