McDonald's is on track to achieve the industry-leading goal of sourcing U.S. pork from confirmed pregnant sows not housed in gestation crates by 2024

CHICAGO, IL (StLouisRestaurantReview) McDonald's Corporation (NYSE: MCD) Board of Directors yesterday issued the following statement in response to a director notification nomination from Carl Icahn:

McDonald's can confirm that Carl Icahn has nominated Leslie Samuelrich and Maisie Ganzler to stand for election at the 2022 Annual Meeting.  There is no shareholder action required at this time.  The Board will evaluate the nominees as it would any other candidates proposed to it.  The Board utilizes Director Selection Process guidelines to evaluate nominees, which were updated in 2020 to more closely align with the Company's values and the strategic drivers of its business strategy.

Mr. Icahn's stated focus in making this nomination relates to a narrow issue regarding the Company's pork commitment, which The Humane Society U.S. has already introduced through a shareholder proposal.  This is an issue on which McDonald's has been a leader.

The Company sources only approximately 1% of U.S. pork production and does not own any sows, or produce or package pork in the United States.  Nevertheless, in 2012 it became the first major brand to make a commitment to source from producers who do not use gestational crates for pregnant sows.  Since making this commitment, McDonald's has led the industry, and today an estimated 30 – 35% of U.S. pork production has moved to group housing systems.  McDonald's pioneering commitment was shaped with the industry and the American Association of Swine Veterinarians and builds on the Company's decades-long commitment to animal health and welfare and its overall ESG strategy.

By the end of 2022, the Company expects to source 85% to 90% of its U.S. pork volumes from sows not housed in gestation crates during pregnancy.  Despite industry-wide challenges for farmers and producers, such as the COVID-19 pandemic and global swine disease outbreaks, the Company expects 100% of its U.S. pork will come from sows housed in groups during pregnancy by the end of 2024.  or more information on McDonald's commitments, please visit our Animal Health & Welfare page.

Mr. Icahn, who states that he holds 200 shares of McDonald's stock, is the majority owner of Viskase, a company that produces and supplies packaging for the pork and poultry industry.  Mr. Icahn's ownership provides him with unique exposure to the industry-wide challenges and opportunities in migrating away from gestation crates.  Thus, it's noteworthy that Mr. Icahn has not publicly called on Viskase to adopt commitments similar to those of McDonald's 2012 commitment.

Despite McDonald's progress, Mr. Icahn has instead asked for new commitments, including requiring all of McDonald's U.S. pork suppliers to move to "crate-free" pork and set specific timeframes for doing so.  While the Company looks forward to promoting further collaboration across the industry on this issue, the current pork supply in the U.S. would make this type of commitment impossible.  Furthermore, it reflects a departure from the veterinary science used for large-scale production throughout the industry and would harm the Company's shared pursuit of providing customers with high-quality products at accessible prices.

McDonald's Board of Directors takes seriously its role to ensure sustainable value creation for shareholders while acting on some of the world's most pressing social and environmental challenges that are important to our stakeholders.  The Board has long been committed to good corporate governance and has the right balance of skills, experiences, and perspectives to fulfill the Company's obligation to shareholders while providing strong oversight.  Under the Director Selection Process guidelines, the Board considers criteria including a candidate's ability to represent the interests of all shareholders of the Company, their demonstrated knowledge of corporate governance matters applicable to U.S.-based multinational companies, and their ability and willingness to devote specific time to Board duties.  The McDonald's Board looks forward to continuing to oversee long-term growth for the Company's shareholders and all stakeholders.

SOURCE: McDonald's Corp via PRNewswire
https://stlouisrestaurantreview.com/mcdonalds-board-of-directors-statement-in-response-to-carl-icahn/

STL.Directory listed St. Louis Restuarna Review maximizing our online visibility.

ST LOUIS, MO (StLouisRestaurantReview) We have been added to STL.Directory.  It is an online directory featuring local businesses and news.  STL.Directory is an affiliate site and is used to help promote local businesses, restaurants, and more.  STL.Directory announced our listing today, Sunday, February 20, 2022.

Online directory listings are critical to a business website because the links that point to your website tell Google and other search engines that you are a relevant business.  They are called citations.  Critical to your SEO efforts.

To be listed on STL.Directory call 314-808-1870 or email Marty@STLMedia.Agency.
https://stlouisrestaurantreview.com/st-louis-restaurant-review-added-to-stl-directory/

QDOBA Launches All-New Rewards Program Making it Easier for Members to Earn Flavorful Rewards Fast

New streamlined experience provides greater value, rewards members with free food after fewer restaurant visits

SAN DIEGO, CA (StLouisRestaurantReview) QDOBA, the leading fast-casual Mexican restaurant announced a series of enhancements to its popular QDOBA Rewards program, making it easier to earn free food fast.  Upon joining the revamped program, all members will earn one (1) point for every $1 spent and a free entrée with just 125 points.  New members who sign up will immediately receive the reward of QDOBA's signature Queso & Chips to enjoy for free on their next visit to the restaurant.

With a simplified format and two-tier loyalty system, most previous QDOBA Rewards members can now enjoy the flavors they crave for free after fewer restaurant visits.  The streamlined system also makes the redemption process easier by automatically placing entrée rewards in members' wallets, so free flavor opportunities are never missed.  Some highlights:

- Foodie Status: Rewards members earn one (1) point per dollar spent, a free entrée at 125 points, and can reach Chef status after just 12 QDOBA visits per year.

- Chef Status: Rewards members enjoy all the Foodie benefits, plus bonus perks like $2 signature Queso & Chips with every visit and seasonal opportunities to earn additional points throughout the year with crave-worthy offers and flavorful challenges.

