February 17th QSR Roundup: Innovation in Cuisine, Influencer Marketing Impact, and The Impact of AI

QSR news for Feb 17th, 2025. We reviewed 21 QSR publications, 6 subreddits, and over 46 articles to bring you the latest. Estimated reading time saved (at 200wpm): 145 minutes. It'll take you only 10 minutes to catch up.

🔥 Spicing Up Menus with New Collaborations

Jersey Mike's Introduces Mike's Hot Honey – Extra Hot

Jersey Mike’s Subs now offers Mike’s Hot Honey – Extra Hot across all locations. This limited-time add-on can spice up both hot and cold subs. With hot honey gaining popularity, featured in the What’s Hot 2025 Culinary Forecast by the National Restaurant Association, Jersey Mike's continues to enhance their offerings with bold flavors.

Rita's Italian Ice Unveils New REESE’S Treat

Rita’s Italian Ice has partnered with REESE’S to create the PB & Toffee Concrete. This indulgent dessert blends velvety Vanilla Frozen Custard, REESE’S Peanut Butter Sauce, and crunchy almond toffee. Customers can also enjoy rewards and exclusive promotions through the Rita’s Ice app.

Sources: QSR Magazine (both articles)

☕️ Coffee Chains and Restaurant Expansions

Ellianos Coffee Expands into North Carolina

Ellianos Coffee is constructing its first location in North Carolina at Mooresville. The drive-thru specialty coffee shop will serve signature lattes, smoothies, and more. The franchisee expressed excitement about bringing Ellianos' motto, Italian Quality at America’s Pace, to the community.

Foodtastic Launches Multi-Brand Restaurant in Quebec

Foodtastic has opened a co-branded location combining Pita Pit, Second Cup Café, and Chocolato. This innovative concept marks Pita Pit's return to Montreal and showcases Foodtastic's expansion strategy. CEO Peter Mammas emphasizes the excitement of offering multiple brands to the local community.

Sources: QSR Magazine, Fast Casual

🍝 Blending Tradition and Innovation in Cuisine

The Sicilian Butcher's Culinary Journey

Chef Joey Maggiore, at The Sicilian Butcher, merges Sicilian tradition with modern innovation. Inspired by personal memories, the restaurant offers authentic Italian dishes like five unique meatballs and charcuterie boards. With four locations and three more opening, the focus is on in-house preparations and imported ingredients, celebrating family heritage.

Source: FSR Magazine

📈 Maximizing Influencer Marketing Impact

Influencer marketing continues to soar, offering brands a high ROI compared to traditional methods. Key metrics guiding these partnerships include:

• User Engagement
• Conversions
• Reach
• ROI

Setting clear goals and using smart metrics can yield impressive returns, with average ROI ranging from $5 to $15 per dollar spent.

Source: BlueCart

🥚 Prolonged Egg Price Surge Expected

Due to bird flu affecting 100 million hens and increasing demand for cage-free eggs, higher egg prices are expected through Easter and into 2025. Operators like Broken Yolk Cafe, where 70% of the menu features eggs, are locking in supply contracts and recommending cost-saving strategies to manage price fluctuations.

Source: Modern Restaurant Management

🤖 The Impact of AI and Tariffs on Hospitality

• Tariffs could disrupt food service industries in Canada and the U.S., leading to rising costs and potential job losses.
• Technology partnerships are crucial to manage costs and improve efficiencies.
• AI is revolutionizing hospitality by enhancing personalized guest experiences, such as menu suggestions based on preferences.
• Automation increases staff productivity, allowing focus on valuable guest interactions.
• Mobile technology, like the GuestX Platform, enables ordering and payments through personal devices, speeding up service.

Adapting to technology is essential for sustaining guest satisfaction and loyalty in a competitive market.

Source: Modern Restaurant Management

🚀 Chipotle's Growth and Kitchen Innovations

Chipotle plans to increase the number of Chipotlanes, enhancing customer convenience and efficiency.

• Reported a 14% increase in net income for FY2024, totaling $1.53 billion.
• Comparable restaurant sales rose by 7.4%, aided by a diverse sourcing strategy amid potential tariffs.
• Opened 304 new restaurants in 2024, with over 80% featuring a Chipotlane.
• Utilizing kitchen innovations like produce slicers and a dual-sided plancha to improve efficiency.

