Loyalty360 Reads: January 28 | White Castle Introduces New Package Design; Godiva Chocolatier Is Closing All Its North American Stores and Cafes; and More

White Castle Introduces New Package Design for Sliders Sold in Grocery
On the heels of a record year – and a record decade – for its retail division, White Castle is introducing a brand-new look for its retail packaging.

The nation’s first fast-food hamburger chain began rolling out the new design on select packages in October 2020. By the end of March 2021, all retail packages will sport the new look, which features a consumer-approved contemporary design with clean lines and bold colors to create consistency across the portfolio of products.

"This package refresh proclaims 'tasty,' and we love the fact that it coincides with our 100th birthday," said Jamie Richardson, vice president at White Castle. "For a family owned business spanning four generations, we're always looking for new ways to respond to our customers' preferences and satisfy their crave."
 
Godiva Chocolatier Is Closing All Its North American Stores and Cafes
Godiva is shutting down or selling all 128 of its brick-and-mortar locations in the U.S. and Canada by the end of March, the chocolatier announced on Sunday. The company’s stores in the Middle East, Europe, and China will remain open, but that’s of little use to America’s last-minute gift-givers who previously could’ve counted on swinging by the mall post-work and treating their loved ones to a gilded box of truffles.

In a statement, Godiva cited the drop in traffic during the pandemic and changing consumer buying behavior as reasons behind the decision, per Business Insider. While people are no longer shopping in person at Godiva stores, the company has seen growth in online sales and purchases through its retail and grocery partners.
 
Bloomin' Brands Testing 'Ghost Kitchen' in Birmingham
Bizjournals.com reports that Tender Shack, the fried chicken ghost restaurant from Bloomin' Brands Inc., has performed so well in Bloomin's hometown of Tampa that the company has expanded its pilot program of the concept to Birmingham.

"We’ve had great feedback from customers and our operators," a spokeswoman for Bloomin' told a BBJ sister publication. The menu includes seasoned tenders, in Dang Good and Nashville Hot flavors. It also offers sandwiches, seasoned fries and a cookie. Tender Shack has combos and party trays.

Bloomin', the parent company of Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill and Fleming's Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, first launched Tender Shack as a delivery-only DoorDash restaurant in the Tampa Bay area on Sept. 3. It delivers chicken tenders, sandwiches, fries, cookies and soft drinks from Carrabba's Italian Grill locations.
 
1-800-Flowers.com Declares #NoLimitsOnLove This Valentine’s Day
1-800-Flowers.com announced innovative new products, services, and complimentary resources to help customers express their love this Valentine’s Day. Exclusive arrangements, curated gift packages, multi-day delivery options, a new floral subscription service, romantic movie add-ons, and engaging content are some of the ways the brand is further enhancing the gifting experience for this important holiday.

“The ongoing health crisis has limited us all in many ways, preventing us from traveling, seeing loved ones, or enjoying a special night out,” said Amit Shah, President, 1-800-Flowers.com. “This Valentine’s Day, we wanted to give our customers even more thoughtful and easy options for celebrating their love and connecting with the important people in their lives. Whether it is at home or from a distance - with partners, galentines, parents, or children - we are making sure there are absolutely no limits on love this Valentine’s Day.”
 
CiCi’s Pizza Declares Bankruptcy
CiCi’s Pizza declared bankruptcy Jan. 25 as the COVID pandemic and economic downturn “severely strained” finances. The 318-unit pizza chain agreed to sell itself to D&G Investors as part of a pre-packaged and expedited bankruptcy process.

The move came after D&G acquired $81.6 million in debt from CiCi’s previous lenders. The firm will convert 100 percent of its secured debt into equity in CiCi’s and provide $9 million in debtor-in-possession financing to help the company through the bankruptcy process.
 

Recent Content

Membership and Pricing

Videos and podcasts

Membership and Pricing