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Biography

Joe Guszkowski

Senior Editor

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Joe Guszkowski is a senior editor with Restaurant Business covering technology and casual-dining chains.

Articles by
Joe Guszkowski

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Technology

Why a Dunkin' franchisee is using AI to count its doughnuts

Tennessee-based Bluemont Group was throwing away millions of dollars' worth of unsold doughnuts a year. Enter Do’Cast, an AI camera system that is helping it match supply with demand.

Technology

Fogo de Chão launches AI phone system with a familiar voice

The Brazilian steakhouse chain tapped “brand matriarch” Selma Oliveira to lend her identity to the AI answering system, which is designed to take some pressure off employees.

Financing

Bob Evans is acquired by private-equity firm 4x4

The 400-unit family-dining chain had been owned by Golden Gate Capital since 2017. Its new owner is planning long-term growth.

Emerging Brands

Ford's Garage is ready to step on the gas

The casual-dining chain will accelerate new openings in the coming years after finding strong demand for its retro, car-themed restaurants.

Financing

Cracker Barrel responds to scrutiny of employee travel rules

The family-dining chain clarified its meal policy after the Wall Street Journal reported that staff were instructed to eat at Cracker Barrel while on the road.

Financing

Olive Garden parent Darden is shutting down its Bahama Breeze brand

The casual-dining operator will close 14 locations of the seafood brand and convert another 14 to other brands. It had been considering strategic alternatives for Bahama Breeze.

Technology

Grubhub to waive some delivery fees in pivot to affordability

The third-party delivery company will now “eat the fees” on orders over $50 as it looks to take share from its larger competitors. It will promote the change with a Super Bowl commercial starring George Clooney.

Technology

How a restaurant tech startup is born these days

Tech Check: AI has lowered the barrier of entry for software development. Now, restaurant tech products can come from anywhere—even high schoolers.

Technology

A restaurant app you don’t have to download? Investors say 'sign me up'

Tech startup Curate says its “instant apps” help restaurants get more direct orders by allowing customers to skip the app store. It just raised $10 million.

Technology

As third-party delivery booms, some restaurants pump the brakes

Many operators say they are trying to reduce their reliance on services like DoorDash and Uber Eats as they look to improve their profit margins. But the apps can be difficult to quit.

Financing

Chili's wants to give managers a bigger stake in their restaurants

The casual-dining chain is looking to build on its recent success by offering performance-based incentives for GMs in the coming years.

Financing

'More of the same' for Chili's as sales soar again

The chain seems to have perfected a formula for growth in casual dining and shows no signs of letting up. Next up is a new chicken sandwich and remodeled restaurants.

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