FSR August 2023

CONTENTS

FSR August 2023 No. 116

30 Denny’s Renaissance

CEO Kelli Valade is renewing rel evance at the 70-year-old breakfast giant by getting back to 24/7 oper ations and implementing new tech and menu innovation, elevating the nearly 1,600-unit diner chain to new heights. 36 e FSR 30 Our new report highlights the pow erhouse brands making legendary status in restaurant chain history. ough varied by cuisine type, these full-service restaurants all showcase recent growth. CHEFS & INGREDIENTS 13 Chicago’s 80-Year-Old ‘Breakfast Queen’ Ina Pinkney built a breakfast empire in the Windy City. Now, she’s recounting the lessons learned along the way. 18 From Pasture to Plate Steakhouses are seeing a signi - cant uptick in demand for grass-fed cuts and are innovating around menus accordingly, including at Gibsons Restaurant Group and Jacobs & Co. Steakhouse. LIQUID INTELLIGENCE 25 Ripening the Next Generation of Sommeliers In-house hospitality education pays o for up-and-coming sommeliers and sales, say leaders at Gracious Hospitality, Undercote, and more.

3 0 DENNY’S OFF PREMISES BUSINESS REPRESENTS ABOUT 22 PERCENT OF THE CHAIN’S SALES, INCLUDING ITS FOUR VIRTUAL BRANDS.

36

DFO, LLC / FIRST WATCH

1

FSRMAGAZINE.COM

AUGUST 2023