Food & Food Equipment News

LA Crawfish Launches Franchise Store in McAllen, Texas

LA Crawfish, a Houston-based restaurant franchise known for its unique Vietnamese-style Cajun seafood, has announced the opening of another franchise store in McAllen, Texas. The company continues to move forward in its aggressive franchise expansion initiatives throughout the United States.

Lee De Luna, LLC secured the rights to open the first LA Crawfish franchise in the Rio Grande Valley. "We've been following the growth of LA Crawfish for quite some time and we are excited about bringing this new Cajun flavor to McAllen. It is the perfect fit for this city," said Henry De Luna, Managing Partner of Lee De Luna, LLC.

"We know that the millions of people that visit McAllen as well as the city's residents are going to be fans," said Minson Ngo, President of LA Crawfish. "The Rio Grande Valley represents a great market for us and we look forward to introducing additional stores throughout the valley and other parts of Texas in the years to come." With each opening, the franchising company provides 12-15 new jobs to the community. As of February of 2017, LA Crawfish has 10 stores open with three additional stores in development. In addition, it has also signed two regional development agreements in Dallas, Texas, and Orange County, California.

LA Crawfish, founded in 2011, is a fast-casual restaurant concept that offers a unique boil-in-a-bag Cajun menu that consists of crawfish, shrimp, and crab. It also offers various flavors of chicken wings and oysters along with traditional and fusion pho bowls. Three mouth-watering sauces are available: garlic butter, spicy Cajun, and chili lime. Over the years, LA Crawfish has established itself for offering best-in-class Cajun dishes and has developed a strong cult following.

Quiznos Commits to Betterment of Chicken Welfare

Quiznos has announced plans to align its supply chain with Global Animal Partnership (GAP) standards in the raising and treatment of chickens, establishing itself as a fast-food category leader in animal welfare practices.

GAP standards are the current industry gold star in chicken welfare policy. They assess the level of welfare of animals on-farm and during transport, including giving the animals space, light and other environmental considerations. Quiznos is committed to ensuring that by 2024, 100 percent of its chicken supply will be GAP certified and processed in a manner that utilizes a pre-shackle multi-step controlled-atmosphere processing system.

"Quiznos has long worked with animal protection organizations like The Humane Society of the United States to address the important matter of animal welfare in our supply chain," said Susan Lintonsmith, Quiznos CEO. "We're committed to providing guests great tasting food made from high quality ingredients, and we strive to adopt best practices in animal welfare initiatives."

This latest move is just one component to Quiznos ongoing commitment to animal welfare best practices. In 2016, the brand announced plans to phase in the exclusive use of cage-free eggs by 2025.

"Quiznos has been a leader in animal welfare and we believe their commitment will inspire other brands to follow suit in the coming months," said Joyana Hunt, Investor Engagement Specialist at The Humane Society of the United States.

Alto-Shaam Introduces New Line of Heated Shelf Merchandisers

Alto-Shaam’s newest merchandiser product line now includes individually controlled heated shelves that keep food warm for hours at the highest level of quality.

Featuring exclusive Halo Heat® fanless technology for precise, even temperature, these merchandisers hold a variety of grab-and-go products, including rotisserie chickens, pizza, sandwiches, and more.

“The individual shelf control gives operators flexibility over their holding needs,” said Robert Simmelink, corporate chef for Alto-Shaam. “Different food items can be held at different temperatures, allowing operators to merchandise a cross-section of menu items. The merchandisers highlight the best of your food to increased impulse purchases by on-the-go consumers who need meals that work with their busy lifestyle.”

These merchandisers improve store profits with more consumers looking for hot, ready-to-eat meals. Convenient, fresh meals are displayed to sell to customers in the aesthetically pleasing and customizable merchandiser. The customizable banner (available through Alto-Shaam’s third-party supplier) can enhance a company’s brand image while the shelves include LED lights to draw attention to the food.

Other enhancements include:

• Even heat distribution
• Lighted shelves for added visibility
• Convenient power switch located at the front of the unit
• Glass sides for an open view
• Fully skirted to conceal casters
• Simple operation and cleaning

Countertop models are available in 24-inch and 36-inch widths. Floor-standing units are offered in widths of 24, 36 and 48 inches. The merchandisers can be purchased separately or as part of a full system package to cook, hold and merchandise rotisserie chickens, pizzas, sandwiches and more.

