December 14th QSR Roundup: Revolutionizing Restaurant Experiences through Technology, Leadership and Culinary Innovation

Interviewy Team

Interviewy Team

— 15 min read
December 14th QSR Roundup: Revolutionizing Restaurant Experiences through Technology, Leadership and Culinary Innovation
QSR news for Dec 14th, 2024. We reviewed 21 QSR publications, 6 subreddits, and over 58 articles to bring you the latest. Estimated reading time saved (at 200wpm): 185 minutes. It'll take you only 16 minutes to catch up.

Data Analytics Transforming Fast-Casual Dining

Data analytics is revolutionizing fast-casual dining by enhancing operations and guest experiences. Brands are leveraging advanced POS systems and smart kitchen technology to track performance, forecast demand, and optimize resources, ensuring smooth operations. For instance, Bobby’s Burgers utilizes self-filtering fryers and efficient grills, integrating them with their systems to monitor usage and equipment effectiveness. Sales data helps determine customer favorites and guides branding strategies. While technology is crucial, maintaining the human element of hospitality remains essential for a memorable dining experience. Regular team collaboration and guest feedback ensure consistency and quality across all locations.

Source: QSR Magazine

Leadership and Growth at Rusty Taco

Daniel Smith's journey from washing dishes to becoming the president of Rusty Taco highlights the importance of strong teams and effective processes. Smith, previously COO at Hopdoddy Burger Bar, aims to open 20 Rusty Taco stores annually, enhancing the brand's market presence. Emphasizing a "servant leadership" style, he focuses on building teams that drive the brand forward. Balancing work and family life, Smith integrates both through activities like surfing and CrossFit, while cherishing time with his five children.

Source: QSR Magazine

Mobile Ordering: Opportunities and Challenges

While mobile orders can boost restaurant earnings by up to 30% and are preferred by 71% of consumers, they come with significant challenges. Negative reviews about mobile ordering increased by 50% year-over-year, often citing poor customer experiences during peak times. Successful strategies to overcome these issues include:

  • Collecting customer feedback to make improvements.
  • Enhancing app value with loyalty features.
  • Adjusting in-store operations to better manage online orders.

Chipotle stands out by having separate prep lines for digital orders and even experimenting with robots for faster service, showcasing innovative solutions to mobile ordering challenges.

Source: QSR Magazine

BurgerFi’s New Ownership and Future

BurgerFi has a new owner following its bankruptcy. Happy Asker, CEO of Savvy Sliders, has acquired the brand. Details are pending, but this marks a significant change for BurgerFi, which faced significant sales declines leading to bankruptcy. Now, with 93 locations (76 franchises), the acquisition by Savvy Sliders—known for its growth and reported $47 million in systemwide sales for 2023—may signal a fresh start for BurgerFi.

Sources: Restaurant Business; Fast Casual

McDonald's Unusual Year-End Spotlight

McDonald's concludes a bizarre year with unexpected publicity linked to the apprehension of a suspect in the murder of UnitedHealthcare's CEO. This incident draws attention in an unusual manner for the fast-food chain amidst ongoing industry challenges and shifts. The convergence of criminal news and corporate personalities has left the public intrigued by these events.

Source: Restaurant Business

California’s Heat Safety Regulations for Workers

California has begun strict enforcement of worker heat safety regulations, imposing significant fines on employers who neglect these requirements. Key reforms require:

  • Providing cool water and shade.
  • Training on heat exposure symptoms.

The first penalties were levied on a landscaping company, but similar rules impact all industries, including restaurants, where kitchen temperatures can reach dangerous levels. While the state aims for higher safety standards in response to increasing heat due to climate change, some industry voices caution against uniform policies that may not fit every work environment.

Source: Restaurant Business

Executive Shifts in the Restaurant Industry

There have been notable executive changes in the restaurant industry:

  • Tony Darden becomes CMO at Luna Grill after leaving his position as COO at Portillo's.
  • Billy Grenham is appointed as Luna Grill's first-ever Chief Marketing Officer to spearhead brand growth.
  • Luna Grill plans aggressive expansion, aiming to open a new restaurant every other month in 2025.

These shifts reflect strategic moves by restaurants to strengthen leadership teams and drive growth.

