Burgers

Operations

Why Dave Thomas chose square burgers for Wendy's

Reality Check: McDonald's is going to give that shape a try, but for a radically different reason.

Emerging Brands

How Hopdoddy prepared to get acquisitive

The Texas-based better-burger fast casual used the pandemic’s challenges to become leaner and stronger. Then it decided to buy a competitor and it might scoop up more.

The big Burger King franchisee cited labor costs, supply chain challenges and its upcoming CEO’s retirement in giving out retention awards to some top executives.

Willmarth, who most recently worked for Mongolian Concepts Restaurant Group, will oversee day-to-day operations at the nearly 90-unit better burger brand.

Black truffles, cherry peppers, avocado and more are helping the fast casual drive check averages even as margins get hit by soaring labor, food and supply costs.

The better-burger brand had planned to open up to 30 new restaurants this year. On Thursday, the fast casual revised that estimate to 18 new stores.

The fast casual’s same-store sales remained down significantly over 2019, but have improved in October, with suburban restaurants soaring above all others.

The burger chain went takeout only at five locations in Contra Costa County in California over diner vaccine requirements.

The chain’s U.S. same-store sales rose 9.6% in 3Q, a 14.6% increase on a two-year basis, thanks to its chicken sandwich and its Famous Orders platform.

The brand’s same-store sales slowed in the second quarter as its value offers lost momentum and its marketing strategies did not make up for the loss.

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