“We work with our customers to determine the best solution for their needs based on sales projections, food they are holding, and packaging type,” said Simmelink. “Unique equipment system solutions are tailored with innovative products that exceed their expectations.”

The heated shelf merchandisers will be available to order starting at NAFEM and shipping mid-March.

El Pollo Loco Announces the Grand Opening of New Restaurant Near DFW

El Pollo Loco has  opened its newest north Texas location in the city of Grand Prairie. The new restaurant, located at 2125 North Highway 360, is owned by Chicken Time III, LLC, an affiliate of Chicken Time Holdings, LLC and Henry Investment Group. The restaurant marks the first location to open in Grand Prairie and eighth location to open in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) market.

“We are very excited to bring the first El Pollo Loco to Grand Prairie and offer the community a family-friendly environment where they can enjoy our signature citrus-marinated, fire-grilled chicken and authentic Mexican offerings,” said David Henry, Chief Executive Officer of Chicken Time Holdings, LLC. “As we open our third DFW restaurant, we want to thank El Pollo Loco for being such a great partner to us. We look forward to being an active part of the community and offering guests a healthier and delicious dining option.”

The brand’s signature citrus-marinated chicken is prepared on an open flame grill by El Pollo Loco Grill Masters before it is hand-cut and served in its chicken meals and crave-worthy Mexican-inspired entrees. Whether guests are looking for a family chicken meal, burrito, salad, quesadilla or under 500-calorie options, El Pollo Loco has a wide variety of flavorful offerings.

“We are thrilled to have Chicken Time Holdings expand the brand to Grand Prairie and continue to help us establish our presence in DFW,” said Steve Sather, Chief Executive Officer at El Pollo Loco. “We look forward to working together to continue to open new locations and bring El Pollo Loco to more communities across the market.”

The 3,000 square foot restaurant has seating for 62 guests and incorporates the brand’s new ‘Vision Design,’ which highlights an authentic, Mexican-inspired atmosphere and encompasses El Pollo Loco’s menu and brand identity. The new design features warm textures, rustic elements and a focus on the company’s signature open kitchen layout which allows for guests to view El Pollo Loco’s chicken as it is fire-grilled. The restaurant is open seven days a week from 10:30 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. For more information about El Pollo Loco in DFW, visit www.elpolloloco.com/dallas.

El Pollo Loco has exclusive multi-unit franchise opportunities available for highly qualified operators in northern California, Colorado, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana and Oklahoma. For more information, visit www.elpolloloco.com/franchising.

National Restaurant Association President & CEO Congratulates Andy Puzder on Nomination as Labor Secretary

President-elect Donald Trump has named CKE Restaurants Holdings Inc. CEO Andy Puzder as his choice for Secretary of Labor. Puzder has served as CEO of CKE Restaurants, the parent company of Hardee's, Carl's Jr. and other well-known restaurant brands, since 2000.

"We are excited about President-elect Trump's announcement that Andy Puzder will serve as our nation's next Secretary of Labor. As an active member of the National Restaurant Association, Andy brings much-needed business experience to the Department of Labor. He has a proven track record of turning around businesses, and his background in the restaurant industry will help foster an environment for job creation, said National Restaurant Association President and CEO Dawn Sweeney in a written statement addressing the nomination. "The restaurant industry is the second largest private sector employer in the country, employing more than 14 million people and producing more than $780 billion in sales annually. It is encouraging someone who has worked in the industry and understands its vast benefits to the American economy as well as the challenges it currently faces will serve in one of the highest posts in the Administration."

Chicken Salad Chick Launches Limited-Time Winter Menu

Chicken Salad Chick has just launched its limited-time winter menu, which features fan-favorite menu items such as Cranberry Kelli chicken salad, Pumpkin Cheesecake, Pimento Cheese "Jingle-Balls" and Buttercream Frosted Flower Cookies. The Pumpkin Cheesecake, Pimento Cheese "Jingle-Balls" and Buttercream Frosted Flower Cookies are being brought back by popular demand. The brand will also be offering a new Spinach Salad, topped with cranberries, apples, bacon, feta cheese and pecans. The winter menu items will be available at every Chicken Salad Chick location now through December 31.