Source: Restaurant Business

Creating Immersive Dining Experiences

Cloak & Petal in San Diego blends Japanese-inspired design with culinary creativity to offer a transportive atmosphere. The vibrant cherry blossom tree and artistic décor create an immersive experience for diners. Chef Robert Cassidy integrates innovative rolls and cocktails into a menu that stands out in a competitive market like Little Italy. His culinary background and mentorship approach highlight his passion for the industry. The restaurant thrives on community engagement and quarterly menu updates, ensuring a fresh dining experience with each visit.

Source: FSR Magazine

DoorDash Implements Stricter Identity Checks

DoorDash is tightening identity verification for its delivery workers:

  • About 150,000 workers are required to verify their identities weekly.
  • The number of disqualified workers due to failed identity checks has doubled since last year.
  • These measures aim to combat account sharing and enhance consumer confidence.

Brad Rosenthal, director of Dasher Integrity, notes that approximately 4,600 attempts per week are blocked from workers who previously failed identity checks. The company utilizes machine learning technology to flag potential risks, with new identity checks triggered by anomalous logins and suspicious activity. The program is live in cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, with plans to expand in 2025.

Source: Restaurant Dive

Convenience stores are enhancing their fresh food offerings in 2024:

  • 7-Eleven is launching a larger food-focused design, expecting to open hundreds of stores.
  • Competitors like Alimentation Couche-Tard are leveraging energy drinks to attract customers, with unit sales growing by 7.5% year-over-year.

New foodservice concepts include:

  • Onvo’s Food on the Fly, introducing Craveritos and bowls for various meal times.
  • Rebel Convenience Stores launching Hatch Chicken Co., planning 20 locations by next year.

Innovative offerings:

  • Twice Daily added customizable wraps.
  • BP revamped menus across multiple brands.
  • Rutter's is pushing limited-time offers, including Mexican burritos.

Unique partnerships with eateries like Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill and Huddle House are expanding options for customers, elevating the c-store dining experience.

Source: Restaurant Dive

The Gap in Vegan Options at Restaurants

Despite increasing demand for vegan and vegetarian dishes, many restaurants still fall short. Key insights include:

  • Only 4% of Americans identify as vegetarian, but interest in plant-based meals is rising.
  • Chefs recognize the importance of catering to diverse diets; for example, Sour Duck Market in Austin focuses on local farm produce for vegan items.
  • Mid-City in Cincinnati has become a go-to for vegans due to its adaptable menu and separate fryer for vegan dishes.
  • Consumers often exit restaurants with limited options, as lack of explicit labeling makes it challenging for vegans to navigate menus.
  • Feedback loops exist where poorly executed vegan dishes lead chefs to believe there's no demand for them.
  • Notable chefs express a growing willingness to accommodate vegan diners, but clear communication from restaurants is essential for improvement.

Source: Eater

Viral Interest in 'Pizza Beans'

A unique turn of events has brought attention to "pizza beans," a cheesy, tomato-based casserole:

  • Luigi Mangione, a 26-year-old accused of killing UnitedHealth CEO Brian Thompson, made headlines not just for his actions but for requesting "pizza beans" in prison.
  • The recipe, created by Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen, gained popularity online.
  • Perelman was surprised her recipe made it to a prison menu, emphasizing no support for violence while appreciating the humor.
  • The case has sparked discussions about inmate welfare and food quality in prisons, where over 62% lack fresh vegetables.
  • Viral interest in pizza beans may bring attention to prison food conditions, with hopes for better meals for inmates.

Source: Eater

Semi-Homemade Dessert Hacks for the Holidays

This holiday season, simplify baking with these semi-homemade dessert recipes using store-bought ingredients:

  • Tiramisu: Easy assembly with mascarpone, cream, vanilla, and brewed espresso; requires an overnight chill.
  • Icebox Cake: A 20-minute assembly of graham crackers and cream, allowing for creative winter decorations on top.
  • Pumpkin Pie: Simplified using a pre-made graham cracker crust and canned pumpkin puree.
  • Trifle: A festive layered dessert combining cake, cream, and fruit, garnished with whipped cream.
  • Semifreddo: A sophisticated, simpler alternative to ice cream, customizable with jams, nuts, and fancy garnishes.

These recipes balance ease and elegance, ensuring anyone can impress guests with minimal effort.