"After listening closely to what matters most to our fans, we've introduced a simplified and easier-to-understand program that rewards people with free food fast for eating what they already love," said Keith Guilbault, CEO of QDOBA.  "Our guests appreciate that we have set up a program that gets them to flavorful rewards fast, as we've already seen a 20% increase in weekly sign-ups since the program launched."

QDOBA's research around loyalty programs found that easy redemption and relevant, compelling rewards are key to strong member engagement.  According to data sourced from QDOBA's loyalty provider, Paytronix, nearly 70% of quick-serve and fast-casual patrons take advantage of loyalty programs offered by several restaurants they purchase from frequently.

"We know that a better customer experience does great things for a brand.  Well-designed and executed loyalty programs, especially programs like this one, can have a substantial impact on visit frequency, incremental revenue, and overall customer lifetime value," said Paytronix CEO Andrew Robbins.  "We're proud of the collaborative work that QDOBA, in partnership with the Paytronix Data Insights team, did to create a thoughtful program that keeps the customer front and center."

Flavor lovers can sign up for QDOBA Rewards by downloading the QDOBA app at the App Store or Google Play, by texting QDOBA to 73622, or by visiting www.QDOBA.com/rewards.  Additional terms apply.
https://stlouisrestaurantreview.com/qdoba-launches-all-new-rewards-program/

BALLWIN, MO (StLouisRestaurantReview) Candicci's Restaurant and Bar is located in Ballwin, Missouri.  They frequently offer live music from popular well-known musicians that pack the house.  Their music for the remainder of February is as follows:

- February 24 - Scott n Carl

- February 25 - The Convertibles

- February 26 - Matt

Candicci's Restaurant has been serving authentic Italian cuisines to the St. Louis region for more than 40 years.  They are known for their fine dining atmosphere, catering, live music, holiday buffets, local fundraising, and online ordering.

Candicci's location and phone:

100 Holloway Rd

Ballwin, MO 63011

Phone: 636-220-8989

Email: candiccis@gmail.com
https://stlouisrestaurantreview.com/live-music-schedule-for-candiccis-restaurant/

Chipotle Achieves 3,000th Restaurant Milestone with Chipotlane in Phoenix, Arizona.

Digital innovations enhance operations and increase convenience for employees and guests.

NEWPORT BEACH, CA (StLouisRestaurantReview) Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE: C.M.G.) announced the opening of its 3,000th restaurant in Phoenix, Arizona, featuring the brand's digital order drive-thru pickup lane called a Chipotlane®.  To celebrate the monumental opening, Chipotle's executive leadership team will virtually ring The Opening Bell® at the New York Stock Exchange today at 9:30 a.m. E.S.T.

"This achievement is a testament to our phenomenal teams and their relentless pursuit of bringing Food with Integrity to more communities.  We are thrilled to celebrate our 3,000th restaurant opening and the progress we've made towards our goal of having 7,000 restaurants or more in North America," said Brian Niccol, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Chipotle.

Over the next year, Chipotle plans to open between 235 to 250 new restaurants.  In 2021, Chipotle opened 215 new locations in the United States, Canada, and Europe, and approximately 80% of the new restaurants featured a Chipotlane.  This format has proven to enhance guest access and convenience, as well as increase new restaurant sales, margins, and returns.  With a long-term goal of more than doubling its restaurant count in North America, the company has a three-pronged approach to expanding its Chipotlane footprint, including new restaurant openings, strategic relocations, and existing building conversions.  Chipotle is also targeting growth through small-town opportunities that deliver results at or better than traditional locations.

"Our phenomenal teams have demonstrated their abilities to deliver against our aggressive expansion strategies," added Jack Hartung, Chief Financial Officer, Chipotle.  "We are well-positioned to drive sustainable long-term growth, and I am optimistic that we will achieve our goals while continuing to Cultivate a Better World."

Chipotle continues to seek innovative solutions to enhance experiences for its team members and its guests.  In December 2021, the brand opened its first Chipotlane Digital Kitchen prototype with a Chipotlane and walk-up window for efficient digital order pickup.  Additionally, the brand has rolled out smarter pickup times, evolved its Chipotle Rewards loyalty program, and expanded its digital flywheel to include numerous digital ordering enhancements.

Chipotle's 3000th restaurant is located at 3185 E.  Bell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85032 and is open daily from 10:45 a.m. to 10 p.m.
https://stlouisrestaurantreview.com/chipotle-achieves-3000th-restaurant-in-phoenix/

World's Largest Smoothie Brand Partners with HungerRush Text, Rolls Out Test in Chicago and Jacksonville

DALLAS, TX (StLouisRestaurantReview) After an extraordinary year in 2021 that brought a 16.5% sales increase year-over-year domestically and a record $834,562 average unit volume (AUV) for the top 25% of franchised units in operation, Smoothie King announced today a test of its new text-to-order platform.  The global smoothie brand is rolling out the program in Chicago and Jacksonville, with the goal of offering a more modern guest experience while driving top-line digital sales for franchisees.

Through a partnership with HungerRush and its sophisticated platform OrderAI, the world's largest smoothie brand, continues to demonstrate its willingness to invest in new technology to increase sales and profitability for its franchisees while making it easier than ever for guests to order and enjoy its world-class smoothies.  Using a 4–5-digit code, Smoothie King fans in Chicago and Jacksonville can place and pay for their order with the nearest Smoothie King location via SMS text message and visit the store to pick up and enjoy their smoothie.