"Cranberry Kelli, which I personally refer to as 'Christmas in a Bowl,' has been a fan-favorite for years, so we wanted to reward our guests this holiday season by highlighting the delicious flavor in different ways that fit perfectly with the holiday season," said Stacy Brown, Chicken Salad Chick Founder. "In addition, we wanted to bring back some of our guest's favorite items that aren't available year round, and Pumpkin Cheesecake and Pimento Cheese Jingle-Balls were an obvious choice. We wanted to provide our guests with menu items they can share with loved ones during the holidays."

Whether celebrating at a family gathering or hosting a holiday luncheon at work, the Pimento Cheese Jingle-Balls and Pumpkin Cheesecake are delicious options that fit the flavor of the season. In addition, Cranberry Kelli's mixture of dried, sweetened cranberries and slivered almonds is now being offered in four different ways - as a scoop, in a croissant sandwich with provolone cheese, a mini-croissant sandwich platter or in the brand's new filo cup platter. 

Dog Haus Annouces Massive National Franchise Development Deal

Pasadena, California-based hot dog, sausage and burger concept Dog Haus has announced a development agreement with American Development Partners which will include the construction of over 300 new Dog Haus franchise locations in 12 states over the next seven years, making it one of the fastest growing food concepts in the United States. The new locations are slated to be constructed on land primarily purchased for "built to suit" and stand-alone Dog Haus Biergarten concepts, and will be operated by veteran franchisees with extensive multi-unit and multi-brand experience. The deal - which is American Development Partners' biggest commitment to date – has a projected real estate, construction and design investment value of over $500 million.  

Dog Haus currently has 21 stores open in five states (Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, and Utah) which will now grow to 19 states across the country with stores set to open in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Ohio, New York, Pennsylvania, Texas, Tennessee, and Wyoming. With this deal, the total number of Dog Haus locations across the country, including previous franchises sold, will now total over 450 - with 10 out of the 19 states now sold out.

Fazoli's Launches Enhanced Catering Program

Fazoli's is launching an enhanced catering program featuring new menu items, which is available for pick-up or delivery at all of its corporate-owned restaurants nationwide. As part of the initiative, the brand is now offering a toll-free catering hotline number and catering sales captains at each company-owned restaurant to ensure a seamless ordering and delivery process for customers. Fazoli's plans to introduce its new catering menu across all franchise locations at the start of the second quarter of 2017.

Through Fazoli's customizable catering menu, customers can choose from a variety of easy-to-order options, including bundled meals, Submarinos® box lunches and cold sandwich boxes that come served with a large side, fresh made, specialty and oven-baked pastas, inSALADas, as well as sweet treats and beverages, that best suits their party needs. Some of the new menu items available on Fazoli's catering menu include Baked Fettuccini Alfredo with Chicken, an Antipasto Platter and Tortellini Pasta salad, as well as a Seasonal Cheesecake, Brownie Platter, and mini desserts called Sweet Bites. For larger crowds, Fazoli's provides complete meal deals for up to six people and party pans for up to 18 people. All catering orders will be delivered in Fazoli's new line of catering packaging products.

"We know our guests crave Fazoli's and as the holiday season approaches, we wanted to provide them with even more menu items and greater convenience to help take the stress out of planning," said Donna Josephson, Chief Marketing Officer of Fazoli's. "No matter the occasion or party size, Fazoli's enhanced catering menu provides customers with an easy and delicious approach to entertaining at a great value, and most importantly, it can be tailored to meet any budget or event."

To further assist customers with planning their event, Fazoli's is now offering a, toll-free catering hotline at 888.FAZOLIS (888.329.6547) or orders can be placed online at www.fazolis.com. In addition, major Fazoli's markets now have a regional catering sales manager on staff that is dedicated to providing customers with quality service and a positive off-premise dining experience. Catering orders should be placed with a 24-hour advance notice of pick-up or delivery times. If needed sooner, customers can call their nearest Fazoli's.

Restaurant Technologies Looks to Help Make Convenience Stores into Dining Destinations

Restaurant Technologies will be at the NACS Show this year in Atlanta with plans to give professionals in the convenience-store and fuel-retailing industries an opportunity to learn about the total oil management system, an automated system that eliminates the most unsafe, labor-intensive task in preparing fried foods – handling cooking oil.

"We are excited to be at this year's NACS Show to put C-stores on the map as dining destinations," said Jim English, Director, National Accounts, Restaurant Technologies. "For most C-stores, fuel makes up 70 percent of revenue but only 30 percent of profit. Now, owners are integrating prepared-food offerings into their existing store mix as a source of profit."

