Lisa Jennings

1 week ago | restaurantbusinessonline.com | Lisa Jennings

FacebookTwitterLinkedInA promotion rolling out May 13 will bring Korean barbecue flavors to Sweetgreen's menu for the first time. |Photo courtesy of Sweetgreen. Bad weather, the lingering impact of the Los Angeles fires and the broader consumer slowdown took a toll at Sweetgreen in the first quarter, the fast-casual salad chain said Thursday. Same-store sales declined 3.1%, including a 6.5% decrease in traffic and product mix that was partially offset by a 3.4% benefit from menu price increases.

1 week ago | restaurantbusinessonline.com | Lisa Jennings

FacebookTwitterLinkedInNoodles & Company's new line of mac and cheese so far has outpaced expectations. | Photo courtesy of Noodles & CompanyNoodles & Company’s comprehensive menu overhaul in March is already showing results. The fast-casual chain on Wednesday reported a systemwide same-store sales increase of 4.4% for the April 1-ended first quarter, including a 1.8% increase in traffic.

1 week ago | restaurantbusinessonline.com | Lisa Jennings

FacebookTwitterLinkedInThe KBBQ Steak Bowl brings Korean barbecue flavors without the need to cook meat at the table. | Photo courtesy of Sweetgreen. Sweetgreen is taking its move into steak up a notch. The fast-casual chain on Wednesday unveiled the launch of a partnership with one of the most celebrated steakhouses in the country: the Michelin-starred COTE Korean Steakhouse, which has locations in New York City, Miami, Singapore, and, soon, Las Vegas.

1 week ago | restaurantbusinessonline.com | Lisa Jennings

FacebookTwitterLinkedInPortillo's chocolate cake appears in doughnut form on the breakfast menu in test. | Photo courtesy of Portillo's. Consumers excited about Portillo’s move into breakfast may have to wait a bit. The fast-casual chain began testing the offer of breakfast items at five units in the Chicagoland area in April.

1 week ago | restaurantbusinessonline.com | Lisa Jennings

FacebookTwitterLinkedInThe executive team changes come after Chipotle reported negative same-store sales in the first quarter. | Photo courtesy of ChipotleChipotle has named former Taco Bell executive Jason Kidd to the role of chief operating officer, the company said Tuesday. Kidd will be stepping in as Chipotle’s President and Chief Strategy Officer Jack Hartung plans to step down from his role on June 1, though he will remain a senior advisor for the fast-casual chain through March 2026.