Global Foodservice News
Fifty/50 Group to Debut Restaurant at Chicago’s Willis Tower
EQ Office announced that Chicago’s Fifty/50 Group will debut the first full-service restaurant at Willis Tower. Kindling, a char-house-style culinary experience, will offer an urban oasis and convivial atmosphere in the heart of Downtown Chicago. Slated for 2022, Fifty/50 Group’s latest concept will occupy a two-story space and outdoor terrace at the corner of Franklin…
Read MoreDeep-Dish Pizza Chain Lou Malnati’s Has a New Investor.
BDT Capital Partners, the Chicago investment firm that acquired a stake in the iconic pizza chain five years ago as it was beginning to expand out of state, sold its shares to Meritage Group for an undisclosed sum. Marc Malnati, who remains active in the pizza chain his father started 50 years ago, said he…
Read MoreMcDonald’s Targets Net Zero Emissions by 2050, From Meat to Energy
McDonald’s Corp. set a new target to cut global greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero by 2050, from the beef in its burgers to the light bulbs in its restaurants. The burger chain also said it was working with the nonprofit Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) to revamp its existing climate change targets. It aims to…
Read MoreRobots Now Deliver Food, Bus Tables at Sawatdee
The Thai restaurant is using robots to run between the dining room and kitchen at its locations in Minneapolis and Maple Grove. Sawatdee, the Upper Midwest’s first Thai restaurant that’s now in its second generation of family ownership, now appears to be the first restaurant in Minnesota to put robots in the dining room. And…
Read MoreHow Marco’s Pizza is Preparing Itself for Growth with Technology and Innovation
Marco’s Pizza is trying to be the fourth-largest pizza chain and, after a year like 2020, the quick-service restaurant is on the right path. “We’re surging ahead and looking to double operations in the next few years,” said Steve Seyferth, chief experience officer for Marco’s Pizza. Last year, the quick-service pizza chain saw same-store sales…
Read MoreWhy Tropical Smoothie Cafe is Bucking the Ghost Kitchen Trend
When it comes to one of the industry’s hottest trends, Tropical Smoothie Cafe, which recently crossed 1,000 locations, isn’t joining the herd. Ghost kitchens? CEO Charles Watson says they are not a part of the chain’s sizable growth plans. For Watson, it comes down to the brand’s roots as a franchisee-led organization. Since operators haven’t…
Read MoreCaribou Coffee Adds Franchising to its US System for the First Time
Caribou Coffee on Monday introduced a domestic franchise program for the first time in the U.S. The 718-unit brand has previously franchised internationally and includes 314 company-owned locations, primarily in the Midwest. The program includes the chain’s “Caribou Cabin” prototype, which launched in 2019 with a drive-thru focus and smaller footprint, as well as Caribou’s…
Read MoreElectrolux Professional to Acquire Unified Brands
Electrolux Professional has entered into an agreement to acquire Unified Brands Inc and related assets, a leading US-based manufacturer of foodservice equipment. The acquisition will significantly strengthen Electrolux Professional’s presence in the US and supports Electrolux Professional’s focus on growth with the foodservice chains. Electrolux Professional will acquire Unified Brands for approximately SEK 2,140m (USD…
Read MoreGlobal Foodservice News – October 1, 2021 Edition
The Middleby Corporation announced the acquisition of Imperial Commercial Cooking Equipment . . . . Middleby Acquires Imperial Commercial Cooking Equipment Based in Corona, Calif., the company manufactures ranges, fryers, ovens, countertop equipment, and other specialty cooking products for the commercial kitchen. Imperial has annual revenues of approximately $40 million. “Imperial is a leading, highly-respected…
Read MoreSabir Sami, New Chief Executive Officer of Yum! Brands’ KFC Division
When KFC rings in the new year it will do so with a new leader. KFC’s parent, Yum! Brands, Inc., announced on Sept. 22 that Sabir Sami has been promoted to chief executive officer of the KFC Division, effective Jan. 1, 2022. Mr. Sami will succeed Tony Lowings, who will step down as CEO at…
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