Restaurant operators remain stuck in a rut, dealing with the same list of recurring challenges: slow traffic, labor issues and accelerating real estate costs. Adding to their roster of woes are disrupting entities such as Whole Foods, now under the Amazon umbrella; and cashierless Amazon Go stores, which attract would-be restaurant diners with lower prices, home delivery, more convenient payment methods and other perks. And with customer-facing technologies such as mobile app ordering, third-party delivery providers only make the future of the industry cloudier than ever before.
A ground beef taco made with American cheese and a parmesan-dusted shell probably wouldn’t qualify as authentic to most people. But for Jimboy’s Tacos it’s as authentic as it gets. That’s the same taco that founder Jim “a.k.a. Jimboy” Knudsen first served out of a trailer in Lake Tahoe, Nev., 65 years ago.
Smart Care Equipment made a series of promotions and additions to its sales team.
Six pros share strategies and intent as they look ahead to The NAFEM Show 2019
Jose “Pepot” Miñana was named president of Smashburger, which was acquired by Jollibee Foods Corp. in February 2018.
Sales of foodservice equipment and supplies grew at 2.5 percent for the third quarter of 2018, according to the MAFSI Business Barometer. This represents increases of 1 percent and .7 percent compared to the first and second quarters of 2018.
Starbucks opened a Starbucks Reserve Roastery in New York City. It’s the fourth such location Starbucks has opened, with the others in Seattle, Shanghi and Milan.
Electrolux Professional added Professional Reps-Midwest to its network of independent manufacturers’ reps.
Huey Magoo’s Chicken Tenders promoted Michael Sutter to chief operating officer from executive vice-president of operations and training.
Women’s Foodservice Forum named Greg Creed, CEO of Yum! Brands, an Industry Titan for his leadership and commitment to driving gender equity, investment in the future of women leaders, and notable impact on the food industry.
Dunkin’ Brands Group named Jonathan Biggs vice president, operations for Baskin-Robbins U.S. & Canada and Rick Gestring, vice president, operating system and restaurant experience for its Dunkin chain. In a related announcement, the company also named Tom Manchester, senior vice president, integrated marketing for Dunkin’ U.S.
The Oneida Group appointed three senior executives, all of whom have prior experience with the company.
Alto-Shaam added two directors of national accounts to its retail team.
Larry Johnson will retire from his post as chief executive officer for Fogo de Chão and become chairman of the board for the Brazilian steakhouse chain.
Multiconcept operator Upward Projects tapped Alex Taylor to serve as chief operating officer.
