The Ultimate Guide to Restaurant Labor Management
Restaurant labor management helps owners optimize staffing, control labor costs, improve productivity, monitor overtime, and maintain efficient restaurant operations.
Sep 2, 2026
Restaurant labor management helps owners optimize staffing, control labor costs, improve productivity, monitor overtime, and maintain efficient restaurant operations.
Sep 2, 2026
7 Brew has acquired 73 former Salad and Go locations, surpassing Dutch Bros with a $143M bid, signaling a major shift in the competitive landscape for drive-thru brands.
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Chipotle makes its highly anticipated entry into Asia with a Seoul opening, partnering with Sangmidang Holdings and setting a template for future international growth.
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Brooklyn Water Bagel launches its first campus eatery at Nova Southeastern, signaling strategic growth and fresh potential for multi-unit operators seeking new market wins.
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Angry Chickz enters Illinois with its signature hot chicken concept and ambitious plans for Midwest expansion, setting the stage for new franchise opportunities and community engagement.
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Understand how to evaluate a Kiosk system using key criteria including features, POS integration, hardware, pricing, customer experience, and support.
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Explore restaurant technology trends in 2026, including AI, automation, digital ordering, workforce tools, connected kitchens, personalization, and profitability strategies today.
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Learn how to calculate restaurant cost of goods using inventory, purchases, COGS percentage, variance reviews, and regular tracking for profitability.
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Learn the startup costs of opening an ice cream shop, including rent, equipment, renovations, permits, inventory, labor, marketing, and reserves.
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A restaurant P&L statement reveals sales, expenses, and profits, helping owners manage costs, improve margins, and plan finances more effectively.
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Explore the growth and recent developments at Caribou Coffee, including franchising expansion, key partnerships, and leadership changes.

Under Butcher's leadership at Caribou Coffee, the company made strategic moves to strengthen its market presence through domestic franchising. By launching domestic franchising initiatives, Caribou opened the door to significant expansion opportunities. This bold step resulted in a robust development pipeline, with plans to double the number of U.S. locations. The move towards franchising is a common strategy for businesses seeking rapid expansion while leveraging local expertise and resources.

In recent years, Caribou Coffee executed a targeted expansion plan, focusing on key states like Florida, North Carolina, Georgia, Michigan, Ohio, Iowa, North Dakota, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. By strategically penetrating these markets, Caribou aimed to solidify its regional presence and cater to a broader customer base. Geographical expansion is crucial for coffee chains looking to capture new markets and enhance brand visibility.
One of the significant milestones for Caribou Coffee was the $260 million deal with JDE Peet's in 2024. This strategic partnership enabled JDE Peet's to manufacture, market, and sell Caribou branded consumer and foodservice coffee products. Partnerships like these are mutually beneficial, allowing companies to leverage each other's strengths and accelerate growth. The collaboration with JDE Peet's opened new avenues for Caribou to reach a wider audience and expand its product offerings.

In 2019, Kennedy joined Caribou Coffee as CFO, bringing with him a wealth of experience from his tenure at Target and KPMG. His appointment marked a pivotal moment in Caribou's leadership team, contributing to the strategic direction of the company. Furthermore, Caribou's integration into Panera Brands in 2021 signaled a new chapter for the coffee chain. The transition to Panera Brands provided Caribou with additional resources and expertise to fuel its growth trajectory.

As Caribou Coffee continues to expand and strengthen its market position, the company has been contemplating the possibility of going public. While no definitive decision has been made yet, the consideration of an IPO reflects Caribou's ambitious growth aspirations. Going public could provide Caribou with access to additional capital for further expansion and investment in innovation. The potential public offering could also enhance Caribou's visibility in the market and attract new investors.