Austin Finkle’s Post

Portillo's names Tony Darden as operations chief Former Jack in the Box executive to assume COO role on Dec. 9 Ron Ruggless Nation's Restaurant News Portillo's Inc., the fast-casual restaurant concept, has named Tony Darden as chief operating officer, effective Dec. 9, the company said Monday. Chicago-based Portillo’s said Darden will play a pivotal role in enhancing operations as the company accelerates its national expansion. "I'm thrilled to welcome Tony as we continue to grow Portillo's with purpose," Michael Osanloo, Poriillo’s CEO and president, said in a statement. "Tony is a proven leader with an incredible ability to elevate operations while fostering innovation and building inspiring teams.” Darden joins Portillo's from San Diego, Calif.-based Jack in the Box, where he served as chief operating officer. He previously served as president of Dallas-based Mooyah Burgers, and held COO positions at Taco Bueno and Sun Holdings, the franchise group. Additionally, he served as vice president of operations at Panera Bread. Portillo’s is scheduled to open its first "Restaurant of the Future" in Grapevine, Texas, with a smaller, more efficient design, and elements such as kiosks and a Grab and Go area. "I am honored to join Portillo's and be part of a brand that has built such a loyal following through its incredible food and guest experience," Darden said. Portillo's has more than 80 restaurants in 10 states. https://lnkd.in/eEJevtSx

How Modern Market Combines Impressive Margins with Innovative Restaurant Operations to Engineer a Game-Changing, $2.2 Million AUV Franchise Opportunity in 2024 In the $209 billion world of fast casual dining, standing out is no small feat. Yet, Modern Market Eatery, a restaurant franchise that has woven innovation, health and sustainability into its core, is doing just that. How? By focusing on not only what we eat, but also how it's prepared and delivered, prioritizing both the needs of the modern diner and the modern franchise operator. The result? A fast casual franchise opportunity up-to-par with any of the household-name QSR giants. "In our quest to redefine fast food, our vision at Modern Market is clear: make real food the new standard,” said President and Co-founder Rob McColgan. “Over more than a decade, we've honed our processes to ensure that scratch cooking is fast, repeatable and profitable. We don’t come from traditional restaurant experience, which has allowed us to reinvent the concept from the ground up. Now, we’re inviting others to help us disrupt the fast casual industry." The flagship Modern Market restaurant opened in Boulder, Colorado, in 2009. The brand experienced consistent growth over the next decade, with company-owned operations opening up in Colorado, Texas and Arizona. But when the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, McColgan said it was clear that the brand had to adapt. “We leaned heavily into delivery and digital ordering,” said McColgan. “Modern life makes eating out or ordering online a necessity. This shift towards online transactions has fundamentally transformed our business model and it allowed us to really focus on our growth trajectory. Today, we have a tech stack on par with the most sophisticated retailers and are miles ahead of the largest restaurant brands.” Currently, Modern Market operates 31 restaurants across the country. The brand is owned by parent company Modern Restaurant Concepts, which also owns the fast casual brand Qdoba. This makes Modern Market an emerging franchise with the buying power of an 800-unit chain — a rare blend that provides franchise partners with better pricing and logistics for accessing top-of-the-line equipment and food costs. READ MORE 👇

I honestly think our qsr and restaurant industry in general is in trouble as costs are too high and value can't keep up. Experiential dining may not be affected like high end restaurants that offer a great celebration location or the standard value restaurants like Taco Bell will always fit a need for those looking for super affordable. But the chains that are idle and not changing the customer experience are slowing losing market share and growth capabilities to the new fresh concepts. The other part is locations. We have had a stall in retail development which has driven prices up and foot traffic down. As an example look at the retail space west of 31 on SR 32. Most of those concepts were developed and created on high density markets and not completely reliant on drive through business. As an owner of a couple of pizzeria's I can first hand tell you that the business model for regular old food is not really there any more.

“When the industry experiences periods like this, it’s where you have to focus on the X’s and O’s of the business,” Jon Rolph, CEO of Thrive Restaurant Group, a large Applebee's Neighborhood Grill + Bar operator said. “It’s important to recognize the macro environment that you’re in, and then look at how you can win inside that environment. So, what’s important to us is making sure we’re out-operating our competitors, because when people cut back, they’re going to go to the establishments they trust the most.” https://lnkd.in/gchmrCUz

Darden Restaurants' announces acquisition of Chuy's restaurant chain. This could signal both challenges and opportunities for the Pittsburgh commercial real estate market. Brokers, owners, and investors might see this as an opportunity to reassess and potentially recalibrate their strategies concerning restaurant spaces. Given Darden's track record with managing and expanding restaurant chains, there could be an increased demand for suitable retail property/space acquisition, if Darden decides to grow Chuy's footprint. This might lead to a positive shift in leasing activities, where retail spaces could be repurposed or optimized for Chuy's, potentially leading to revitalization of certain commercial areas.

Read the newest article by Peter Romeo giving insight on restaurant closure trends. Peter, your continued expert take on the industry is essential for all operators! TAGeX Brands

Cluck Clucks Maps Ambitious Growth Strategy Following Toronto Success Toronto's Cluck Clucks reveals major expansion plans with three new Canadian restaurants, 16 planned Quebec locations, and its first U.S. outlet in Texas. CEO shares exclusive insights on growth strategy and tech innovation in quick-service restaurant sector. Dustin Fuhs Syed Raza Hashim, Cluck Clucks - Chicken and Waffles #6ixRetail #CluckClucks #Expansion https://lnkd.in/gzSZUBV4

Are you looking to stand out in the competitive restaurant industry? Read this article by Jacob Mancini from CWB Franchise Finance for strategies to succeed in a crowded market.

Are you looking to stand out in the competitive restaurant industry? Read this article by Jacob Mancini from CWB Franchise Finance for strategies to succeed in a crowded market.

Are you looking to stand out in the competitive restaurant industry? Read this article by Jacob Mancini from CWB Franchise Finance for strategies to succeed in a crowded market.