Perkins-parent Ascent Hospitality names Louis DiPietro general counsel - Restaurant news - NewsLocker (2024)

Executive joins company, which also owns Huddle House, from Fiesta Restaurant Group

Pinstripes is leaning into its events business

During Pinstripes’ Q4 call Thursday, executives said the company’s private events business represents nearly 50% of its revenue.

How two new hires at Bad Ass Coffee are putting the burgeoning brand on the map

Ivy Hanks, director of franchise marketing, and Eleanor Schwartz, director of brand engagement, both started at Bad Ass Coffee on the same day

Women in a wide range of roles across all segments of the foodservice industry will explore and expand their leadership capabilities with impactful sessions on how to take risks and how to share your unique value. These one-day workshops will also p

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Why Applebee’s is adding a new culinary capability every year

Applebee’s new chicken sandwiches introduced hand breading to the company’s kitchens, opening up ‘limitless’ opportunities for innovation, according to its chef.

Consumer demand for coffee is up across all major chains

Consumer traffic to coffee shops is driven mainly by major development trends, according to new Placer.ai research

The classic combination: Salt and vinegar

This classic potato chip flavor is seeing new life in other applications. Although still most frequently seen on potatoes — baked ones and fries as well as chips — the salty-tangy combination is also suitable for other hearty vegetables as well as br

Taco Bell fires another shot in the value war with $7 box

Taco Bell's $7 Luxe Box comes a week after McDonald’s confirmed its $5 Meal Deal to win back inflation-weary consumers.

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Unlock the sizzle: How Teppanyaki's legacy inspires the future of fast-casual dining

Discover how Pepper Lunch blends tradition with innovation for the ultimate DIY teppanyaki experience.

Chill-N Nitrogen Ice Cream wins Nation’s Restaurant News’ Dessert Showdown

The Miami-based chain offers fast, customizable custom desserts

Culinary trends driving menu innovation

Chefs share ideas for creating memorable dining experiences

Snooze expands beverage line with Juicery offering

Breakfast brand launches new category with fruit and vegetable juices

Snooze an A.M. Eatery expands beverage line with Juicery offering

Breakfast restaurant brand launches new category with fruit and vegetable juices

Trending this week: Pizza Hut introduces Chicago-style tavern pies and eight new toppings

This week on Nation's Restaurant News the top story wasHooters closes dozens of restaurants.Hooters is the latest casual dining chain to close a significant number of locations amid a challenging operating environment where costs remain h

Panera employees file class action lawsuit against company for security breach

After suffering a data breach in March, Panera informed some employees that their data had been leaked

Arby’s franchisee Miracle Restaurant Group files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection

The Louisiana-based operator plans to sell its restaurants outside of its home state and Mississippi

Texas Subway franchisee files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Appeals court last week affirmed $3M arbitration ruling in wrongful death case against operator River Sub LLC

With improved systems in place, Cheba Hut is poised for rapid growth

The cannabis-themed sub restaurant is set to open 20-25 restaurants per year

Bubbakoo’s Burritos continues expansion into the Midwest

The restaurant from the Jersey Shore peddles premium proteins without forgetting about value

Hopdoddy is the emerging burger brand to beat

The Texas-based burger bar restaurant had the third fastest-growing sales in the burger category in 2023, ahead of Whataburger, In-N-Out, and McDonald’s

Is Marco’s the pizza chain to watch?

Marco’s sales growth of 7.6% was more than twice the momentum of the second-place pizza restaurant, Little Caesars

Hawkers Asian Street Food brews success with unique menu

The 15-unit, Orlando, Fla.-based dim sum, rice, and noodles spot grew its sales at more than double the rate of its unit count

Nothing Bundt Cakes outlines its plan to become a $1 billion brand

The company recently surpassed its 600th location and has white space for “at least” 1,500, driven by unit economics and being in the ‘joy business.’

Panera Bread upgrades its breakfast menu with bacon breakfast sandwiches and cinnamon roll creations

The new menu leans into indulgent offerings like bacon or steak breakfast sandwiches and scrambled eggs-topped cinnamon rolls

Flower Child blossoms in the fast-casual space

The Fox Restaurant Concepts-created brand is moving further under the Cheesecake Factory umbrella

Familiarity and discipline drove Mo’Bettahs’ growth

The Hawaiian plate restaurant grew its sales by over 40% in 2023, while its unit count grew by over 31%.

PJ’s Coffee grows by providing a taste of New Orleans

From beignets to pralines, brand works to provide a little vacation with its cup of brew

Eggs Up Grill’s growth drivers: Accessible food and franchisees who started as guests

The restaurant company began franchising 20 years ago but put new systems and processes in place in 2018 that have driven recent expansion.

Where are they now? Once trendy chains that are on the decline

A look at some of the worst performers in recent years