March 1st QSR Roundup: GoTo Foods' tech overhaul, Red Robin closing 70 restaurants, and Grubhub cutting 500 jobs

QSR news for Mar 1st, 2025. We reviewed 21 QSR publications, 6 subreddits, and over 61 articles to bring you the latest. Estimated reading time saved (at 200wpm): 170 minutes. It'll take you only 16 minutes to catch up.

GoTo Foods' Tech Transformation and Global Growth

GoTo Foods, formerly FOCUS Brands, has rebranded to reflect strong customer loyalty. CEO Jim Holthouser is driving synergy across brands and leveraging shared resources. Despite challenges like inflation and severe weather, the company achieved double-digit earnings growth for four consecutive years.

Key highlights:

• 10-11% sales boost via new technology: Implemented a single point-of-sale system to streamline operations.
• Loyalty program success: Membership grew from 5 million to nearly 30 million.
• Global expansion: One-third of stores are now outside the U.S., adapting brands for international markets.
• Workforce development: Emphasizes the need for a more sophisticated workforce, paralleling past hotel industry transformations.
• Licensing growth: Experienced a 25% increase, making GoTo Foods the second-largest food licensor.

Source: QSR Magazine

Whataburger's Limited-Time Whatacatch Offerings

Whataburger is bringing back its fan-favorite Whatacatch Sandwich and Platter for a limited period from March 4 to March 21, perfect for the Lenten season.

• Whatacatch Sandwich: Crispy wild-caught Alaskan pollock with lettuce, tomato, and tangy tartar sauce. Options to add melted cheese or Creamy Pepper Sauce.
• Whatacatch Platter: Golden fish fillets served with crispy fries and tartar sauce; jalapeños can be added for extra flavor.
• Convenient access: Available for curbside pickup and delivery via the app and website.

Source: QSR Magazine

Wendy’s Milestone: 500th Restaurant in APMEA

Wendy's celebrates the opening of its 500th location in the Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa region, situated in Nagano, Japan. This achievement underscores Wendy's robust international expansion strategy.

Highlights:

• 160 locations in India.
• 200 planned restaurants in Australia.
• Focus on fresh food, modern design, and tailored menus.
• Emphasis on franchise partnerships to fuel regional growth.

Source: QSR Magazine

Rainbow Cone Brings Chicago Tradition to Arizona

The Original Rainbow Cone, a 100-year-old Chicago ice cream staple, is set to open its first Arizona location in late 2025.

Features:

• Signature five-flavor cone: Chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House, pistachio ice cream topped with orange sherbet.
• Ownership includes local enthusiasts with Chicago ties.
• Franchise opportunities promote community involvement and low start-up costs.

Source: QSR Magazine

Del Taco Closes Most Colorado Locations Amid Franchisee Bankruptcy

Del Taco has shuttered all but one of its Colorado restaurants following financial troubles with franchisee Newport Ventures, which filed for bankruptcy.

Key points:

• Newport Ventures couldn't meet financial obligations after acquiring the restaurants.
• Despite over $25 million in revenue, operational issues led to closures.
• Parent company Jack in the Box reported a 4.5% decline in same-store sales.
• Del Taco describes the closures as 'temporary' with potential reopening dates forthcoming.

Source: Restaurant Business

Lil Yachty Launches Yacht Water Tequila Seltzers

Rapper Lil Yachty teams up with Kevin “Coach K” Lee and Sneaky Spirits to introduce Yacht Water, a line of additive-free canned tequila seltzers inspired by Texas's Ranch Water.

Details:

• Made with authentic reposado tequila, no preservatives or artificial flavors.
• Three flavors: Key Lime, Jalapeño, and Sunrise.
• Yachty, previously not an alcohol enthusiast, actively participated in creating this enjoyable beverage.

Source: FSR Magazine

Red Lobster's Ocean Sustainability Challenge for Students

Red Lobster launches an Ocean Sustainability Challenge for middle school students to innovate solutions for ocean health.

