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Lisa Jennings

Executive Editor

Articles by
Lisa Jennings

Page 36
Emerging Brands

Area 15 Ventures takes full ownership of Daddy's Chicken Shack

The private-equity firm had already made an investment in the buttermilk fried chicken sandwich brand, but now has acquired the remaining equity.

Operations

Will Panda Express be the first $10B 'mom-and-pop'?

Still run by its founders after 40 years, the fast-casual chain dominates its category and sees plenty of runway ahead.

Leadership

Boka Restaurant Group splits with chef Daniel Rose

The acclaimed chef opened two restaurants with the group in recent months, including Le Select in Chicago and Cafe Basque in Los Angeles.

Operations

Noodles & Co. guests push back on higher prices, especially for delivery

But with commodity deflation expected for the rest of the year, the fast-casual chain has brought back a value promotion that is already driving traffic, the company said.

Technology

Sweetgreen's robotic Infinite Kitchen is finally open

The fully automated makeline is described as faster and more accurate, and could cut labor costs in half. A second location, converted from an existing restaurant, will come later this year.

Leadership

BurgerFi CEO Ian Baines to retire in June

Baines plans to stay on as a consultant for another 12 months while a replacement is found. COO John Iannucci will lead as interim.

Emerging Brands

Co-founder of Whole Foods Market launches new Love.Life restaurant in Los Angeles

John Mackey and several former Whole Foods execs are building a restaurant brand around the notion that food is medicine. The plant-based restaurant is only one part of the brand, which will later include medical services and wellness programs.

Leadership

Salad and Go names Corey Horsch CFO

He joins the growing chain as it nears its 100th store opening and accelerates growth into new markets around the country.

Technology

Sweetgreen's first Infinite Kitchen robotic makeline to debut on May 10

The long-awaited automated format will open first in Naperville, Ill. A second one is coming later this year at a converted existing restaurant.

Operations

Shake Shack couldn't be happier with its kiosks

In the ongoing effort to boost profitability, the in-store technology has proven to be the highest-margin channel for the brand and kiosk sales doubled in the first quarter.

Operations

Why sports fans are craving Wingstop

Investments in national advertising during NBA and NFL games drove traffic during the first quarter. Also the new chicken sandwich line is attracting new users and boosting frequency.

Workforce

More than 10,000 fast-food workers are homeless in California, report says

But the research was underwritten by the SEIU, which also backed the controversial Fast Act bill. Industry reps say the data has "zero credibility."

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