Biography

Lisa Jennings

Executive Editor

 Contact Lisa

Lisa Jennings, executive editor. Lisa Jennings is a veteran restaurant industry reporter and editor who covers the fast-casual sector, independent restaurants and emerging chain concepts. Her experience  includes other industry publications as well as the daily newspaper The Commercial Appeal in Memphis, Tenn., where she was Food Editor. Her work has been cited in the Los Angeles Times, Business Insider, FoodBeast, The Huffington Post, Time.com and more.

Articles by
Lisa Jennings

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Workforce

Southern Smoke Foundation plans to double its no-cost mental health services for foodservice workers

The Behind You program by the Southern Smoke Foundation will connect those in the food-and-beverage industry to mental health services in five more states. The nonprofit hopes to raise $1 million this year for the expansion.

Operations

Tampa's Brocato's Sandwich Shop files bankruptcy citing lingering debts from pandemic

Known for its Cuban sandwiches and devil crabs, the 76-year-old Brocato's Sandwich Shop will continue to operate during the reorganization as it finds financial footing.

As the first location of the eatertainment concept prepares to open this week, this veteran of the segment is looking to grow his multi-brand portfolio under the umbrella Joy Trade. He's on the hunt for acquisitions.

Nancy Kruse and Lisa Jennings discuss restaurant reservation scalpers, cancellation fees and what to do when you can't get into the hottest concept in town.

A look beyond the most recent results for big restaurant brands shows customers cutting back nearly across the board.

Despite flat traffic for the first quarter, the fast-casual salad chain raised guidance for the year, citing continuing momentum.

But CEO Drew Madsen sees signs of a turnaround, as sales and traffic turned positive in April while the chain works on menu and operations improvements.

Whether you’re a first timer or conference veteran, here’s what you need to know about the biggest restaurant show in the Western hemisphere, which begins in Chicago on May 18.

The Series B funding brings the Enlightened Hospitality Investments total to $17.5 million, which will help the 38-unit chain compete in the crowded cookie segment.

The platform company this week acquired the brands Taim Mediterranean Kitchen, Hot Chicken Takeover and Sigri Indian BBQ. And more are in the works.

When lower-income diners are feeling budget strain, the fast-casual Portillo's feels it most in the drive-thru. To address that, the restaurant chain is working to get orders through car windows faster.

The fast-casual chain confirmed the caffeinated drinks will be phased out, but did not specify the timing. The energy drinks have been blamed for two deaths.

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