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Lisa Jennings

Executive Editor

Articles by
Lisa Jennings

Page 5
Emerging Brands

Following acquisition, CRU Wine Bar & Bistro takes flight

This Dallas-based concept hopes to capture a new generation of wine drinkers by taking pretention out and offering better value.

Financing

How Pieology's attempt to rescue restaurants contributed to bankruptcy

The fast-casual chain ultimately blamed its sales decline on the pandemic. But the parent company's acquisition of 29 underperforming franchised locations went awry, forcing the closure of 17 units before this week's filing.

Operations

How Shake Shack plans to win market share in 2026

The burger chain has been an outlier in the fast-casual segment, showing strong results. At a Raymond James conference this week, CEO Rob Lynch explained what's working.

Financing

Pieology Pizza files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

The fast-casual pizza chain founded in 2011 was once one of the promising franchise brands in the niche, before the pandemic.

Workforce

Push to eliminate the tip credit re-emerges in D.C.

Labor advocates are petitioning for yet another ballot initiative to both ditch the tipped wage and to increase the minimum wage to $25 per hour.

Marketing

Sweetgreen goes for magic $10 price point with new Blackened Chicken Harvest Bowl

The fast-casual chain on Monday debuted a new value-priced variation of its iconic Harvest Bowl, available to loyalty members for a limited time. It's the latest move in an ongoing attempt to improve the brand's price perception.

Workforce

California's Fast Food Council has fallen dormant

The legislative entity created to regulate the state's limited-service restaurant chains has been leaderless for seven months.

Beverage

Panda Express to pay $1M to settle charges of mishandling beverage station carbon dioxide

The fast-casual chain was not adequately providing or reporting required training for workers for the safe use of soda fountain gas, according to county district attorneys across California.

Leadership

Velvet Taco taps Voodoo Doughnuts chief as CEO

Chris Schultz moves from wacky doughnuts to inventive tacos, replacing Clay Dover. The fast-casual taco chain has plans for the next phase of growth, including nontraditional locations.

Emerging Brands

This U.K.-based coffee brand hopes to find a niche in America's overcaffeinated beverage landscape

Black Sheep Coffee is growing in Texas and Florida with bolder beans, upgraded matcha and a hand-held Norwegian waffle.

Leadership

Cinnabon, Auntie Anne's-parent GoTo Foods names Omer Gajial CEO

The retail veteran replaces Jim Holthouser, who is retiring after six years. The platform company also operates and franchises Carvel, Jamba, Schlotzsky's, McAlister's Deli and Moe's Southwest Grill.

Marketing

Fast casuals Chipotle, Shake Shack and Cava take the plunge into holiday promotions

With more middle-income consumers stretched thin, fast-casual players are stepping up their deals and discounts in this season of seeking value.

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