Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream, Bobby’s Burgers By Bobby Flay, Pollo Campero, Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, and Panera Bread lead RestaurantNews.com’s top stories for the week ending July 21, 2024.
1) Happy Joe’s Promotes Former Franchisee General Manager and 2022 Operator of the Year to New Franchise Business Consultant
Happy Joe’s Pizza & Ice Cream has named Haley Lueth as its newest Franchise Business Consultant. The popular iconic pizza brand plans to use this strategic hire to continue to provide exceptional support and guidance to its franchisees, enhancing their overall experience in Happy Joe’s “Best-in-Class” performance initiative.
2) Bobby’s Burgers By Bobby Flay Announces Grand Opening for First Neighborhood Location
The SouthPark restaurant is Bobby’s Burgers’ flagship location and first neighborhood restaurant. It will also serve as the brand’s Training Center and Test Kitchen. Foremost, the restaurant will bring chef Bobby Flay’s unbeatable burger experience to the Charlotte community.
3) Pollo Campero Franchise Has Seen Steady Growth So Far This Year and Is on Track for Further Expansion
Pollo Campero, the Central American chicken franchise with over 350 restaurants worldwide, is poised for a dynamic second half of 2024, following a period of robust growth and strategic development in the first half of the year. The brand has successfully opened 17 new locations and is gearing up for an additional 13 by the end of the year.
4) Cracker Barrel Appoints Sarah Moore as New Chief Marketing Officer
Moore’s nearly 20 years of hospitality experience is a perfect match for the strong hospitality focus of Cracker Barrel. Her strategic experience in marketing, brand building, and guest engagement will be strong assets to Cracker Barrel as it evolves, taking what is beloved and differentiated about the brand and building on it.
5) Panera Bread Makes Summer Even Hotter With a Spicy Fiesta on Its New Menu
Panera Bread guests can now enjoy the new Spicy Chicken Fiesta and Kickin’ Grilled Cheese sandwiches alongside two new Avocado Toast varieties that put a Panera twist on a classic food trend. And if the summer heat is making you thirsty, Panera has you covered – the brand is currently offering their most valuable Unlimited Sip Club deal yet.
6) Son of A Butcher Slider Bar is Ready to Shake Things Up in Fort Worth
Affectionately known as SoB, the chef-inspired concept blends nostalgia with bold, modern flavors. Think classic burgers with a twist! At SoB, guests can dive into fresh choices like Wagyu, chicken and veggie sliders, chicken tenders, filthy sodas, creamy shakes, and crispy fries. Plus, with biweekly Butcher Specials, there’s always something new to try, including sliders and shakes inspired by global flavors and seasonal ingredients.
7) Melting Pot Accelerates Expansion: Awards 2 New Restaurants in Q2, Builds Momentum in Q3 to Grow Footprint 10%
Melting Pot, the national fondue franchise with 92 restaurants nationwide, is entering the third quarter with both internal and external growth, new partnerships and offers benefitting its guests, and plans laid for development that will increase its footprint by nearly 10%.
8) Corner Bakery Cafe to Celebrate Grand Reopening of Capitol Hill Location on July 22
Corner Bakery Cafe is celebrating the grand reopening of its Capitol Hill location at 500 North Capitol St., N.W.on Monday, July 22, bringing back its beloved pastries, gourmet sandwiches, savory soups, fresh salads and more from its prime spot near Union Station and Columbus Circle.
9) Rachel’s Kitchen Celebrates a Successful First Half of 2024
Rachel’s Kitchen, the beloved Las Vegas-based fresh casual eatery known for its fresh, wholesome, and delicious fare, is celebrating the first half of 2024 with remarkable achievements and continued growth. The brand has announced several key milestones that underscore the brand’s commitment to serving more communities great tasting food with a gourmet touch at affordable prices.
10) Dillas Quesadillas Announces New Restaurant Prototype in Ruston, LA
Dillas Quesadillas, a North Texas-based quick service restaurant chain specializing in cooked-to-order Primo quesadillas, announces the development of its new drive-thru prototype in Ruston, LA. Slated to open in the summer of 2024, the brand’s tenth system-wide location installment, and the first of its kind, will provide increased efficiency and emphasize Dillas’ commitment to innovation, convenience and strategic growth.