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☆ PepsiCo beats Wall Street estimates, raises earnings outlook
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-10 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

PepsiCo on Tuesday reported quarterly earnings and revenue that beat analysts' expectations and raised its outlook for its full-year earnings. Shares of the company rose 2% in premarket trading. Pepsi's North American beverages unit reported volume declines of 6%. Quaker Foods North America's volume rose 1%, while Frito-Lay North America's volume was flat. Quaker Foods' brands also gained market share in key categories, like pancake mix and syrup, executives said in prepared remarks.

Organizations: Pepsi, PepsiCo, LSEG, Gatorade, Taco Bell, Quaker, Frito, Quaker Foods Locations: Crockett , California

☆ Popeyes overtakes KFC as No. 2 chicken chain, but Chick-fil-A stays on top
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-04 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

2 chicken chain in the U.S., a decade after Chick-fil-A first unseated KFC from the top spot. Restaurant Brands International 's Popeyes launched a chicken sandwich in 2019 that turned into a blockbuster menu item and ushered in the chicken sandwich wars. Similar to KFC, Popeyes lost market share in the past year, but still retained enough to leapfrog its rival. It took more than a year for KFC to respond to Popeyes' chicken sandwich. 2 chicken chain.

Persons: Popeyes, Chick, Wendy's, Kevin Hochman, Patrick Doyle, Sami Siddiqui Organizations: KFC, Starbucks, Restaurant Brands, Yum Brands, Barclays, Brinker International, School Conference, CNBC Locations: U.S, Atlanta

☆ Chipotle tests automation for burrito bowls and salads
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-03 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Chipotle Mexican Grill is testing whether automation can make customers' burrito bowls and salads. It's the second time the burrito chain has publicly announced testing automation at its innovation center. Roughly two-thirds of all Chipotle digital orders are either burrito bowls or salads, according to Chipotle. The Hyphen robot will make burrito bowls and salads for digital orders only. Simultaneously, an employee can assemble digital orders for other items, such as tacos, quesadillas and burritos, on the digital make line.

Persons: Chipotle's, Sweetgreen, Jonathan Neman, Chipotle Organizations: Ono Locations: California

☆ Kellogg's cereal business begins trading as stand-alone company WK Kellogg
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-02 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Kellogg's cereal business began trading on the New York Stock Exchange at $13.80 per share as "WK Kellogg Co" after spinning off from its parent company on Monday morning. It now houses snacking brands like Pringles and Cheez-It and its North American frozen food unit, which includes Morningstar Farms. Kellanova is trading under Kellogg's ticker "K," while WK Kellogg is under the ticker "KLG." Shares of Kellanova were down roughly 3% in morning trading, and WK Kellogg's stock fell 5%. Shareholders received one share of WK Kellogg for every four shares of Kellogg they owned as of Sept. 21.

Persons: WK Kellogg, Kellogg Organizations: Kellogg Company, New York Stock Exchange, Morningstar, Kellogg Locations: Queens , New York City, U.S, Kellanova

☆ Fast-food drive-thru lanes speed up as fewer drivers wait in line
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-02 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Fast-food drive-thru lanes are speeding up as fewer customers choose to order their meals and milkshakes sitting in their car, according to an annual study by Intouch Insight released Monday. The average total time spent in a drive-thru lane shrank by 29 seconds this year. In other words, Carl's Jr and Yum Brands' Taco Bell and KFC were only speedier because their drive-thru lanes weren't as popular. But across the board, drive-thru lanes have waned in demand since the pandemic began. Despite those efforts, this year's total drive-thru times still lag 2019 times by 15 seconds.

Persons: Carl's Jr, Dunkin, Taco, Wendy's, Carl's Organizations: Intouch, KFC, Taco Bell, Yum Brands, Bell, Taco Locations: Arby's, Burger, Fort Worth, Taco Bell, Brooklyn Park , Minnesota

☆ Big Food vs. Big Pharma: Companies bet on snacking just as weight loss drugs boom
▼ + stars: | 2023-10-01 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

But food companies' major bets on snacking come as investors fear the looming danger of Big Pharma's blockbuster obesity and diabetes drugs Wegovy and Ozempic. Younger generations snack more often than older consumers, said Kelsey Olsen, food and drink analyst for market research firm Mintel. Millennials and Gen-Z consumers tend to eat smaller meals that are closer together, creating more occasions to grab a snack. At the same time, Novo Nordisk's Ozempic and Wegovy have taken off, fueled by prescriptions to help patients lose weight. Some patients even report developing aversions to foods with higher sugar and fat content — a category that includes many big snack brands.

