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☆ Subway will sell 50% discounts for its footlong sandwiches to app users — and they could sell out within hours
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-17 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Subway is bringing back its Footlong Pass subscription program. Passes will be available on the chain's app, which has seen a surge in downloads lately, as well as online. And, they're about to surge even more as the chain plans to bring back its wildly popular $15 Footlong Pass deal. One million Subway app downloads in a monthAccording to app intelligence firm Apptopia, Subway's menu overhaul, and recent promotions are causing a surge in app downloads. McDonald's (3.2 million downloads) and Starbucks (1.3 million downloads) came in at No.

☆ Chick-fil-A will force rewards members to spend more money to get free food, following in the footsteps of Starbucks and Dunkin'
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-16 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Chick-fil-A is making changes to its rewards program on April 4. Consumers will have to spend more to earn free perks on select items. And like Chipotle, Starbucks, and Dunkin', consumers will have to spend more to earn free perks on select menu items. Chick-fil-A websiteCurrently, the Chick-fil-A One program has multiple tiers for redeeming free food and drinks. In October 2022, getting a free coffee through the Dunkin' Rewards program increased to 500 points, or $50 of spending, compared to the previous $40.

☆ No, 'Stranger Things' star Noah Schnapp didn't open his own restaurant. It's the latest 'virtual brand' offering from IHOP.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-16 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Thousands of virtual brands continue to flood delivery apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub. IHOP is launching a third delivery-only brand – a chicken menu by a "Stranger Things" star. Partnering with Noah Schnapp and Nextbite were a seamless fit to meet the consumer target for our newest Virtual Brand." Stranger Things star Noah Schnapp helped create a virtual chicken menu for IHOP. Nextbite's other celebrity-backed virtual brands include Packed Bowls by Wiz Khalifa and 'Wichcraft sandwiches by Tom Colicchio.

☆ Restaurants and hotels are driving US job economy. Here are thousands of open roles as the hospitality sector offsets steep staffing cuts in big tech.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-14 | by ( Danni Santana | Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

The leisure and hospitality sector continues to drive US job gains, the Labor Department said. Still, the US Travel Association estimates about 2 million open roles in leisure and hospitality. The leisure and hospitality sector encompasses restaurants, hotels, arts, entertainment such as theme parks, and other tourism-oriented businesses. Overall, the US Travel Association estimates about 2 million open roles remain unfilled in leisure and hospitality. Here's a look at who is hiring in restaurants and hospitality at large chains.

☆ Former Domino's CEO bought nearly $4,000 worth of pizza in a year
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-14 | by ( Grace Mayer | Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Former Domino's CEO Ritch Allison bought $3,919 worth of pizza in 2021, the Financial Times found. The former CEO was compensated for a nearly $4,000 personal pizza expense, the Financial Times reported, citing Domino's proxy filing from last year. As FT points out, the previous proxy shows Allison's nearly $4,000 in pizza in 2021 was relatively tame. During his tenure as CEO, Allison pushed innovation and a culture of risk-taking at the tech-forward company. Curious what $3, 919 gets you in Domino's pizza pies?

☆ Surge pricing is increasingly being used in restaurants and movie theaters, making everyday activities much more expensive
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-14 | by ( Hannah Getahun | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Dynamic pricing is being used to set prices for activities beyond ridesharing and concert tickets. Experts warned businesses would most likely implement surge pricing in response to the pandemic. "This strikes me as outrageous for a pedestrian family activity," Yenni told the Journal. Insider previously reported that AI-driven dynamic pricing is making its way through business sectors like retail and grocery stores to keep up with changing market demands post-Covid. A startup meant to help restaurants set their own surge prices has also been created, and has helped some establishments double their profits, Insider's Nancy Luna reported.

☆ Grubhub is losing its second CEO in less than 2 years as owner explores sale of company
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

A year after Just Eat Takeaway.com bought Grubhub, the European firm said it wanted to sell it. Grubhub is in great hands with Howard and the Grubhub leadership team, and I'm excited to watch the company continue to thrive." Over the years, Grubhub has struggled to find its footing in the hyper-competitive food delivery sector. 1 food delivery operator. In January 2018, Grubhub had 49% of the food delivery market, according to Bloomberg Second Measure.

☆ Chick-fil-A is making another attempt to crack the international market with a $1 billion investment
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-13 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

By going abroad, Chick-fil-A will compete with US-based rivals such as KFC and McDonald's, which have been in Asia for years. Chick-fil-A restaurants generate higher revenue per location than any other US chain. In the US, Chick-fil-A is the third largest restaurant chain, in terms of sales, according to market research firm Technomic. Only McDonald's and Starbucks generate more revenue than Chick-fil-A, which reported sales of $16.7 billion in 2021. Chick-fil-AIt's unclear how many restaurants the chain would build abroad, but it is targeting five international markets by 2030, Cathy told the Journal.