"At Smoothie King, we are 100 percent dedicated to two things – providing our guests with more ways to enjoy our smoothies and increasing sales and profitability for our franchise owners," said Chris Andrews, Chief Information Officer of Smoothie King.  "The rollout of our text-to-order platform is just another way that our brand continues to innovate and stay one step ahead of our competition.  We are the first to market in the QSR space for this feature and look forward to launching it in markets across the country throughout the year."

From an operational standpoint, the text ordering feature will completely align with the ease of operations that its franchisees have come to expect with Smoothie King.  Through the use of Artificial Intelligence, OrderAI learns and understands Smoothie King's menu and begins to track preferences and predict orders – ultimately increasing the likelihood that guests will order again.  Once an order is placed via text message, it comes through like any other order at the store level, reducing the amount of time employees spend fielding phone orders and improving order accuracy by an estimated 99%.

The text-to-order launch comes on the heels of big wins for the brand last year – many of which have been fueled by strong digital performance.  These include the healthy rewards app, online ordering for pickup and delivery, multiple third-party delivery partners, and the introduction of tablet devices for drive-thru locations.  The addition of the text-to-order function will only add to the store-level success and push the brand to new heights.  As 2022 gets underway, Smoothie King's focus remains on helping its franchisees attain higher unit volume and EBITDA.

As the world's largest smoothie brand with more than 1,300 stores open, Smoothie King has achieved same-store sales growth for the past 9+ years by delivering masterfully crafted blends that support its guests' healthy and active lifestyles.  Get started by visiting www.smoothiekingfranchise.com for more information.
https://stlouisrestaurantreview.com/smoothie-king-launches-pilot-test-of-text-to-order-platform/

Funds raised will go toward $100 million commitment to new patient housing facility

ANN ARBOR, MI (StLouisRestaurantReview) Domino's Pizza Inc. (NYSE: DPZ), the largest pizza company in the world, is proud to announce that its corporate and franchise-owned stores across the country joined forces to raise $13.6 million to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital® in 2021, primarily through the annual St. Jude Thanks and Giving® campaign.

The campaign, which ran for 11 weeks from October 18, 2021, to January 2, 2022, raised $9.3 million for the kids of St. Jude.  Throughout 2021, Domino's offered customers the opportunity to round up their order total and donate the change, which raised an additional $4 million.

The funds will count toward a pledge made by Domino's in 2020 to raise $100 million for a new patient housing facility at St. Jude called The Domino's Village.  The six-story, 288,990-square-foot facility will house up to 140 St. Jude families while their children receive life-saving care for childhood cancer and other catastrophic diseases.  Construction is well underway and the facility is expected to be ready for patient families in spring 2023.

"The St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign is a longtime tradition at Domino's, one that makes me very proud," said Ritch Allison, Domino's CEO.  "And still, every year, I am in awe of the generosity of our customers who add a small donation to their order.  It is a powerful example of the impact people can make when they come together, united by a single cause."

That cause is the ongoing work of St. Jude as it seeks to treat and defeat pediatric cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Thanks to partners like Domino's, families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing, or food, so they can focus on helping their child live.

The $100 million pledge by Domino's is the largest corporate commitment in the history of St. Jude.  Domino's has raised more than $95 million for St. Jude since its partnership began in 2004, $27 million of which has been raised for The Domino's Village.

"It is truly humbling to see the love that our friends at Domino's have shown to St. Jude families through the years.  Whether by inspiring customers to give to the St. Jude Thanks and Giving campaign or helping create a home away from home for families who come to St. Jude for treatment and care, their ongoing dedication to our mission fills us with gratitude," said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., president, and CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising and awareness organization for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.  "We deeply cherish this partnership that continues to fuel our efforts to treat and defeat childhood cancer in communities here and around the world."
https://stlouisrestaurantreview.com/dominos-raises-13-6-million-for-st-jude-childrens-research-hospital/

Global fourth quarter system-wide sales grow 14% year-over-year

Fourth-quarter comparable sales improve sequentially across all brands, including Tim Hortons Canada and Burger King U.S.

Global digital sales grew over 65% year-over-year to $10 billion in 2021, representing nearly 30% of system-wide sales

Restaurant growth returns to over 1,200 units with Tim Hortons and Popeyes gaining traction internationally

RBI returns $1.5 billion of capital to shareholders in 2021, acquires Firehouse Subs, and increases target dividend for 2022

TORONTO (StLouisRestaurantReview) Restaurant Brands International Inc. ("RBI") (TSX: QSR) (NYSE: QSR) (TSX: QSP) today reported financial results for the full year and fourth quarter ended December 31, 2021.

José Cil, Chief Executive Officer of RBI commented, "I'm proud of the strong performance our brands delivered as we closed out 2021.  During the quarter, we saw sequential improvements in each brand and around the world, including notable growth at Tim Hortons Canada and Burger King U.S.

Cil continued, "Two areas of particular strength across our business have been in digital sales and restaurant growth.  Our digital investments have been embraced by our guests, with global digital sales reaching $10 billion in 2021, up from $6 billion in 2020, and now represents about 30% of our global system-wide sales.  In addition, our strong global network of franchisees and our development team opened over 1,200 net new restaurants, representing the highest levels of restaurant growth at Tim Hortons and Popeyes in recent history.

"Our growth throughout 2021 resulted in strong free cash flow generation, allowing us to make important investments in our business while returning over $1.5 billion of capital to shareholders and acquiring a new restaurant brand in Firehouse Subs.  I am excited for what lies ahead for our family of four iconic brands and am confident in the strength of our team, our franchisees, and our strategies to drive long-term growth and value creation," concluded Cil.

