This week on Nation's Restaurant News the top story was Applebee’s embraces its date night reputation with a new subscription pass. In 2021, country musician Walker Hayes released a song called “Fancy Like” that included the lyrics, “Yeah, we fancy like Applebee’s on date night. Got that Bourbon Street Steak with the Oreo shake. Get some whipped cream on the top, too – two straws, one check, girl, I got you.”
The song climbed the charts and became a viral sensation and the conversation about Applebee’s being a “fancy” date night destination continues across social media platforms today. So, it’s only fitting that the casual dining chain would launch an Applebee’s Date Night Pass.
In other news, after Panera Bread’s highly caffeinated Charged Lemonade drink was blamed for two fatal cardiac arrest incidents in Oct. and Dec. 2023. The JAB Holding-owned company is now facing a third lawsuit and more scrutiny. Lauren Skerritt, 28, a Rhode Island occupational therapist, is suing Panera for experiencing ongoing health problems after she drank two and a half Charged Lemonade drinks last April, as first reported by NBC News.
Also, not even a month into 2024 and it’s safe to say Dutch Bros has had a busy year thus far. As the calendar turned, Christine Barone officially took over the CEO role after serving as president for a little over a year. The company shared development guidance, aiming for 150 to 165 new units this year, including its initial entry into Florida in Q1. The long-term growth target is about 4,000 locations.
The company has also added three executives to its c-suite, naming Joshua Guenser as CFO, Sumitro Shosh as president of operations, and Jess Elmquist as chief people officer. And, earlier this week, Dutch Bro announced its intention to expand its Phoenix, Ariz.-based operations support center, shifting approximately 40% of its total support staff to the location by Jan. 1, 2025.
See what else was trending on NRN.com this week.
