September 21th QSR Roundup: Exciting Loyalty Programs, New Openings, and Special Promotions in the Restaurant World
QSR news for Sep 21, 2024. We checked 14 QSR publications and over 44 articles for you to bring the latest news. Estimated reading time saved (at 200wpm): 112 minutes. It will take you only 6 minutes to catch up with the latest news.
Revamped Rewards Program
Source: Nation's Restaurant News
White Castle's Craver Nation Rewards program revamped to include a points system and tier levels.
- Members earn points by purchasing menu items and completing 'quests'.
- Quests include trying new menu items & visiting late-night.
- Three tiers: Adventurer, Champion, Legend unlock exclusive rewards.
- Special occasion offers, birthdays, and seasonal promotions available.
- New members get $5 off first mobile order; existing members get 20% off theirs.
- Members can earn two free soft drinks with a Cheesy 10 Sack.
- Focus on engagement over simple rewards: more like a game, with badges and quests.
- Aims to connect with customers in a highly competitive late-night market.
New Culinary Spot in Chapel Hill
Source: FSR Magazine
Michelin-starred chef Brandon Sharp and his wife, Elizabeth, opened Próximo, a 40-seat tapas bar in Chapel Hill, NC, where walk-ins are encouraged. Renovated from a previous restaurant, Próximo features original brick decor and Spanish-infused light fixtures. The menu, inspired by the Sharps' travels in Spain, offers traditional tapas with a twist, ranging from $4 warm Spanish olives to a $24 aged New York strip. With a focus on authentic Spanish flavors, Próximo aims to fill a gap in the Chapel Hill dining scene post-pandemic. Hours are Monday to Thursday 4-9 p.m., and Friday to Sunday 4-10 p.m.
Condado Tacos Celebrates Queso Day
Source: FSR Magazine
Condado Tacos is celebrating National Queso Day from September 20th to 24th by offering a free half-size queso dip to guests who download their app and place an order. The offer applies to all queso varieties, including the popular Blanco Queso and the limited-time Buffalo Chicken Queso. Guests need to make a purchase of $10 or more to redeem the offer. The restaurant chain, founded in 2014, has expanded to 52 locations across 10 states and was recently recognized in Inc. 5000's Top Private Companies. Known for fresh ingredients and customizable meals, Condado Tacos emphasizes a vibrant dining experience with original mural art and a focus on individual guest preferences.
JINYA Ramen Bar Expands in Canada
Source: FSR Magazine
- JINYA Ramen Bar opens its fifth location in Canada in Edmonton on September 23.
- Situated at 10037 109 St NW in Downtown Edmonton, the restaurant offers dishes simmered for 20 hours for deep flavor.
- First 100 guests on opening day will receive a FREE bowl of ramen.
- Founder Tomo Takahashi expresses excitement for the love Canadians have shown for JINYA.
- Restaurant hours are 11 a.m. – 10 p.m. daily.
- JINYA emphasizes authentic ramen, pairing rich broth with flavorful noodles and a variety of toppings like pork chashu and shrimp wontons, along with tapas or craft beer.
Support for Walk-On Athletes
Source: FSR Magazine
Oklahoma Sooners linebacker Danny Stutsman donated $50,000 to support 18 walk-on teammates, inspiring Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux to match this donation, totaling $100,000. This act celebrated National Walk-On’s Day, highlighting the determination and perseverance of walk-on athletes. Walk-On’s founder Brandon Landry, a former walk-on himself, emphasized the significance of such gestures in honoring those who show exceptional grit. The announcement led to cheers among players, particularly when linebacker Owen Heinecke was recognized for his commitment. This initiative showcases Walk-On’s continuous support for underdog athletes, aligning perfectly with their brand values, as Oklahoma transitions to the SEC, a pivotal moment for the team and its supporters.
CEO Shakeups in Restaurants
Source: Restaurant Dive
Restaurant companies have seen a wave of CEO changes recently, with over five major shifts in September following eight in August. Notable transitions include Starbucks looking for a new global chief brand officer after declining sales, and On the Border losing CEO Lyle Tick to BJ’s Restaurants. Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux now has its third CEO in less than a year as it faces an 8% drop in average volume despite unit growth. In a positive note, Red Lobster appointed Damola Adamolekun, marking a fresh start post-bankruptcy restructuring. Whataburger's succession plan for new CEO Debbie Stroud signals a stable transition after reaching 1,000 units.