Restaurant Brands International 2021 Highlights:

- System-wide Sales Growth of 13.8%

- Net Restaurant Growth of 4.5%

- Diluted EPS of $2.69 versus $1.60 in the prior year

- Adjusted Diluted EPS of $2.82 versus $2.03 in the prior year

- Net Income Attributable to Common Shareholders and Noncontrolling Interests of $1,249 million versus $748 million in the prior year

- Adjusted EBITDA of $2,248 million increased 17.1% organically versus the prior year

- Net Cash Provided by Operating Activities of $1,726 million and Free Cash Flow of $1,620 million

- Returned $1,525 million of capital to shareholders through Dividends and open market Share Repurchases

- Acquired Firehouse Subs on December 15, 2021

Restaurant Brands International Dividend Update:

- RBI announced that its board of directors declared a dividend of $0.54 per common share and partnership exchangeable unit of Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership ("RBI LP") for Q1 of 2022

- In connection with the declared dividend, RBI also announced that it is targeting a total of $2.16 in dividends per common share and partnership exchangeable unit of RBI LP for 2022

NOTE: This is NOT the complete release.  Visit Restaurant Brands International's website for complete details.
https://stlouisrestaurantreview.com/restaurant-brands-international-full-year-fourth-quarter-2021-results/

As Bread and Sandwich Sales Soar, "Hub & Spoke" Cafe Model Produces Operational Efficiency

DILLON, MT (StLouisRestaurantReview) The industry-leading fresh-baked bread and cafe franchise is reporting same-store sales for Q4 of 2021, are up 14.9 percent compared to 2019, the last "normal" year for comparison.  For like-to-like sales comparison to big-box competitors and other QSRs in the space, advertised Great Harvest markets for that same quarter, reported cafe sales are up 17.7 percent vs. 2019.

"Being a high-growth concept, we chose to perfect our expansion model, which aligns with the direction of the quick-service, casual dining environment that must provide investors and entrepreneurs with state-of-the-art strategies to address real estate challenges and production costs, all while serving 'main street' and surrounding communities efficiently," said Eric Keshin, President and CMO of Great Harvest Bread Company.  "We have identified 50 markets positioned for this multi-unit expansion program."

This Hub & Spoke concept is made for the multi-unit operator to reduce cost through smaller footprint cafe locations to maximize a Hub's production capabilities.

Hubs are full bakery-cafes with seating for 40-45 people and have all the handmade bread production on-site.  Spokes operate as cafes; they have fresh bread supplied by the Hub daily and should be located within 40 minutes of a Hub.  Their menu is the same as their Hub; they bake items on-site like cookies, biscuits, scones, etc., to maintain the aroma of a bakery.

The footprint of a Spoke should be around seventy percent (70%) of a Hub's footprint.  This significantly reduces upfront development costs as well as operating costs.

The Hub & Spoke model can be purchased from existing legacy locations with an active revenue stream to then expand around them, partner with single-operators to further expand the market presence, and enter brand new markets with Hub & Spoke units.  Opportunities exist in the following markets: Atlanta, Chicago, Birmingham, Greenville, and Spokane, and within the following states: California, Florida, Texas, and Washington D.C.

The owners of Southlake, Texas, took over an existing location and quickly added two additional spokes around the legacy store.  In Elkins, WV, the owner introduced the company into the newer market first, then added the second location within his second year.

The made-from-scratch bread-making concept was deemed essential as bakery-cafes around the U.S. continued to feed communities through food shortages and provided donated bread to local food banks.

"We held on and grew through the pandemic as franchisees adapted to meet the needs of the consumer.  From popular annual LTO's, superior breakfast sandwiches to on-the-go convenience, our wide variety of sandwiches and specialty sweet items naturally set the company apart from big box QSR competitors," said Eric Keshin, President and CMO of Great Harvest Bread Company.  "Demand for authentic bread is evident."

According to Technomic's 2020 Sandwich Consumer Trend Report, consumers ate an average of 3.3 sandwiches each week, and nearly 60 percent of those sandwiches were purchased from food service providers.  That same report shared that 61 percent of consumers chose to purchase a breakfast sandwich at least once a month, up from 57 percent in 2018.

In addition to its strategic expansion model, available within ample territories, the experienced franchisor is investing in new drive-thru locations, further supporting online ordering and advancing its loyalty platform.
https://stlouisrestaurantreview.com/great-harvest-bakery-cafe-rises-same-store-q4-sales-by-14-9-percent/

Denny's Announces Free Delivery on All Orders Through Denny's.com Ahead of the Big Game This Weekend

SPARTANBURG, SC (StLouisRestaurantReview) Denny's just announced free delivery for guests who order on Denny's website and mobile app through Sunday, February 13th.  With the upcoming big game on Sunday, this promotion is a great way to satisfy everyone on your guest list.

From a brunch extravaganza to a burger or chicken strip tailgate, family meal packs at Denny's deliver all the essentials for your game day experience.  Trying to watch an early pre-game or doing a late-night food run?  No matter the time of day, Denny's has you covered!  Choose from a variety of touchdown options, including:

- Grand Slam Pack: 8 fluffy buttermilk pancakes, scrambled eggs, sizzling bacon strips, 4 sausage links, and crispy hash browns

- LumberJack Slam Pack: 8 fluffy buttermilk pancakes, scrambled eggs, sizzling bacon strips, sausage links, 4 grilled ham slices, crispy hash browns, and white toast

- Breakfast and Cheeseburger Combo Pack: 4 fluffy buttermilk pancakes, scrambled eggs, 2 sizzling bacon strips, 2 sausage links, and crispy hash browns.  2 100% beef patties with building your own burger ingredients – American cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, pickles, mayo, ketchup, mustard and brioche buns with wavy-cut fries

- Cheeseburger Pack: 4 100% beef patties with building your own custom burger ingredients –with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, mayo, ketchup, mustard, and brioche buns with wavy-cut fries

- Premium Chicken Strips Pack: 16 premium golden-fried chicken strips with BBQ and Honey Mustard sauce, with a choice of side

- Fish & Chips Pack: 12 wild-caught Alaska pollock fillets fried golden-brown plus tartar sauce, served with wavy-cut fries

All family meal packs serve up to 5 guests.  Avoid getting flagged for missing someone on your list!

