December 17th QSR Roundup: Fuzzy's Tacos, Paris Baguette, and More

Interviewy Team

Interviewy Team

— 7 min read
December 17th QSR Roundup: Fuzzy's Tacos, Paris Baguette, and More
QSR news for Dec 17th, 2024. We reviewed 21 QSR publications, 6 subreddits, and over 111 articles to bring you the latest. Estimated reading time saved (at 200wpm): 400 minutes. It'll take you only 9 minutes to catch up.

New Menu Items and Promotions

Fresh Flavors for the Season:

Tacodeli's Holiday Specials:

  • Tacodeli reintroduces the festive Chile en Nogada, featuring a roasted poblano stuffed with Texas Wagyu Akaushi beef picadillo, topped with walnut goat cheese crema and pomegranate seeds.
  • In collaboration with The Bearded Baker, Tacodeli offers two exclusive holiday desserts: a Margarita Cookie and a Churro Blondie with dulce de leche, available until January 1.

Chopt's Bold Additions:

  • Chopt Creative Salad Co. spices up winter with the Hatch Chile Caesar Salad and the Tinga Hatch Chile Bowl. Both dishes incorporate Hatch chiles, adding a smoky kick to the menu.

White Castle's Festive Freebies:

  • White Castle invites customers in holiday attire from Dec. 21-24 to enjoy:
    • A free small drink when wearing a Santa hat.
    • Three free sliders when donning a full Santa suit!
  • Craver Nation Rewards members can enjoy a $5 meal deal until Dec. 31, featuring sliders and sides.

Taco Bell's Crispy Chicken Nuggets:

  • Taco Bell launches Crispy Chicken Nuggets nationwide, featuring a crunchy coating made from crushed tortilla chips and breadcrumbs.
  • Marinated in jalapeño buttermilk, these nuggets come with new dipping sauces: Hidden Valley Fire Ranch, Bell Sauce, and Jalapeño Honey Mustard.
  • Priced at $3.99 for five nuggets, Taco Bell aims to cater to Gen Z's love for chicken.

Little Caesars Brings Back a Favorite:

  • Little Caesars reintroduces the beloved Stuffed Crazy Crust Pizza for just $9.49.
  • The crust is filled with cheese, brushed with a garlic-butter-flavored spread, and topped with parmesan cheese.

KFC's Saucy New Concept:

  • KFC is launching a new dining concept called Saucy in Orlando, Florida, on December 20.
  • The restaurant offers over 4,000 combinations of chicken tenders and 11 unique sauces, emphasizing an interactive dining experience with modern touches like kiosks and live entertainment.

Sources Used:

  • QSR Magazine
  • Restaurant Business
  • Fast Casual
  • Nation's Restaurant News

Significant Court Rulings:

  • The North Carolina Supreme Court ruled that restaurants forced to close during COVID are entitled to insurance coverage for pandemic-related losses. This decision overturns a lower court ruling and could influence similar cases nationwide.

Changes in Labor Regulations:

  • The Senate blocked Lauren McFerran's re-nomination as NLRB chair, signaling a shift against pro-labor policies. This move may impact unionization rules and labor regulations in the restaurant industry.
  • The Biden administration is set to discard the updated tip credit regulations from 2021, following a federal court's decision. The Department of Labor will revert to the original regulatory text on December 17.

Implications:

  • These legal developments could have far-reaching effects on restaurant operations, labor relations, and financial recoveries related to the pandemic.

Sources Used:

  • Restaurant Business
  • FSR Magazine
  • Modern Restaurant Management

Labor and HR Issues

Starbucks Workers United Take Action:

  • Starbucks baristas, part of Starbucks Workers United (SWU), have authorized a strike vote due to stalled contract negotiations over wages, benefits, and staffing.
  • 98% of voting members support the strike, highlighting frustrations over the lack of a comprehensive economic package after extensive bargaining.