☆ Disney's famous Dole Whip is no longer limited to theme parks as the pineapple treat heads to grocery stores
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-08 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

The Dole Whip soft-serve cup is an iconic treat made famous by Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Dole Packaged Foods said it is making its Dole Whip treat available nationwide in grocery stores. Dole Packaged Foods, the maker of the iconic Dole Whip, announced plans on March 3 to make the frozen treat available in supermarkets nationwide. Disneyland makes various versions of the Dole Whip treat. The food stand sells the original treats – Dole Whip and the Dole Whip Float – and several new concoctions, such as the Strawberry Dole Whip Sundae and a Chile-Mango Whip.

☆ In-N-Out debuts a new catering truck with mini-fries and mini-Double-Doubles on the menu
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-06 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

In-N-Out Burger began catering events such as weddings and birthday parties in 1974. Owner Lynsi Snyder said mini-fries are on the menu of a new catering truck designed for kid events. A portion of the proceeds will support the chain's In-N-Out Burger Foundation, which assists children who have been victims of child abuse. The Esther Snyder Cookout Truck website does not provide any cost details for services. Catering costs for the regular Cookout Truck depend on the number and type of burgers sold at the event.

☆ New documentary reveals how Jared Fogle led a 'double life' as a 'puppet master' who committed child sex acts while pitching sandwiches for Subway
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-05 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +9 min

Jared Fogle became Subway's pitchman after losing 245 pounds by mostly eating the chain's subs. He filmed over 300 ads for Subway before pleading guilty to child sex acts in 2015. Jared Fogle became a pop-culture icon after being tapped as the face of Subway in 2000. A random tip in 2015 finally exposed him as a child sex predator. Here are the most revealing highlights:Jared Fogle led a "double life," according to a documentary about his child sex crimes.

☆ In-N-Out owner Lynsi Snyder is expanding the burger chain to two more states and increasing her wealth along the way. Here's how one of the youngest billionaires in the US lives her life.
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-03 | by ( Rachel Askinasi | Hayley Peterson | Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: 1 min

Snyder told "CBS This Morning” that she shies away from interviews intentionally. "We want to do what we do best, and that's serve some good burgers to our customers. It's not about us here — it's about this," she said, pointing to the restaurant behind her. Source: "CBS This Morning"

☆ Wendy's is once again slashing plans for ghost kitchen locations — delivering a blow to struggling Reef Technology
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-02 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Wendy's had plans to open 700 locations through ghost kitchen operator Reef Technology. Wendy's Chief Financial Officer Gunther Plosch confirmed the chain's restaurant-growth projection is down as a result of slashing its ghost kitchen strategy. Wendy's said it currently has 16 Reef locations in the UK. At its peak in mid-2021, the SoftBank-backed startup operated more than 330 food trailers in the US and abroad. Jack in the Box ended its ghost kitchen partnership with Reef Technology in 2022.

☆ Chipotle turns viral TikTok food hack into a new quesadilla menu item
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-27 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Starting March 2, Chipotle is allowing customers to add fajita veggies to any quesadilla. The permanent new menu item, the Fajita Quesadilla, will be available through Chipotle's app or website. Chipotle said it "saw more than 30.6 million views, 3.7 million likes, 47,200 comments, and 69,500 shares of viral TikTok content about the Steak Quesadilla with Fajita Veggies." The five new permanent quesadilla versions include the steak quesadilla with fajita veggies, the chicken quesadilla with fajita veggies, the barbacoa quesadilla with fajita veggies, the carnitas quesadilla with fajita veggies, and sofritas quesadilla with fajita veggies. The "Fajita Quesadilla Hack," inspired by Frost, is a fajita quesadilla with steak served with roasted chili-corn salsa, tomatillo red-chili salsa, and sour cream on the side.

☆ A new documentary on Subway and Jared Fogle couldn't come at a worse time
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-25 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Jared Fogle became Subway's pitchman after losing 245 pounds by mostly eating the chain's subs. A Fogle documentary airing in March is bad timing for Subway as it looks for a buyer, analysts say. Yet, a ghost from Subway's past, Jared Fogle, is returning to haunt America's largest sub chain. The new documentary series promises to reveal the "rise and fall" of the former Subway pitchman who "masqueraded as a national hero while hiding a horrific side." Are you a Subway insider with insight to share?

☆ More than 2 million Cosori air fryers recalled after reports of the kitchen appliances 'catching fire, burning, melting'
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-23 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

A California company is recalling 2 million Cosori air fryers, US product safety officials announced Thursday. The recalled air fryers were reported as "catching fire, burning, melting." "Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled air fryers and contact Cosori to receive their choice of a free replacement air fryer or another Cosori product," the commission said. The agency said a "wire connection in the air fryers can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards." About 2 million of the air fryers have been sold in the US, while about 250,000 were sold in Canada and 21,000 in Mexico.

☆ Costco's new roast beef sandwich costs as much as 6 of the retailer's hot dogs
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-22 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Costco's food court is known for cheap fast-food staples such as $1.50 all-beef hot dogs. But some are balking at the price of the $9.99 roast beef sandwich. Many hard-core warehouse fans complained it was too expensive for Costco's food court, known for cheap fast-food staples such as $1.50 all-beef hot dogs and $10 whole pizzas. It is made with sliced roast beef, onion relish, a mayonnaise and mustard blend, lettuce, and roasted cherry tomatoes and served on a hoagie-style roll. When asked about the status of the roast beef sandwich, a food court worker answering the phone at the Lynnwood warehouse said 29 were left.