Source: Food Business News

🛡️ Food Safety Enhancements in 2024

Regulatory agencies like the USDA and FDA are intensifying efforts to combat foodborne illnesses, particularly Listeria and Salmonella. Reforms include increased oversight and testing in meat and poultry processing, new training for inspectors, and a focus on facilities with high contamination risks. These initiatives showcase a strong commitment to public health and food safety.

Source: Food Business News

🏷️ Balancing Clean Labels and Shelf Life

Food manufacturers face the challenge of meeting consumer demand for clean labels while ensuring product safety and freshness.

• 63% of consumers focus on ingredient lists, favoring natural options.
• 42% see preservatives as a means to reduce waste.
• Brands embracing transparency gain competitive advantages through loyalty and trust.
• Innovative solutions like cultured sugars and fermentation allow for effective preservation without compromising taste.

Source: Food Business News

🍫 The Romantic Evolution of Chocolate

• Valentine's Day and chocolate's romantic ties emerged in the 1860s thanks to British chocolatier Richard Cadbury.
• Originally, chocolate was a bitter drink called Xocolatl enjoyed by the Aztecs and Mayans.
• By the 19th century, chocolate's association shifted to femininity and became popular among women.
• The introduction of heart-shaped boxes in 1861 marked the start of chocolate as a Valentine’s gift.

Modern traditions include gifting chocolate for Galentine’s Day and celebrating self-love.

Source: Salon

🔄 Restructuring After a Failed Merger

Following a failed $24.6 billion merger, Kroger and Albertsons are restructuring to adapt:

• Albertsons plans to cut $1.5 billion over three years, including layoffs and a new Mountain West division.
• Kroger has initiated targeted job cuts across main offices.
• Leadership changes are impacting upper management at Albertsons.
• Both companies aim to enhance operational efficiency amidst growing competition.

Source: Salon

❤️ A Culinary Love Story

Chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger have built a culinary empire together since the mid-1980s, pioneering Mexican cuisine in the U.S. Their partnership transcends business, rooted in mutual respect and friendship. Both chefs value persistence and leverage their complementary skills to succeed. They opened Alice B., a restaurant celebrating LGBTQIA+ culture, and are committed to sustainability and social causes.

Source: Salon

🦟 AI-Driven Pest Control Solutions

BrightAI Teams Up with Pelsis

• Integration of Technology: Combines high-resolution sensors, cameras, and AI for real-time pest monitoring.
• Market Expansion: Pelsis will expand its digital offerings using BrightAI’s platform globally.
• Proactive Management: Allows tracking pest trends and quick responses through a dedicated web portal.
• Enhanced Safety: Crucial for maintaining safety in food and pharmaceutical industries.

Source: Food Industry Executive

🤝 Strategic Partnerships in Food Industry

Nelson-Jameson Partners with Gourmet Ingredients

• New Alliance: Enhances clean-label solutions for food processors.
• Expertise Sharing: Combines product ranges and culinary innovations.
• Customer Commitment: Aiming to help manufacturers navigate industry challenges.
• Environmental Focus: Emphasizes authentic experiences while tackling food waste.

Source: Food Industry Executive

🎉 Networld Media Group's 25th Anniversary Redesign

Networld Media Group celebrates its 25th anniversary with a sleek redesign of QSRweb.com, emphasizing a cleaner layout for easier navigation on both desktop and mobile. CEO Kathy Doyle highlights a shift towards dynamic content like podcasts and videos to meet evolving readership needs. Additional upgrades across the group's media sites are set to follow.

Source: QSRweb

🏆 KFC Appoints New President

Catherine Tan-Gillespie has been appointed as the new President of KFC U.S., effective April 1. With nearly a decade at KFC, serving as CMO and CDO, she succeeds Tarun Lal, who is retiring after 30 years. Tan-Gillespie aims to drive innovation and enhance customer experiences across KFC's 30,000+ locations in 150 countries.

Source: QSR Web

🍔 In-N-Out Burger HQ Relocation

In-N-Out Burger is relocating its West Coast corporate offices from Orange County back to Baldwin Park by 2029. Owner Lynsi Snyder emphasizes that this move will strengthen the company’s connection to its roots. Baldwin Park is the original launch site of In-N-Out in 1948. An East Coast office is also being built in Franklin, Tennessee.

