November 26th QSR Roundup: Subway's New Era with CEO Transition, Panera's Holiday Favorites, and Fast Food Industry Shifts

QSR news for Nov 26th, 2024. We reviewed 21 QSR publications, 6 subreddits, and over 81 articles to bring you the latest. Estimated reading time saved (at 200wpm): 258 minutes. It'll take you only 9 minutes to catch up.

Subway's Leadership Shifts and Global Growth

Subway announced that CEO John Chidsey will retire at the end of 2024 after five transformative years. He will be succeeded temporarily by Carrie Walsh, currently the president of EMEA and former global CMO. Chidsey was the first CEO from outside the founding family and played a crucial role in revitalizing the brand.

• Under Chidsey:
  • Launched menu innovations like the Subway Series.
  • Invested $80 million in new meat slicers for the Deli Hero sandwiches.
  • Shifted focus to multi-unit franchise operators.
  • Negotiated Subway's sale to Roark Capital for nearly $10 billion.

Walsh aims to continue enhancing franchise profitability and guest satisfaction, with a keen eye on innovation and quality food.

Source: QSR Magazine, Restaurant Business, Restaurant Dive, Foodservice Equipment & Supplies

Panera Brings Back a Holiday Favorite

Just in time for the festive season, Panera has reintroduced the beloved Asian Sesame Chicken Salad.

• Ingredients: Crisp romaine, reduced-sugar Asian vinaigrette, grilled chicken, cilantro, toasted almonds, and wonton strips.
• Price: Starting at $11.69, available nationwide.
• Special Offers:
  • Black Friday Deal: From 11/29 to 12/2, get 50% off breakfast entrees with code BFAST50.

This refreshing salad offers a delightful balance to traditional holiday meals.

Source: QSR Magazine

Fatburger's Mexican Expansion

Fatburger and Buffalo's Express are making significant strides in Mexico City, opening five new locations.

• Partnership: Collaboration with franchisee Red Rombo Group.
• Menu Highlights:
  • Customizable, grilled-to-order burgers.
  • Diverse offerings including fries, turkey burgers, and milkshakes.
  • Buffalo's Express specializes in wings with various sauces and sides.

This expansion taps into the growing popularity of American cuisine in Mexico.

Source: QSR Magazine, Pizza Marketplace

Panera's Tech-Driven Enhancements

Technology is revolutionizing restaurant operations, and Panera is at the forefront.

• Efficiency Gains:
  • Reduced wait times.
  • Improved order accuracy.
  • Enhanced inventory management.
• Back-End Innovations:
  • Strong POS systems foundation.
  • Predictive analytics for better decision-making.
• Labor Solutions:
  • Balancing automation with quality service.
  • Streamlined processes to ease employee workload.

Source: Fast Casual

Fast Casual Industry's Rapid Growth

The U.S. fast casual industry is projected to reach $149.96 billion by 2028, growing at a 12.09% CAGR.

• Drivers of Growth:
  • Demand for high-quality, locally sourced ingredients.
  • Millennial preferences for organic and customizable dishes.
  • Increased technology adoption enhancing customer experience.
  • Shift towards online ordering and e-commerce.
• Industry Trends:
  • Focus on sustainability practices.
  • Expansion through franchising and standalone ventures.

Source: Networld Media Group

Noodles & Company's Festive Merchandise

For the first time, Noodles & Company launches its Noodles Merch Store, offering winter-themed items.

• Products Include:
  • Sweaters, holiday onesies, sneakers, and pet bandanas.
• Special Offer:
  • 50% off limited-edition onesies from Black Friday to Cyber Monday.

This initiative aims to deepen customer engagement during the holiday season.

Source: Pizza Marketplace, Nation's Restaurant News

Huey Magoo's Continues Expansion

Huey Magoo's celebrates the opening of its 70th location in Greenwood, South Carolina.

• Restaurant Features:
  • 2,750-square-foot space.
  • Outdoor patio and drive-thru.
• Franchise Growth:
  • Second of 12 planned locations by franchisees Bo and John Knapp.
  • Marks the fourth Huey Magoo's in South Carolina.

Source: Franchising

Innovations in Food Robotics: Kernel's Vision

Kernel, founded by Steve Ells of Chipotle fame, is set to revolutionize fast-casual dining with robotics and automation.

• Operational Efficiency:
  • Restaurants operate with just three employees and a robot.
  • Focused on minimizing labor while delivering high-quality meals.
• Menu Simplicity:
  • Only ten items featured, emphasizing quality and simplicity.
• Sustainability Efforts:
  • Centralized food preparation to reduce waste.
  • Delivery via bicycle messengers to ensure freshness.
• Customer Experience:
  • Blend of technology and hospitality.
  • Emphasis on food quality and efficient service.

Source: Total Food Service

Luxury Dining Embraces Minimalism

High-end restaurants are shifting towards smaller, curated menus to enhance the dining experience.