Denny's recent digital transformation across Denny's.com and Denny's app platforms has made the ordering experience more personalized for guests with quick access to rewards and promotions.  The Denny's app can be downloaded via iOS and Android.
https://stlouisrestaurantreview.com/dennys-free-delivery-ahead-of-the-big-game/

Federal court orders Weymouth restaurant, owner, to pay $345K in back wages, damages to 13 workers denied overtime, earned tips.

U.S. Department of Labor found Sweet Lemon Inc., former owner, retaliated against workers.

BOSTON, MA (StLouisRestaurantReview) Restaurant owners have faced several months of challenging times.  However, unfortunately, the rules and regulations still apply to the owners that are challenged with low cash flows and staffing issues created by the pandemic.  The following information was released by the U.S. Department of Labor.  Be aware of your responsibilities and seek professional help fast if you are in a difficult situation.  Please read the following information to understand the consequence of certain situations.

An order issued by a federal judge in Massachusetts has fully granted the U.S. Department of Labor’s motion for summary judgment regarding numerous violations of federal law by a Weymouth restaurant and its owner that deprived workers of their hard-earned wages and tips.

Entered in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, the judgment orders Sweet Lemon Inc. – doing business as Sweet Lemons Thai Restaurant – and Pornthip Neampong to pay 13 affected workers $159,899 in back wages and tips, and an equal amount in liquidated damages, plus $25,000 in punitive damages, for a total of $344,798.  The court also permanently enjoined the defendants from violating the Fair Labor Standards Act’s overtime, recordkeeping, and anti-retaliation provisions in the future.

The court’s action follows a U.S. Department of Labor Wage and Hour Division investigation and litigation by the department’s Office of the Solicitor.

The court determined there was no dispute that Sweet Lemon Inc. and Pornthip Neampong violated the FLSA as follows.  The employers:

- Failed to pay employees one and one-half times their rate of pay when they worked more than 40 hours in a workweek.

- Kept all the tips the servers earned.

- Failed to maintain true and accurate records of employees’ work hours and wages.

- Retaliated against workers by having them sign statements containing false information and by interrogating an employee as to whether they spoke with the Wage and Hour Division.

“Sweet Lemon Inc. and Pornthip Neampong disregarded the rights of their essential workers to receive fair pay and retaliated against employees who asserted their rights and cooperated with a federal investigation,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Carlos Matos in Boston.  “The Wage and Hour Division does not tolerate FLSA retaliation against employees.  Employees and employers alike should feel free to contact the Wage and Hour Division to learn about their respective rights and responsibilities under the Fair Labor Standards Act.  We suggest other employers review their own pay practices to prevent violations.”

“In this significant victory for restaurant workers, the Secretary of Labor has recovered almost $320,000 in back wages, tips, and liquidated damages for 13 employees who were denied the overtime compensation and tips that they worked hard to earn.  The court’s decision recognizes that employers who retaliate against employees who assert their rights under the Fair Labor Standards Act may pay the price in punitive damages.  In this case, these punitive damages total $25,000.  The U.S. Department of Labor is committed to pursuing all necessary legal avenues to obtain proper compensation for employees and deter retaliation and future violations by employers,” said Regional Solicitor of Labor Maia Fisher in Boston.

The Wage and Hour Division’s Boston District Office conducted the original investigation.  The Boston Regional Solicitor’s Office litigated the case for the division.

Workers can call the Wage and Hour Division confidentially with questions – regardless of their immigration status – and the department can speak with callers in more than 200 languages.

For more information about the FLSA and other laws enforced by the division, contact the agency’s toll-free helpline at 866-4US-WAGE (487-9243).
https://stlouisrestaurantreview.com/weymouth-restaurant-owner-to-pay-345000/

St. Louis Restaurant Review Top-10 Fine Dining Restaurants List Just In Time for Valentine's Day 2022

ST LOUIS, MO (StLouisRestaurantReview) Valentine's Day is four days away.  Plan ahead and book dinner at your favorite restaurant.  We have prepared a list of the Top-19 Fine Dining Restaurants in St. Louis, Missouri.  This list does not take into consideration restaurants in the county area.  Our list is determined by online customer reviews.  The list is not sponsored and the establishments do not know that they have been selected for the list.

- Roberto's Trattoria & Chophouse - 145 Concord Plaza, Saint Louis, MO - Phone: +1 314-842-9998

- The Crossing - 7823 Forsyth Blvd, Clayton, Saint Louis, MO - Phone: +1 314-721-7375

- Tony's - 105 Carondelet Plaza, Clayton, Saint Louis, MO - Phone: +1 314-231-7007

- Twisted Tree - 10701 Watson Rd Attached to Holiday Inn, Sunset Hills, Saint Louis, MO - Phone: +1 314-394-3366

- Kreis Restaurant - 535 S Lindbergh Blvd, Frontenac, Saint Louis, MO - Phone: +1 314-993-0735

- Bristol Seafood Grill - 11801 Olive Blvd, Creve Coeur, Saint Louis, MO - Phone: +1 314-567-0272

- Cafe Napoli - 7754 Forsyth Blvd, Clayton, Saint Louis, MO - Phone: +1 314-863-5731

