QSR Industry News

Swipely Completes $12M Series B Round of Financing

QSR magazine — Fri, 24 May 2013 16:48:04 +0000

Swipely, a tool for local merchants to accept payments, understand customers, and grow revenue, announced it has completed a $12 million Series B round of financing. Shasta Ventures led the investment and was joined by existing investors First Round Capital, Greylock Partners and Index Ventures. The Series B funding will help Swipely expand its network of merchants and accelerate its nationwide growth.

NRA: Restaurants to Add 448,000 Jobs This Summer

QSR magazine — Fri, 24 May 2013 15:42:18 +0000

Restaurants are expected to add 448,000 jobs this summer season, a 4.5 percent increase over the March 2013 employment level, according to National Restaurant Association (NRA) projections. The projected gain represents an improvement over the 2012 summer season.

WFF CEO Woods Earns Dallas Directors Award

QSR magazine — Fri, 24 May 2013 15:33:30 +0000

Women’s Foodservice Forum (WFF) president and CEO Fritzi Woods was recently recognized as an honoree of Dallas Business Journal’s 2013 Outstanding Directors Award. The Outstanding Directors Award program operates in conjunction with the National Association of Corporate Directors and is sponsored by Ernst & Young. The program honors directors from Dallas-based nonprofits and public and private companies.

Ben & Jerry's "ReinCONEates" Fan Favorite

QSR magazine — Fri, 24 May 2013 15:07:14 +0000

What is the proper grieving period for a dearly departed... ice cream flavor? Regardless, for Ben & Jerry's fans who have counted White Russian as one of their favorite Ben & Jerry's flavors, the time for mourning is over! After years of dealing with the loss, laying flowers at the flavor’s headstone at the Ben & Jerry’s flavor graveyard, and writing to the company asking for the flavor to come back, the fan-favorite White Russian is being reinCONEated!

Church's Chicken Selects New Chief Development Officer

QSR magazine — Fri, 24 May 2013 14:20:51 +0000

Church’s Chicken president and chief executive officer Jim Hyatt announced the appointment of Tony Moralejo as its chief development officer responsible for domestic and international expansion for the globally recognized quick-service chicken chain. His responsibilities also include franchising, reimaging, construction, and real estate management. Tony reports directly to Hyatt and is a member of the brand’s executive team.

Jack in the Box Promotes Operations VP

QSR magazine — Fri, 24 May 2013 14:11:53 +0000

Jack in the Box Inc. announced the promotion of Elana M. “Lani” Hobson to senior vice president of operations. Hobson, a 36-year veteran of the company, was previously vice president of operations.

Phoenix-Based Zoyo Opens First Midwest Unit

QSR magazine — Fri, 24 May 2013 14:06:58 +0000

Zoyo Neighborhood Yogurt, an Arizona-based self-serve frozen yogurt franchise, announced the opening of its first Midwest location in Warsaw, Indiana. Operated by local franchisee Deron Manwaring, the 1,750-square-foot store provides community members a place to socialize and enjoy Zoyo’s signature frozen yogurt flavors and toppings.

Wendy's Refresh Continues with New, Interactive Website

QSR magazine — Fri, 24 May 2013 13:42:40 +0000

Wendy’s launched a bolder, brighter, and more interactive Wendys.com, which—after a complete overhaul—is much more friendly for those on smartphones and tablets.

Dairy Queen Stirs Up New Ad Campaign

QSR magazine — Fri, 24 May 2013 13:40:44 +0000

With a new look and style that reflects the honest truths inherent in one of America’s most beloved brands, the Dairy Queen system will unveil a new advertising campaign on Memorial Day, the unofficial kick-off of summer, that focuses on the theme of Fan Food. Not fast food.

Created by Barkley, the Dairy Queen system’s new agency of record, the campaign will come to life through all consumer touch points, including television, radio, print, in-store, online, social media, and team member training.

Henny Penny Names New Corporate Chef

QSR magazine — Fri, 24 May 2013 13:36:59 +0000

Foodservice equipment designer and manufacturer Henny Penny Corporation hired Benjamin Leingang to be the company’s new corporate chef. Chef Leingang comes to Henny Penny from Compass Group North America, a foodservice management company. Most recently, Chef Leingang managed all aspects of foodservice for Honda Manufacturing of North America; this role encompassed multiple on-site cafes, as well as numerous corporate functions and employee events.