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Peter Romeo

Editor at Large

Articles by
Peter Romeo

Page 376

The week’s 5 head-spinning moments: The little things

Taco Bell sets breakfast goals, Outback’s Tim Gannon assumes a new mission, Famous Dave’s exits the interior-design business and an acquisition puts a little-known consumer heartthrob on a fast growth track. If that’s news to you, read on.

Inside Panera 2.0

The café chain says it will roll tableless urban formats, pick-up stations, delivery service and several new ways of interacting with patrons.

5 questions not to ask at the NRA Show

The National Restaurant Association’s May convention is an ideal place to find answers to everyday dilemmas. Here's how to avoid being hissed off the trade-show floor.

Bold bids for boosting business

After a shin kick of a winter, restaurant chains are trying all sorts of ways to goose sales and profits. Here’s a sampling from Dunkin’ Donuts, Chili’s, Famous Dave’s and others.

The week’s 5 head-spinning moments: hot openings edition

The week’s hot-openings news reveals more proof of a shift in fast casual, growing interest in Peruvian and why menu transparency may be more of a feint than a fact.

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit puts the "E-" in team

Keeping a franchise system focused on the same priorities can be a challenge, especially when the chain is expanding at a dizzying clip, says Dickey’s Barbecue Pit President and CEO Roland Dickey Jr.

Workforce

The importance of mobilizing workers

Until The Home Depot opened its 500th store, co-founder and then-CEO Bernie Marcus personally trained every manager. “I don’t mean I spent a few hours with them and gave them a speech,” says Marcus, now age 84. “I spent days with them.”

Financing

Subway, Marriott win Leaders awards

The hospitality giants were honored for delivering culinary creativity without sacrifice of profit.

The week’s 5 head-spinning moments: Walmart and the world turning chicken

New details of the retail giant’s restaurant threat was just one of the reasons why chiropractors were exchanging high-fives.

Clocking Chipotle’s standout quarter

Quantum leaps in sales and traffic were only part of the narrative for Chipotle’s most recent quarter. The chain scored significant gains in throughput and customer engagement as well.

The week’s 5 head-spinning moments: Fear and loathing edition

Nothing grabs attention like the fear of being poisoned at restaurants that are worshipped for their quality. Unless you’re talking about a vegan restaurant with ties to a cannibal.

Financing

Movie theater ramps up food sales

Carmike, operator of 252 movie theaters, recently reported a 7.3 percent fourth-quarter increase in sales and a $4.29 average spend per customer at concessions.

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