Source: QSR Web

🍗 Church's Texas Chicken's Hollywood Debut

Church's Texas Chicken made its Hollywood debut in TriStar Pictures' comedy "One of Them Days". To celebrate, they're hosting a sweepstakes where five winners can win $2,500 towards rent. The film features characters who visit Church's drive-thru, discovering the famous Honey-Butter Biscuits. CEO Joe Guith emphasizes giving back to guests in fun, meaningful ways.

Source: QSR Web

🛒 Smart Grocery Shopping Tips Amid Price Surges

Grocery prices have surged by 28% over five years. To manage costs:

• Utilize pantry inventories
• Plan meals in advance
• Be selective with bulk purchases
• Switch stores and build relationships with local vendors
• Visit farmers’ markets for fresh produce and potential discounts, especially towards the end of the market day

Source: Food & Wine

💰 Presidents Day Cooking Deals at Williams Sonoma

Presidents Day weekend offers exceptional discounts on kitchen items at Williams Sonoma. Highlights include:

• Le Creuset's Signature Sauteuse: Now $200, down from $350
• Zwilling Pro Knife: Just $50 (originally $120)
• Staub Deep Oven: $140, slashed from $280
• KitchenAid Stand Mixer: Discounted to $350 from $450
• All-Clad Fry Pan: Now $100, previously $190

Savvy shoppers are taking advantage of these deals to upgrade their cookware.

Source: Food & Wine

📅 Balancing Weekend and Weekday Customers

In a busy restaurant facing long weekend wait times, the owner seeks ways to attract customers on weekdays and manage weekend crowds more efficiently. Strategies include:

• Opening reservations for weekdays
• Offering happy hours and weekday events
• Implementing quick turnover for weekday lunches

Comments from fellow restaurant owners emphasize the importance of efficient staff management and suggest focusing on weekend crowd management rather than shifting customers.

Source: /r/restaurantowners

🍊 Using Bag-in-Box Orange Juice in Restaurants

A restaurant owner inquires about using Bag-in-Box (BIB) systems for serving orange juice at breakfast. Responses vary:

• Some find BIB juice adequate for casual dining establishments.
• Others stress that fresh-squeezed juice is essential for higher-end restaurants.
• Economic considerations arise due to the rising cost of orange juice supplies.

Source: /r/restaurantowners

💳 Cash Discounts and Online Orders

A restaurant owner discusses using a cash discount to encourage cash payments but notes that it may deter online orders. Commenters share experiences:

• Cash discounts may reduce online engagement, as many prefer credit card convenience.
• Suggestions include raising prices uniformly rather than offering cash discounts.
• Emphasis on enhancing online platforms to attract more customers.

Source: /r/restaurantowners

⏳ Managing Heavy Weekend Crowds

Restaurant owners discuss strategies to handle heavy weekend crowds and attract weekday customers:

• Maximizing weekend efficiency by improving staff management.
• Targeting local businesses for weekday promotions.
• Hosting weekday events like trivia or game nights.
• Focusing on quick service and customer flow during peak times.

Source: /r/restaurantowners

🏆 Dealing with Mandatory Tip Controversy

A patron expresses frustration over being prompted for a mandatory 18-20% tip on a takeout order. Community responses reflect:

• A strong consensus against mandatory tipping for takeout services.
• Shared experiences of similar situations.
• Calls for consumer advocacy against such practices.

Source: /r/restaurant

🏘️ Purchasing a Liquor License Business in California

An individual is interested in purchasing a business with a liquor license in California to host events featuring popular bands. Insights from the community include:

• Liquor license prices have decreased post-COVID.
• Licenses are now available for under $150k, down from over $250k.
• Importance of understanding local market conditions and regulations.

Source: /r/BarOwners

🥪 Midwest Pork Loin Sandwiches in Bars

A bar owner inquires if others serve the renowned Midwest-style pork loin sandwich. Responses include:

• One owner offers a standard version of the sandwich.
• Another features four different styles, prepared breaded or grilled.
• Highlighting the regional specialty and its popularity in certain areas.

Source: /r/BarOwners

❓ Bar Owners Answer Customer Questions

Bar owners engage with customers and aspiring entrepreneurs on various topics:

• TV scheduling for games and events.
• Reducing drunk driving incidents through responsible practices.
• The impact of sports betting legalization on bar patronage.
• Testing new concepts with pop-ups or special events.
• Staffing needs and opportunities for temporary work.

Source: /r/BarOwners

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