Hardee's Taps Alisa Gmelich as New President
CKE Restaurants names marketing veteran Alisa Gmelich President of Hardee's, tasking her with rebuilding franchisee trust and driving growth.
Oct 7, 2026
CKE Restaurants names marketing veteran Alisa Gmelich President of Hardee's, tasking her with rebuilding franchisee trust and driving growth.
Oct 7, 2026
Understand overtime rules for restaurant employees, including eligibility, pay calculations, hours worked, compliance requirements, timekeeping, and overtime management.
Oct 7, 2026
POS data helps restaurant owners control food costs by improving purchasing, reducing waste, optimizing portions, analyzing profitability, and managing inventory.
Oct 7, 2026
Hangry Joe's promotes insider Brandon Wilhelm to CEO, prioritizing franchisee profitability over rapid unit growth as the chain expands past 90 locations.
Oct 6, 2026
Portillo's chief people officer Jill Waite departs as new CEO Brett Patterson reshapes leadership with layoffs and fresh executive hires.
Oct 6, 2026
Uber is paying $2.3 billion to acquire ezCater, merging its catering network into Uber Eats and Uber for Business to enter workplace catering.
Oct 6, 2026
A new lawsuit claims McDonald's pricing tool pressures franchisees into algorithmic price-fixing, raising fresh antitrust questions for the chain.
Oct 6, 2026
True Food Kitchen filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, closing 12 locations and shrinking to 34 restaurants across 14 states amid $42.1 million in debt.
Oct 5, 2026
Snooze Eatery names industry veteran Amy Hom as COO, starting Sept. 28, to strengthen hospitality and operations ahead of its next growth phase.
Oct 5, 2026
Opening a second restaurant location requires readiness, clear goals, financial planning, funding, smart strategy, standardized operations, strong teams, and careful launch monitoring for sustainable growth.
Sep 30, 2026
Unlock Exclusive Access To Webinars, Events, And The Latest News For Free!
Discover why legacy chains like KFC and PizzaExpress are launching spinoff concepts and the impact on the casual dining scene.
Photo by Erik Mclean
The restaurant industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving sector that constantly seeks innovation to stay relevant and attract consumers. One recent trend that has gained momentum is the emergence of spinoff concepts by legacy chains. These spinoff concepts, such as KFC's new Saucy brand and PizzaExpress' U.S. expansion plans, represent a strategic shift in how established brands approach diversification and growth.
Photo by Erik Mclean
There are several reasons why legacy chains are increasingly exploring spinoff concepts. One key driver is the desire to capture new market segments and cater to evolving consumer preferences. By introducing specialized brands like KFC's Saucy, which focuses on chicken tenders and a variety of sauces, restaurants can target niche audiences and differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
Photo by Erik Mclean
The decision to launch spinoff concepts also reflects legacy chains' adaptability to changing industry dynamics. With shifting consumer behaviors, including a growing demand for customization and unique dining experiences, brands like KFC and PizzaExpress are innovating their offerings to meet these evolving needs. This adaptability allows them to stay ahead of trends and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.
The entrance of spinoff concepts into the restaurant scene has significant implications for the casual dining category. Positive sales reports, like Darden's earnings for its casual-dining chains, suggest a sense of optimism within this segment. By diversifying their portfolios and exploring new concepts, restaurant brands can attract a broader customer base and enhance their market presence, potentially revitalizing the casual dining sector.