Heather Lalley

Managing editor

Articles by
Heather Lalley

Page 5
Leadership

El Pollo Loco hires Yum Brands vet Liz Williams as CEO

Williams, previously president of Taco Bell International, will assume her new role at the fast-casual grilled chicken chain on March 11.

Marketing

Restaurants embrace the darker side of Valentine’s Day

Marketing Bites: Chains are consoling those who’ve recently been dumped, as well as offering to do the breaking up on behalf of their customers.

The burger giant, which bought nearly 2 billion eggs last year, said it had to rework its supply chain to meet its sourcing demands.

Franchisee Rice Enterprises, which declared bankruptcy last year, had employed a registered sex offender as a manager.

Parent company Rave Restaurant Group said it made about $600,000 during its second quarter, about twice its net income from a year ago.

Marketing Bites: For some brands, it’s the biggest day of the year. And one Chicago operator is partnering with a cannabis company for some very special wing sauce.

The majority stake marks the 12th restaurant investment for the Utah-based private-equity firm and the first in its $200 million Savory Fund III portfolio.

Marketing Bites: How offering freebies could get you in hot water. Plus, Applebee’s Date Night Pass promo broke some hearts.

The fast-casual sandwich chain said it has 192 franchised stores currently under development. It also released an updated rewards app.

The digital catering marketplace has added new filters so customers can seek out restaurants run by people with diverse backgrounds.

The list, which celebrates independents, is based on Yelp ratings, number of reviews and more. Vegetarian Latin restaurant Tumerico in Tucson, Ariz., took the No. 1 spot.

The 15-unit bowling-bocce-bistro chain said it sees room to open 150 locations around the country.

  • Page 5