Lisa Jennings

Executive Editor

Articles by
Lisa Jennings

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Operations

Can Smashburger get back on track for growth?

Smashburger's new CEO Denise Nelsen is taking a hard look at the brand and how it can reignite expansion, both domestic and international.

Operations

Danny Meyer wants to bring enlightened hospitality to more than just restaurants

Noted restaurant operator Union Square Hospitality Group's consulting arm Hospitality Quotient has launched a new e-learning platform for a broader audience.

The Dallas-based pizza restaurant operator, which also owns Pie Five, has six new executives in place in preparation for planned expansion.

These three chains are big in Asia and elsewhere, but they opened units in the U.S. for the first time last week. Two are full-service concepts, from China and Mongolia, and a third is an innovative pastry shop from Taiwan.

Panera cafes are open, but digital ordering systems are down, including kiosks in stores. Workers say they have been given no explanation.

Denise Nelsen spent more than two decades at Starbucks, most recently leading U.S. operations. Now she's plotting new business ventures and international growth at the fast-casual burger brand.

The Croatian food engineers at Boogie Lab are bringing an AI-trained "smart fermenter" to the U.S. in partnership with Delmonico's steakhouse co-owner Dennis Turcinovic. Together they will launch the Boogie Bread bakery brand in North America.

Former Wetzel's Pretzels CEO Jennifer Schuler joins the Canfield, Ohio-based Handel's Homemade Ice Cream at a time of growth for the 130-unit franchise chain.

The subscription drinks program that was $11.99 per month is now $14.99 per month, a 25% increase.

An update last week attempts to address lingering questions about what companies would be impacted by the upcoming fast-food wage hike. It looks like Panera Bread is not exempt after all.

The new Cinnabon Swirl concept from GoTo Foods will debut in Hawaii this summer, with a second unit coming to Oregon. It's a mashup brand with its own identity as the multi-brand restaurant franchise platform promotes more co-branding.

The Washington, D.C.-based chain has a (sort of) new CEO who has made lots of changes. His message to workers: Uncover those neck tattoos and crank up the music. You can be you.

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