• Part of the Seafood with Standards initiative.
• Encourages students to use STEAM skills to tackle environmental issues.
• Submissions due by March 28, 2025.
• Prizes include registration for the 2025 FIRST Robotics competition and trips to meet ocean innovators.

Source: FSR Magazine

Bloomin’ Brands Announces Turnaround Plan Amid Sales Decline

With Outback Steakhouse's same-store sales down 1.8% in Q4, Bloomin’ Brands CEO Mike Spanos outlines a strategic plan.

Initiatives:

• Investing $40 million in remodeling efforts.
• Simplifying menus by 10-20%.
• Partnering with tech systems like Ziosk for streamlined service.
• Anticipates slight sales declines next quarter but focuses on long-term recovery.

Source: FSR Magazine

Red Robin to Close 70 Underperforming Restaurants

Red Robin plans to close around 70 locations, representing 17% of its corporate chains, due to $6 million in operating losses.

Highlights:

• Loyalty membership increased to 14.9 million.
• Revamped rewards program with 25% of visits from new members.
• Introduced promotions like Monster Mondays and $10 Cheeseburger Tuesdays.
• Cost-saving initiatives projected to save $6 million in 2025.

Source: FSR Magazine

Grubhub Cuts 500 Jobs Following Wonder Acquisition

Grubhub has laid off 500 employees, about 23% of its workforce, after being acquired by Wonder.

Key details:

• Aim to streamline operations and focus on key business objectives.
• CEO Howard Migdal emphasizes maximizing potential post-acquisition.
• The $650 million deal aims to make Grubhub a leading mealtime destination, combining restaurants and groceries into one app.
• Recent partnerships with Albertsons and Amazon to enhance offerings.

Source: Restaurant Dive

On-Premise Dining Sees Resurgence

According to the National Restaurant Association's 2025 report, there's a growing trend towards on-premise dining.

Key findings:

• 81% of diners want to visit full-service restaurants more often if possible.
• 60% of QSR operators focus on on-premise dining.
• 90% of fine dining operators stress in-store experiences.
• Cleanliness is crucial: 73% of limited-service diners prioritize it.
• 70% of adults, including 79% of Gen Z, are interested in tasting events.
• Enhancing ambiance and culture is essential for customer retention.

Source: Restaurant Dive

Eater's 2024 Food Movie Awards

Eater celebrates the best cinematic food moments of 2024 with its own awards.

Highlights:

• Dennis Quaid's shrimp-eating scene in 'The Substance' deemed unsettling yet memorable.
• Churro representation in 'Challengers' brings humor.
• Heartwarming candy-sharing moment in 'Hard Truths' showcases emotional depth.
• Awards capture the creative use of food in storytelling, from comedic to dramatic.

Source: Eater

John Boos Cutting Boards Deals at Wayfair

Wayfair's spring sale offers significant discounts on coveted John Boos cutting boards.

Details:

• Known for thick, antibacterial maple wood and durability.
• Discounts include a 20-inch, 1.25-inch thick maple board at 29% off.
• A reversible 1.4-inch thick smaller board at 70% off, ideal for limited spaces.
• Investing in a John Boos board is seen as a lifetime kitchen asset.

Source: Eater

Chefs Share Their Preferred Kitchen Footwear

Top New York chefs discuss their favorite kitchen shoes for comfort and safety.

Insights:

• Durability and comfort are top priorities.
• Slip-resistant soles are essential for safety.
• Favored brands include Dansko, Crocs, and Nike.
• Some chefs customize their footwear for added support.

Source: Modern Restaurant Management

New Beverage Innovations Hit the Market

A variety of new beverages are launching to cater to diverse tastes.

Highlights:

• Spindrift SODA: Five flavors with real ingredients and no added sugars.
• Clean Simple Eats: Frosted lemonade clear protein soda with 20 grams of whey protein.
• Simply's prebiotic sodas: Made with real fruit juice, prebiotic fiber, vitamin C, and zinc.
• Targeted towards health-conscious consumers seeking familiar brands with wellness benefits.