Persons: Smucker, Big, Wegovy, snacking, Kelsey Olsen, Millennials, Morgan Stanley, Morgan Stanley's, General Mills Organizations: Hostess Brands, HSBC, Accenture, Novo Nordisk's Ozempic, Hershey, Mondelez, PepsiCo, General Locations: Seattle , Washington , U.S, U.S

☆ McDonald's to raise royalty fees for new franchised restaurants for first time in nearly 30 years
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-22 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

McDonald's franchisees who add new restaurants will soon have to pay higher royalty fees. It's the first time in nearly three decades that McDonald's is hiking its royalty fees. However, the higher rate will affect new franchisees, buyers of company-owned restaurants, relocated restaurants and other scenarios that involve the franchisor. McDonald's will also stop calling the payments "service fees," and instead use the term "royalty fees," which most franchisors favor. They pay rent, monthly royalty fees and other charges, such as annual fees toward the company's mobile app, in order to operate as part of McDonald's system.

Persons: Joe Erlinger, McDonald's, Erlinger, Ian Borden Organizations: CNBC, Kalinowski Equity Research Locations: McDonald's, California, U.S

☆ Olive Garden parent Darden Restaurants beats earnings estimates, despite weak fine-dining sales
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-21 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Darden Restaurants on Thursday reported earnings and revenue that topped analysts' expectations in its first quarter as the owner of Ruth's Chris Steak House. But same-store sales of Darden's fine-dining segment fell more than expected, signaling that consumers are spending less on upscale restaurant meals. The chain reported same-store sales growth of 8.1%, topping StreetAccount estimates of 6.1%. Olive Garden, which accounts for roughly 45% of Darden's revenue, reported same-store sales growth of 6.1%, meeting expectations. Darden's fine-dining restaurants saw same-store sales shrink 2.8%, wider than expectations of a 1.8% decline.

Persons: Chris Steak, Darden, Chris, Eddie V's Organizations: Darden, LSEG, LongHorn Locations: Olive, Pittsburg , California

☆ A fight between fast-food chains and unions in California is over, for now – what to know
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-15 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +8 min

Gavin Newsom's office, also creates a nine-person council that will decide on future wage hikes for the fast-food industry in California through 2029. The deal will mean a wage floor of $20 for California workers at fast-food chains with at least 60 locations nationwide, starting April 1. The council will include four representatives from the fast-food industry, four from the workers' side and one neutral party who will serve as chair. But the fast-food industry was attacking the bill before it even made its way to Newsom's desk. Fast-food workers employed by affected restaurants will see pay increases of as much as 25% hit their paychecks starting in April.

Persons: Mario Tama, Gavin Newsom's, Mark Kalinowski, Newsom, Joe Erlinger, Erlinger, Jan, What's, Joe Pawlak, Technomic, they'll, Joe Pawlak Technomic, Pawlak, Mary Kay Henry, it's, Sean Kennedy, Burger Organizations: Getty, Gov, Equity Research, Democrat, FAST, Yum Brands, Restaurant Brands, McDonald's, Citi Research, Service Employees International Union, SEIU, California State, CNBC, Walmart, Target, Food, National Restaurant Association, Delta Airlines, Los Angeles International Airport Locations: Boyle, Los Angeles , California, California, McDonald's U.S, Minnesota, New York, —

☆ Sweetgreen sued by workers at 7 New York restaurants for alleged racial discrimination
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-14 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Ten Sweetgreen employees are suing the salad chain, alleging racial discrimination at seven of its New York City restaurants. The complaint also alleges that managers failed to hire or promote qualified Black employees and gave preferential treatment to Hispanic workers. The plaintiffs allege that store managers said Hispanic people work harder than African Americans and called Black employees lazy. The lawsuit claims managers sexually harassed female workers, making sexual comments and touching them inappropriately. We take these accusations seriously and do not tolerate any form of harassment, discrimination, or unsafe working conditions," a Sweetgreen spokesperson said in a statement to CNBC.

