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Heather Lalley

Managing editor

Articles by
Heather Lalley

Page 34
Emerging Brands

Why a fast-casual sandwich chain is putting its money behind hot chicken

The latest episode of the “Buzzworthy Brands” podcast features Michael Goldberg, CEO of Ike’s Love & Sandwiches, which recently made a major investment in three-unit hot chicken concept Bangin’ Buns.

Food

Chipotle creates an LTO mashup of two recently added menu items

The chain’s new Quesabrisket features a cheese quesadilla stuffed with smoked brisket, a protein that debuted systemwide last week.

Financing

Portillo’s files for its IPO

The 67-unit concept said it will use the proceeds to pay off $470 million in debt. It adds its name to a growing list of restaurants who are becoming publicly traded companies.

Operations

Independent restaurants remain in crisis mode

There’s little to no post-pandemic recovery for small operators, with the delta variant creating continued anxiety and uncertainty. And winter is coming.

Beverage

A nationwide alcohol shortage is causing headaches for bars and restaurants

Unlike some of the other supply chain issues during the pandemic, low supplies of liquor, beer and wine could have serious impacts on an operator’s bottom line as dine-in service resurges.

Leadership

Marugame Udon hires former Pieology Pizza CEO to lead U.S. growth

Gregg Imamoto is the 11-unit fast casual’s new CEO. He will be charged with expanding the Japanese brand in this country.

Emerging Brands

Hot chicken concepts are red hot right now

Lots of money has flowed into emerging hot chicken chains in recent weeks as the Gen Z-friendly segment readies for massive growth.

Operations

Pie Five, Pizza Inn keep shrinking

Parent company Rave Restaurant Group continues to close units as sales keep declining at its fast-casual and buffet brands.

Leadership

Dave & Buster’s CEO Brian Jenkins to retire

Jenkins, who helmed the eatertainment brand through the depths of the pandemic to a record-setting quarter, will stay on as an advisor with the chain until the end of November.

Leadership

McAlister’s Deli promotes operations VP to chief brand officer

Mike Freeman has been with the Focus Brands fast casual for 13 years.

Food

Chipotle launches smoked brisket nationwide

The rollout follows a 64-unit test of the new protein late last year. The brisket is smoked, charred on the grill and seasoned with smoky peppers and other spices.

Financing

Rapper Drake invests in Dave’s Hot Chicken

The partnership gives the fast-growing fast casual a celebrity boost as the 22-unit concept ramps up for aggressive growth.

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