Source: Food Business News

Leadership Changes at J.M. Smucker Co.

J.M. Smucker Co. promotes Judd Freitag to senior VP and general manager of Pet and Sweet Baked Snacks.

Details:

• Succeeds Dan O’Leary, who is leaving the company.
• Freitag has over 15 years at Smucker and previously led a turnaround in the Pet unit.
• Aims to advance the Sweet Baked Snacks strategy for the Hostess brand.
• Focus on growth through innovation and portfolio evolution.

Source: Food Business News

Nestle Introduces Ranch-Inspired DiGiorno Pizzas

Nestle launches two new DiGiorno pizzas featuring Hidden Valley Ranch flavors.

Products:

• Spicy Rancheroni: Spicy Buffalo-style ranch sauce, zesty pepperoni, jalapeños, mozzarella on thin crust.
• Chicken Bacon Ranch Stuffed Crust: Bacon and cheese-stuffed crust, grilled chicken, ranch sauce, topped with Hidden Valley seasoning.
• Pricing: Spicy Rancheroni at $6.99, stuffed crust pizza at $9.49.
• Availability: Spicy Rancheroni at Kroger in March, stuffed crust nationwide in April.

Source: Food Business News

Corbion Reports Financial Growth Amid Emulsifier Sale

Corbion's FY 2024 highlights include a 1.9% sales increase to €1.29 billion.

Key points:

• Adjusted EBITDA up 25% to €175 million.
• €362 million from selling its emulsifier business.
• Health & Nutrition segment saw 19% organic sales increase.
• Plans for 2-6% volume/mix growth and over 25% EBITDA growth in FY 2025.

Source: Food Business News

USDA Unveils $1 Billion Plan to Combat Bird Flu

The USDA announces a substantial investment to address HPAI and high egg prices.

Initiatives:

• $500 million for biosecurity measures to protect farms.
• Free audits for affected producers, covering 75% of biosecurity costs.
• $400 million for indemnifying producers required to cull flocks.
• Exploring vaccines and therapeutics with $100 million allocated.
• Egg prices have soared, with retail prices increasing 13.8% in January 2024.

Source: Food Business News

Smucker Takes $1 Billion Impairment Charge Due to Hostess Acquisition

J.M. Smucker Co. reports almost $1 billion in non-cash impairment charges linked to the Sweet Baked Snacks sector and Hostess brand.

Details:

• $794 million charge for Sweet Baked Snacks goodwill.
• $208 million charge for Hostess trademark.
• Sweet Baked Snacks sales dropped 8% to $279 million.
• Company faced a $662 million loss, compared to a $120 million profit last year.
• Plans to refocus on core brands and improve distribution.

Source: Food Business News

Beyond Meat Restructures and Exits China to Cut Costs

Beyond Meat is taking significant steps to reduce expenses, including layoffs and exiting China.

Key points:

• Laying off approximately 17% of non-production workforce.
• Recorded a $160.4 million loss in 2024, improved from $334.2 million loss in 2023.
• Annual sales fell 5% to $326.5 million.
• Q4 sales grew 4%, indicating potential recovery.
• Expects 2025 sales between $320-$335 million.

Source: Food Business News

Unilever Appoints Fernando Fernandez as New CEO

Unilever announces Fernando Fernandez as the new CEO, effective March 1, succeeding Hein Schumacher.

Highlights:

• Fernandez was the former CFO and contributed to the Growth Action Plan.
• Ian Meakins, chairman, praised Schumacher's strategic contributions.
• Srinivas Phatak becomes acting CFO during the search for a permanent successor.

Source: Food Business News

Chef Joe Flamm Fuses Italian and Croatian Cuisine

Joe Flamm, winner of 'Top Chef' Season 15, celebrates his heritage through his Chicago restaurants Rose Mary and il Carciofo.

