Local Kitchens’ Post

As price-conscious Americans cut back on eating out, fast-casual restaurants are bucking the trend and continuing to attract consumers. This is notably the case with buzzy Mediterranean chain CAVA. The eatery has been rapidly expanding its number of locations and plans to offer steak next month — a move that led the company to boost its full-year sales outlook. CAVA expects same-store sales of 6.5% for the year, up from 5% previously estimated. It opened another 14 restaurants last quarter, bringing its total to 323. After a recent opening in Illinois, CAVA is now open in 25 states and Washington, D.C.

Is the rise of co-branded restaurants here to stay? Fatburger's recent move to co-brand with Round Table Pizza serves as the latest example of the resurgence of co-branded locations in the restaurant industry. This trend isn't just about offering multiple menu options under one roof—it's a strategic response to a myriad of challenges faced by businesses, including fluctuating customer traffic, labor constraints, supply chain complexities, and limited real estate opportunities. In this landscape, Companies like Dine Brands are exploring joint IHOP and Applebee's concepts in the U.S., inspired by successful overseas models. Focus Brands, with Auntie Anne's, Carvel, Cinnabon, Jamba, McAlister's Deli, Moe's Southwest Grill, and Schlotzsky's under its belt, has expanded with over 175 dual-branded locations, with more growth planned. Advantages of such collaborations include shared rental costs, enhanced real estate and investment options for franchisees, shared back-of-house facilities, cross-training opportunities for employees, and increased menu diversity for customers. Yet, the success of these collaborations hinges on more than just convenient cohabitation. It requires careful integration of technology systems, optimization of store footprints, and a deep understanding of both customer preferences and operational dynamics. The Dunkin' and Baskin-Robbins partnership exemplifies this synergy, leveraging synchronized seasonal sales and peak hour harmonization to drive profitability. Navigating the landscape of co-branded restaurants can become even more challenging with shifts in ownership within the industry. Darden Restaurants, for instance, grappled with this issue in 2015 when it closed its Red Lobster/Olive Garden co-branded stores while trying to divest the Red Lobster brand from its portfolio. How do you anticipate the reemergence of co-branding will shape the industry? Reach out to us if you’re interested in more restaurant news. Vincent Knipp 📞 (972) 755-5205 ✉️ Vincent.Knipp@marcusmillichap.com Andy Cepeda 📞 (972) 755-5138 ✉️Andy.Cepeda@marcusmillichap.com 👉 Click link for details: https://lnkd.in/gHCz2bN5 #NNN #retail #realestate #investment #investing #commercialrealestate #property #passiveincome #cre #investor #realestateinvesting #commercialproperty #netlease #retailrealestate #fatburger #roundtablepizza #fatbrands

Curious about expanding your restaurant brand into the retail market? Don't miss our free training session this Friday, May 24th, 10am PST where we'll explore how restaurants can leverage retail CPG strategies for business growth. Register today and learn from an industry expert! Register now: https://lnkd.in/gfujSQF6 #MenuToMarket #CPG #restaurants #growthstrategies #groceryindustry #grocerystores #grocery #cpgbrands #foodindustry #restaurantgrowth

Boston Market, the fast-casual chain known for its rotisserie chicken, potatoes, and mac and cheese, has seen better days. While the food remains popular among consumers, the outdated 90s decor is no longer inviting to customers. One question that arises is whether the company should have stuck with their original name, Boston Chicken. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments. #BostonMarket #FastCasual #businesslessons #Branding #innovation #privateequity #mcdonalds

Are you thinking about opening up a deli? Need a few pointers on how to get started? Speciality Food spoke to two owners about their journeys. Thankyou Simon Jones and Simon Warren for your insight. #deli #retail #finefoodretail

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, commonly known as Popeyes, is one of the most popular fast-food chains in the world, renowned for its spicy fried chicken and Southern-inspired menu. Founded in the early 1970s, Popeyes has grown from a single restaurant in Louisiana to an international brand with thousands of locations. This article explores the origins, growth, and milestones that have defined Popeyes’ journey.

