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Lisa Jennings

Executive Editor

Articles by
Lisa Jennings

Page 31
Operations

Move over, ramen. The next niche is soup dumplings

Demand for one-bite dumplings plump with meat and hot broth is growing, and a number of restaurant companies see an opportunity to scale both full-service and fast-casual variations.

Emerging Brands

Wing Zone debuts new concept with hot chicken

The new Wing Zone Hot Chicken and Wings is described as a next-generation variation designed for off premise, with hot chicken tenders and a sandwich along with new flavors for bone-in wings.

Operations

El Pollo Loco's second go round with birria was a bust

Despite the success of the first birria LTO last year, CEO Larry Roberts said the brand needs to return its focus to the menu cornerstone of grilled chicken.

Operations

Portillo's keeping menu price hike options open

Traffic dropped in the second quarter, but the company said consumers still see the Chicago-based brand as a great value and there's room for price increases.

Financing

Urban Plates refinances with $27 million investment

The deal will help the 17-unit Southern California fast-casual concept accelerate growth.

Operations

Chicken sandwiches are helping Wingstop capture the coveted heavy QSR user

The 12-flavor chicken sandwich line is introducing new customers to the wings brand and is helping to lower food costs.

Operations

How Atlas Restaurant Group put Baltimore on the culinary map

Over a decade, this group has grown from one to 34 concepts, and counting. Now Atlas is taking some of its restaurants to new markets around the country. The opportunities just keep coming.

Operations

Weekday booking slow in August? To drive traffic, American Express and Resy will pick up the check

At participating restaurants each week, Amex and Resy will cover $99 per person, starting Aug. 9.

Leadership

Former Yum Brands CEO Greg Creed joins Craveworthy Brands board as advisor

The portfolio company launched earlier this year by former Jimmy John's CEO Gregg Majewski has plans for multi-brand franchise growth. That's a topic Creed knows a little something about.

Operations

Sweetgreen to bring reward program to in-restaurant guests

So far, the two-tiered loyalty program has been digital only. In the next few months, the loyalty perks will also apply for in-store purchases.

Operations

Sweetgreen makes progress toward profitability

Innovations like the fully automated restaurant and Sweetpass loyalty program are showing early signs of bottom-line results.

Operations

Chipotle is putting more workers on the front line to speed service

The fast-casual burrito chain is working to find the right balance between its customer-facing and digital makelines as it works to improve throughput in the restaurants.

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