Chipotle Bets Cobots for Speed and Hospitality
Chipotle tests two cobot systems in California to boost throughput while preserving hospitality, backed by the Cultivate Next fund and a plan toward 7,000 restaurants.
Apr 21, 2026
Chipotle tests two cobot systems in California to boost throughput while preserving hospitality, backed by the Cultivate Next fund and a plan toward 7,000 restaurants.
Apr 21, 2026
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Whataburger reshapes leadership with a new CSCO and a refreshed CEO, signaling scale and hospitality as it expands to new markets.
Apr 21, 2026
Fox Restaurant Concepts opens Doughbird in Dallas's Inwood Village, marking the brand's Texas debut and a broader all-day dining strategy.
Apr 21, 2026
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A refined portrait of Candace Nelson's shift from Sprinkles' cupcakes to Pizzana's pizza, illustrating how focused craft and scalable systems redefine brands.
Apr 21, 2026
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Private equity-guided rescue reshapes TGI Fridays UK, preserving thousands of jobs while prompting questions on leadership and communication.
Apr 21, 2026
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Starbucks enlists Brian Niccol to accelerate speed, value, and experiential service, drawing on Chipotle playbooks to restore momentum.
Apr 21, 2026
Dine Brands recalibrates with value-focused promotions and pricing discipline as Applebee’s and IHOP face a softer consumer backdrop in 2024.
Apr 21, 2026
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Georgia-born Knuckies Hoagies expands through Walmart stores across six states via a franchise-led plan, signaling rapid, market-ready growth.
Apr 21, 2026
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Denny’s relaunches a tiered value menu with a new $10 category and cloud POS upgrades, aiming to boost traffic and loyalty amid inflation-driven competition.
Apr 21, 2026
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Darden completes an all-cash $605 million acquisition of Chuy's, signaling a strategic push into Tex-Mex within a growing multi-brand platform.
Apr 20, 2026
Explore how the KFC FIT team, led by exceptional women, is revolutionizing menu development through food science and innovation, while empowering future generations of female food scientists.
Photo by Aleks Dorohovich on Unsplash
Photo by Aleks Dorohovich on Unsplash
Meet the extraordinary women driving innovation at KFC's FIT laboratory: Stacey Borah, Diane Miller, A’ysha Callahan, and Claire Brandenburg. Despite diverse backgrounds, they share a passion for both cooking and science, blending creativity with analytical skills in the quest to redefine menu offerings.
Photo by Aleks Dorohovich on Unsplash
For Borah, Miller, Callahan, and Brandenburg, food science was a revelation, a realm undiscovered during their formative years. The intersection of culinary creativity and scientific precision in the FIT lab has unlocked a new world of possibilities, challenging traditional notions of menu development.
The FIT team at KFC transcends conventional roles by spearheading bold menu innovations, such as Apple Pie Poppers and Saucy Nuggets, showcasing a commitment to blending sweet and savory, catering to evolving consumer tastes.
By integrating consumer feedback and focusing on distinct flavors, portability, and beverage diversity, the FIT team maintains a keen eye on customer preferences, driving a continuous journey of menu enhancement and modernization at KFC.
Photo by Aleks Dorohovich on Unsplash
With a strategic emphasis on product testing and performance evaluation, the team ensures that every menu item excels in taste, convenience, and satisfaction. This dedication to enhancing the dining experience showcases KFC's commitment to excellence.
The FIT team's mission extends beyond culinary innovation as they strive to demystify food science, especially for young women considering careers in STEM. By fostering early exposure and education, they pave the way for future generations of female food scientists.
Photo by Aleks Dorohovich on Unsplash
Through initiatives like mentorship, networking, and educational programs, KFC's FIT team advocates for empowering women in food science to claim their space at the table. By bridging the gap between science, quick-service restaurants, and agriculture, they champion diversity and inclusivity in the industry.
By encouraging women to embrace their voices and expertise, the FIT team instills a sense of purpose and empowerment in navigating uncharted territories of food service innovation. Their unwavering commitment to inclusion and diversity shapes a brighter future for the food science industry.