Insights:

• Rose Mary offers "Adriatic drinking food" blending Italian and Croatian flavors.
• il Carciofo focuses on Roman cuisine and hospitality.
• Flamm values local sourcing and importing traditional Croatian ingredients.
• Emphasizes similarities and differences between Croatian and Italian cuisines.
• Sustainability and relationships with farmers are key to his approach.

Source: Salon

DoorDash Settles for $17 Million Over Misleading Tipping Practices

DoorDash agrees to pay nearly $17 million to settle claims of misleading consumers and withholding delivery drivers' tips.

Details:

• From May 2017 to September 2019, customer tips were used to subsidize workers' base pay.
• Attorney General Letitia James criticized the practice as unfair and misleading.
• DoorDash states that the allegations pertain to an old pay model no longer in use.
• Settlement includes $16.75 million in restitution and up to $1 million for fees.

Source: Salon

Subway Revives $6.99 Footlong Deal

Subway brings back its popular $6.99 footlong deal for a limited time through the app or website.

Key points:

• Applies to any footlong sub.
• Doug Fry emphasizes catering to budget-conscious consumers.
• Subway continues its commitment to value with nearly 37,000 locations worldwide.

Source: QSR Web

William DiPaola's Vision for Empowering Entrepreneurs

William DiPaola, President of The Lime Truck, is set to moderate a session at the Restaurant Franchising & Innovation Summit.

Highlights:

• Over 30 years of restaurant and franchising experience.
• The Lime Truck is preparing for franchising in 2024, focusing on underserved communities.
• DiPaola mentors successful entrepreneurs and believes in sticking to one's ideals.
• Outside of work, he enjoys jump rope and supports the Career Immersion Leadership Institute.

Source: QSR Web

Gumbo: Louisiana's Cultural Stew

Gumbo is a hearty stew from Louisiana that embodies African, Native American, and European culinary influences.

Key aspects:

• Origins trace back to enslaved Africans who introduced okra.
• Creole gumbo often includes seafood and sausage.
• Cajun gumbo features a darker roux with smoked sausage and fowl.
• Variations include shrimp, oysters, and green gumbo served during Lent.

Source: Food & Wine

Enhancing Marinara Sauce for Quick Meals

High-quality marinara sauce, like Rao's, can elevate dishes without lengthy cooking times.

Tips:

• Use pre-seasoned sauces for added flavor.
• Ideal for vodka sauces, baked shells, and lasagna.
• Add ingredients like harissa or hot honey for a twist.

Source: Food & Wine

Luxury Coffee Experience at Simple Kaffa

Berg Wu, World Barista Champion, offers an exclusive coffee tasting at Simple Kaffa in Taipei.

Highlights:

• 90-minute tasting of single-origin coffees.
• Features the $635 Elida Estate Best of Panama Gesha coffee.
• Wu roasts beans in small batches for quality.
• Appeals to luxury coffee enthusiasts seeking unique experiences.

Source: Food & Wine

Debate Over Toast POS Costs for Small Restaurants

A discussion among restaurateurs questions the monthly $220 Toast POS fee for a small lunch spot.

Insights:

• Many find the cost high for $200k annual sales.
• Suggestions to consider cheaper alternatives like Square.
• Toast's functionality may be better suited for larger establishments.
• Importance of evaluating POS systems based on business size and needs.

Source: /r/restaurateur

Concept of Rating Restaurant Guests Sparks Debate

A proposal suggests a platform where restaurant staff can rate guests to identify bad tippers or problematic behavior.

Reactions:

• Mixed feelings among commenters.
• Concerns about legality and practicality.
• Some note that high-end restaurants already use guest tracking practices.
• Discussion around privacy and potential pettiness.

Source: /r/Restaurant_Managers

Managing Tip Pooling with QR Code Ordering

A beer garden seeks advice on handling tip pooling with new QR code ordering systems.

Advice:

• Assign values to different job positions.
• Use spreadsheets to calculate tips based on hours worked.
• Clarify who participates in tip sharing.
• Importance of a fair and transparent system with the new service model.

Source: /r/Restaurant_Managers

Popeyes Reintroduces Shrimp Tackle Box and Flounder Fish Sandwich

Popeyes announces the return of popular seafood items starting March 3, 2025.