Enhanced Benefits at Starbucks:

  • In response to employee feedback, Starbucks is significantly increasing parental leave:
    • 18 weeks of paid leave for birth mothers.
    • 12 weeks for non-birth parents, including adoptive and long-term foster parents.
  • This move aims to attract younger workers and improve employee retention.

Employee Mental Health Concerns:

  • Restaurant and bar owners discuss challenges with employees facing mental health issues and job-related stress.
  • Emphasis on the importance of supporting staff through resources and clear communication, balancing compassion with maintaining operational standards.

Sources Used:

  • Restaurant Business
  • /r/BarOwners

Technology Innovations in Foodservice

McDonald's Drive-Thru Model 'On the Go':

  • McDonald's launched a new drive-thru-centric restaurant called "On the Go" in Los Angeles, designed for digital and drive-thru orders with no traditional lobby.
  • Features include dedicated food lockers for delivery orders and a separate pickup window for mobile orders, catering to the growing trend of drive-thru and digital sales.

Cilantro Taco Grill's New App:

  • Cilantro Taco Grill launched a digital ordering app to enhance customer convenience and support franchise operations.
  • Key features:
    • Integrated loyalty rewards program.
    • Customized promotions based on customer preferences.
    • Streamlined order management for increased profitability.

Innovations in Produce Technology:

  • Technological advancements like crop monitoring software, supply chain management tools, and eCommerce platforms are transforming the fresh produce sector.
  • Emerging technologies such as AI, robotics, and the Internet of Things (IoT) promise to reshape operations, improving crop management and logistics.

Sources Used:

  • Restaurant Business
  • Fast Casual
  • BlueCart

Signs of M&A Recovery:

  • Mergers and acquisitions in the restaurant sector faced a sluggish pace in 2024, but indicators point towards an improving market due to decreasing interest rates.
  • Analysts predict an increase in deal activity as financial conditions ease.

Restaurant Industry Recap 2024:

  • The year saw a tumultuous period with rising bankruptcies and operational challenges.
  • Cava and Taco Bell stood out with significant growth, while brands like Starbucks, McDonald's, and TGI Fridays struggled.
  • Cava posted same-store sales growth of up to 18%, and Taco Bell thrived with a value menu and innovative items.

Shift in Dining Habits:

  • Consumers are dining out earlier in the week, with Mondays to Wednesdays seeing increases in traffic.
  • Late-night dining has declined, with reservations between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. becoming more popular.
  • 54% of Americans plan to dine out more in 2025, especially Gen Z and Millennials.

Gift Card Sales Surge:

  • Restaurant gift card sales indicate a return to in-person dining, with a 13.2% spike on Black Friday.
  • In-store gift card purchases surpassed digital sales, reversing last year's trends.

Sources Used:

  • Restaurant Business
  • Nation's Restaurant News
  • Restaurant Dive

Rise of Smash Burgers:

  • In 2024, smash burgers surged in popularity, meeting diners' demand for satisfying, affordable meals.
  • Restaurants are offering creative takes on smash burgers, incorporating Thai-inflected and Korean fusion styles.

Taco Bell Targets Gen Z:

  • With the launch of Crispy Chicken Nuggets, Taco Bell aims to capture the Gen Z market, which shows a strong preference for boneless chicken options.
  • Chicken product consumption at fast-food outlets has jumped by 11% since 2019, overtaking beef.

Shifting Dietary Choices:

  • Nearly 19% of consumers claim to eat healthy 'all the time', up from 16% in 2022.
  • There's an increase in consumers preparing homemade meals, reflecting a trend toward healthier eating.
  • Functional claims linked to health issues are influencing purchasing decisions, with a rise in interest in 'all-natural' products.

Dining Trends to Ditch in 2024:

  • Eater highlights trends that should be left behind, such as:
    • Overhyped croissants designed for social media rather than taste.
    • Persistent QR codes replacing physical menus.
    • Limited restaurant hours causing frustration among diners.