Source: Eater

Technological Innovations in Self-Service

Steven King, CEO of Blue Sky Robotics, shared insights on automation, robotics, and AI:

  • Emphasized incremental innovation over radical changes.
  • Highlighted the importance of understanding customer needs and differentiating between lasting trends and fleeting fads.
  • Robotics should augment human labor to enhance customer service, not replace it.
  • Cautioned against humanoid robots, suggesting task-specific designs are more efficient.
  • Discussed the transformative potential of AI and the necessity of pinpointing specific applications.
  • Addressed ethical challenges of AI, emphasizing the need for auditing data for fairness and accuracy.
  • Urged for technology that enhances user experience without adding complexity.
  • Acknowledged job displacement but highlighted potential for reallocation of workers to creative roles.
  • Compared robotics adoption in the U.S. versus Asia, attributing slower U.S. growth to cultural and regulatory factors.
  • Called for intentional innovation, promoting small-scale testing before full implementation, always focusing on customer experience.

Source: Networld Media Group

Gong Cha’s Kiosk Expansion in the U.S.

Gong cha, a Taiwanese bubble tea brand with over 2,200 locations globally, is enhancing its U.S. presence by integrating self-service kiosks:

  • Kiosks now manage over 50% of all U.S. transactions.
  • Particularly caters to tech-savvy Gen Z consumers who appreciate interactive and customizable ordering.
  • Key benefits include improved customer experience, increased efficiency, valuable data insights, and contactless service.
  • The brand's robust mobile app complements the kiosks, allowing pre-orders and rewards.
  • Plans to utilize AI and machine learning for further personalization and operational optimization.

Source: Kiosk Marketplace

Moe’s Southwest Grill Expands to Arizona

Moe's Southwest Grill, owned by GoTo Foods, is making its debut in Arizona with a new location at Pebble Creek Marketplace:

  • First of five planned spots by franchisees Tony and Namit Mangat.
  • The Mangats bring a diverse background in real estate, construction, and trucking.
  • Namit Mangat expresses excitement about delivering Moe's quality southwestern cuisine to the Goodyear community.
  • Founded in 2000, Moe's has grown significantly, boasting around 600 locations nationally.

Source: Fast Casual

Optimizing Food Order Receiving in Restaurants

Proper food order receiving is critical for restaurant success, preventing financial losses from inventory errors. Key procedures include:

  • Verifying delivery schedules and inspecting delivery trucks.
  • Checking purchase orders and assessing the quality of products.
  • Monitoring temperatures of perishables.
  • Accurate documentation enhances accountability and inventory management.
  • Comprehensive staff training and ongoing sessions ensure effectiveness.
  • Designated team members responsible for receiving orders.
  • Monitoring performance helps in continuous improvement, ultimately safeguarding food quality and reducing waste.

Source: Total Food Service

The Impact of Tableware on Dining Experiences

Selecting the right tabletop elements is crucial in the restaurant industry:

  • Tableware shapes diners' impressions, contributing to brand identity and visual storytelling.
  • RAK Porcelain USA offers high-quality, durable tableware to enhance dining experiences and support operators.
  • A new podcast collaboration between RAK and Walk-In Talk Media provides insights on effective tabletop strategies.
  • Chefs Jeffrey Schlissel and Sean “Pooch” Rivera share knowledge on the impact of tableware in dining.
  • RAK's designs are versatile for various settings, from fine dining to corporate cafeterias.
  • The goal is to empower chefs, focusing on both form and function to create memorable dining experiences.
  • RAK invites foodservice operators to explore their extensive portfolio and provides personalized consultations.

Source: Total Food Service

Rise of Organic Produce in Restaurants

With the growing demand from health-conscious consumers, organic produce is on the rise:

  • Defining Organic: Grown without synthetic pesticides or GMOs; adheres to USDA standards.
  • Business Advantages:
    • Boosts brand awareness.
    • Offers a competitive edge.
    • Enhances culinary flavor.
    • Strengthens local communities.
  • Marketing Opportunity: Highlighting sustainable practices can attract health-focused customers.
  • Challenges:
    • Higher price tag.
    • Shorter shelf life.
    • Potentially affects profit margins and distribution.