- Carmine's Steak House - 20 S 4th St Walnut St., Saint Louis, MO - Phone: +1 314-241-1631

- 801 Chophouse St. Louis - 137 Carondelet Plz, Clayton, Saint Louis, MO - Phone: +1 314-875-9900

- J. Gilbert's Wood-Fired Steaks and Seafood - 17A W County Ctr Suite A102, Des Peres, Saint Louis, MO - Phone: +1 314-965-4600

Call early to make your reservations.
https://stlouisrestaurantreview.com/top-10-fine-dining-restaurants-in-st-louis-missouri/

To all singles: Wingstop sees you, hears you, and feeds you with a flavor-filled, self-love holiday offer

DALLAS, TX (StLouisRestaurantReview) Wingstop (Nasdaq: WING) is celebrating those who are proudly single this Valentine's Day – flipping the switch from couples in love to the self-love that only a flavor fix can provide.  On February 14, Wingstop is rewarding singles who embrace their Boneless Valentine's Day with a promotion of $0.70 boneless wings and orders of regular Thigh Bites – juicy, breaded, bite-sized boneless chicken – for $4.49.

With over 1,600 locations worldwide, Wingstop's made-to-order, sauced-and-tossed wings are reliable – never ghosting and incapable of heartbreak.  To receive the love flavor fans deserve, this limited-time offer will run all day on February 14 at all U.S. locations for both in-restaurant and delivery orders.  To order ahead of time, or get your wings delivered straight to your bedroom, visit Wingstop.com or download the Wingstop app.

"Our fans are at the center of everything we do and this year we wanted to honor our single fans with a spicy offering," said Wingstop's Chief Growth Officer Marisa Carona.  "There's so much to celebrate about going boneless on Valentine's Day, like the chance to stay in, kick back and dig into some flavorful food.  Wingstop is about more than a meal, it's a flavor experience that will bring the heat to any boneless evening."

To spread the word to singles across the country, fans can swipe right on flavor.  Wingstop is rolling out in-app advertising on Tinder, driving users directly to the Wingstop site for the purchase of fans' one true love.  The Tinder experience serves as a reminder that no matter who you match with on Monday, Wingstop will be there to treat you right.

But, at the end of the day, Wingstop's flavor doesn't discriminate whether you're single or taken.  For couples looking to indulge in flavor this holiday, there's a special Thigh Bites Meal for 2 offer, which includes two regular Thigh Bite orders in your choice of two flavors, complete with large fries, two dips, and two 20oz drinks to ramp up the good lovin' with good food.

Fans can visit Wingstop.com for more information on the Valentine's Day offers and share their heart eyes flavor finds by tagging @Wingstop on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok.
https://stlouisrestaurantreview.com/boneless-on-valentines-day-wingstop-has-you-covered/

U.S. Department of Labor finds South Carolina fast-food restaurants endangered minor employees, violated their work hours limits

Violations found at Subway, Popeyes, Burger King, Frodo’s locations.

COLUMBIA, SC (StLouisRestaurantReview) Following is information released by the U.S. Department of Labor.  Restaurants have been under overwhelming pressure for the past 2.5 years due to the pandemic.  The DOL is pursuing cases in the restaurant industry.  We are not suggesting that they are targeting the industry, but there are clearly violations caused by the pandemic.  Be sure you are informed and in compliance.

Operators of four well-known fast food restaurant locations illegally employed workers under the age of 18 at hours and in occupations that jeopardized their safety, a series of investigations by the U.S. Department of Labor has found.

Part of a cross-regional food services initiative in the Southeast by the department’s Wage and Hour Division, the investigations identified violations by operators of:

- Subway

- Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen

- Burger King

- Frodo’s Pizza locations across the state.

“Restaurant industry employers must understand and comply with child labor laws concerning hours and occupations,” said Wage and Hour Division District Director Jamie Benefiel in Columbia, South Carolina.  “Child labor laws exist to ensure that young workers gain valuable workplace experience, but not at the expense of their education or safety.  Industry employers, workers, and their parents should contact us with their questions about youth employment laws.  The kinds of violations found in these South Carolina investigations – and the penalties associated with them – could have been avoided.”

Investigators found the following violations of the child labor provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act:

Subway:

Harvey Restaurant Co., the operator of two Greenville locations and two in Travelers Rest, allowed 13 minor employees between the ages of 14 and 15 to work past 9 p.m. during the summer months.  The division assessed the employer a $4,491 civil money penalty.

Pleasantway Inc., the operator of two Greenville locations and one in Greer, allowed five 15-year-old employees to work past 7 p.m. between Labor Day and June 1.  Four of these minors were also employed in prohibited baking activities.  The division assessed the employer a $4,902 civil money penalty.

Burger King:

Carolina Franchise Holdings LLC, the operator of 36 Burger King franchise locations in the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida, allowed two 15-year-old employees to work more than 18 hours per week during school weeks at a Newberry location.  As a result, the division assessed the employer a $1,382 civil money penalty.

Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen:

PLC Dev Group LLC, operator of nine franchises in South Carolina and one in North Carolina, allowed three 15-year-old employees to work more than 18 hours per week during school weeks at South Carolina establishments in Seneca, Columbia, and Mauldin.  As a result, the division assessed the employer a $2,073 civil money penalty.  Investigators also determined that PLC Dev Group clocked out some employees automatically while they continued to perform work.  As a result, the division recovered $2,031 in overtime back wages and liquidated damages for nine workers at South Carolina locations in Anderson, Boiling Springs, Columbia, Mauldin, and Greer.

