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Lisa Jennings

Executive Editor

Articles by
Lisa Jennings

Page 3
Leadership

Seattle chef-restaurateur Tamara Murphy dies after suffering stroke

A James Beard Award winner, Murphy was chef and co-owner of the acclaimed restaurant Terra Plata with partner Linda Di Lello Morton.

Operations

Chuck E. Cheese offers subscription plan for families seeking value

A year-round national Fun Pass offers games and food-and-drink discounts at various tiers for a monthly fee.

Financing

Potbelly finds sweet spot with $7.99 combo meal

CEO Bob Wright is not a fan of more aggressive discounting but he wants to stop guests from trading down to their own refrigerators.

Financing

Sweetgreen shakes off its lunch-salad rep

Steak and protein plates helped grow dinner sales in the second quarter. Expect to see less salad and more robotic makelines.

Financing

Noodles & Company could close up to 20 underperforming restaurants

As the fast-casual chain's turnaround effort unfolds, CEO Drew Madsen said a portfolio review could result in some units being shuttered.

Emerging Brands

Two more restaurant chains have sights set on big growth in Walmart stores

Crave Hot Dogs and Knuckies Hoagies have signed agreements with the retail giant, joining Mr. Gatti's Pizza and Wonder.

Financing

Amid headwinds, Portillo's focuses on throughput and eye-catching ads

The fast-casual chain is improving drive-thru speeds and will be advertising during Bears games to focus on what can be controlled.

Leadership

Seattle Chef Wayne Johnson dies at age 66

The former chef of the restaurants Andaluca and Ray's Boathouse was known for his decades of work with the nonprofit FareStart. He is credited with fostering equity and community in the food world by lifting others up.

Emerging Brands

The family-owned Porto's Bakery & Cafe in Los Angeles readies its next generation

This iconic 50-year-old brand with soon-to-be seven units is preparing for the next half century with a long-needed shift into the digital age.

Financing

Shake Shack's new CEO Rob Lynch plans to push speed, value and drive-thrus

In his first Shake Shack earnings call, CEO Rob Lynch outlined plans for the next phase of growth. He is focused on operations and making the premium fast-casual brand a more frequent choice for guests at all income levels.

Emerging Brands

Steve Ells' new Kernel takes major pivot: adding meat

The initially plant-based startup concept created by the founder of Chipotle is evolving as it prepares for growth.

Financing

Wingstop serves up two-year same-store sales of more than 45%

With another unprecedented quarter under its belt, the Dallas-based brand plans to triple its domestic restaurant count and reach an average unit volume of $3 million.

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