Organizations: New York Supreme, CNBC, Financial, Side . Companies, New York Locations: New York City, New York, Manhattan, Meatpacking District, Greenwich Village, Midtown East, Side, New

☆ Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz steps down from coffee chain's board
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-13 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz testifies before the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on March 29, 2023 in Washington, DC. Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz is stepping down from the coffee chain's board, the company said Wednesday. Schultz previously stepped down from Starbucks' board in June 2018 to prepare for a potential presidential run, before deciding against a bid. Zhang also previously held roles at News Corp China, CNBC China, Bain and General Electric. She is the third woman on Starbucks' nine-person board, which includes chair Mellody Hobson and Land O'Lakes CEO Beth Ford.

Persons: Howard Schultz, Schultz, Laxman Narasimhan, Kevin Johnson, Wei Zhang, Zhang, Alibaba, Bain, Ralph Lauren's, Mellody Hobson, Beth Ford Organizations: Starbucks, Health, Education, Labor, Washington , DC, CNBC, Alibaba Pictures, News Corp China, General, Land Locations: Dirksen, Washington ,, China, U.S, CNBC China

☆ Jelly giant J.M. Smucker agrees to buy Twinkie maker Hostess Brands for $5.6 billion
▼ + stars: | 2023-09-11 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: 1 min

Hostess Twinkies and CupCakes are displayed on a store shelf on May 17, 2021 in San Anselmo, California. Jelly maker J.M. Smucker is buying Twinkie owner Hostess Brands for $5.6 billion, or $34.25 a share. Hostess shareholders will receive $30 in cash and .03002 shares of Smucker's stock for each share of Hostess that they owned. As of Friday's close, shares of Hostess stock have risen 25% this year, giving the company a market value of $3.73 billion.

Persons: Twinkies, J.M, Smucker Organizations: Hostess Brands, Reuters, PepsiCo, Mondelez Locations: San Anselmo , California

☆ Autumn arrives earlier than ever for Starbucks and others with pumpkin menu items
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-31 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

But for many restaurants and retailers, fall is already here. But in the past few years, restaurants and retailers have been releasing their autumnal food and beverages even earlier. November is still the most popular month to launch limited-time pumpkin items timed for Thanksgiving, but August is gaining ground. Restaurants' and retailers' extended fall also comes as pumpkin food and beverages become more popular throughout the autumn. As schools have pushed for an earlier start to the school year, Labor Day has lost some of its status as a seasonal indicator.

Persons: Ken Harris Organizations: Labor, Cadent Consulting, CNBC Locations: U.S

☆ IHOP rolls out biscuits menu nationwide for the first time as the chain fights slowing sales
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-28 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

For the first time ever, IHOP is making its biscuits menu available nationwide. Starting Monday, IHOP's sales — and Dine Brands' stock — could get a boost from its biscuits menu. The breakfast biscuit sandwich, with a choice of a side, will be available until Sept. 26 for $7 to appeal to budget-minded consumers. In line with that trend, IHOP crafted its biscuits menu to be versatile. More than a fifth of IHOP's sales come from to-go orders.

Persons: IHOP, Kieran Donahue, Donahue, Wendy's, Datassential Organizations: Dine, Dine Brands, CNBC, Southern Locations: Datassential, U.S

☆ Subway sandwich chain sells itself to Dunkin' owner Roark Capital
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-24 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

In this photo illustration, a Subway meal is seen on a table at a Subway restaurant on January 12, 2023 in Austin, Texas. Roark Capital is buying Subway, ending the sandwich chain's more than five decades of family ownership and marking a new era for the struggling company. Subway dwarfs all of them by number of restaurants, and brings in more annual sales than all but Dunkin'. Through holding company Inspire Brands, Roark owns Dunkin', Baskin-Robbins, Sonic, Arby's, Buffalo Wild Wings and Jimmy John's. Roark plans to keep Subway as a separate entity within its portfolio, Subway CEO John Chidsey told the Journal.

