CONTENTS APRIL 2026
MARKETING FOR RESTAURANTS ‘FAKE NEWS’ IS BECOMING A REAL PROBLEM.............................................18 EMERGING BRANDS RICE MEDITERRANEAN KITCHEN BRINGS PERSIAN FLAVORS TO THE TABLE..................22 COVER STORY CHRISTINE BARONE WAS MADE FOR THIS MOMENT.........................................................26 FOOD AS CULVER’S EXPANDS INTO NEW MARKETS, MENU INNOVATION ACCELERATES..................................................30
FINANCE INSIDE OMER GAJIAL’S PLANS FOR AUNTIE ANNE’S OWNER GOTO FOODS.........................4
CHEESE IS MELTING ALL OVER MENUS, GIVING SALES A SOLID BOOST....................................32
INSIDE THE CULTURE AND CULINARY INNOVATION BEHIND FIRST WATCH’S GROWTH..........................................................34 TECHNOLOGY WHY THIS POS COMPANY BELIEVES IT CAN DOMINATE THE MARKET FOR ASIAN RESTAURANTS.................................................38
A LOT OF FAST-FOOD CUSTOMERS ARE GOING TO THE CONVENIENCE STORE INSTEAD..........6
LUCKIN COFFEE MAKES A PLAY FOR THE PREMIUM MARKET............................................8 OPERATIONS RESTAURANTS TAKE THEIR CASE TO CONGRESS AS MIDTERM ELECTIONS LOOM.....................10 AT THIS SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CAR DEALERSHIP, YOU CAN GET A PATTY MELT WITH YOUR PORSCHE........................................14
TRAVIS KALANICK’S PLAN TO RESHAPE RESTAURANTS ISN’T ADDING UP...................40
Photo: Jonathan Maze Cover Photo: Jon Mouer
APRIL 2026 RESTAURANT BUSINESS
3
Powered by FlippingBook