Frodo’s Pizza:

FPI Inc., the operator of a Greenville location, allowed three 16-year-old employees to work as delivery drivers.  Federal law prohibits minors from operating motor vehicles as part of their occupation.  The division assessed the employer a $3,006 civil money penalty.

In fiscal years 2020 and 2021, the Wage and Hour Division’s Southeast region found child labor violations in more than 190 foodservice employers investigated, resulting in more than $1 million in penalties assessed to employers.

SOURCE: U.S. Department of Labor - visit their website for information.
https://stlouisrestaurantreview.com/us-dol-finds-sc-fast-food-restaurant-in-violations/

LEBANON, TN (StLouisRestaurantReview) Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. ("Cracker Barrel" or the "Company") (Nasdaq: CBRL) will provide an online, real-time webcast and rebroadcast of its second-quarter earnings conference call on Tuesday, February 22, 2022 beginning at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time.  Company management will discuss financial results for the fiscal second quarter ended January 28, 2022.

The live broadcast of Cracker Barrel's quarterly conference call will be available to the public online in the Events and Presentations section on the Company's website at investor.crackerbarrel.com on February 22, 2022, beginning at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time.  In addition, an online replay will be available at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time and will continue through March 8, 2022.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc. (Nasdaq: CBRL) was established in 1969 in Lebanon, Tenn., operated more than 660 Cracker Barrel locations, and owns the fast-casual Maple Street Biscuit Company.
https://stlouisrestaurantreview.com/cracker-barrel-fiscal-2022-second-quarter-conference-call/

2022 remains the year of transition as the path to recovery continues; Labor challenges a top concern for operators
Washington, DC (StLouisRestaurantReview) The National Restaurant Association released its 2022 State of the Restaurant Industry report, which measures the restaurant industry’s continued recovery and examines the status of current and emerging trends across key categories including technology and off-premises business, operations, workforce, food and menus, and more.  However, they charge if you are not a member for this valuable information but have provided a summary.
Key findings illustrating how the restaurant industry continues its recovery include:

- The food service industry is forecasted to reach $898 billion in sales in 2022.
- The foodservice industry workforce is projected to grow by 400,000 jobs, for total industry employment of 14.9 million by the end of 2022.
- More than half of restaurant operators said it would be a year or more before business conditions return to normal.  Food, labor, and occupancy costs are expected to remain elevated and continue to impact restaurant profit margins in 2022.
- Ninety-six percent of operators experienced supply delays or shortages of key food or beverage items in 2021 – and these challenges will likely continue in 2022.
- Fifty-one percent of adults say they aren’t eating at restaurants as often as they would like, which is an increase of six percentage points from before the pandemic.

“The restaurant and foodservice industry has adapted and is carrying on with absolute resilience, so we’re optimistic about the path toward recovery in the coming year,” said Marvin Irby, Interim President & CEO of the National Restaurant Association.  “We still have work to do to ensure that those operators struggling the most can survive.  The Association will continue to champion the necessary government support needed at the federal and local levels to help keep these businesses — cornerstones of our communities — on a path to better days.”
Off-Premises Dining Enhanced by Improved Technology
A few years ago, restaurants couldn’t have managed the level of off-premises demand during the pandemic.  Technological advances are becoming table stakes for this long-term business channel, with more than eight in 10 operators saying the use of technology in a restaurant provides a competitive advantage, and a good proportion of operators plan to ramp up investments in technology this year.  Many operators will devote their resources to online or app ordering, reservations, mobile payment, or delivery management, in addition to back-of-the-house technology.  This is validated by a large number of consumers preferring the use of technology where it doesn’t diminish hospitality.

The past year has also continued to drive consumer demand for alcohol to-go and outdoor dining, with nearly four in 10 consumers saying the availability of outdoor seating would make them more likely to choose one restaurant over another similar one.  Other operational takeaways include:

- Fifty-four percent of adults say purchasing takeout or delivery food is essential to the way they live, including 72% of millennials and 66% of Gen Z adults.
- Roughly half of U.S. restaurant operators think the availability of seating on a sidewalk, parking lot, or street will become more common within their segment this year.
- Seventy percent of Gen Z adults (age 21+) and 62% of millennials say the option of including alcohol with a takeout or delivery order would make them more likely to choose one restaurant over another similar restaurant.

Help (Still) Wanted Throughout the Restaurant Industry
While the restaurant and foodservice industry added back 1.7M jobs during 2021 for an end-of-year total of 14.5M employees, many restaurants remain severely understaffed, and this will continue to constrain industry growth in 2022.

Despite some gains, 7 in 10 operators across all major segments say their restaurant currently does not have enough employees to support customer demand, and most operators expect their labor challenges to continue through next year.  Key figures on the restaurant workforce include:

- Roughly 50% of restaurant operators in the full-service, quick service, and fast-casual segments expect recruiting and retaining employees to be their top challenge in 2022.
- Between 2023 and 2030, the industry is projected to add an average of 200K jobs each year, with total staffing levels reaching 16.5M by 2030.
- Seventy-five percent of operators said they plan to devote more resources to recruiting and retaining employees.

Streamlined Menus with More Plant-Based Options and Sustainable Packaging
Wellness has gained mindshare, with chefs ranking food believed to boost immunity and plant-based sandwiches highly in a list of Top 10 Trends for 2022.  Sustainable, quality- and temperature-retaining packaging options also reign in 2022 as operators continue working to provide the best possible off-premises experience for customers.  Meanwhile, restaurant menu offerings remain scaled back compared with pre-pandemic levels due to supply delays or shortages of food and beverage items and elevated food costs.  Key data points on food and beverage trends include:

- Eighty-eight percent of adults (including 94% of millennials) say they would be likely to try ordering an expanded variety of food items for takeout or delivery if the restaurant used packaging that helps the food maintain the same temperature, taste, and quality as when it’s served in the restaurant.
- Six in 10 full-service operators say their menu contains fewer offerings now than it did before the pandemic.
- Fifty-seven percent of adults say they would likely participate in a meal subscription program if it were offered by one of their favorite restaurants.  Eight in 10 millennials and Gen Z adults say they would use this option.

