QSR August 2022

QSR 50

September 2021, Cancro said roughly 1,200 stores were in development. In the meantime, Jersey Mike’s is leaning into the future of off-premises. In May, the fast casual announced a partnership with Flytrex, a company facilitating food delivery via drone. Orders are placed using the Flytrex app, which updates customers along the route, until the drone lowers safely into their backyard. In May, Hardee’s parent CKE Restaurants announced a $500 million project to transform restaurants over the next four to six years, including more than 500 units across 20 markets by the end of 2022. The changes will focus on renovations, technology advancements, and streamlined operations. When the announcement was made, 95 percent of all restaurants had already commit ted to the transition. Customers and employees should expect new sig nage, brand statement elements, freshly installed interior and exterior digital menuboards, to upgraded lighting, bathrooms, and subway tiling. The reimaging 29 Hardee’s

former leader of El Pollo Loco, became the second CEO in the company’s history. He came into Zaxby’s with more than 20 years of experience as marketer and restaurant executive. He helped El Pollo grow digital sales, stream line operations, and launch a contemporary prototype. But the chain wasn’t done building its C-suite. In April, Zaxby’s announced the hiring of COO Sharlene Smith, who previously served as vice president of oper ations for Papa Johns’ North America sector. A month later, the fast casual promoted Michelle Morgan to its first chief people officer. Zaxby’s concluded 2021 with 908 U.S. stores, a net gain of three. AUV rose to almost $2.5 million, up from $2.2 million in 2020.

ZAXBY’S HAS NEW LEADERSHIP AND GOALS TO SHAKE UP THE CHICKEN CATEGORY.

launched in Columbia, South Carolina, two years ago at a restaurant that was being outperformed by the system. After changes were put in place, the store consistently beat system averages.

28 Jersey Mike’s

Jersey Mike’s crossed the 2,000-unit threshold in August and went on to open a net of nearly 250 restaurants in 2021. CEO Pete Cancro believes an annual pace of 300 stores is within reach, which would put the sandwich chain on pace to break 3,000 in the next three years. In

30 Five Guys

JERSEY MIKE’S IS FAST-TRACKING ITS WAY TO 3,000-PLUS LOCATIONS.

Five Guys had 1,390 restaurants at the end of 2021, a net gain of eight restaurants. Systemwide sales rose from $1.7 billion to nearly $2.1 billion, and AUV increased from $2.6 million to $3.1 million.

31 Carl’s Jr.

Like sister brand Hardee’s, Carl’s Jr. is in the early stages of a broad refresh centered on omnichannel integra tion. In addition to the exterior revamps, CKE debuted in March “My Rewards,” a program in which custom ers receive 10 stars for every dollar spent. Guests can unlock rewards at the 150, 300, and 500-star thresholds. The company spent the past two or so years rebuilding its technology infrastructure overall—something that

ZAXBY’S, JERSEY MIKE’S, HARDEE’S

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AUGUST 2022 | QSR | www.qsrmagazine.com