March 18th QSR Roundup: Farmside Kitchen's Expansion, PepsiCo Acquires Poppi, and Women Leading Restaurant Tech

Interviewy Team

Interviewy Team

— 5 min read
March 18th QSR Roundup: Farmside Kitchen's Expansion, PepsiCo Acquires Poppi, and Women Leading Restaurant Tech
QSR news for Mar 18th, 2025. We reviewed 21 QSR publications, 6 subreddits, and over 85 articles to bring you the latest. Estimated reading time saved (at 200wpm): 330 minutes. It'll take you only 6 minutes to catch up.

Farmside Kitchen's Ambitious Expansion and Fast Casual Growth

Farmside Kitchen is making waves with ambitions to become America's next great fast casual chain, taking inspiration from giants like Chipotle and CAVA.

  • Unique Menu Offerings: Their signature Farmbowls combine healthy grains, fresh proteins, and local produce, setting them apart.
  • Impressive Sales: The Durham location hit $3.3 million in annual sales, outperforming competitors like CAVA and Chipotle.
  • Expansion Plans: Aiming to grow in North Carolina, Virginia, and beyond after validating their concept.
  • Community Focus: Emphasizing a welcoming atmosphere and customer loyalty.

CAVA is also expanding, opening its first Indiana location in Fishers, marking its presence in 26 states with plans to reach 1,000 locations by 2032.

Sources: QSR Magazine, Restaurant Dive, Nation's Restaurant News

Innovative Menu Launches: KFC, Chick-fil-A, and More

KFC has unveiled the Dunk It Bucket, featuring Mashed Potato Poppers—their first new bucket in nearly a decade. 🥔🍗

  • Sauce Enthusiasts Rejoice: Includes Original Recipe Tenders, Secret Recipe Fries, and the new poppers with a variety of sauces.
  • Affordable Indulgence: Priced at $7 for one or $25 for a family meal.
  • CEO Catherine Tan-Gillespie calls it a "crunchy update to a classic."

Chick-fil-A is testing two new desserts: the Icedream Spin and Icedream Float, combining their iconic Icedream with fountain beverages, aiming to capture more afternoon customers.

Sources: QSR Web, Nation's Restaurant News

Mergers and Acquisitions: PepsiCo, Craveworthy, and More

PepsiCo Acquires Poppi

  • Invests $2 billion in Poppi, a low-calorie probiotic soda brand. 🥤
  • Reflects consumer shifts toward healthier beverage alternatives.
  • Traditional soda brands face declining sales due to health-conscious trends.

Craveworthy Brands Expands with Kinnamōns

  • Acquires Kinnamōns, a gourmet cinnamon roll concept founded by Super Bowl Champion Ndamukong Suh.
  • Kinnamōns offers indulgent rolls with unique flavors like Caramel Apple Pie and Maple Bacon.
  • Plans to scale nationally through franchising while maintaining artisanal roots.

Sources: Eater, Fast Casual, Food Business News

Women Transforming the Restaurant and Food Manufacturing Industries

Women Leading Restaurant Tech

Frontline women are reshaping the industry:

  • Erin Levzow tackles outdated technology, emphasizing customer knowledge.
  • Tammy Billings focuses on streamlining data systems.
  • Savannah Schmidt advocates for authentic female representation and mentorship.

Women Enhancing Food Manufacturing

  • Mireya Jimenez increased equipment effectiveness by 7% in 90 days and reduced safety incidents.
  • Shannon Bone reduced landfill waste by 92% and safety costs by 61%.
  • Mallory Chavez improved productivity by 8%, enhancing communication and efficiency.

Sources: FSR Magazine, Food Industry Executive

Tech Innovations Boosting Guest Engagement

Enhancing Guest Feedback

Restaurants are leveraging technology to improve customer experiences:

  • Paytronix and Ovation Partnership: Allows guests to provide feedback via brief text surveys after their visit.
  • Real-Time Insights: Happy guests engage further; unhappy ones offer valuable feedback.
  • AI-Powered Analysis: Categorizes feedback to reveal operational strengths and areas for improvement.