With space and equipment limitations, C-stores are finding ways to use innovative technology to offer quality, on-the-go meals. Recently, Restaurant Technologies and Krispy Krunchy Chicken have enabled C-stores to sell fresh fried chicken. C-stores use an oil management system that eliminates the need for employees to manually handle used cooking oil in front of customers, and it greatly simplifies the frying process. The result? Delicious meals ready for purchase.

Trends in Convenience and Fuel Retailing Spark Conversations with Attendees

Restaurant Technologies' leadership team plan to be available on the NACS exhibition floor to discuss hot-button issues affecting how C-store operators are adding prepared food to their lineup of products. Topics on tap highlighted below:

• C-stores become 'destination' for dining options. 
• C-stores are cashing in on the reason that put them there in the first place – convenience. As operators and owners are searching for other profit avenues and ways to replace lost revenue from slowing cigarette sales, C-stores are gradually becoming a new kind of quick-service restaurant (QSR).
• Grab-and-go meals feed impulse purchases at C-stores. 
• Convenience stores are infamous for triggering impulse purchases; in fact, nearly half of their customers' food purchases are unplanned. Location, setup and store cleanliness play a large role in influencing grab-and-go purchasing.
• Millennials frequent C-stores more often than fast-casual restaurants. 
• Keeping up with Millennials is the name of the game in food service. They're busy, passionate and demand convenience. Moreover, Millennials are frequenting C-stores almost twice as often as fast-casual restaurants to purchase food and beverages, fueling the trend of providing QSR-type fare in C-stores.

Hosted by the National Association of Convenience Stores, the NACS Show brings together more than 23,000 professionals in the convenience-store and fuel-retailing industries for four days of education sessions, networking and exhibitions.

KFC Hires a Real Colonel to "Coach" Kentucky Buckets

Kentucky Fried Chicken's Colonel Harland Sanders announced the formation of the first professional football team fueled by fried chicken, the Kentucky Buckets. Actor, comedian and writer Rob Riggle has been named Coach Colonel and will star in advertisements as the coach of the very real Kentucky Buckets.

"As owner, general manager, head coach, defensive coordinator, offensive coordinator, marketing director, groundskeeper and scouting director of America's newest professional football team, the Kentucky Buckets, I've got one goal in mind," said Coach Colonel Rob Riggle. "To get buckets of delicious chicken across the goal line and in front of millions of fans on football Sundays. And Thursdays. And Mondays."

Taking the field in red-and-white striped jerseys, the Colonel's famous string ties and white helmets graced by delicious fried chicken, the Buckets are embodiment of America's finest gameday fare. When Colonel Coach Riggle dons his headset on the sidelines, he will be joined by his squad, Buckets cheerleaders and "Mr. Bucketeer" the mascot.

A retired Lt. Colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, Riggle is the first actual colonel to take on the role of KFC's famous founder, Colonel Sanders. In other striking biographical similarities, Riggle hails from Louisville, Kentucky, the home of KFC since 1966.

"Rob Riggle was the obvious choice for those on the internet calling for us to use the real Kentucky Colonel in our ads," said Kevin Hochman, Chief Marketing Officer for KFC U.S. "He was born in Louisville, Kentucky, and served our country as a lieutenant colonel in the Marines.  It doesn't get any more real than that."

Fans can visit KentuckyBuckets.tumblr.com to learn more about the Kentucky Buckets and their training regimen, which includes hand breading and freshly preparing fried chicken, just as the cooks at KFC restaurants do every day. Fans are encouraged to take to the road to support America's new team and get a taste of the team's favorite pre-game meal: a $20 Fill Up™. With more than 20 million $20 Fill Ups sold since their rookie debut last fall, $20 Fill Ups have won over America's heart one bucket of juicy Kentucky Fried Chicken at a time. Along with the Kentucky Buckets' debut, KFC is introducing an Extra Crispy Tenders $20 Fill Up featuring 12 Extra Crispy Tenders, a large cole slaw, two large mashed potatoes and gravy and four biscuits.

As all professional sports teams do, The Kentucky Buckets and Colonel Coach Rob Riggle will appear on FOX NFL KICKOFF. Though Riggle and his Buckets will forgo any on field action and instead appear in a series of promos with Cooper Manning during the one-hour program hosted by Charissa Thompson with analysts Colin Cowherd, Dave Wannstedt and Charles Tillman.