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Heather Lalley

Managing editor

Articles by
Heather Lalley

Page 35
Operations

Taco Bell tests a subscription taco pass

The Taco Lover’s Pass, currently launching only at units in Tucson, Ariz., is available via the chain’s app and allows the user to redeem one taco per day for 30 days.

Emerging Brands

Ike’s Love & Sandwiches invests in new hot chicken concept

Ike’s executives will now take over development, operations and marketing for three-unit fast-casual chain Bangin’ Buns as it grows.

Operations

Cava is investing $30M in a food processing facility

The 57,000-square-foot facility in Virginia will be used to create and package dips and spreads branded under the fast-casual chain’s name to be sold in grocery stores nationwide.

Operations

Dave & Buster’s posts a record-breaking quarter

“Our brand is back and we are stronger than ever,” the eatertainment chain’s CEO said Thursday, noting the company has emerged from the pandemic hitting new high watermarks on nearly all financial metrics.

Emerging Brands

Pincho gets a $20M investment from the Savory Fund

The money will be used to fuel growth of the Miami-based fast casual, as well as buying out franchisees to convert the eight current restaurants to company-owned stores.

Marketing

Chipotle is rethinking its relationship with digital influencers

The fast casual is creating the Chipotle Creator Class, using TikTok to promote the program, with plans to “redefine the traditionally transactional relationship” between a brand and influencers.

Emerging Brands

How Sam Fox went from college dropout to one of the country’s most successful restaurateurs

In the nearly 30 years since opening his first restaurant, Fox has become a concept developer whose ideas regularly get scooped up by big-time investors and chains.

Operations

Wingstop rolls its Thighstop virtual brand onto its main menu

After launching the virtual concept in June, Wingstop said it was time to offer the bone-in thighs and Thigh Bites on its regular menu. Thighstop is still available via DoorDash.

Leadership

Sweetgreen co-founder and CEO apologizes for comments on COVID and obesity

Jonathan Neman, whose fast-casual salad chain filed to go public in June, said his earlier statement that called for a tax on processed foods, among other things, was “insensitive and oversimplified.”

Workforce

Shake Shack pauses its 4-day work week test

The fast casual had lauded the experiment as a valuable recruitment and retention tool, but blamed COVID for the need to put the program on hold.

Emerging Brands

Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken prepares for big growth

The former NBA star’s fast-casual chicken concept is getting into ghost kitchens, franchising and cruise ships, all the while finding the best ways to leverage its famous founder’s image.

Financing

Private equity firm Sloan Capital becomes an Everbowl franchisee

The firm has signed on to open 50 of the customizable, health-focused bowl restaurants in Texas, starting with a unit in Dallas that’s planned to open later this month.

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