Food & Beverage News

More than 1,500 Tim Hortons restaurants are scheduled to open in China over the next 10 years through an exclusive master franchise joint venture agreement between Oakville-based Tim Hortons and Cartesian Capital Group, L.L.C., a global private equity firm. “We have two main priorities at Tim Hortons: building and strengthening our brand in Canada and…

Pizza Hut really, really wants you to order its pizza while you watch sports. The No. 2 pizza chain is announcing a two-year extension of its relationship with the NCAA, after grabbing the NFL pizza partnership as soon as that league and Papa John’s severed ties. “Pizza and sports really go hand in hand,” says…

Mobile and online ordering technology provider Preoday and ordering platform placeNorder have partnered to bring digital pre-ordering to food and beverage businesses across North America. PlaceNorder focuses on providing an online ordering platform to restaurants in the USA and Canada. Now powered by Preoday’s technology, it aims to extend a marketing-based approach to working with…

There are a number of things that have the ability to bridge cultural gaps and unite people in one go. One of those things is food. The world is privileged to have so many different nationalities, each with its own cuisine. A taste of these cuisines often gives us a glimpse into the peculiar features…

Much of what has taken place at LongHorn Steakhouse in recent years counteracts the casual-dining playbook of old. Simplify and shrink the menu, but improve loyalty and accelerate same-store sales. Historically those results just don’t co-exist in the same battlefield. “It’s the art, not the science,” Darden CEO Gene Lee said during a June 26…

The power of social media platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and others to connect friends, family and colleagues is well established. But as the media develop, food and beverage industry executives are learning more about the influence and usefulness of the data being generated. The information being communicated has the potential to alter consumer perceptions…

Drayton Martin has joined Dunkin’ Brands, Inc. as vice-president of brand stewardship for Dunkin’ Donuts. In this role, she will lead the development and implementation of Dunkin’s brand messaging across all channels, including advertising, packaging, in-store and digital. Additionally, she will oversee the company’s internal brand marketing team and external creative agency partners. Ms. Martin…

Rebecca Miller has been promoted to senior vice-president of marketing at On The Border Mexican Grill & Cantina. She was most recently vice-president of marketing and digital experience for the company. In her new role, Ms. Miller will oversee all marketing initiatives for On The Border, as well as culinary innovation, guest relations and catering.…

Newly formed restaurant company FoodFirst Global Restaurants has tapped another Darden Restaurants Inc. veteran for its executive team. Columbus, Ohio-based FoodFirst, which recently acquired Brio Tuscan Grille and Bravo Cucina Italiana brands, named Mike Ellis as chief development officer. Ellis previously worked at Orlando-based Darden as head of development for the multiconcept operator, whose portfolio…

Chas Hermann has been named chief brand officer of Noodles & Co., a fast-casual restaurant chain that specializes in globally inspired, pasta-based dishes. In his new role, Mr. Hermann will develop and execute the company’s marketing, menu and culinary strategy. Mr. Hermann was most recently principal at Chas Hermann Consulting, where he partnered with the…