• Benefits:
  • Highlights quality and exclusivity.
  • Reduces decision fatigue for guests.
  • Allows chefs to focus on local and seasonal ingredients.
• Trends for 2024:
  • Emphasis on regional and streamlined menus.
  • Enhancing guest satisfaction through simplicity.

Source: Modern Restaurant Management

Dynamic Pricing Strategies in Fast Food

Restaurants are exploring dynamic pricing to manage rising costs, but consumer reactions are mixed.

• Consumer Behavior:
  • Increased focus on prices.
  • Tendency to opt for cheaper items.
  • Perception of paying more leads to reduced dining out.
• Strategies for Success:
  • Reframing pricing as a gain (e.g., happy hours).
  • Enhancing meals with premium ingredients.
  • Implementing location-based pricing.

Source: Modern Restaurant Management

Advocacy for Farmworker Rights

Farmworkers face increasing challenges amid political uncertainties and climate change.

• Key Issues:
  • Fear of mass deportations.
  • Health risks from injuries and pesticide exposure.
  • Impact of extreme weather on safety and livelihoods.
• Response:
  • Organizers strategize to protect immigrant rights.
  • Calls for antitrust reform and corporate accountability in food systems.

Source: Civil Eats

Embracing Communal Living Through Food

Author Lola Milholland reflects on the power of shared meals in building community.

• Personal Experiences:
  • Hosting Tibetan monks introduced rich culinary traditions.
  • Her family's home was a hub for exchange students and guests.
• Philosophy:
  • Intimacy thrives through shared experiences, especially around food.
  • Regional dishes during holidays enhance community connections.
• Highlight:
  • Christmas Doughnuts as a family culinary tradition.

Source: Civil Eats

GNT Ventures Supports Plant-Based Innovation

GNT launches GNT Ventures to invest in startups focused on plant-based color solutions.

• Investment Focus:
  • Raw materials, fermentation, processing, and upcycling.
• Support Offered:
  • Financial backing from pre-seed to Series A.
  • Access to pilot plants and commercial assistance.
  • Industry connections and regulatory guidance.

Source: Food Business News

Plantible Foods Secures $30 Million Funding

Plantible Foods raises $30 million in Series B funding to expand operations.

• Expansion Plans:
  • Scaling manufacturing at a 100-acre Texas facility.
• Product Innovations:
  • Producing Rubi Protein from duckweed.
  • Launching Rubi Whisk for egg replacement in baked goods.
• Partnerships:
  • Collaboration with ICL Food Specialties to launch Rovitaris.

Source: Food Business News

Snacklava: A Healthier Baklava

Entrepreneur Sherif Badawy reinvents baklava with his snack product Snacklava.

• Healthier Alternative:
  • Contains 80% nuts and 20% filo dough.
  • Significantly less sugar than traditional baklava.
• Flavor Varieties:
  • Cashew, pistachio, and walnut.
• Market Strategy:
  • Targeting mainstream consumers.
  • Plans to introduce vegan and gluten-free options.

Source: Food Business News

Hint Water Welcomes New Leadership

Michael Pengue and Kevin Benmoussa join Hint Water as CEO and CFO, respectively.

• Pengue's Vision:
  • Leverage 30 years of experience to drive growth.
  • Focus on the healthy hydration sector.
• Benmoussa's Goals:
  • Aim for profitable growth.
  • Utilize previous experience from Aleph Farms and industry giants.

Source: Food Business News

Aldi's Ambitious Expansion in the U.S.

Aldi USA plans a massive investment of $9 billion to open 800 new stores over five years.

• Growth Highlights:
  • Expanding from 2,400 to 3,200 locations.
  • Focus on supplier partnerships and product quality.
• Industry Impact:
  • Store brands reach a 20.4% dollar share.
  • Commitment to innovation and transparency with suppliers.

Source: Food Business News

Wyman's Introduces New Frozen Products

Wyman’s launches three new frozen offerings to make fruit consumption more convenient.

• Product Lineup:
  • Protein Blends for smoothies.
  • Fruit First Waffles.
  • Fruit and Peanut Butter Poppers.
• Company Mission:
  • Encourage healthier lifestyles through easy access to fruit.

Source: Food Business News

Patriot Pickle Expands Production

Patriot Pickle opens a new facility in Garland, Texas, tripling production capacity.

• Product Range:
  • Classic kosher dill, sweet horseradish chips, sauerkraut, and more.
• Company Growth:
  • Serves both foodservice and retail industries.
  • Recently acquired by H.I.G. Capital.

Source: Food Business News

Noodles & Company's Holiday Merch

Reiterated for emphasis: Noodles & Company is embracing the holiday spirit with exclusive merchandise.

• Available Items:
  • Cozy sweaters, festive onesies, and pet accessories.
• Special Deals:
  • Limited-time discounts to encourage festive shopping.

