Food & Beverage News

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers Inc. this week laid off a number of field and corporate-level workers, the company confirmed. The Greenwood Village, Colo.-based brand said “the casual-dining marketplace has changed dramatically in recent years and our guests’ needs have evolved,” according to Kevin Caulfield, Red Robin spokesperson, in an email. To remain a strong and…

Culinary travel reaches a new zenith now that the James Beard Foundation has launched its Culinary Collection series of eight 2017-2018 cruises onboard Windstar’s small luxury cruise line. On its fleet of bespoke yachts, Windstar has launched its stellar James Beard program with exclusive menus created and prepared by guest chefs, including “Top Chef” judge…

Edward Don & Company, a Woodridge, Ill.-based foodservice equipment and supplies dealership, has acquired Smith & Green Company. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Smith & Greene, a Kent, Wash.-based foodservice equipment and supplies dealer, will operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Edward Don & Company and will remain under the leadership of…

The national restaurant chain Red Robin announced it would eliminate busboys at all of its 570 restaurants, as the company expects it will save $8 million in 2018 by doing so. Red Robin’s chief financial officer Guy Constant told attendees at the ICR retail conference, “We need to do that to address the labor increases we’ve…

The growth of chain retailers and restaurants in the city continues unabated, which may be a discouraging thought for anyone whose favorite deli has been replaced by a Dunkin’ Donuts.The sweet-treat and coffee giant took the title as New York’s largest retailer for the 10th consecutive year, with 612 stores, according to a report from the…

Apollo Global Management, L.L.C. has entered a definitive agreement to acquire Qdoba Restaurant Corp. from Jack in the Box, Inc. for approximately $305 million in cash. The transaction is expected to close by April 2018. Qdoba Mexican Eats is a fast-casual Mexican restaurant chain that operates more than 700 locations in 47 states, the District…

Ruth’s Hospitality Group, Inc. announced that it has completed the previously announced acquisition of six restaurants in Hawaii from longtime franchise partner, Desert Island Restaurants, for approximately $35 million in cash. The acquisition includes six restaurants, including a new location opened in early November on the island of Kauai, as well as area development rights…

An increased focus on delivery, the elevation of vegetarian and vegan concepts, embracing automation and finding ways to operate in smaller areas are just a few predictions from several executives leading fast casual brands. Jenelle Brown, VP of operations and training, Uncle Maddio’s Predictions:   As the demands of the consumer continue to support off-premise…

Emerson has agreed to acquire Cooper-Atkins, a leading manufacturer of temperature management and environmental measurement devices and wireless monitoring solutions for foodservice, healthcare and industrial markets. Cooper-Atkins is a longtime technology leader in foodservice markets with a comprehensive offering of temperature management and monitoring products for spot inspection and fixed location uses, including restaurants, supermarkets…

G.E.T. Enterprises, a supplier of alternative tableware, and its investment partner Olympus Partners, are pleased to announce that G.E.T. has merged with Winco, a manufacturer and supplier of kitchenware and tableware to create a leading supplier to the foodservice industry. G.E.T. has been a leading supplier of high-quality dinnerware, drinkware, and displayware crafted from melamine…