Food & Beverage News
Dunkin’ is Going Private in $11.3 Billion Deal
Inspire Brands, a holding company backed by the Roark Capital Group, a private equity firm, is purchasing Dunkin’, which also owns Baskin-Robbins. Inspire already owns 11,000 Arby’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Sonic, Jimmy John’s, and other restaurants. Inspire, which will take on Dunkin’s debt in the deal, plans to acquire outstanding Dunkin’ shares at $106.50 apiece.…
Read MoreStarbucks is now Officially Testing Vegan Breakfast Sandwiches
Coffee chain Starbucks has launched a plant-based breakfast sandwich at one test location in Issaquah, WA, a city on the outskirts of Seattle. The new Plant-Powered Breakfast Sandwich, retailing at $5.45, is made with a mung bean-based egg, a plant-based sausage patty, dairy-free cheese, and is served on an English muffin. While Starbucks has not…
Read MoreChick-fil-A to Start Selling its Sauces at Walmart, other National Retailers
It will soon get a lot easier to acquire signature sauces from Chick-fil-A. The fast-food chain announced its Chick-fil-A and Polynesian Sauces will be available to buy at retailers including Walmart, Publix, and Kroger starting in mid-November. The sauces, available in 16-ounce bottles for $3.49 each, will initially appear in stores in Alabama, Florida, Georgia,…
Read MoreThe private Equity Firm Partnered with Management on the Deal for the Fast-Growing Chain
Private equity firm Levine Leichtman on said it has partnered with management to acquire Atlanta-based Tropical Smoothie Café. Terms of the deal were not disclosed, but the acquisition gives the Los Angeles-based Levine one of the industry’s fastest-growing concepts. Tropical Smoothie has averaged 23% system sales growth over the past five years, including 22% in…
Read MoreTwin Peaks Introduces New Tailgating Kits for Football Season
Whether you’re tailgating or watching the game on your couch with friends and family, Twin Peaks has these new kits available for delivery, online ordering, or curbside pickup at participating locations that will enhance your sports viewing experience: Twin Peaks Wing Packs – Boneless, bone-in naked, bone-in breaded or smoked and grilled wings, served in…
Read MoreTop 10: Burger King’s Restaurant of Tomorrow, Jelly Belly Branches out into Chocolate
Grilling recipes and techniques were top-of-mind among readers of The Friday Feed as they headed into Labor Day weekend. Burger shaping best practices from The Kitchen, barbecue sauce wisdom from Food & Wine, and a roster of diverse cookout recipes from Bon Apetit and Taste of Home all fed readers’ cravings for one last taste…
Read MoreHow a Banker Turned Podcaster Is Telling the Stories of Africa’s Cuisines
When co-workers would ask Yorm Ackuaku, “What is African food?” the question irked her, and she didn’t know how to answer. “At that point, I hadn’t traveled outside of West Africa, so I couldn’t speak for the rest of the continent,” she says. “There’s a wide variety of food in Ghana alone. I could only…
Read MoreTaco Bell to debut ‘Go Mobile’ Prototype Store with Double Drive-thru lanes, Curbside Pickup
In the works for a few years, the smaller footprint stores are designed for contactless carry out; but are Cantinas and fast social designs out? A Taco Bell executive gives us the lowdown. In early March, Taco Bell announced a bold plan to open ‘fast social’ restaurants with stadium-style seating for gamers. But those dine-in-focused…
Read MoreKrispy Kreme Sets Date for Times Square Debut
“We’re filled with joy to share the sweet news that Krispy Kreme is opening in Times Square,” said Michael Tattersfield, chief executive officer of Krispy Kreme Doughnut Corp. “We said earlier this year that when New York City and Times Square are ready, we’ll be ready. We can’t wait to bring a new bright Hot…
Read MoreWhiskey Cake Names Ray Risley President and Chief Operating Officer
Risley, a seasoned hospitality executive, brings a long track record of attracting and developing high-level talent to Whiskey Cake. With an impressive history of progressing leaders in the industry, Risley creates a culture amongst employees that promotes the continued ability to adapt, evolve and thrive. “Ray’s strength in growing brands through investment in team is…
Read More
