Fast Food Chains like McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Popeyes are Taking Extra Precautions to Avoid Shortages Amid Supply Chain Disruptions and Increased Sales

McDonald’s told franchisees to limit orders of bags and straws after high usage during the COVID-19 pandemic, The Wall Street Journal reported. The chain says that customers are unlikely to notice anything amiss in restaurants. “Despite temporary pressures in the industry, the impact to restaurants is minimal. Based on what we know today, we are…

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Wendy’s to Expand REEF Delivery Kitchens with 700-Unit Deal

The Wendy’s Co. and REEF Technology have agreed to a deal that calls for 700 delivery kitchens over the next five years in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, the companies said. Dublin, Ohio-based Wendy’s said it expects the agreement with Miami-based REEF to produce about 50 delivery kitchens this year and the…

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Pokeworks Promotes Steve Heeley to CEO

Irvine, Calif.-based fast-casual poke brand, Pokeworks, announced the promotion of chief marketing officer Steve Heeley to CEO. He will be replacing the brand’s co-founder and former CEO, Mike Wu, who will be stepping into the role of chief of culinary. “This announcement is a strategic part of our company’s evolution,” Wu said in a statement.…

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Chipotle is Feeling a Labor Squeeze from Workers Exposed to COVID-19

Just a few weeks ago, COVID was largely in the rear-view mirror for Chipotle Mexican Grill. Now, the pandemic is again hitting the chain’s workforce, its CEO said, as the highly transmissible delta variant continues its surge around the country. “Now it is definitely back in front,” Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol said Wednesday during a…

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“Bubbles, Wine & Brews”

The company announced a “Bubbles, Wine & Brews” menu, featuring curated and locally sourced beer and wine options, as well as Bud Light, Blue Moon, and Corona, and mimosas and wines from Barefoot–Bubbly Brut, Bubbly Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon. The pilot is now available at three restaurants in San Diego and New Mexico and will…

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How Small Restaurant Owners are Navigating the Labor Shortage

Every few weeks, it seems, a new photo goes viral on social media showing a sign in a restaurant window declaring: “This restaurant is closed because no one wants to work.” Restaurant owners have, for months now, been quoted in articles and TV news hits decrying the ongoing labor shortage, blaming the enhanced unemployment benefits enacted…

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GLOBAL FOODSERVICE NEWS – AUGUST 1, 2021 EDITION

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc. has proposed an initial public offering of its common stock . . . . For a Second Time, Krispy Kreme could go Public Krispy Kreme Doughnuts, Inc., a privately held company since 2016, has proposed an initial public offering of its common stock. The company on May 4 reported it confidentially…

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Bojangles Dreams of Becoming the Next Global Chicken Brand

Bojangles’ strategic roadmap is supported by a tripod of operational and cultural infrastructure, explains Chief Growth Officer Jose Costa. The first leg is the foundation, which is about running flawless operations while maintaining the speed of service, product quality, and maintenance of facilities. The next support beam is modernization—bringing relevancy to the brand, both inside…

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