Many of the owners of the most successful and popular food trucks are opening brick-and-mortar locations. The low-cost and investment required by a food truck helps restaurant owners break into the business. Loyal fans and buzz is created without high rent or utility bills that sink many new restaurants struggling with traffic.
Whataburger is launching a new marketing and promotional campaign on October 10th. The ads document workers and customers in real life situations. 20 different restaurants were filmed in normal operation in Alabama and Texas. This will be the first active marketing campaign for the brand in nearly a decade.
The slow to recover economy in Texas is putting strain on the state’s restaurants. Utility bills remain high for commercial properties and the wide-spread wildfires are putting a damper on tourism. Food trucks or trailers, along with long-established institutions, are surviving the challenging economy the best.
Four menu additions are being added by the Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill chain. These new fall dishes include Grilled Portabello Mushrooms, Chicken Tagine Soup, Dolmas and Garbanzo Bean Soup. The items will be available throughout the end of the season and are based on traditional Mediterranean recipes.
Rick Ross first partnered with the Wingstop chain a few years ago when he wrote a song about their lemon-pepper wings. Now he is the owner of his own location in Memphis. As well as running his restaurant, Ross is writing his fifth studio album and maintains the position of CEO for Mayback Music Group.
The San Diego International Airport will soon have a new Red Mango location for all travelers to enjoy. The agreement was designed by SSP America. The chain combines free-standing retail, kiosk and self-serve locations to keep a competitive edge over other frozen yogurt chains.
The second BRIO Tuscan Grille location has opened in New Jersey. The chain is part of the Bravo | Brio Restaurant Group. This brings the total restaurants to 91 and is the fifth BRIO restaurant to debut this year. The restaurant serves grilled Tuscany-inspired dishes in a calm, upscale environment.
BUBBA Burger Grill has developed a partnership with PepsiCo for exclusive pouring rights in all current locations. The chain is based on the popular BUBBA Burgers retail line of frozen burger patties. PepsiCo drinks will be served in-store from a fountain dispenser and offered in bottles for carry-out customers.
Martino DiGrande may only be 28, but he was recently named a Managing Partner at Palio d’Asti. This is one of San Francisco’s top 3 Italian restaurants and has been in the same location for over 20 years. DiGrande trained in Sicily at La Planta and brings a lifetime of restaurant and kitchen experience.
Smashburger is planning a number of events for Breast Cancer Awareness month. All month long participating restaurants will donate $1 to the Susan G. Komen Foundation for every Classic Smashburger sold.