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Heather Lalley

Managing editor

Articles by
Heather Lalley

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Operations

Potbelly's sale to RaceTrac signals growing intensity in fight between fast food and convenience stores

As c-stores capture record foodservice sales and outpace QSR growth, the sandwich chain's $566 million acquisition underscores a shift in America's quick-service landscape—with most consumers now viewing c-stores as serious restaurant competitors.

Food

Circle K’s parent sees an ‘off-the-hook’ food future in Guy Fieri’s Flavortown

As part of a major foodservice push, the convenience-store chain is teaming up with the celebrity chef and restaurateur on new menu items like the Mac N’ Cheese Burger and Candy Chaos Cookie.

Operations

Meet the Chicago coffee shop where it’s always pumpkin spice season

At October Café, owners and married couple Michelle Gonzalez and Audrey Borden embrace authenticity, turning their autumn-inspired love story into a vegan café, all while navigating neighborhood politics.

Marketing

Papa Murphy’s tests a cautious return of $10 Tuesdays

Marketing Bites: For years, the take-and-bake pizza chain found success with the deal, until prices crept up. Now, it’s careful not to repeat Subway’s $5 Footlong playbook.

Operations

7-Eleven plans to open 1,100 new restaurants by 2030

An “aggressive investment” in foodservice is part of the convenience-store giant’s updated transformation roadmap following a failed takeover attempt by Circle K’s owner.

Leadership

A bunch of restaurant chains have just named new CEOs

Smashburger, Luna Grill and Pizza Factory each named new chief executives this week, continuing a period of high turnover in the restaurant industry’s corner office.

Marketing

For restaurants right now, a value deluge

Marketing Bites: It’s a season of marketing creativity as operators from Taco Bell to Planet Hollywood look to position themselves as bastions for budget-minded diners.

Operations

Week in Review: McDonald’s new burger, Luckin’s U.S. debut, Olo goes private and more

A look back at the week’s biggest news in the restaurant industry from Restaurant Business.

Emerging Brands

Chuck E. Cheese debuts a new arcade concept for adults who want to be kids

The food-and-games chain, known for its “where a kid can be a kid” motto, has opened 10 Chuck’s Arcade locations in shopping malls in eight states, with more to come.

Operations

Week in Review: Keke's plans a growth spurt, James Beard Awards celebrates immigrants and more

A look back at the week’s biggest news in the restaurant industry from Restaurant Business.

Food

C-stores are stealing fast-food tactics. And fast-food customers

Convenience-store foodservice grew 5% last year and is expected to jump another 5.7% this year, according to new data from Intouch Insight.

Operations

The real James Beard Award stars? Immigrants

Recipients and presenters at Monday’s black-tie ceremony honoring the restaurant industry’s best acknowledged a political climate of “discord, challenge and fear” while celebrating those who brought their food traditions to America.

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