Source: BlueCart

The dining landscape is evolving with several exciting trends:

  • Bold Flavors: Expect mini cocktails, coffee rubs, miso-infused dishes, and charred citrus on menus.
  • Dining Experience: Post-pandemic, people seek meaningful dining experiences that emphasize connection and celebration.
  • Social Yards: New spaces with outdoor dining, games, and live entertainment, fostering community.
  • Progressive Dining Nights: Multi-course meals across different locations make dining an engaging adventure.
  • Food Halls Return: Modern food halls mix variety and quality, featuring artisanal vendors in vibrant settings.
  • Interactive Chef’s Counters: Diners watch chefs cook while engaging with their stories.
  • Family-Style Dining: Large shared platters encourage meaningful conversations and connections.

In 2025, dining is about reconnection through food, prioritizing shared experiences and community.

Source: Modern Restaurant Management

Festive Holiday Menu Innovations

Restaurants are introducing exciting limited-time holiday menu offerings:

  • Krispy Kreme: "Merry Grinchmas Doughnut Collection" with creatively themed donuts like the Grinch donut and Cindy-Lou Who Merry Berry Tree donut.
  • Noodles & Co.: Celebrates with CrispiDays, featuring unique crispy treat varieties such as S'mores and Chocolate Peppermint.
  • Paris Baguette: Offers a range of festive cakes to add warmth and joy to the holiday season.

These innovations aim to attract customers during the festive season with unique and delightful options.

Source: Food Business News

Richardson International Expands Oat Processing

Richardson International Ltd. is expanding its oat mill and processing plant in South Sioux City, Nebraska:

  • Planning to double granola packaging capabilities.
  • Aims to enhance production and meet customer needs.
  • Reflects a commitment to customers, staff, and the local community.
  • Plans to hire more production employees.
  • With a capacity of 6,200 cwts and 4 million bushels of storage, Richardson solidifies its status as the largest oat miller in North America since starting operations in 2013.

Source: Food Business News

Cheerios Introduces Protein-Rich Cereal

General Mills launches Cheerios Protein, targeting health-conscious consumers seeking more dietary protein:

  • Addresses the 71% of consumers trying to increase protein intake.
  • Designed with families in mind.
  • Features flavors like cinnamon and strawberry.
  • Will retail for $5.39 starting the end of December.

Source: Food Business News

Dr. G’s Creations Rebrands and Expands Leadership

Dr. G's Creations changes its name to Dr. G's Ingredients to reflect a modernized brand focused on enhancing protein for customers. New leadership appointments include:

  • Christine Alvarado as Chief Scientific Officer.
  • Mike Cicatiello as Chief Growth Officer.
  • Jared Hilcock as Vice President of Supply Chain.
  • Elizabeth Sherwood as Vice President of Finance.

Established in 2008 and majority-owned by Arbor Investments since 2021, the company aims to impress customers with premium ingredients and exceptional service.

Source: Food Business News

Garlic Bread Giants Merge: Furlani Foods Acquires Cole’s Quality Foods

Furlani Foods is set to acquire Cole’s Quality Foods, merging two top brands in the garlic bread market:

  • Acquisition Expected: Closure in Q1 2025.
  • Cole’s History: Founded in 1943, pioneered frozen garlic bread in North America.
  • Product Offerings: Includes frozen garlic bread, Texas toast, and breadsticks.
  • CEO Statement: Jonathan Kawaja highlights the merger's potential for expanded product lines and improved service.
  • Furlani’s Background: Founded in 1984, offers a variety of garlic bread products for retailers and foodservice.
  • Operational Facilities: Furlani operates baking plants in Wisconsin and Ontario.

This merger aims to enhance growth and customer offerings in the garlic bread category.

Source: Food Business News

Kroger terminates its $24.6 billion deal to acquire Albertsons following legal challenges from the FTC:

  • The merger was deemed to potentially raise grocery prices and reduce consumer choices.
  • Kroger faces a breach-of-contract lawsuit.
  • Will focus on a robust share buyback program and growth strategies.
  • Continues investments in lower prices and employee wages.

Source: Food Business News

GLP-1 Friendly Options from Conagra Brands

Conagra Brands introduces an 'on track' badge for 26 Healthy Choice items, highlighting their GLP-1 friendly attributes:

  • High protein, low calories, and fiber-rich.
  • Approximately 15 million US adults use GLP-1 medications for type 2 diabetes and weight management.
  • Initial products include Healthy Choice Café Steamers and Simply Steamers, priced at $3.49 and $3.99, respectively.
  • Other brands like Smoothie King and Nestle are also targeting this market with specialized meals and menus.