“Restaurants and their patrons have found themselves in a ‘new normal.’  Given emergent technology, changing consumer behavior and dining preferences, and the extraordinary challenges of the last two years, the industry is unlikely to ever completely return to its pre-pandemic state,” said Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of the Research and Knowledge Group at the National Restaurant Association.  “While recovery speed varies across the industry by segment, the constant innovation and sustained flexibility of restaurant operators are creating a new future for the restaurant industry.  There will continue to be ample opportunities for growth in 2022 and beyond.”

SOURCE: National Restaurant Association - published on February 1, 2022
https://stlouisrestaurantreview.com/nrs-2022-state-of-the-restaurant-industry-report/

Little Caesars® Tests Crazy Bread® Bouquets for Valentine's Day in Key Market
Charleston, SC area customers can send cheesy, buttery-tasting bouquets made of the iconic breadsticks to their Valentines this season
DETROIT, MI (StLouisRestaurantReview) Little Caesars lovers in the south-Atlantic area can show some love to their Valentines by sending a beautiful bouquet of Crazy Bread to celebrate the holiday this year.  The bouquets will be available from February 7th through February 14th at select stores in the Charleston, SC area and some other locations along the southern Atlantic coast.

"We're taking the tradition of Valentine's Day flowers in a delicious direction," said Jeff Klein, chief marketing officer at Little Caesars.  "What's more romantic than surprising your sweetheart with a bouquet of Crazy Bread and a side of savory Crazy Sauce® delivered right to their doorstep?"

The Crazy Bread Bouquets include 8 sticks of Crazy Bread and a side of Crazy Sauce for $9.99*.  Sticks of freshly baked bread are topped with flavors of butter and garlic, then sprinkled with Parmesan cheese and packaged similarly to a traditional bouquet of fresh flowers.  Crazy Bread, one of Little Caesars most popular menu items, is prepared using dough made from scratch in-store each day to create the perfect texture and flavor.  Crazy Sauce uses a blend of delicious herbs and spices along with vine-ripened tomatoes picked at the peak of freshness to create a savory dipping sauce for the breadsticks.

Little Caesars Crazy Bread Bouquets are available for online ordering only.  Customers can have the product delivered to themselves or a friend by ordering using the Little Caesars app, or they can pre-order on and then conveniently collect their order using Pizza Portal®pickup (a heated, self-service mobile order pickup station) at any participating Little Caesars Locations.

*Available at participating locations for a limited time only.  Plus tax where applicable. Prices may vary.  Prices are higher on third-party online sites.  Delivery is available from participating locations with online orders only.  Delivery fees apply.  Small order fee for orders less than $10.
https://stlouisrestaurantreview.com/little-caesars-tests-crazy-bread-bouquets-for-valentines-day/

Infusing its menu with even more Italian flavors, Schlotzsky's announces Italian Ambassador, Joey Fatone…aka Joey Calzone!
ATLANTA, GA (StLouisRestaurantReview) Schlotzsky's has taken their beloved homemade bread, savory meats, and bold flavors and packed them into a new lineup of freshly baked-from-scratch calzones.  To introduce its new delicious calzone menu, Schlotzsky's found the perfect Italian Ambassador.  From being an international pop sensation with *NSYNC to becoming a TV host and established restaurateur, Joey Fatone has done it all.  The only obvious choice left? Rebranding himself as Joey Calzone (just check out his Calzone-y new name on social media, @realjoeyfatone)!

"Do I like Italian food?  Yes, I actually consider myself an expert," said Joey Fatone. " And, nobody knows Italian food better than Joey Calzone, it's literally in the name!  That's why I'm super excited to join forces with Schlotzsky's to create my very own menu item and share my love for calzones with the world.  The future is calzones!"

Joey and Schlotzsky's are teaming up to launch the new Fatone Calzone inspired by the superstar and his love for Italian flavors.  But why should the deliciousness stop with just one calzone?  Schlotzsky's is expanding their mouthwatering menu with the introduction of two additional calzones including the BBQ Chicken and the French Dip, starting at $10.29.  The baked-from-scratch calzone trio is jam-packed with fresh ingredients to satisfy any craving:

- The Fatone Calzone: Italian-inspired with juicy ham, Genoa and Cotto salami, pepperoni, and mozzarella and parmesan cheeses paired with a marinara dipping sauce.
- The French Dip Calzone: Savory roast beef, sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, and mozzarella cheese served with Au Jus dipping sauce.
- The BBQ Chicken Calzone: Hand-sliced chicken, chopped bacon, shredded mozzarella, and cheddar cheese, tangy BBQ sauce, red onions, and pickled jalapeños.

"At Schlotzsky's, we begin each day by baking made from scratch buns, pizza dough, and now calzone dough in the restaurants across the county," said Jennifer Keil, Executive Chef at Schlotzsky's.  "Using the fresh ingredients and bold flavor combinations creates unique and craveable menu items, like our new calzones, that you can't get anywhere else."

Throughout the month of February, customers can snag their own Fatone Calzone by downloading and ordering through Schlotzsky's app or by visiting one of the 350 locations nationwide.
https://stlouisrestaurantreview.com/schlotzskys-launches-calzones-with-help-from-joey-fatone/