Sources: Fast Casual, QSR Web

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs Remain Legal

  • Despite misinformation, DEI initiatives are still lawful and essential.
  • Compliance with anti-discrimination laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act is crucial.
  • Companies are advised to consult legal counsel regarding their DEI policies amid changing political landscapes.

Regulating "Forever Chemicals" in Packaging

  • Food packaging chemicals, especially PFAS, are under scrutiny due to health concerns.
  • Regulatory agencies aim to implement stricter rules by 2025.
  • Manufacturers urged to adopt safer alternatives like clay-coated paper and seaweed-based materials.

Sources: Total Food Service, Food Industry Executive

Awards and Events: Italian Wine Experience and Design Accolades

Italian Wine Experience at Ferraro's Ristorante

  • Hosting a Taste & Learn event on April 19 featuring wines from Poderi Aldo Conterno in Piedmont, Italy. 🍷
  • Paired with Italian small plates crafted by Chef Mimmo Ferraro.
  • Tickets are $150 per person with limited availability.

Banyan Dining Hall Receives Design Award

  • Banyan Dining Hall at Brigham Young University – Hawaii awarded the 2025 Facility Design Project of the Year.
  • Praised for a design that harmonizes with natural surroundings.
  • Collaboration included university leaders and food services directors.

Sources: FSR Magazine, Foodservice Equipment & Supplies

Restaurant Owners Discuss Industry Challenges

DoorDash and Uber Eats Promotions

  • Many owners express frustration over promotions like buy one get one free impacting profits.
  • Discussions highlight the need for alternative strategies to regain control over pricing.
  • Exploring independent delivery systems and creative discount structures.

Staff Accountability Issues

  • Emphasis on leadership's role in fostering a culture of accountability.
  • Implementing detailed checklists and recognizing good performance.
  • Directly addressing personnel issues to uphold standards.

Hard Money Lending Concerns

  • Caution against high-interest loans and merchant cash advances due to financial risks.
  • Recommendations include networking with local investors and attending lending conferences.
  • Exploring more sustainable financing options.

Sources: /r/restaurantowners subreddit

Kevin Hart's Culinary Adventures and Entertainment Ventures

Kevin Hart Takes on "Hot Ones"

  • Celebrates the 10th anniversary by facing off against fiery chicken wings. 🌶️🔥
  • Promotes his animated series "Lil Kev", showcasing a positive view of North Philadelphia.
  • Emphasizes optimism and the belief that every bad day leads to better tomorrows.
  • Engages in a playful rivalry over tequila brands with Dwayne Johnson.

Sources: Salon

Luckin Coffee's US Ambitions

  • Now the largest coffee chain in China, Luckin Coffee plans a U.S. debut with a boutique location in New York City by 2025. ☕
  • Aims to compete with established brands like Starbucks by adopting aggressive pricing strategies, with drinks priced between $2 to $3.

Leadership Changes

  • A&W Restaurants appoints Amanda Potts as VP of Marketing and Innovation, bringing over 20 years of experience.
  • Dairy Queen names Art D’Elia as COO for the U.S. and Canada, with experience from Domino's Pizza.

Private Labels Gaining Momentum

  • Private label brands see record sales of $271 billion in 2024, a 3.9% increase from 2023.
  • A significant 69% of consumers now view private labels as equal or better than national brands.
  • Retailers like Walmart and Kroger are expanding their private label offerings.

Sources: Restaurant Business, QSR Web, Food Business News, Nation's Restaurant News

Embracing Olive Bar Flavors in Cooking

The olive bar is a treasure trove for culinary creativity, offering more than just olives.

  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add depth and transform dishes like tomato soup, bringing a burst of summer flavor even in winter. 🍅
  • Marinated Feta and Artichoke Hearts: Elevate everyday meals by incorporating these flavorful ingredients.
  • Cooking Tip: Exploring the olive bar can lead to new and exciting ways to enhance your dishes.

Sources: Salon

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