Danny Klein

Growing up one of my first jobs was parking cars as a valet at a friend of mine’s family-owned restaurant and catering hall. That’s what got me interested in the restaurant business to start, and it hasn’t ended. Seeing people coming into the restaurant with friends and family excited to have a great meal and […]

Like last year, I headed to the National Restaurant Association Show with three questions. I prefer taking this umbrella approach over crafting different interviews because I begin to see trends develop over the course of conversations. You’ll notice in the stories ahead, it became apparent what’s on operators’ minds (AI) and how there’s not a […]

After a breakout debut in 2025, and following overwhelming demand from fans, Jersey Mike’s Subs is heating up summer with the return of its fan-favorite Chicken Salad. Now available at more than 3,200 store locations nationwide for a limited-time, Chicken Salad is the perfect way to fuel up for those highly anticipated summertime adventures. “After […]

Following an extensive multiyear succession planning process, Restaurant Technologies’ (RTI) Board of Directors has unanimously appointed current Chief Operations Officer (COO) Alissa Partee as President and CEO, effective July 1, 2026, upon the retirement of current Chairman, President, and CEO Jeff Kiesel. Partee joined RTI in 2020 as Chief People Officer (CPO), where she led the company’s human resources strategy […]

Nothing Bundt Cakes’ $2 billion sale to private equity firm KKR could turn out to be one of the largest restaurant moves of the year. On the surface, it feels a remarkable turn for a 1997-founded bakery chain that specializes in frosted desserts. But expansion has been mounting for a while as it chases ambitions […]

This summer, Chick-fil-A is continuing its year of ‘Newstalgia’ with the return of fan-favorite flavors and annual traditions Guests have been craving. Starting June 8, Guests nationwide can enjoy a loaded lineup of returning fan favorites: the Honey Pepper Pimento Chicken Sandwich, Pineapple Dragonfruit beverages and delicious Peach treats. Earning its spots as a summer […]

Up next in my series of conversations from this year’s National Restaurant Association Show is Playa Bowls CMO Tim Hackbardt. The industry vet is relatively new to the role (official announcement was just two days ago), but brought over three-plus decades of experience, including leadership spots at Del Taco, Inspire Brands, and BJ’s Restaurants. I […]

My third interview from this year’s National Restaurant Association Show came with Jasmine Miller, CEO of Beyond Juicery + Eatery. She also directs Detroit Wing Company. Miller has held the title since summer 2024. CHECK OUT THE OTHER TWO HERE AND HERE Like the last couple of conversations, Miller tackled three questions: one on innovation, […]

The menu at Bobby’s Burgers has been getting a global upgrade lately, but not in the way guests might expect. Rather than introducing entirely new categories or unfamiliar dishes, the concept has been working international flavors into its core format. Recent limited-time offerings like the Little Italy and Greektown Burgers draw inspiration from iconic neighborhoods […]

Yum! Brands announced that Tracy Skeans, Chief Operating Officer and Chief People & Culture Officer, plans to retire after more than 25 years with the company. Skeans will remain in her current role through late this year, after which she will move into an advisory position. “Over a remarkable 25-year career at Yum!, Tracy has […]