Restaurant News: Throwback Menus and Loyalty Programs

Recent changes in the restaurant industry have seen a shift in consumer behavior, with chain restaurant sales slowing down. However, some sectors like coffee, beverages and snacks, and chicken have managed to thrive.

## Changes in Leadership Wendy's US president, Pete Suerken, has resigned from his position and opted to return to his old role as head of the company's supply chain co-op. This move comes just over a year after he was appointed to the position, following the departure of Abigail Pringle. As a result, the company has decided to eliminate the US president position and will instead hire a chief operating officer.

## Throwback Menus Taco Bell and Buffalo Wild Wings have both introduced throwback menus, featuring popular items from past years. Taco Bell's Decades menu includes items like the Naked Chicken Chalupa and Caramel Apple Empanada, which were popular in 2016. The menu is available for a limited time starting August 20. Buffalo Wild Wings, on the other hand, is taking customers back to the early 2000s with its Throwback Menu, featuring items like beef sliders on weck and buffalo chips.

## Loyalty Programs Panera has launched a new-and-improved loyalty program, MyPanera, which replaces the previous surprise-and-delight rewards plan. The new program is points-based and tiered, allowing guests to earn 10 points for every dollar spent at Panera. Guests who spend more than $300 in a year are moved to a higher tier with enhanced benefits. Additionally, guests can sign up for MyPanera-plus-Sip Club, which offers up to 30 free self-service drinks per month for a monthly subscription fee of $14.99. According to Joshua Fine, Panera's chief digital officer, the previous plan was difficult for guests to understand, and the new plan provides more transparency and rewards.

The following is a comparison of the loyalty programs: | Program | Earning Structure | Tier Benefits | | --- | --- | --- | | MyPanera | 10 points per dollar | Enhanced benefits for guests who spend over $300 per year | | MyPanera-plus-Sip Club | 10 points per dollar, plus up to 30 free self-service drinks per month | Monthly subscription fee of $14.99 |

These changes and introductions reflect the ongoing efforts of restaurants to adapt to changing consumer behavior and preferences. By offering throwback menus and improved loyalty programs, restaurants aim to attract and retain customers in a competitive market.