RESTAURANT INSIGHTS | Tim Hortons China (THCH), Chick-fil-A (BYND), DPZ'S Tots (ChatGPT Review) - 2023 02 09 16 33 19

THCH & Popeyes

TH International (THCH), announced it plans to acquire exclusive development rights for Popeyes restaurants in China. Tims China said that its board has approved the company to enter into an all-stock deal to acquire the rights to develop and sub-franchise Popeyes quick-serve restaurants in mainland China and Macau. The deal is subject to the drafting of definitive documents and certain closing conditions. Popeyes is owned by Restaurant Brands International (QSR), a shareholder in THCH. Tims China went public in late September through a SPAC merger with Silver Crest Acquisition Corp. In January, Tims China announced it had opened its 600th store in China and also announced it was rebranding its stores as Tian Hao Coffee.

BYND

Chick-fil-A's cauliflower sandwich was better than chickpeas?

While many bubble stocks sold off yesterday, BYND traded lower, and Chick-fil-A said it is testing its first plant-based product at restaurants in Denver, Colorado; Charleston, South Carolina; and Greensboro, North Carolina. The test of the breaded cauliflower sandwich begins on February 13. Chick-fil-A has spent four years developing the plant-based sandwich after hearing from guests in surveys that they wanted to add more vegetables to their diets. Chick-fil-A tested mushrooms, chickpeas, and chopped vegetables formed into patties before deciding on cauliflower for its milder flavor. "We explored every corner of the plant-based space in search of the perfect centerpiece for our plant-forward entree," noted Chick-fil-A exec Stuart Tracy. The marinated cauliflower sandwich will be served on a bun with two pickle slices. The company notes that it’s not vegan, because milk and eggs are used. And it may not satisfy vegetarians, either: Its restaurants don’t have “vegetarian-only preparation surfaces,” the company said. These are the same issues that every fast-food company faces!

DPZ NEW Product

Super Bowl Sunday is one of Domino’s biggest days of the year; the Ann Arbor, Mich.-based pizza giant typically sells around 2 million pies or about 30% more than on a normal Sunday.

For Sunday's Super Bowl, Domino’s brand-new Loaded Tots are available in Philly Cheese Steak, Cheddar Bacon, and Melty 3-Cheese. The Philly Cheese Steak version features sliced steak, Alfredo sauce, onions, green peppers, and a mozzarella-cheddar cheese blend. At the same time, Cheddar Bacon is topped with bacon, mozzarella, cheddar and garlic Parmesan sauce. Melty 3-Cheese Loaded Tots are covered with mozzarella, cheddar, provolone, and Alfredo Sauce. All are baked in the chain’s pizza ovens. Customers can order any of the tots along with their gameday pizzas or on their own; the price is $6.99 when included with two or more of the chain’s Mix & Match menu items. In addition to pizza, the deal covers wings, pasta, and sandwiches. 

What does ChatCPT have to say about it? Except for the healthy part, it is not bad.

Tater tots are a classic side dish that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, especially with younger customers. They are also relatively easy to prepare, allowing Domino's to efficiently add them to their menu with minimal changes to their current kitchen processes. Adding tater tots to the Domino's Pizza menu can also provide customers a more diverse and customizable ordering experience. With a variety of toppings, sauces, and now side dishes available, customers can create their own perfect pizza meal and order with confidence, knowing they are getting various options. Finally, tater tots may be seen as a healthier option for customers looking to indulge in pizza but not have to worry about the guilt. The potato-based dish can help fill out a meal with an alternative side without adding as many calories or unhealthy fats as other pizza accompaniments like cheese sticks and bread sticks. Overall, adding tater tots to the Domino's Pizza menu is a win-win situation. It can help draw in customers with its deliciousness, allow Domino's to add a new specialty item quickly, provide customers with more diverse meal options, and may even be seen as a healthier side dish choice. 

RESTAURANT INSIGHTS | Tim Hortons China (THCH), Chick-fil-A (BYND), DPZ'S Tots (ChatGPT Review) - 2023 02 09 16 33 40