January 22nd QSR Roundup: Jason's Deli Debuts Truffle Pasta as Restaurants Go App-Free and Riko's Expands

Interviewy Team

Jan 22, 2025 — 13 min read

QSR news for Jan 22nd, 2025. We reviewed 21 QSR publications, 6 subreddits, and over 66 articles to bring you the latest. Estimated reading time saved (at 200wpm): 250 minutes. It'll take you only 13 minutes to catch up.

Jason's Deli Unveils Cheesy Truffle Pasta

Jason's Deli has introduced a luxurious Cheesy Truffle Pasta, a limited-time dish featuring a rich truffle cheese sauce.

Collaboration: Partnered with The Mushroom Council to innovate this indulgent offering.
Strategic Move: Aims to attract foodies and generate buzz in the fast-casual dining segment.
Flavor Profile: Truffle flavor is known for its luxurious taste, appealing to adventurous eaters.
Previous Successes: Past collaborations hint at strong potential for this new dish.

Sources: Restaurant Business

Restaurants Shift to App-less Loyalty Programs

Many restaurants are moving away from app-based loyalty programs, focusing instead on direct customer data and personalized experiences.

Customer Preferences: Streamlined interactions without app complexities are preferred.
Engagement Strategies: Personalization over rewards might be the new way to retain customers.
Industry Trend: Potential shift in customer engagement strategies across restaurants.

Sources: Restaurant Business

Riko's Pizza Plans Expansion with New President

Riko's Pizza, a Connecticut-based tavern-style pizza chain, is gearing up for expansion.

Leadership Change: Appointed Carl Bachmann as the new president to lead growth initiatives.
Brand Origin: Started to utilize extra space by the owner, now aiming to increase market footprint.
Competitive Edge: Plans to stand out in the crowded pizza market with unique offerings.

Sources: Restaurant Business

Franchising Insights from Freddy’s Frozen Custard

Sean Thompson of Freddy’s Frozen Custard shares valuable franchising strategies during a podcast discussion.

Franchising strategies vary significantly, reflecting each company's unique nature:

Operator Preferences: Companies may favor large operators or smaller franchisees, impacting growth approaches.
Misconceptions: Franchisees can be both local and large-scale; size isn't always indicative of success.
Success Factors: Identifying what works, what doesn’t, and the essential components of a thriving franchise.

Sources: Restaurant Business

Chipotle's Kitchen Upgrades by 2025

Chipotle plans to upgrade its kitchens by 2025 to enhance efficiency and improve the working environment.

Modernization: Kitchen equipment has remained largely unchanged for three decades.
Focus Areas: Improving throughput to meet customer demands and streamline operations.
Employee Experience: Enhancements aim to create a better workplace for team members.

Sources: Restaurant Business

Wahlburgers Closes 79 Locations Inside Hy-Vee Supermarkets

Wahlburgers has closed 79 locations within Hy-Vee supermarkets, signaling challenges in rapid restaurant expansion.

Trend Struggles: Opening fast-casual spots in supermarkets proves difficult to sustain.
Lessons Learned: Rapid expansion requires careful market analysis and planning.
Future Direction: Highlights the risks associated with aggressive growth without solid foundations.

Sources: Restaurant Business

Red Robin's Turnaround Success

Red Robin's "North Star" turnaround plan is yielding positive results.

Customer Feedback: Heartfelt customer letters highlight memorable experiences.
Sales Boost: Same-store sales rose by 3.4% in Q4, surpassing expectations.
Managing Partner Program: Emphasizes operational excellence and business literacy.
Marketing Revival: Increased engagement with local communities and updated loyalty program.

Sources: FSR Magazine

JINYA Ramen Bar Celebrates 70th Location

JINYA Ramen Bar opened its 70th location in Pearland, Texas, on January 29.

The grand opening featured:

Special Offers: First 100 guests received a free bowl of ramen.
Brand Legacy: Founded by Tomo Takahashi in 2010, known for authentic ramen with rich broth and quality toppings.
Commitment: Prioritizes continuous improvement and exceptional dining experiences.

Sources: FSR Magazine

Guard and Grace Steakhouse Expands to Charlotte

Guard and Grace is opening its third location in Charlotte in mid-2026.

Highlights include:

Prime Location: Situated in the Queensbridge Collective, spanning 10,224 square feet on the 10th floor.
Stunning Features: Scenic outdoor dining, private rooms, and a terrace with skyline views.
Renowned Reputation: Known for prime beef, seafood, and an extensive wine selection, receiving accolades from MICHELIN and FSR’s Top 50 Independent Restaurants.

Sources: FSR Magazine

Restaurants Boost Catering Programs Amid Demand Surge

Restaurants are ramping up catering services to meet the booming demand.

Habit Burger: Launched catering in June 2024, seeing consistent revenue and emphasizing local marketing.
Bojangles: Reports incremental revenue growth with strong demand from new and loyal customers.
Market Growth: Global catering services market projected to grow by $103 billion by 2027.
Corporate Catering: Main driver, with average orders exceeding $400 targeting business clients.
Key Factors: On-time delivery, midweek lunches, breakfast orders, and flexible menus catering to dietary needs.