Source: Food Business News

Califia Farms Launches Single-Serve Almond Lattes

Califia Farms introduces single-serve options for popular Matcha Almond Latte and Chai Almond Latte:

  • Sugar Reduction: Both beverages have 40% less sugar than typical coffee and tea blends.
  • Nutritional Info:
    • Matcha Almond Latte contains 13 grams of sugar.
    • Chai Almond Latte has 11 grams.
  • Convenient Packaging: Available in 10.5-oz. bottles for $3.49 at Whole Foods Market.

Source: Food Business News

Best Day Brewing’s Galaxy Ripple IPA Launch

Best Day Brewing releases a limited-time non-alcoholic IPA called Galaxy Ripple:

  • Available through winter.
  • Features a blend of peach, pineapple, passion fruit, and pine flavors.
  • Balances malt sweetness with hop bitterness.
  • The brand's fifth seasonal release, positioned as a refreshing option for colder months.
  • Can be purchased online and at retailers nationwide.

Source: Food Business News

Remembering Chef Mahmoud Almadhoun

Chef Mahmoud Almadhoun was tragically killed in a targeted drone strike on November 30:

  • Co-founder of the Gaza Soup Kitchen, dedicated his life to uplifting the community.
  • Provided meals, opened a medical clinic, and established a small school for displaced individuals in northern Gaza.
  • His death was a deliberate message against humanitarian efforts, according to his brother Hani.
  • The Gaza Soup Kitchen continues to embody their commitment to serve despite adversity.

Source: Salon

MadeGood Granola Bar Recall Due to Contamination

Riverside Natural Foods has recalled multiple batches of MadeGood granola bars due to potential contamination with pieces of metal:

  • Affected flavors include Chocolate Chip, Mixed Berry, Strawberry, Cookies & Crème, Chocolate Banana, and various Chocolate Drizzled varieties.
  • Produced from January to November 2024 and distributed widely.
  • Major retailers like Amazon and Walmart sold these products.
  • Riverside identified and resolved the contamination issue in their manufacturing process.
  • Consumers can return the faulty products for a full refund.

Source: Salon

HTeaO Expands in Texas

HTeaO is set to open its first Lampasas, Texas location on December 14, 2024:

  • Franchisee Hayden Hutchens expressed excitement about bringing the brand's iced teas, specialty coffees, and snacks to the community.
  • Grand opening celebrations include:
    • Free tea from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
    • Limited-edition t-shirts for the first 250 customers.
    • Happy hour pricing with half-off teas on opening weekend.
    • Half-priced gallons of tea from December 14 to December 21.
  • HTeaO currently boasts over 100 locations and plans to expand into Tennessee next year.

Source: [Source Missing]

Top Wines of 2024

After sampling over a thousand wines this year, several bottles truly stood out, showcasing the incredible variety available in the U.S. market:

  • 1945 vintage port remains a prized rarity.
  • The abundance of excellent contemporary alternatives is impressive.
  • Tastings at events, seminars, or with winemakers highlight the richness of wine culture in 2024.

Source: Food & Wine

Mastering the Art of Water Baths in Baking

A water bath, or bain-marie, is a French cooking technique essential for even cooking in delicate desserts:

  • Involves placing a container of food in a larger vessel filled with hot water.
  • Prevents cracking in custard-based desserts like cheesecakes and crème brûlée.
  • Steps include boiling water, using foil for springform pans, and carefully adding water in the oven.
  • Enhances cooking for various desserts and is distinct from the double boiler method used on stovetops.

Source: Food & Wine

Amazon’s Holiday Must-Haves for Last-Minute Shoppers

Amazon's gift guide, "The List," features a variety of curated items perfect for quick gifting:

  • Owala FreeSip Water Bottle ($28): Stylish, leakproof, insulated design with options for chugging and sipping.
  • Paris Hilton Air Fryer ($80): Combines style with functionality, featuring eight cooking settings.
  • Great Jones Loaf Pan ($28): Nonstick convenience in a standard size, with color options.
  • Ghia Non-Alcoholic Apéritif ($38): Beautiful presentation and rich flavor, perfect for dry celebrations.

These items are ideal for those seeking thoughtful gifts with quick shipping options.

