Heather Lalley

Chicago

Managing Editor at Restaurant Business

Managing Editor at FoodService Director

Managing Editor at Informa

Managing editor @RB_magazine, @cspdailynews, @FS_director. Medill + Washburne Culinary. Past @SpokesmanReview. Fries & pies. She/her.

Articles

Wawa, Casey’s, Rutter’s, Kent Kwik, QuickChek Launch Summer Deals

3 days ago | cspdailynews.com | Rachel Gignac |Hannah Prokop |Diane Adam |Heather Lalley |Chuck Ulie |Joe Guszkowski | +1 more

Convenience-store chains offer fountain drinks for less than a dollar, daily games for prizes, food discounts and more
CSP Launches C-Store Cannabis Board to Drive Industry Education and Innovation

1 week ago | einnews.com | Heather Lalley

CSP Launches C-Store Cannabis Board to Drive Industry Education and Innovation CHICAGO, IL, UNITED STATES, May 6, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- CSP C-Store and Petroleum (CSP), owned by Informa Connect, the leading authority for the convenience-store industry, is proud to announce the official launch of the CSP C-Store Cannabis Board.
Sprouts Farmers Market defies consumer confidence slump

2 weeks ago | supermarketnews.com | Heather Lalley

Continued consumer interest in health and wellness appears to be winning out over declining consumer confidence, which is very good news for Sprouts Farmers Market. The specialty grocer on Wednesday reported first-quarter earnings that left its CEO "delighted," with comparable-store sales growth of 11.7% for the quarter ended March 30. That follows a fourth quarter in which the Phoenix-based grocer posted 11.5% same-store sales growth.
Hy-Vee to close 2 production facilities, laying off 461 workers

3 weeks ago | supermarketnews.com | Heather Lalley

Hy-Vee on Thursday said it intends two close two large food production facilities in Iowa in June, laying off 461 workers. The move is part of a “renewed focus on improving the quality of its fresh offerings,” Hy-Vee said in a statement. The two facilities slated to close on June 24 are:A 150,000-square-foot commissary for fresh food in Ankeny, Iowa, that produces sandwiches, salads, bakery items, and take-and-bake pizzas.
Restaurant Loyalty Programs: Tips & Strategies

4 weeks ago | usfoods.com | Heather Lalley

Restaurants that follow loyalty program best practices, such as offering rewards, discounts, gamification and hyper-personalization, are 1.6 times more likely to experience double-digit revenue growth, according to a 2021 Forrester Consulting study. But not all loyalty programs are structured the same. The approach that might work best depends on your restaurant concept and goals.
Chipotle plans first restaurant in Mexico

1 month ago | restaurantbusinessonline.com | Heather Lalley

FacebookTwitterLinkedInChipotle Mexican Grill said it plans to open its first restaurant in Mexico next year. | Photo: ShutterstockChipotle Mexican Grill on Monday said it plans to open its first restaurant in Mexico early next year, paving the way for future expansion in Latin America.
Week in Review: RLC, operator confidence, Chili's has a beef with McDonald's

1 month ago | restaurantbusinessonline.com | Heather Lalley

FacebookTwitterLinkedInMark Wahlberg discussed his career as an actor and entrepreneur at the Restaurant Leadership Conference. | Photo courtesy: W. Scott Mitchell Photography. Welcome to Restaurant Business’ Week in Review for the week of April 14, 2025. Fast-growing fast-casual chain Dave’s Hot Chicken took home the Pacesetter Award, kicking off the Restaurant Leadership Conference. The award honors emerging brands that have moved from up-and-comers to leaders. Restaurant operators remain confident.
Restaurant chains get lit for 4/20 with munchie-ready dishes and pot-themed promos

1 month ago | restaurantbusinessonline.com | Heather Lalley

FacebookTwitterLinkedInRestaurant chains around the country are celebrating 4/20 with pot-themed deals and dishes, including the Blazin' Taco from Velvet Taco. | Photo courtesy: Velvet TacoHas cannabis culture finally gone mainstream? Judging by my inbox, it has. Sure, it’s an unscientific tally, but it appears more restaurant chains than ever before are offering up 4/20 specials. This year, the annual unofficial day of marijuana celebration falls on Easter.
Week in Review: IHOP and Maggiano's revamp, Jersey Mike's and Red Robin get new CEOs, and more

1 month ago | restaurantbusinessonline.com | Heather Lalley

FacebookTwitterLinkedInMcDonald's Minecraft Movie meals have been popular at the burger giant. | Image courtesy: McDonald'sWelcome to Restaurant Business’ Week in Review for the week of April 21st, 2025. IHOP President Lawrence Kim, who joined the breakfast chain in January, is looking to reinvigorate the brand with a focus on food, service and value. The Minecraft Movie has been very good for McDonald’s.
Marketing wisdom from the Chili’s CMO who helped turn the chain around

1 month ago | restaurantbusinessonline.com | Heather Lalley

FacebookTwitterLinkedInActivations like opening the "Scranton branch" of Chili's, an homage to the hit sitcom "The Office," have helped fuel the casual-dining chain's comeback. | Photo courtesy: Chili's There were few restaurant industry stories more surprising last year than the turnaround of casual-dining stalwart Chili’s Grill & Bar.