Curious about expanding your restaurant brand into the retail market? Don't miss our free training session this Friday, May 17th, where we'll explore how restaurants can leverage retail CPG strategies for business growth. Register today and learn from an industry expert! Register now: https://lnkd.in/eCA9SeF6 #MenuToMarket #CPG #restaurants #growthstrategies #groceryindustry #grocerystores #grocery #cpgbrands #foodindustry #restaurantgrowth

Toastique was just mentioned in this article as a new version of food retailers who is making a bold statement! Culinary innovation often starts with a fresh set of eyes and that is exactly what is showcased with Toastique, one of America’s hottest food service concepts. Brianna Keefe, Toastique's Founder, said, "We have had exponential growth in 2023 and the four newest grand openings were the brand's largest to date – a testament to the strength of the business model and growing reputation." She mentioned that the DuPont store in Washington, D.C., which opened in September 2021, is nearing the million-dollar mark, reflecting an exciting 40% year-to-year growth in sales. This year, the team hopes to cross the million mark in sales in four of its corporate stores and to expand into several new markets to reach 40 units by this time next year! This is a must-read! #innovation #fastcasual #Toastique #growingreputation #franchiseopportunity

Episode #004 of Sherm's Weekly Insider    1) Dinner came with a finger at a Chopt Creative Salad Company location in NYC, CT woman sues       2) Dolly Parton launches new hotel and resort...without support of a global brand     3) Cut fruit recalled from Walmart, Kwik Trip, Inc., ALDI USA, Publix Super Markets, & more      4) Kansas City Chipotle Mexican Grill renames itself ‘Chipolte’ in honor of @Travis Kelce tweet     5) Michigan food-distribution giant opens new grocery store in Ohio food desert    6) After restructuring $305M in debt, Qdoba Restaurant Corporation plans to double its footprint     7) All 30 of Kwik Trip, Inc.'s new locations will get self-checkout tech    8) Ghost kitchens pronounced dead as Kitchen United shutters all Kroger locations    9) Subway adds popular footlong cookies to its permanent menu     10) Sprouts Farmers Market opening a location in Central PA - will organic be a hit?     11) 67-story Fontainebleau Las Vegas will launch with 36 bars and restaurants     12) TikTokers dub @Mercado González: Erewhon meets Mexican fine dining     Follow to stay up to date on the latest hospitality, restaurant, c-store, and grocery store news.    See sources below: 

Long post, but hear me out folks: Recently, I was contacted by a local tv station inquiring about a handful of restaurant closures - mostly chains and a few locally owned. I provided some insights to provide full context and assure their viewers that the Lafayette economy - and our retail sector - remains strong. I’d like to ensure the full context of my remarks make it to the public since tv segments are comprised of only short sound bites. 1) For starters, Lafayette has experienced record breaking sales tax collections - reaching $7.7 billion cumulative by NOV 2023, on track to reach or exceed 2022’s record breaking $8.2 billion total. 2) The restaurant sector is especially tough terrain because of tight margins - and it’s even harder at a time when supply costs are high, labor costs are up, and labor supply is also tight! Also, national chains are constantly scanning their portfolios to eliminate underperforming stores, older facilities. 3) Lafayette has a very high number of restaurants per capita and a healthy number of LOCAL restaurants (https://lnkd.in/gbi5Ss-N) - a GOOD thing for the consumer, but it makes competition pretty fierce. 4) The collective impact of restaurants in Lafayette is solid - thousands of jobs and on average 40-cents on the dollar remains here in the local economy. 5) For these reasons LEDA invests in programs like Shop Local campaigns to encourage people to shop and dine at local establishments! 6) But, we are grateful for investments from retailers and restaurants both locally owned and nationally owned chains! We have a robust balance of local and nationally owned chain eateries and we LIKE IT that way! 7) While some outlets like to talk about closures, we keep those in mind and on the radar to make certain it isn’t the start of a trend; however, we also choose to look at the glass half full. Below are some of the eateries that have recently decided to open or expand in Lafayette, LA: Five Mile Eatery 🔺 Parc de Oaks 🔺 Ton’s Downtown 🔺 Parish Biscuit Co. 🔺 Rocket87 🔺 BJ’s Pizza (a welcomed comeback) 🔺 Soul Haus 🔺 Gather 🔺 Scooter’s Coffee 🔺 Southern Classic Kitchen 🔺 Chimes 🔺 Superior Grill 🔺 Super Chix 🔺 Small Sliders 🔺 Lucia Bakehouse 🔺The Toasted Yolk 🔺 Let’s keep the momentum going Lafayette! 💪 😋 🍽️ 🎉 #ShopLocal Lafayette Economic Development Authority (LEDA) Lafayette Travel