☆ A Chick-fil-A in North Carolina is accused of writing a racial slur on an order slip. The chain called it a 'misspelling' of the customer's name.
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-22 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

A Chick-fil-A customer in North Carolina said her daughter's order slip contained a racial slur. A Facebook post regarding the incident has gone viral, with more than 660 comments. The meal, she said, was returned with a racial slur on the order slip attached to the cup and the takeout bag. Some supported Jackson and her daughter and accused Chick-fil-A of supporting a culture of bigotry. In 2018, Taco Bell reportedly fired a cashier who was accused of writing a racial slur on a customer's receipt in Pennsylvania.

☆ Menu photos created using generative AI could convince customers to order more from restaurants
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-22 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Generative AI is now being used to create menu photos when restaurants lack images. Since its January 19 launch, it has generated 175 million AI photos, he said. Julie Zucker, a partner and chief marketing officer at Branded Hospitality Ventures, said "mouth-watering" food photos may certainly drive a guest to order. The food tech VC firm, which also runs a string of restaurants in New York, invests in startups that solve problems for restaurants. If restaurants lack food photos, DoorDash said it offers complimentary photo shoots.

☆ Subway envisions an oasis where diners can picnic and play while charging their cars
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-21 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

On Tuesday, the chain announced plans to build EV charging stations at select restaurants in the US. 'Subway Oasis' parks will have charging stations, picnic tables, Wi-Fi, and playgrounds. Dubbed Subway Oasis, the EV parks will be outfitted with "charging canopies with multiple ports, picnic tables, Wi-Fi, restrooms, green space, and even playgrounds," the chain said Tuesday. Subway joins Taco Bell as one of the first fast-food chains to announce plans to add public EV charging stations to restaurants. Subway did not specify how much it would cost consumers to charge their cars at their new charging stations.

☆ Chipotle is launching Farmesa, a spinoff selling 'California-inspired' bowls of salmon, whipped potatoes, quinoa, and more
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-15 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +5 min

Chipotle is launching a virtual restaurant brand featuring "California-inspired" bowls. The virtual restaurant makes its debut later this month in a ghost kitchen in Santa Monica, California. Farmesa will operate at the Kitchen United Mix food hall at Third Street Promenade, a tourist-heavy outdoor retail center in Santa Monica. Kitchen United is a Pasadena, California-based ghost kitchen operator with locations all over the US. Chipotle's new concept, Farmesa, is opening later this month at ghost kitchen/food hall Kitchen United Mix.

☆ Shake Shack agreed to pay $20,000 to an ex-employee who said he was repeatedly asked 'to explain his gender to co-workers'
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-14 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Shake Shack is a New York fast-food chain known for its premium burgers and custard shakes. An ex-employee in California said he was constantly asked "to explain his gender to co-workers." The state's Civil Rights Department investigated, which led to a $20,000 settlement. "Creating a welcoming and fulfilling environment for all our employees and guests is critical," a Shake Shack spokesperson told Insider in a statement. Shake Shake is a fast food chain that sells burgers, fries, and custard shakes.

☆ Subway says it's exploring a sale
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-14 | by ( Samantha Delouya | Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +2 min

Subway said Tuesday that it is exploring a sale of the chain. Last month the WSJ said Subway was up for sale in a deal that could fetch more than $10 billion. "There is no indication of timing or assurance that a sale will occur," the sandwich chain said in a brief statement. Last month, the Wall Street Journal said Subway was exploring a sale that could value the sandwich chain at more than $10 billion. In late January, Subway's late cofounder, Buck, gave his 50% stake in Subway to his foundation, where his two sons work.

☆ Marc Lore co-founded Jet.com and ran e-commerce at Walmart. Now he's out to prove he can make the delivery of 'fast fine' restaurant food work in NYC.
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-14 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Instead of using kitchen vans, Wonder is preparing chef-driven meals from a storefront. Lore, who cofounded the e-commerce site Jet.com and sold it to Walmart, had plans to expand Wonder to a fleet of 1,000 kitchen vans. Storefronts can offer consumers up to 30 food brands for delivery from one location, while the van model was limited to two menus per van. ClusterTruck, a Midwest ghost kitchen that controls everything from the food recipes to delivery, is another model similar to Wonder. Still, Lore sees the value of marketing Wonder's food brands on delivery apps.

☆ TikTokers are roasting McDonald's hilarious drive-thru AI order fails — and it shows that robots won't take over restaurants any time soon
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-13 | by ( Nancy Luna | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +3 min

Another TikToker generated 97,000 views on a post, where she explained how "robots are taking over the world" and they're messing up her McDonald's order. She said the voice bot put 9 sweet teas on her order tab, when she only ordered one sweet tea. In the bot's defense, McDonald's restaurants don't serve Mountain Dew products. Those restaurants still have restaurant workers taking orders, but some McDonald's restaurants have voice bots. Checkers & Rally's, Taco Bell, Sonic, Panera Bread, and Popeyes are testing voice bots in drive-thru lanes.

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