Food & Beverage News

Social-distancing limits for dining rooms are constraining Darden Restaurants Inc.’s units more than local coronavirus capacity restrictions, the Olive Garden parent’s CEO said, but the company is installing temporary plastic barriers to provide seating expansion. The Orlando, Fla.-based casual-dining company, which owns LongHorn Steakhouse, Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen and other full-service concepts, said 91% of its…

Yum! Brands announced that it’s pledging $100 million in the next five years to fight inequality. The global mission, referred to as the Unlocking Opportunity initiative, will combat discrimination across KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill by focusing on equity and inclusion, education, and entrepreneurship. As part of these efforts, Yum!…

The image of a black woman will be removed from the brand’s pancake mixes, syrups and other products, the company said. A new name will be announced following the first phase of packaging changes, which will begin appearing throughout the fourth quarter. The 130-year-old Aunt Jemima brand and imagery originally were based on the minstrel…

Affiliates of Fortress Investment Group LLC and its operating partner, Golden Child Holdings, have acquired Krystal Restaurants LLC. Krystal filed for bankruptcy in January and was put up for sale as part of the reorganization process. Fortress emerged as the successful bidder of the business. Thomas Stager was named president of Krystal, effective immediately. He replaces…

Earl Enterprises, parent company of Buca di Beppo and Bertucci’s, has acquired Brio Italian Grille and Bravo! Italian Kitchen from FoodFirst Global Restaurants, Inc. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed. FoodFirst filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in early April after struggling for months due to elevated food costs, labor pressure, unprofitable locations…

Sales declines are expected to moderate, improving from a 50% decline at the peak of the pandemic to a 12% to 14% decline over the next 12 months. Sales are expected to return to pre-pandemic levels by mid- to late- 2022, assuming no COVID-19 relapse this fall. “Full foodservice sales recovery took approximately seven quarters…

The Northern District of Illinois U.S. Bankruptcy Court has ruled to excuse Giglio’s Street Tavern in Chicago from paying 75% of its rent during the coronavirus crisis, citing the Force Majeure or “Act of God” clause in the restaurant’s contract with its landlord. The restaurant — under the restaurant group Hitz Restaurant Group — previously…

Restaurants in Chicago are preparing for limited indoor dining starting Friday as concern about a second shutdown in other states is growing, along with a reported spike in coronavirus cases. Several states are reportedly showing signs of becoming hot stops for the virus. The governors of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut jointly announced a travel…

Chuck E. Cheese parent CEC Entertainment Inc. on Thursday filed plans to abandon the leases of 45 restaurants in plans for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy reorganization, according to court documents. The Irving, Texas-based company said it plans to reopen some restaurants that were closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and continue operations at 266 Chuck E. Cheese…

Smith & Wollensky parent Danu Partners is on the hunt for potential acquisitions as the steakhouse brand gradually rebuilds its business after the coronavirus shutdown, said recently appointed president Oliver Munday. Munday was named president of the eight-unit Smith & Wollensky chain in March, replacing Michael Feighery, who had been with the company for 35…