Source: Food & Wine

Restaurant Management: Handling Call-Offs and Employee Attendance

Restaurant owners discuss strategies for tracking call-offs and incentivizing attendance:

  • Some favor reward systems like gift card raffles for employees without call-outs.
  • Others suggest being strict with documentation and policies, stating that rewarding attendance can backfire.
  • Consensus emerges around maintaining a balance: reward attendance but ensure employees feel safe to call out when genuinely sick.
  • Overstaffing is another common strategy to handle unpredictability, allowing for coverage without penalizing sick employees.

Source: /r/restaurantowners

Impact of Slow Real Estate Market on Restaurants

A real estate professional notes that current sales are the slowest in 35 years, raising concerns about the wider economy:

  • As the real estate sector declines, fewer transactions mean reduced disposable income for consumers.
  • This affects their ability to spend on food and drinks.
  • Commenters debate the relationship between real estate and restaurant sales, emphasizing differing perspectives on discretionary income.
  • The general consensus is that the overall economic slowdown, rather than solely real estate, plays a crucial role in challenges businesses face.

Source: /r/restaurantowners

Frustrations with U.S. Restaurants: Fees, Service, and Quality

A Reddit user expresses growing frustration with dining out in the U.S., highlighting several issues:

  • Junk fees: Dislike for hidden fees related to health mandates and credit card charges.
  • Gratuity expectations: Feeling that 20% is too high as a default gratuity.
  • Service standards: Expectation for better service quality and genuine engagement from staff.
  • Food quality: Noticeable decline in restaurant quality over the years.
  • Price inflation: Questioning whether prices would adjust downwards if costs decrease.

Commenters share mixed experiences, with some agreeing that service and quality have declined, and others discussing the economic challenges restaurants face.

Source: /r/restaurateur

Choosing the Right POS System for Restaurants

Owners seek advice on reducing monthly POS costs:

  • Alternatives suggested include Square, TouchBistro, Clover, SmartTab, and Loyverse.
  • Importance of researching features and integration options based on specific business needs.
  • Recommendations to consider mobile payment options for improved service.
  • Emphasis on being clear about essential features before making a switch.

Source: /r/Restaurant_Managers

Debate Over Fast-Food Chicken Nugget Rankings

A Reddit post ranking fast-food chicken nuggets sparks debate:

  • Many argue that several entries, like KFC and Wingstop, are actually tenders, not nuggets.
  • General consensus that McDonald's and Wendy's deserve higher placements.
  • Chick-fil-A is frequently mentioned as a favorite.
  • Criticism over absence of certain brands like Carl's Jr. and Shake Shack.
  • The rankings ignite passionate discussions among fast-food enthusiasts.

Source: /r/fastfood

Preferences for Onion Styles on Burgers

Users express frustration over slivered onions on hamburgers:

  • Many prefer larger, fresh sliced onion rings for better taste and texture.
  • Slivered onions are criticized for slipping out of the burger.
  • Some suggest cost-saving as a reason for slivered onions.
  • General consensus favors big red onion rings over slivered ones for a satisfying burger experience.

Source: /r/restaurant

Confusion Over Restaurant Tax Calculation

A diner is confused over a restaurant check where the tax appears higher than expected:

  • Points out that the convenience fee was not disclosed before payment.
  • Tips are not calculated on this fee.
  • Commenters provide explanations, such as the service fee being taxable or possible calculation errors.
  • Most agree it's likely an honest mistake rather than malicious intent.
  • Suggest contacting the restaurant for clarification.

Source: /r/restaurant

Balancing Entertainment and Quality in Bars

Bar owners discuss entertainment ideas to attract customers:

  • Suggestions include themed nights, live music, DJ events, and interactive games.
  • Emphasis on not over-saturating the calendar with entertainment.
  • Importance of exceptional food, service, and reasonable prices.
  • Alternative entertainment like Drag Queen Bingo or poker nights.

Source: /r/BarOwners

Papa John’s Strategy to Regain Consumer Trust

Papa John’s is implementing strategies to revive sales after a 3.1% revenue decline in Q3:

  • New CEO Todd Penegor focuses on brand messaging and core menu consistency.
  • Plans to improve core pizza quality, which now represents only 50% of crust type orders.
  • Emphasizes personalized marketing to reinforce the brand's reputation.
  • Initiatives include value offers like the New York style XL pizza for $10.99.
  • Investments in loyalty programs to reward customers more effectively.
  • Targeted international expansion in China, the U.K., India, and Saudi Arabia.
  • Upgrades in digital technology, including app improvements and delivery tracking.

Source: Nation's Restaurant News

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