Middle School Cooking Champions
Source: Eater
Griffiths Middle School hosts its inaugural cooking competition, igniting culinary passions in students ages 12-14. The district offers 24 career pathways, including culinary arts, where students gain hands-on skills and certifications. Unlike the past, today’s middle schoolers learn essential cooking techniques and kitchen hygiene while exploring nutrition. Four teams created unique macaroni and cheese dishes, emphasizing healthier ingredients like protein pasta and veggies. Griffiths won with lobster mac and cheese, showcasing students’ remarkable potential and teamwork—far more valuable than any trophy!
Talking Heads in Restaurants
Source: Eater
- This Must Be the Place by Talking Heads has become a ubiquitous fixture in restaurant playlists across the globe, resonating in venues from New York to Tokyo.
- The song's calm and sweet vibe creates a comfortable atmosphere diners crave.
- As a symbol of timeless cool, the band's music enriches the restaurant experience, making it feel special and familiar at the same time.
- Talking Heads' genre-defying appeal maintains their relevance among younger listeners, offering a connection to artistic integrity and popularity.
- The Brooklynification of global restaurant culture has helped blend local sounds like Talking Heads into mainstream dining experiences.
- Eating becomes an elevated experience when paired with such evocative music, making diners reminisce of shared emotions and memories.
- The song is enduringly better than most restaurants, elevating every meal with its nostalgic and universal themes, ensuring it remains cherished for years to come.
Bake Off Returns to Netflix
Source: Eater
The Great British Bake Off's "Collection 12" debuts on Netflix September 27, featuring a diverse cast of home bakers. Weekly episodes will follow, leading up to Thanksgiving, making it ideal for cozy family viewing. The show is rejuvenated with co-host Alison Hammond, whose chemistry with existing judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith improved ratings after a downturn in recent seasons. Expect wholesome entertainment amidst stressful political times.
Tupperware's Decline
Source: Eater
Tupperware, the iconic food storage brand, is filing for bankruptcy after 70 years. The company aims to transition to a digital-first model while competing against a myriad of new storage solutions that have emerged. Popular alternatives include:
- Ikea 365+: Individual pieces sold separately, great for stacking, and ideal for sauces.
- Big Bee Little Bee: Silicone clamshells that open flat for easy storage and dishwashing, with attached lids.
- Snapware: Glass containers that minimize microplastic concerns and snap securely.
- Rubbermaid Brilliance: Known for a perfect seal and sturdy construction, great for various food types.
- Ziploc Bags: Versatile and space-saving, ideal for malleable foods.
- Stasher Bags: Reusable silicone bags that are durable and lightweight.
- OXO Good Grips: Variety of sizes for pantry and pet food storage, designed for frequent use.
Overall, as Tupperware fades, innovative alternatives step up.
Denver's Top Meat Wholesalers
Source: BlueCart
Shopping for meat products in Denver involves exploring various wholesale options catering to restaurants and retail. Five exceptional wholesale meat suppliers dominate the scene:
- Western Meat Inc.: Established in 1975, known for quality and unique offerings like exotic meats and gourmet sausages.
- Buckhead Denver: A Sysco company with advanced facilities and daily inspections, ensuring quality and safety in meat products.
- Stillman Wholesale Meats: In service since 1973, offering fresh cuts and specialty items like wild game and duck, backed by excellent customer support.
- Meat Specialty of Colorado: Provides both meat and seafood, ensuring quality through careful vendor selection for inland supplies.
- Rocky Mountain Provisions: Distributor of Boar’s Head products, famous for superior deli meats, ideal for sandwich shops in the area.
Denver's meat scene is highlighted by Colorado lamb and bison, bolstered by the vast local farmland, covering 3.55% of the nation's total farmland.
Shopping wisely can help restaurants find high-quality meat at reasonable prices thanks to vendors offering transparent product assessments.