Source: Nation's Restaurant News

Thanksgiving Trends in Dining Out

Restaurants are experiencing a surge in business during Thanksgiving week.

• Key Statistics:
  • Thanksgiving Eve sees 11% more transactions than average.
  • Alcohol sales increase by 70% on that day.
• Consumer Behavior:
  • 42% plan to eat out or order from restaurants on Thanksgiving.
  • 37% prefer takeout or delivery over home cooking.
• Opportunities for Restaurants:
  • Offering catering services with sales up by 35%.
  • Special menus and promotions to attract patrons.

Source: Nation's Restaurant News

Bertuzzi's Pronto Set to Open

Bertucci’s Pronto is slated to open in Boston's Government Center in Spring 2025.

• Concept:
  • Limited-service, focusing on take-out with some seating.
• Menu Offerings:
  • Brick oven pizzas, salads, and breakfast sandwiches.
• Strategic Move:
  • Part of a trend where full-service brands explore convenience-focused formats.

Source: Restaurant Business, Nation's Restaurant News

Embracing Technology in Restaurants

Restaurants are increasingly adopting technology to improve operations and customer experience.

• Self-Service Kiosks:
  • Bojangles is introducing kiosks to enhance efficiency.
  • Over 50% adoption in some areas.
• Benefits:
  • Customized orders.
  • Reduced wait times.
  • Staff can focus on order fulfillment.
• Customer Response:
  • Positive feedback, especially in tourist areas.

Source: Networld Media Group, Fast Casual

The Rise of Self-Service Innovations

The Self-Service Innovation Summit highlights the future of business technology.

• Event Focus:
  • Navigating AI, 3D avatars, and automation.
• Expert Insights:
  • Panelists discuss strategies to align with technological advancements.
• Industry Impact:
  • Operators encouraged to embrace flexibility and innovation.

Source: Networld Media Group

Discussing Restaurant Industry Challenges

On Reddit, industry professionals share insights on various topics:

• Beef Tallow Frying Tips:
  • Challenges with melting and safety.
  • Advice includes pre-melting tallow and proper fryer maintenance.
• Restaurant Selection Struggles:
  • Consumers find it cumbersome to choose where to eat.
  • Suggestions include simplifying the process and using local recommendations.
• Service Fees vs. Raising Prices:
  • Debate over transparent pricing versus adding fees.
  • Emphasis on customer trust and straightforward menu pricing.

Source: Reddit (/r/restaurateur, /r/restaurant)

Starbucks Faces Scheduling Disruption

A ransomware attack on third-party vendor Blue Yonder has affected Starbucks' employee scheduling.

• Company Response:
  • Ensuring employees receive full pay.
  • Implementing manual workarounds.
• Broader Impact:
  • Other retailers like Morrisons and Sainsbury’s also affected.
• Industry Concern:
  • Highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures.

Source: Nation's Restaurant News

Bojangles' New Loyalty Strategy

Grant Williams joins Bojangles as VP of digital and omnichannel marketing to develop a new loyalty program.

• Goals:
  • Enhance customer experience across all channels.
  • Create a seamless cross-channel experience.
• Approach:
  • Move beyond discounts to offer personalized hospitality.
  • Engage guests with experiences that reflect the brand's value.

Source: Nation's Restaurant News

Tom's Watch Bar Leadership Update

Tom’s Watch Bar appoints co-founders Brooks Schaden and Shannon McNiel as co-CEOs.

• Growth Plans:
  • National expansion with the 13th location opening in Indianapolis.
• Concept:
  • Upscale sports bar experience with hundreds of HD screens.
• Leadership Vision:
  • Set new standards in sports entertainment and guest satisfaction.

Source: Nation's Restaurant News

Frisch’s Big Boy Management Takes Charge

Senior management at Frisch’s Big Boy acquires remaining locations to revitalize the brand.

• Leadership:
  • Executives Don Short and Cheryl White lead the initiative.
• Strategic Moves:
  • Aiming to overcome challenges and expand the brand's presence.

Source: Nation's Restaurant News

Restaurants Capitalizing on Holiday Demand

Businesses are adapting to increased consumer demand during holidays like Thanksgiving.

• Marketing Strategies:
  • Special promotions and limited-time offers.
  • Unique menu items to attract customers.
• Industry Trends:
  • Growing preference for dining out during holidays.
  • Opportunities for increased revenue through catering and delivery services.

Source: Nation's Restaurant News

Subway's Global Presence

Reiterated for emphasis: Subway continues to expand with around 37,000 restaurants worldwide.

• Strategic Focus:
  • Enhancing franchisee support.
  • Investing in international markets.
• Future Plans:
  • Continue growth under new leadership.
  • Introduce new restaurant designs like Fresh Forward 2.0.

Source: Foodservice Equipment & Supplies

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