Persons: Roark, Dunkin, Robbins, Jimmy John's, Anne's, Carvel, Neil Saunders, John Chidsey, Chidsey, Fred DeLuca, Peter Buck, Jared Fogle, DeLuca, Buck Organizations: Roark Capital, Subway, TDR, Sycamore Partners, Wall Street, Inspire Brands, Baskin, Buffalo Wild Wings, Focus Brands, Journal ., Business Locations: Austin , Texas, Cinnabon, Connecticut, U.S

☆ Starbucks adds third pumpkin drink to fall menu as chain celebrates 20 years of the pumpkin spice latte
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-23 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

As Starbucks celebrates the 20th anniversary of its pumpkin spice latte, the coffee chain is adding a third pumpkin drink to its fall menu. Starting Thursday, the iced pumpkin cream chai latte joins the company's existing pumpkin lineup, which also includes the pumpkin cream cold brew, returning for its fifth year. The seasonal menu addition comes as Starbucks customers increasingly choose cold drinks over hot options, no matter the temperature outside. Starbucks' more upscale Reserve locations, which also serve alcohol, will serve special pumpkin spice drinks for the first time, too. The Reserve fall menu includes a pumpkin spice espresso martini, playing off the espresso martini craze, and a pumpkin spice whiskey barrel-aged iced latte.

Persons: latte, Erin Stan Organizations: Starbucks Locations: TikTok

☆ 3 trends are dividing restaurant companies into winners and losers
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-18 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

In this article CMGMCDWENPZZA Follow your favorite stocks CREATE FREE ACCOUNTA McDonald's restaurant near Times Square, NYC on July 29th, 2023. Adam Jeffery | CNBCRestaurant companies navigating some of the same challenges in the second quarter fell into two categories: winners and losers. While most restaurant companies crushed earnings expectations, a number of them fell short of Wall Street's estimates for their quarterly revenue. McDonald's and Wingstop both reported second-quarter earnings, revenue and same-store sales growth that topped analysts' expectations, a rarity this quarter for restaurant companies. One fast-casual chain has struggled with consumers' value perception.

Persons: Adam Jeffery, hasn't, Papa John's, TD Cowen, Andrew Charles, Burger, Wendy's, Jeffrey Bernstein, bode, Chris Kempczinski, Todd Penegor, Wingstop, Michael Skipworth, Chipotle, Jack Hartung, Noodles Organizations: CNBC Restaurant, Promotions, Investors, CNBC, Restaurant Brands, Barclays, Company Locations: NYC, Chipotle, Texas

☆ Outback Steakhouse owner's stock rises after activist Starboard Value buys stake
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-18 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

An Outback Steakhouse truck sits parked outside a restaurant in New York. Shares of Outback Steakhouse owner Bloomin' Brands rose 7% in morning trading Friday after an activist investor disclosed its interest in the restaurant company. Starboard Value now owns 9.9% of Bloomin's shares, according a regulatory filing. In addition to Outback, Bloomin' also owns Carrabba's Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar. Starboard Value has a proven track record of successful turnarounds at restaurant companies.

Persons: Bloomin, Jana Partners, Garden's breadsticks, Papa John's, John Schnatter, Jeff Smith Organizations: Fleming's, Wine, Bloomin, Barington Capital Group, Darden Restaurants Locations: New York

☆ Cava and Sweetgreen see delivery orders fall as customers pick up their own food
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-16 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Delivery orders are typically more expensive, thanks to added fees and tips for delivery drivers. But delivery orders have also become an important contributor to restaurants' revenue because customers' receipt totals are higher. Cava's second-quarter sales growth wasn't hurt by softening delivery sales, but the Mediterranean chain's full-year forecast was cautious. After same-store sales growth of 28.4% for the first quarter and 18.2% for the second quarter, Cava is anticipating same-store sales growth of just 13% to 15% for the full year. Uber said its second-quarter delivery sales rose 14%, while DoorDash's total orders climbed 25%.

Persons: Sweetgreen, Mitch Reback, Cava, Tricia Tolivar, didn't, Uber Locations: Cava, North America

☆ Cava shares surge as Mediterranean restaurant chain swings to a profit in first report since IPO
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

A banner for the Mediterranean restaurant chain Cava is displayed outside of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as the company goes public on June 15, 2023 in New York City. The Mediterranean restaurant company has a market value of $5.27 billion, as of Tuesday's close. However, Tolivar also said that same-store sales growth has moderated in recent weeks. Cava's menu prices were up nearly 8% compared with the year-ago period, though executives said the restaurant chain has no plans to raise prices further. Looking ahead to 2023, Cava expects to report same-store sales growth for the full year of between 13% and 15%.