Sources: Restaurant Dive

Panera Bread Appoints New Chief Development Officer

Brian Krause named Chief Development Officer at Panera Bread amid executive shifts.

Responsibilities: Leading new store growth, franchise development, and real estate strategies.
Background: Former roles at GoTo Foods and Jimmy John’s, bringing extensive development experience.
Strategic Focus: Streamlining operations with concepts like digital-only restaurants.
Growth Potential: Aims to enhance market position ahead of possible IPO preparations.

Sources: Restaurant Dive

Hy-Vee Transitions from Wahlburgers to Market Grille

Hy-Vee is replacing all in-store Wahlburgers with revamped Market Grille concepts.

Key details:

Closure: All 79 Wahlburgers to close in February.
Menu Revamp: Affordable prices ranging from $5 to $14, with breakfast launching by February 4 and updated lunch and dinner items mid-February.
Employee Retention: No planned layoffs; staff are undergoing training for the new menu.

Sources: Restaurant Dive

Smoothie King Plans to Open Over 100 Locations in 2024

Smoothie King announces aggressive expansion and new menu testing.

Record Growth: Highest December total with 11 new units opened in the fourth quarter.
New Menu Testing: Power Eats includes toast with various toppings and protein boxes.
Franchise Expansion: Signed agreements in 24 states, entering new markets like Phoenix.

Sources: Restaurant Dive

McDonald's Launches Pokémon Happy Meals

McDonald's introduces limited-time Pokémon Happy Meals with themed boxes and TCG booster packs.

What's Inside: Each meal includes four random Pokémon cards, a poster, and a sticker sheet.
App Integration: Ordering through the McDonald's app grants in-game bonuses for Pokémon TCG, enhancing player engagement.
Strategic Move: Taps into nostalgia to strengthen customer loyalty amid current sales challenges.

Sources: Restaurant Dive

2025 James Beard Awards Semifinalists Announced

The James Beard Foundation reveals semifinalists, including new beverage categories.

Notable points:

New Categories Introduced: Best New Bar, Outstanding Professional in Beverage Service, Outstanding Professional in Cocktail Service.
Focus on Diversity: Aims to embrace diversity and recognize a broad array of talented chefs and restaurants across regions.
Timeline: Finalists announced on April 2; winners honored on June 16 in Chicago, with America's Classics Awards on February 26.

Sources: Eater

Trump Tariffs Could Raise Food Prices

President Trump's planned 25% tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods starting February 1 may impact food prices.

Dependence on Imports: U.S. imports 15% of its food, with Mexico supplying 63% of vegetable imports.
Price Hikes: Foods like avocados and chocolate could see prices rise up to 25%.
Annual Increase: Grocery costs may go up by $185 per household, affecting lower-income families the most.
Trade War Risks: Potential retaliation from Canada and Mexico could lead to a trade war similar to past conflicts with China.

Sources: Eater

Reviving Charlie Trotter's Legacy in Chicago

Dylan Trotter aims to reopen his late father's renowned Lincoln Park restaurant with a modern neighborhood concept.

Chef Recruitment: Interviewed five chefs to reimagine the space.
Honoring a Legend: Reflects on Charlie Trotter's impact on fine dining and culinary innovation in Chicago.
Renewed Interest: Pop-up events by chefs like Grant Achatz have rekindled attention to the location.

Sources: Eater Chicago

Dallas-Fort Worth: A Hub for Restaurant Innovation

Dallas-Fort Worth is a notable birthplace for innovative restaurant concepts.

Key highlights:

FB Society's Business Model: Creates restaurant brands intended for future sale, fostering innovation.
Flagship Ventures: The Ranch evolved into a successful flagship, serving as a test kitchen for new dishes.
Sustainability Efforts: Restaurants like Whiskey Cake championed early sustainability practices.
Expansion: Concepts like Sixty Vines and Haywire are growing beyond Texas, emphasizing local sourcing and modern dining experiences.

Sources: Eater Dallas

Orlando Cat Cafe Franchises Nationwide

Orlando Cat Cafe becomes the first U.S. cat cafe to franchise after eight years and nearly 3,000 cat adoptions.

Unique Experience: Customers interact with 12-20 adoptable cats daily.
Franchise Support: Includes comprehensive assistance from site selection to marketing.
Investment: Initial investment ranges from $412,426 to $643,907, including a $42,750 franchise fee.
Mission: Aims to spread joy, connect communities, and find homes for cats.

Sources: FastCasual

Smalls Sliders Expands to Kentucky

Smalls Sliders plans to open four units in Kentucky, led by entrepreneur Bradley Scott and his team.

Expansion Strategy: Commitment to quality food and community engagement.
Brand Growth: Over 350 locations open or planned, marking significant growth.
Local Impact: Aims to enhance dining experiences across Kentucky with their signature "sliders."

Sources: Fast Casual

Data-Driven Dining: Rasa Partners with Bikky

Washington, D.C.-based Rasa partners with Bikky, a customer data platform, to enhance understanding of customer behavior.