Customer sentiments:

• Excitement over the flounder sandwich's return.
• Discussion on why fish items aren't offered year-round.
• Recognition of increased demand during Lent.

Source: /r/fastfood

McDonald's Promises No Egg Surcharge Amid Shortage

McDonald's commits to not adding an egg surcharge despite nationwide shortages.

Community reactions:

• Skepticism about potential hidden price increases.
• Comments on McDonald's pricing strategies.
• Some joke about the quality of McDonald's eggs.

Source: /r/fastfood

Shake Shack Tests French Onion Burger

Shake Shack introduces a new French Onion Burger in select locations.

Feedback:

• Enthusiasm for the flavor concept.
• Frustration over limited availability.
• Desire for nationwide release.

Source: /r/fastfood

Red Robin's Buzzer Beater Bacon Cheeseburger Promotion

Red Robin offers the Buzzer Beater Bacon Cheeseburger from March 3 to April 7, 2025.

Customer reactions:

• Interest in the six slices of cheese.
• Criticism over pricing and health considerations.
• Comparisons to other burger chains' offerings.

Source: /r/fastfood

Mixed Reviews on Taco Bell's New Crunchwrap Sliders

Taco Bell releases Crunchwrap Sliders for its 20th anniversary.

Customer feedback:

• Some enjoy the taste but note the small size.
• Discussions about downsizing menu items.
• Nostalgia for larger, discontinued items.

Source: /r/fastfood

Debate Over Rating Customers in Restaurants

A proposal for a Glassdoor-like platform for rating diners sparks discussion.

Points raised:

• Potential for identifying bad tippers and great customers.
• Concerns about anonymity and legality.
• Feasibility of integrating with reservation systems.
• Need for proactive tip communication.

Source: /r/restaurant

Creative Solutions for Removing Stubborn Stickers in the Kitchen

Restaurant staff share tips for removing tough stickers from new kitchen equipment.

Solutions:

• Using Goo Gone, warm soapy water, or a hair dryer.
• Applying vegetable oil, rubbing alcohol, or mayonnaise.
• Emphasis on practical, accessible methods.

Source: /r/restaurant

Frustrations When Choosing Restaurant Food

Diners discuss common annoyances when selecting meals.

Main points:

• Poor menu visuals due to low-quality images.
• Desire for menus that highlight restaurant specialties.
• Need for ingredient transparency, especially for allergens.
• Issues with menu readability in dim lighting.
• Preference for easily accessible current menus online.

Source: /r/restaurant

Restaurant Closing Etiquette: When Is It Time to Leave?

A discussion on how restaurants signal closing time to patrons.

Insights:

• Stacking chairs indicates it's time to wrap up.
• Importance of clear communication about closing times.
• Suggestions for more direct approaches rather than passive cues.
• Consensus on the need for clear policies.

Source: /r/restaurant

Mixed Reactions to Menu-Scanning AI Apps

A proposal for an app that provides detailed menu info via scanning is met with resistance.

Comments:

• Overwhelmingly negative responses.
• Many diners don't feel the need for such technology.
• Satisfaction with current dining experiences without AI assistance.

Source: /r/restaurant

Finding Weekly Restaurant Discounts and Specials

Strategies for discovering restaurant deals:

• Signing up for email lists and apps.
• Utilizing coupons and membership rewards.
• Taking advantage of Happy Hours and early bird specials.
• Staying informed through technology and direct promotions.

Source: /r/restaurant

Skepticism Over "No Tax on Tips" Promise

Discussion about the likelihood of tips becoming tax-free.

Sentiments:

• General disbelief that such a change will occur.
• Comments on political promises being unreliable.
• Notion that tax reforms on tips seem unlikely.

Source: /r/restaurant

Concerns About Restaurant Hygiene Practices

Users debate the severity of perceived hygiene issues in a shared image.

