Alicia Kelso

Louisville

Executive Editor at Nation's Restaurant News

Journalist who craves information about restaurants, Michigan sports, BGSU, all musical genres, black labs and how to raise a boy. Views are my own.

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Articles

Starbucks’ dress code, Red Robin’s bottomless burgers, and top chain performance trends

3 days ago | nrn.com | Sam Oches |Alicia Kelso

Plus, an interview with Walk-On’s senior director of culinaryOn this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss Starbucks’ new uniform policy, which calls for neutral-color clothing that lets the brand’s signature green apron stand out. Employees aren’t happy about the change, but could it be another smart step in the turnaround process kicked off by new CEO Brian Niccol?
Red Robin is introducing a Bottomless Burger Pass

1 week ago | nrn.com | Alicia Kelso

Red Robin is introducing a Bottomless Burger Pass nationwide starting April 17. The Bottomless Burger Pass offers a month’s worth of burgers for $20. A limited quantity of Bottomless Burger Passes will be available for purchase at RedRobin.com/National-Burger-Month starting April 17 at 9 a.m. MT. Guests who purchase this limited-time offer will receive an exclusive black-and-gold card in the mail for redemption from May 1-31, 2025.
Applebee’s partners with Toast for new point-of-sale, kitchen display system rollout

1 week ago | nrn.com | Alicia Kelso

Applebee’s has teamed up with Toast to implement new point-of-sale terminals nationwide, as well as Toast Go handhelds, Kitchen Display Systems, and its Restaurant Management Suite. In a release, the Pasadena, Calif.-based casual dining chain said it is adding the technology to strengthen its operations, improve labor efficiencies, and enhance the guest experience.
Introducing the Power List, Biglari makes El Pollo his next target, and the status of inflation

1 week ago | nrn.com | Sam Oches |Alicia Kelso

Plus, an interview with the founder of Playa BowlsOn this week’s Extra Serving, NRN editor in chief Sam Oches and executive editor Alicia Kelso discuss the 2025 Power List, which features 52 of the most powerful women in foodservice. They explain why a list such as this is still necessary in closing the gender parity gap within foodservice leadership, and how these 52 women provide a model for women in the development pipeline across the industry.
Potbelly has added a steak sandwich to its permanent menu

1 week ago | nrn.com | Alicia Kelso

Potbelly is adding a Prime Time Rib Steak Sandwich to its permanent menu at participating locations starting April 14. The chain’s first-ever permanent steak sandwich includes sliced prime rib steak, melted Swiss cheese, house made caramelized onions, and roasted garlic aïoli. “Our fans expect a high-quality sandwich experience from us, and when they asked us for a craveable steak sandwich, we made sure we delivered,” director of consumer insights and innovation Eric Chenel said in a statement.
‘The world’s most beautiful Taco Bell’ has undergone a redesign

1 week ago | nrn.com | Alicia Kelso

The Pacifica Taco Bell Cantina, which has been called the world’s most beautiful Taco Bell, has undergone a redesign, including expanded patio seating with Pacific Ocean views. The restaurant, operated by Diversified Restaurant Group — one of the brand’s largest franchisees — was originally a traditional Taco Bell restaurant but reopened as a Cantina model in 2019. The upgraded design features a second walk-up window, new furniture, outdoor heaters, and a new drink menu.
Starbucks and Chick-fil-A remain teens’ favorite brands

1 week ago | nrn.com | Alicia Kelso

A recent report from Placer.ai denotes that Starbucks and Dunkin’ may be losing market share to emerging beverage concepts such as Dutch Bros, 7 Brew, and Scooters. Piper Sandler’s newly released Taking Stock with Teens Survey indicates, however, that they are very much favorites among younger consumers. Piper Sandler added the “coffee, tea, and beverage places” category for the first time last year.
Zaxby’s focus on operational standards has driven sales and traffic growth

2 weeks ago | nrn.com | Alicia Kelso

Zaxby’s has generated slow and steady growth throughout its 35 years, squarely positioning itself in the largest 40 U.S. chains. In 2024, sales increased by more than 5% year-over-year, according to Technomic, while the company’s unit count rose nearly 3%. The chain is expecting to surpass its 1,000th unit milestone in the third quarter.
Overall inflation cools in March, but menu prices remain stubbornly high

2 weeks ago | nrn.com | Alicia Kelso

The inflation level in March cooled more than expected, registering an annual rate of 2.4% — a six-month low. Prices fell 0.1% in March, after rising 0.2% in February, according to federal data released Thursday morning. It’s the first time prices have fallen month-over-month since May 2020, driven by lower energy prices. Food prices, however, were a different story. Food away from home rose 0.4% in March, matching February’s increase and outpacing every month since at least September.
Kura Sushi is finding success in mid-major markets

2 weeks ago | nrn.com | Alicia Kelso

Kura Sushi’s second quarter was dampened by weather, with same-store sales declining by 5.3%, including -8.5% traffic. During the company’s earnings call Tuesday after market, chief executive officer Hajime Uba said the weather impact — including Southern California wildfires and flooding — represented a comp headwind of 400 to 500 basis points.