Persons: Cava, Tricia Tolivar, Tolivar, Sweetgreen, Brett Schulman Organizations: New York Stock Exchange, CNBC Locations: Cava, New York City

☆ Chick-fil-A to release new riff on its iconic chicken sandwich with pimento cheese, jalapenos
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-15 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Chick-fil-A is adding a new spin on its iconic chicken sandwich to menus for a limited time. Starting Aug. 28, customers can buy the Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich at the chicken chain's restaurants nationwide, while supplies last. But the limited release of the Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich shows how the chain is shifting its menu strategy as it expands nationwide. The Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich was a project five years in the making, according to Stuart Tracy, Chick-fil-A's principal culinary lead. The chain tested the Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich in 2020 in Asheville, North Carolina, and upstate South Carolina.

Persons: Pepper, Truett, Honey Pepper, Stuart Tracy, Chick, Tracy, Tracy didn't, crumbles Organizations: Atlanta - Locations: U.S, Atlanta, Asheville , North Carolina, South Carolina, Salt Lake City

☆ Kraft Heinz picks new CEO as sales slump in the face of higher prices
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-14 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Kraft Heinz 's North American president will become CEO of the food giant next year, the company announced Monday. Carlos Abrams-Rivera will take the reins Jan. 1 from Miguel Patricio, who has led Kraft Heinz since 2019. Kraft Heinz shares have fallen 15% this year, dragging its market value down to $42.2 billion. "Since joining Kraft Heinz in 2020, [Carlos] has consistently delivered strong results in the North American retail and Away From Home businesses," Patricio said in a statement. Ahead of the CEO transition Jan. 1, Abrams-Rivera will become president of Kraft Heinz, adding new responsibilities to his current role.

Persons: Kraft Heinz, Carlos Abrams, Rivera, Miguel Patricio, Patricio, Oscar Mayer, Maxwell, Abrams, Campbell, Carlos Organizations: Kraft, Cream, North Locations: California

☆ Target is rolling out Starbucks curbside pickup across the country as it looks for sales jolt
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-09 | by ( Melissa Repko | In Melissa-Repko | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Target is looking to jolt sales by adding Starbucks drinks and food to its curbside pickup service at stores across the country. The retailer began testing the Starbucks curbside pickup service at some stores in the fall. Target's curbside pickup service, Drive Up, helped fuel the company's e-commerce and sales growth during the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet, according to Target, curbside pickup has led to more business. That explains why Target has added other features and more items to curbside pickup, including beer and wine.

Persons: curbside, Target, Howard Schultz, — CNBC's Amelia Lucas Organizations: Target, Starbucks

☆ Beyond Meat stock slides more than 20% after company reports weak sales, cuts forecast
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-08 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +2 min

Beyond Meat's stock fell more than 20% in morning trading Tuesday after the company reported weak sales, cut its full-year revenue forecast and walked back its goal of becoming cash-flow positive in the second half of the year. The company, which makes meat substitutes, has struggled for roughly two years as U.S. consumer interest in its products has waned. However, CEO Ethan Brown told analysts on the company's conference call Monday evening that its weak sales will likely delay its target of becoming cash-flow positive by the second half of 2023. U.S. demand for Beyond's meat alternatives appears to be declining at a faster rate, even as the company cuts its prices 8.6%, mostly through discounts. Beyond also cut its full-year revenue outlook to a range of $360 million to $380 million, compared to the $388 million Wall Street expected, according to Refinitiv.

Persons: Ethan Brown, Brown Organizations: Meat Inc, U.S, Wall Locations: Encinitas , California

☆ Restaurant Brands' sales rise, fueled by Burger King and Tim Hortons growth
▼ + stars: | 2023-08-08 | by ( Amelia Lucas | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +1 min

Restaurant Brands International on Tuesday reported double-digit same-store sales growth at Burger King and Tim Hortons for its second quarter. Restaurant Brands' same-store sales climbed 9.6% in the quarter, driven by strong growth at Tim Hortons and Burger King. Tim Hortons reported same-store sales growth of 11.4%, topping StreetAccount estimates of 6.5%. Popeyes saw same-store sales growth of 6.3%, topping expectations of 3.5%. Firehouse Subs, the most recent addition to Restaurant Brands' portfolio, reported same-store sales growth of 2.1%.

Persons: Burger King, Tim Hortons, Burger Organizations: Brands, Burger, Refinitiv ., Restaurant Brands, Burger King, Firehouse Locations: United States, U.S

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