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Biography

Peter Romeo

Editor at Large

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Peter Romeo is director of digital content of the foodservice group of Winsight Media, with responsibility for the content of Restaurant Business and FoodService Director magazines, RestaurantBusinessOnline.com, and the Restaurant Leadership Conference. The multi-media job caps a 34-year career as a business journalist, including 28 years as a chain-restaurant specialist for such information channels as Nation’s Restaurant News, QSR magazine, and the website of the National Restaurant Association. Romeo’s columns during an earlier stint at Restaurant Business earned him two Jesse H. Neal Awards, business publishing’s equivalent of the Pulitzers. He graduated from New York University in 1979 with honors in history and journalism, and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. He resides in the New York City suburb of Port Washington with his wife, Holly Klokis; four rescued greyhounds; and four ne’er-do-well, slightly nervous cats.

Articles by
Peter Romeo

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Consumer Trends

Burger King, McDonald’s rethink giving away plastic toys

The U.K. operations of each have been targeted by two environmental activists overseas. The oldest of which is 9.

Financing

Darden tries a new remedy for Cheddar’s

After data revealed an unexpected marketing issue for the chain, management pulled back on advertising and started working on an adjusted plan.

Marketing

Checkers settles direct-marketing lawsuit for $3.5M

The chain was accused of continuing to text deal offers to opted-in customers after they had opted out.

Emerging Brands

Full-service chains test-drive a fleet of new growth vehicles

Diversification into new concepts is sweeping through casual dining in particular. Here’s a rundown of who’s trying what.

Food

Panera looks to add a new menu category

The bakery-cafe chain is launching a new line with the addition of warm grain bowls.

Marketing

Cracker Barrel airs its plans as a 3-concept company

Its namesake brand will focus intently on dinner, a bid to build on the success of a new chicken line, while the parent operation tweaks Holler & Dash and works with Punch Bowl Social.

Emerging Brands

J. Alexander’s plans another concept

The polished-casual operator intends to stay in the high end of the casual market with a new steak and seafood venture.

Leadership

Talk about a CEO hot seat

As the new CEO of Red Robin, Paul Murphy is walking into one of the industry’s more remarkable leadership challenges. Here’s why.

Operations

Philly’s salt-warning mandate takes effect

Chain restaurants are required to flag menu items that contain at least 2,300 milligrams of sodium per serving.

Operations

Lawsuit questions legality of drive-thru-only service

An ADA lawsuit alleges that Taco Bell is discriminating against the sight-impaired at night, when only the drive-thru might be open.

Financing

Huddle House agrees to buy Perkins for $51.5M

The purchase will create a family restaurant empire extending to 700 locations and $800 million in annual sales.

Leadership

For Beef ‘O’ Brady’s, rejuvenation is a process

At a time when many chains are searching for a magic bullet, the venerable casual-dining brand has found a reinvigoration takes time and a multitude of efforts.

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