Sources Used:

  • Restaurant Business
  • Eater
  • Food Business News

Community and Social Initiatives

Scooter's Coffee Supports Literacy:

  • Scooter’s Coffee partnered with Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) to foster reading among elementary students.
  • CEO Joe Thornton visited Carroll Elementary in Frisco, Texas, emphasizing the importance of literacy.
  • Students received three books each, and a check for $40,000 will be presented to RIF.

Massimo Bottura's Community Kitchen:

  • Renowned chef Massimo Bottura launched a new chef’s collective at Refettorio Harlem, providing restaurant-quality meals to those in need.
  • Open three nights a week at the Historic Emanuel AME Church, it employs chefs to prepare exquisite meals while addressing food waste issues.
  • The Harlem Chef’s Lab will feature cooking events and collaborations among top culinary talents.

Reviving Buffalo's Baking Heritage:

  • Stephen Horton of Miller’s Thumb Bakery starts milling fresh flour daily, using New York-grown wheat.
  • The bakery aims to reconnect locals with Buffalo’s rich bread-baking history and traditional methods.

Sources Used:

  • QSR Magazine
  • Food & Wine
  • Civil Eats

Restaurant Industry Perspectives and Interviews

Chef Eileen Andrade's Culinary Journey:

  • Eileen Andrade blends Cuban and Asian culinary traditions at her Miami restaurants, Finka Table & Tap and Amelia’s 1931.
  • Coming from a family legacy in hospitality, she innovates by fusing diverse flavors, offering unique dining experiences.

Success of Sugar Hill Creamery:

  • Founded by Petrushka Bazin Larsen in Harlem, Sugar Hill Creamery thrives as a family-run ice cream shop with seasonal flavors and a community focus.
  • Operating five locations across NYC, they balance in-store sales and delivery, featuring unique flavors like "What's Up Doc?" and "Nunu's Peach Cobbler".

Chef Shota Nakajima's Insights:

  • Shota Nakajima, a James Beard award semifinalist, emphasizes flexibility and a connection to his Japanese heritage.
  • Known for innovative uses of soy sauce, he integrates traditional ingredients in modern cooking, offering dishes like karaage and miso soup with a twist at his restaurant Taku.

Sources Used:

  • FSR Magazine
  • Salon

Miscellaneous Highlights

Stanley Mugs Recall:

  • 2.6 million Stanley travel mugs recalled due to a burn hazard caused by lid threads shrinking.
  • Consumers are advised to stop using affected mugs and get a free replacement lid.

Hot Ones Sold: A New Era:

  • BuzzFeed sold First We Feast, home of 'Hot Ones', for $82.5 million.
  • The buyer group includes the show's founder and host Sean Evans, along with Crooked Media and Mythical Entertainment.
  • They aim to enhance the brand’s impact as they gear up for the show's 10th anniversary.

Red Wine Headaches Explained:

  • Research suggests that quercetin, a compound in grape skins, may cause red wine headaches, not sulfites or tannins as commonly believed.
  • Recommendations include opting for lighter, cheaper reds, though data is limited.

Sources Used:

  • Salon

Forum Discussions and Insights

Manager vs. Bartender Dilemma:

  • A young operations manager considers switching to bartending for higher earnings.
  • Community advice highlights the importance of long-term career goals and the potential for bartenders to earn more in high-end venues.

Best POS Systems Recommendations:

  • Restaurant owners recommend Toast and Square as user-friendly POS systems.
  • Toast is praised for ease of use and integration, while some express concerns about customer service.

Employee Pay Strategies in Restaurants:

  • Discussions on different pay systems reveal debates between traditional tipping practices and innovative payment methods.
  • Emphasis on aligning pay structures with the restaurant's financial stability and considering higher hourly wages to reduce turnover.

Sources Used:

  • /r/restaurantowners
  • /r/Restaurant_Managers
  • /r/restaurant

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