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Biography

Lisa Jennings

Executive Editor

 Contact Lisa

Lisa Jennings, executive editor. Lisa Jennings is a veteran restaurant industry reporter and editor who covers the fast-casual sector, independent restaurants and emerging chain concepts. Her experience  includes other industry publications as well as the daily newspaper The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, Tenn., where she was Food Editor. Her work has been cited in the Los Angeles Times, Business Insider, FoodBeast, The Huffington Post, Time.com and more.

Articles by
Lisa Jennings

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Financing

How will Chipotle lift itself out of its sales slump?

The Week in Restaurants: This week’s episode of the weekly restaurant news discussion podcast looks at the fast-casual burrito chain’s tough year, Subway’s franchisee bankruptcy and Yum Brands.

Food

How the MAHA movement ties ultra-processed food addiction to Big Tobacco

Working Lunch: This week's political podcast looks at how HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. could attempt to paint restaurant menus in the same light as cigarettes.

Operations

Sweetgreen jumps on catering bandwagon with new Build Your Own option

The chain unveiled a new format for groups of 10 to 10,000, allowing guests to create an off-premise makeline. It's the latest fast-casual chain to push hard into catering.

Food

Smaller portions could solve Chipotle's value perception problem

The fast-casual chain said the smaller dishes on the protein menu have been a hit, in part as an affordable entry point. It's part of a growing movement, fueled by GLP-1 drug users and others who don't want to spend on food they won't eat.

Financing

After a rough 2025, Chipotle is taking a more conservative approach

The fast-casual chain said same-store sales declined 2.5% for the fourth quarter, with transactions down more than 3%. But CEO Scott Boatwright said the protein push is resonating with younger diners.

Emerging Brands

Former BJ's Restaurants exec Greg Levin named CEO of Starbird

Levin is tasked with leading the "super-premium fast food" chain's next growth phase outside California.

Leadership

Why Hopdoddy CEO Jeff Chandler thinks it's a good time for better-burger brands

The fast-casual chain is planning to accelerate growth after growing traffic during a difficult 2025.

Operations

Chipotle could wrap fiscal 2025 on a positive note, says Placer.ai

The fast-casual chain is scheduled to report fourth quarter and full-year earnings on Tuesday. One research firm said data indicates positive trends in November and December. Will it be enough to end a streak of negative traffic?

Workforce

Restaurant operators across the country plan to participate in general strike to protest ICE

On the day Congress is scheduled to consider funding for the Department of Homeland Security, restaurateurs hope to send a message to Washington and show support for the industry in Minnesota.

Workforce

California Know Your Rights notification laws go into effect Feb. 1

Employers across the state are obligated to ensure workers are aware of workplace protections, in light of the ongoing immigration crackdown.

Food

Shake Shack wants to teach fast-food restaurants how to cook

The fast-casual chain launched a campaign to spotlight the made-to-order cooking that goes on in its units, joining with Chipotle as a critic of assembly line fast food.

Emerging Brands

How to turn a regional concept into a national chain

Former Panera Bread and Tatte Bakery executive Shawn Utke has joined The Friendly Toast as CEO. His plan is to grow this New England brunch-all-day restaurant without killing its welcoming spirit and unconventional vibe.

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