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Lisa Jennings

Executive Editor

Articles by
Lisa Jennings

Page 3
Operations

Drive-thru coffee giant Dutch Bros to acquire 20-unit Clutch Coffee Bar

The move will give the rapidly growing Dutch Bros more of a foothold in the Carolinas as it pushes to reach 2,029 units by 2029.

Operations

Minnesota restaurants push back against ICE surge following fatal shooting of Renee Good

The immigration crackdown spotlight is focused on Minneapolis and St. Paul, with tensions escalating and restaurant operators becoming more vocal. Some are closing this week to keep customers and staff safe.

Marketing

Chris Brandt, Chipotle president and chief brand officer, steps down

After nearly eight years with the fast-casual chain, Brandt is departing immediately. His role will be filled by Stephanie Perdue as interim chief marketing officer. In addition, Chief Legal Officer Roger Theodoredis also stepped down.

Operations

Major Food Group sues Canadian pizza franchise for trademark violation, false advertising

A quick-service pizza franchise brand operated by Carbone Restaurant Group is falsely claiming to be associated with the high-end Italian-American restaurant Carbone in New York and around the world. Investors could be being duped, according to court filings.

Operations

Noodles & Company to double its planned restaurant closures in 2026

The fast-casual chain showed continued momentum in the fourth quarter. But the company said it plans to cull more underperforming units this year to focus on those with the strongest performance.

Emerging Brands

Among Artistry Restaurant's stable of 7 brands, Oak & Stone is designated for growth

The value-positioned casual-dining concept has a Tap Wall with about 50 beverage offerings, from craft beer to cocktails. The Florida-based multi-concept group is moving the brand into Texas for the first time this year.

Emerging Brands

The Sports Bra wins investment from WNBA champion and team owner Renee Montgomery

An owner of Atlanta Dream, Montgomery will also serve as creative advisor to the women's-sports-centric bar based in Portland, Oregon. The franchise chain is expanding into four more cities.

Food

Sweetfin taps fine-dining chef Daniel Patterson in a move to go beyond poké

The fast-casual concept is adding elevated bowls with warm proteins like roasted chicken, tri-tip and cooked salmon for the first time in a bid to appeal to those who might veto raw fish.

Operations

After an inauspicious start, America's top-grossing independent restaurant Mila is preparing for growth

This Miami Beach hotspot recorded more than $51 million in revenue in 2024, taking the No. 1 spot on the Top 100 Independent Restaurant List. Parent Riviera Dining Group is replicating Mila's multi-venue model.

Operations

Salad and Go to shutter all remaining units in Texas and Oklahoma

The latest wave of closures includes 32 restaurants and follows 41 that closed last year, leaving the chain with 70 outlets in Arizona and Nevada, less than half of the count at the end of 2024.

Leadership

Former Scooter's Coffee exec John Owen named CEO of Blaze Pizza

With career roots that include McDonald's and Subway, Owen brings deep franchising experience to the fast-casual pizza brand. He replaces Beto Guajardo at the helm.

Food

Sweetgreen taps longevity expert for latest collab

The fast-casual chain's new "Eat What Loves You Back" menu was designed by aging-well advocate Dr. Mark Hyman of Function Health. Will it help you live to 100?

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