Actionable Insights: Tracks guest ordering frequency, return rates, and menu items driving loyalty.
Rapid Results: Gained demographic insights within four days, allowing immediate adjustments.
Successful Strategies: Introduction of burritos significantly attracted more male diners, outperforming previous top items.

Sources: QSR Web

Toastique Opens First NYC Location

Toastique, a toast, juice, and coffee bar from D.C., opens its first New York City location at 445 5th Ave, Manhattan.

Grand Opening Excitement: Founders Tiffany and Todd Siegel highlight the fresh menu and responsibly sourced ingredients.
Prime Location: Directly across from Bryant Park and the New York Public Library.
Brand Expansion: Founded in 2018, Toastique has rapidly grown across various states with its focus on healthy, gourmet toasts.

Sources: Fast Casual

Ali Group Acquires JIPA for Advanced Kitchen Solutions

Ali Group expands its offerings by acquiring Czech manufacturer JIPA, known for advanced multifunctional kitchen devices.

Flagship Product: JIPA JUMP offers various cooking methods like pressure cooking, frying, grilling, and sous vide.
Strategic Enhancement: Strengthens Ali Group's portfolio in commercial kitchen solutions.
Company Heritage: JIPA has been innovating since 1992, enhancing kitchen efficiency globally.

Sources: Foodservice Equipment & Supplies

Lettuce Entertain You Announces Leadership Changes

R.J. Melman assumes the role of CEO at Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, with Kevin Brown becoming executive chairman.

Continued Expansion: Under Melman's leadership, the company expanded into markets like Austin, Miami, and Orlando, with plans for Nashville and Dallas.
Focus on Growth: Brown to concentrate on Lettuce Consulting, leveraging his experience.
Company Legacy: Lettuce Entertain You remains a family-owned business with a strong reputation in the industry.

Sources: Foodservice Equipment & Supplies

Promoting Wellness Among Restaurant Teams

Implementing wellness strategies can enhance employee well-being in the demanding restaurant industry.

Stretching: Simple stretches alleviate back and wrist pain, fostering team bonding.
Short Breaks: 2-3 minute breaks re-energize staff, benefiting both kitchen and serving roles.
Proper Posture: Correct lifting techniques minimize strain; maintain a neutral spine and engage the core.
Ergonomic Tools: Cushioned mats and lightweight serving tools reduce repetitive stress injuries.
Strength Training: Builds injury resistance and enhances movement efficiency.
Hydration & Nutrition: Staying hydrated and eating well sustains energy levels during shifts.
Mindfulness Practices: Quick breathing exercises help manage stress, creating a calmer workplace.
Supportive Footwear: Comfortable, slip-resistant shoes reduce fatigue and slip risks.
Teamwork & Communication: A collaborative culture enables employees to seek help, reducing injury risks.
Leadership Role: Managers modeling wellness behaviors inspire staff to prioritize health.
Positive Reinforcement: Recognizing health-conscious behaviors encourages a wellness-focused culture.

Sources: Total Food Service

Essential Coffee Shop Supplies

Coffee shop supplies are vital for daily operations, covering everything from disposable items to brewing equipment.

Diverse Product Range: Includes cups, straws, coffee beans, tea, and dairy alternatives.
Sustainability Movement: Shift towards biodegradable and reusable supplies to attract eco-conscious customers.
E-commerce Platforms: Online ordering streamlines wholesale transactions.
Reusables vs. Disposables: Reusable supplies may require an initial investment but can lead to long-term cost savings.
Inventory Management: Efficient systems reduce waste and improve service.
Industry Growth: Booming coffee industry increases demand for specialized suppliers.

Sources: BlueCart

3D Technology Revolutionizes Restaurant Renovations

Restaurants utilize 3D modeling and design technology to optimize renovations and reduce costs.

Budget Efficiency: Reduces budget overruns due to poor planning and miscommunication.
Visualization Benefits: Helps avoid costly mistakes through accurate resource allocation and design visualization.
Enhanced Collaboration: Immersive models allow for real-time design adjustments and teamwork.
Customer Satisfaction: Optimizing space can boost satisfaction by 20%.
Future Success: Addresses modern dining needs like flexible spaces and sustainability, ensuring future success.

Sources: Modern Restaurant Management

Community Food Solutions Aid Wildfire Recovery

In Altadena, Los Angeles, community initiatives support wildfire recovery through food assistance and support local agriculture.

Devastating Fires: Nearly 40,000 acres burned, causing significant loss of homes and livelihoods.
World Central Kitchen: Volunteers distribute meals, emphasizing community solidarity.
Farmers' Market Support: Aims to provide fresh produce to families in need, supporting local farmers affected by the fires.
Community Garden: Historic Altadena Community Garden faces devastating losses, impacting food security; fundraising for rehabilitation efforts is underway.

Sources: Civil Eats

Officials Halt External Communications Affecting Food Safety

Officials in the Department of Health & Human Services have stopped external communications, impacting updates on bird flu and food safety alerts.

Public Health Concerns: Lack of timely updates can hinder prevention of foodborne illnesses.
FDA's Silence: No confirmation on how this affects public information access, raising concerns among health experts.
Importance of Transparency: Government watchdog emphasizes the need for public access to vital health information.

Sources: Civil Eats