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Joe Guszkowski

Senior Editor

Articles by
Joe Guszkowski

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Financing

How Panera Bread plans to rise again

The Week in Restaurants: This week’s episode of the restaurant news discussion podcast looks at Panera’s new turnaround strategy, the latest in Cracker Barrel’s logo saga, and Sweetgreen’s pivot to protein.

Financing

Cracker Barrel board member ousted following activist pressure

Gilbert Dávila stepped down after losing a shareholder vote Thursday. It was a win for investor Sardar Biglari’s latest fight against the family-dining chain, but shareholders rebuffed him on other issues, including re-electing CEO Julie Masino.

Consumer Trends

Consumers are still dining out, with some caveats

New reports from Toast, OpenTable and Resy show how diner demands are shifting. Late dinner is out, bar seating is in, and the bathroom better be Instagrammable.

Financing

How AI may, or may not, change the drive-thru

A Deeper Dive: This week’s episode of the restaurant finance podcast examines voice-activated AI in the drive-thru, the most visible use of the technology in retail. But it has its flaws.

Financing

Former Famous Dave's CEO to acquire closed Iron Hill locations

Jeff Crivello will take over 12 of the shuttered brewpubs in a $12 million credit bid. He plans to reopen 10 of them, some under different names, reports said.

Marketing

Culver's unveils first loyalty program, Delicious Rewards

The fast-food burger chain will reward frequent customers with free food and other offers, joining the industrywide shift to loyalty programs.

Financing

Twin Peaks to acquire 8 franchised locations in Florida for $47M

The restaurants owned by DMD Ventures include some of the best-performing of the breastaurant chain’s 114 stores.

Technology

What restaurants should talk about when they talk about AI

Tech Check: The industry is continuing its rapid adoption of AI despite considerable consumer uncertainty about the technology. How can restaurants show that they’re using it responsibly?

Technology

DoorDash to pay $18M to settle Chicago lawsuit alleging deceptive tactics

The city accused DoorDash of listing restaurants without permission and misleading customers about costs. The company has since ended those practices.

Food

Applebee's focus on menu innovation is paying off

A drumbeat of new menu items has helped the casual-dining chain return to sales and traffic growth. See how it comes up with new dishes.

Technology

QR code payments company Sunday raises $21M

After a year of rapid growth, the company plans to use the funding to enter new markets and continue expanding its product suite for restaurants.

Technology

Why so many restaurant chains are revamping their loyalty programs

The industry is in the midst of a great rewards overhaul. Here’s what’s behind it, and why change might just be the new normal for loyalty.

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