Perspectives:

• Some see no significant problems.
• Others suggest minor hygiene lapses.
• Emphasis on personal experiences and responsibility.

Source: /r/restaurant

Is It Rude to Ask for a Different Restaurant Playlist?

A regular patron wonders about requesting a change in the cafe's music.

Community feedback:

• Empathy for the desire for variety.
• Recognition that staff likely endure the same songs more.
• Importance of considering the staff's situation.
• Noting that music choices may be dictated by management policies.

Source: /r/restaurant

Couple Seeks Advice on Starting a Small Bar

Prospective bar owners ask for guidance on opening a small establishment with personal funds.

Advice offered:

• Ensure significant cash reserves.
• Prioritize hands-on involvement in all roles.
• Gain practical experience by working in bars first.
• Be cautious with financial planning and operational demands.

Source: /r/BarOwners

Navigating Financing for Buying a Bar with Rental Apartments

A couple considers purchasing a bar with included rental units and seeks financing advice.

Suggestions:

• Explore seller financing or land contracts.
• Develop a solid business plan for potential lenders.
• Consider the complexities of managing rentals alongside the bar.
• Hire a broker familiar with SBA loans.

Source: /r/BarOwners

GMR Music Licensing Fees Cause Frustration Among Bar Owners

Discussion centers around the experiences with GMR's music licensing demands.

Points raised:

• Many view GMR as a scam or unnecessary expense.
• Emphasis on already paying for proper licensing and subscriptions.
• Shared disdain for ongoing fees impacting bar and restaurant owners.
• Comparisons to other entertainment venues and their licensing pressures.

Source: /r/BarOwners

Grubhub Layoffs After Wonder Acquisition

Grubhub lays off 23% of its workforce after acquiring Wonder to streamline operations.

Details:

• Approximately 500 corporate employees affected.
• Aim to integrate teams and focus on growth.
• Transition from third-party delivery to a vertically integrated platform.
• Plans to become the primary destination for mealtime.

Source: Nation's Restaurant News

Effective Accountability Practices in Management

Key strategies for holding employees accountable:

• Begin with self-reflection on discomfort with confrontation.
• Set clear expectations from onboarding.
• Engage in private, one-on-one conversations.
• Be specific about issues and discuss impacts.
• Follow up to reinforce accountability.

Source: Nation's Restaurant News

Del Taco's Colorado Locations Close Due to Franchisee Bankruptcy

Del Taco attempts to reopen Colorado locations after closures linked to franchisee bankruptcy.

Details:

• 18 locations closed after Newport Ventures LLC filed for Chapter 11.
• Del Taco has operated in Colorado since 2003.
• One location in Grand Junction remains open.
• Parent company Jack in the Box faces financial challenges.

Source: Nation's Restaurant News

Restaurants Release New Menu Items for the Season

Various chains introduce new offerings.

Highlights:

• Arby’s brings back potato cakes permanently.
• Starbucks launches its lightest coffee roast.
• Taco Bell debuts a new hot sauce for the Cantina Chicken line.
• Seasonal specials for Lent from Long John Silver’s and Mahana Fresh.
• Innovative drinks and collaborations across multiple brands.

Source: Nation's Restaurant News

Topgolf Announces Corporate Layoffs to Drive Growth

Topgolf reduces its corporate workforce in Dallas to enhance agility.

Key points:

• Aimed at optimizing leadership focus on sales growth.
• Reported an 8% decline in same-store sales recently.
• Plans for further expansion despite challenges.
• Part of a broader trend of corporate layoffs in the industry.

Source: Nation's Restaurant News

Weather Impacts Restaurant Sales and Consumer Confidence

Adverse weather conditions and decreased consumer confidence affect restaurant performance.

Effects:

• Historic snowstorms and wildfires lead to significant sales losses.
• Cheesecake Factory lost around $7 million.
• Sweetgreen experienced a negative 6% comp decline.
• Illnesses like flu outbreaks reduced foot traffic.

Outlook:

• Some executives remain hopeful for recovery later in the year.

Source: Nation's Restaurant News

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