FSR

Registration for Year 2 of our Women in Restaurant Leadership Summit in Nashville is now open! You can sign up here: https://lnkd.in/e8bmDF5J And explore more here: https://lnkd.in/gM9CvmAF Hope to see you in Nashville!

In an industry reshaped by the pandemic, two cult-favorite Midwestern restaurant brands—Big Boy Restaurants and Mediterranean concept Olga's Kitchen—have found a way to redefine the concept of ghost kitchens. https://lnkd.in/gzbV3k3R

Shannon Hennessy, CEO of Habit Burger & Grill, has been announced as the opening keynote speaker for the 2025 Women in Restaurant Leadership (WiRL) Together Summit! Hennessy joined Yum! Brands in 2020 as CFO of KFC’s Global Division, where she played a pivotal role in driving growth and profitability. She later became president of The Habit Burger Grill, focusing on enhancing the business model through margin improvements and digital sales expansion. In 2023, Hennessy stepped into the role of CEO, setting out to break the “craft ceiling” and position The Habit as a global better-burger powerhouse. A trailblazer in talent diversity and development, Hennessy has led initiatives that have reshaped the leadership landscape. In a WiRL digital exclusive interview with QSR magazine earlier this year, she shared her passion for empowering others to trust their instincts and take bold steps in their careers. The Women in Restaurant Leadership (WiRL) Together Summit brings together female leaders from across the industry to inspire connection, foster mentorship, and offer actionable career advice. Join us in Nashville on February 19–20, where Hennessy will take the stage to elevate, educate, and empower women in the restaurant industry. Register today at: https://lnkd.in/gM9CvmAF

Firebirds Wood Fired Grill is lighting the way forward, and at the helm of its financial strategy is CFO Caren Prince, CPA. With a background spanning Krispy Kreme and Mars Inc., Prince is fusing her deep analytical expertise with a people-first philosophy to drive Firebirds into its next chapter of growth and innovation. https://lnkd.in/daYrppKm

Cracker Barrel is kicking off its fiscal year with strong Q1 results, demonstrating resilience and growth even as it faces a proxy contest with activist investor Sardar Biglari.?

Outback Steakhouse's turnaround starts with the guest experience, according to Bloomin' Brands, Inc. CEO Mike Spanos, who has no shortage of personal experiences dining at the group’s casual brands. His late father would go to Outback on Friday nights to grab a steak and beer. Spanos now brings his wife and kids there. He meets his in-laws at Carrabba's Italian Grill for Italian, celebrates birthdays at Bonefish Grill, and taps Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar for elevated meals. The point being, Spanos understands what it’s like to be a loyalist of Bloomin’s restaurants. Now, can he speak to that same customer as traffic and sales trends continue to soften? Read more: https://lnkd.in/exT-gQKi

From inflation pressures to cutting-edge tech solutions, Toast’s latest survey uncovers five powerful trends reshaping the restaurant industry in 2024.

This decision has significant implications for the industry, which has been navigating a challenging post-pandemic recovery period amidst rising labor costs and inflation.

After her oncologist recommended she adopt a plant-based diet during her battle with cancer, Tara Gilbert's life flipped upside down. Now, she has partnered up with infamous restaurateur Pinky Cole Hayes to serve as one of Bar Vegan/Slutty Vegan's executive chefs. “People want to live longer, simple as that. They want to look and feel better. America is last on the ship for veganism,” Gilbert says. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eeazigvG

For a restaurant sector feeling the burden of cautious spending on multiple levels, it’s the morning-meal occasion that’s come under the most pressure, First Watch CEO Chris Tomasso said. https://lnkd.in/ehsND4VH