Latest news with #BJ's
Eater
8 hours ago
- Business
- Eater
The Barbecue Spot That's Giving Back
People flock to BJ's Nevada Barbecue for the award-winning ribs: sauce-slicked, smoky, and slow-cooked to perfection. Regulars will also direct you to the menu's other hits, like the pastrami sandwich — pork, not beef — and shrimp and grits smothered in a Louisiana cream sauce. There's barbecue chicken that's been caressed and crisped by smoke and, of course, owner Jay Rathmann's signature chili. But it isn't just the barbecue that has kept this Northern Nevada restaurant open for almost 40 years. Rathmann and his family have focused not just on feeding guests, but fueling their community. They've made such a tangible impact on their community, they were one of this year's winners of the Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp Small Business Hero Day, which has been recognizing small businesses across the U.S. doing good in their communities, and awarding them $20,000 each. Every summer Friday, BJ's packs up the smoker and hauls it to Reno's Food Truck Friday event, where they sling a small menu of classics out of their mobile kitchen. But the kitchen isn't run by their usual staff. BJ's Barbecue works with students enrolled in culinary programs across the Washoe County School District to provide them with real-time experience and training. The event takes culinary students out of the classroom and into the kitchen, under Rathmann's mentorship. Proceeds from BJ's Food Truck Friday sales are funneled back into the community, supporting culinary education programs at local high schools and the Truckee Meadows Community College, as well as the ACF High Sierra Chefs Association. 'We initially bought the mobile kitchen for the Reno Rodeo cattle drive,' says Rathmann. 'We realized we have this piece of equipment that we're only utilizing a week out of the year.' One of the Food Truck Friday runners said to bring it on over. 'Then we had an epiphany—why don't we use it as a fundraiser?' BJ's supplies the truck and all the food for the event, and the budding chefs run it. 'It actually lets them interact with customers and make the food,' says Rathmann. 'If the health department comes in, they go through the inspection. It's real-world experience.' 'I don't ask for anything in return — I'm not there to get something out of it,' Rathmann continues. 'I'm more there to work with students, other chefs, and community members, and just get kids involved in the process.' In addition to leading the chefs of the future, Rathmann and the BJ's team have spent the last few years feeding frontline workers and first responders. When fires raced through Nevada in 2021, BJ's Barbecue stepped up, providing hundreds of meals to firefighters battling the flames. They worked around the clock, staying up into the wee hours and sleeping on the floor, prepping and packing thousands of meals of gravy and biscuits, pork loin, and mashed potatoes. 'I don't do these things because we have to,' says Rathmann. 'We don't do it for the glory of it. We do it because it's the right thing to do.' While Rathmann may not have had recognition in mind, he's received it: This May, BJ's Nevada Barbecue was one of three businesses given a $20,000 grant that will help Rathmann and team continue to support and feed their community. The awards in May marked the beginning of a new quarterly grant program from Intuit, the Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp Small Business Hero Program. Through the program, the public can nominate small businesses who go above and beyond in their communities to win a $20,000 grant and other business resources. 'I am extremely appreciative,' says Rathmann. 'There's times I've gone into tears over [this award] because it gets emotional — I'm used to giving awards, not receiving them.' BJ's Nevada Barbecue is busy. They serve some of the state's best barbecue from 6:30 a.m. on, five days a week. They grind their burgers by hand and carefully watch over their meats as they cook low and slow. Still, they show up for their community every summer Friday and feed Nevada's frontline workers when needed. Almost forty years after opening, how does Rathmann keep all the motors running? He won't take any credit. 'I have a fantastic team,' says Rathmann. 'I have fantastic employees.' BJ's Nevada Barbecue has cultivated a community — a team of employees who can keep quality high on the day-to-day, so Rathmann can run with his charitable outreach. 'They allow me to be able to leave when I need to go take care of things,' says Rathmann. 'Initiatives like this don't happen if you have to be cooking on the line every night. My employees are my support system.' With the funds from the Small Business Hero Day grant, BJ's Barbecue can turn up the heat on Food Truck Fridays. While Rathmann provides the food and truck for culinary students to work these events, keeping up with supplies has been a challenge. 'The biggest hurdle is red tape — the processes schools have to go through to get supplies, like pots and pans,' he says. 'Requests may take six months to go through, and it may only get partially approved.' With his newly-appointed funds, Rathmann can purchase everything needed for his students to learn and shine. 'With these funds, it's easier to say, 'What do we need? Let's make a list, and we can get that by Friday.' When the kids need equipment or travelling expenses, the money is there. All they need to do is ask.' The funds and support from Intuit QuickBooks and Mailchimp will give Rathmann a chance to make even more of an impact. 'This would really support what we're doing with the community and the kids,' says Rathmann. 'It will allow us to contribute even more than we ever have.' NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Sponsored by Intuit. Legal residents of the 50 US (D.C.), 18+ can nominate Businesses that are located and operate in the 50 US (D.C.). Void where prohibited. Enter Contest by 5/15/26. Terms and Conditions Apply. See Official Rules for all business eligibility requirements, phase dates, and entry details, at .
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
BJ's Restaurants appoints CEO
This story was originally published on Restaurant Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Restaurant Dive newsletter. BJ's Restaurants has promoted Lyle D. Tick to CEO and president, effective Thursday, the company said in a press release. In addition, the company's CFO, Thomas A. Houdek, will resign from his post on June 20. Tick, current president and chief concept officer, will succeed interim CEO C. Bradford Richmond, who will become special advisor to the CEO during Tick's transition. Richmond will remain a member of the board of directors. Tick joined BJ's Restaurants in September 2024, after serving as president and CEO at On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina. He has played a key role in creating BJ's strategic vision, that is focused on the employee experience, menu and improved hospitality. BJ's Restaurants, which posted 1.7% same-store sales growth in Q1, has been without a permanent CEO since Gregory S. Levin stepped down from the role in late August. Levin was with the company for 19 years and became CEO in 2021. William Blair analyst Sharon Zackfia said Tick's promotion was 'unsurprising' and 'largely expected.' Tick has experience turning a brand around and driving sales. For roughly five years as brand president at Buffalo Wild Wings, Tick led a revitalization effort that included 'a return to its sport bar legacy, an updated design, and a revamped menu alongside the launch of the smaller delivery/takeout concept Buffalo Wild Wings GO,' Zackfia said. In the months since joining BJ's, Tick already has made a big impression. 'As President and Chief Concept Officer, Lyle has quickly re-focused the Company's core sales and profit-driving initiatives to further differentiate our concept while capturing opportunities to reduce operational complexity,' Lea Anne S. Ottinger, BJ's board chair, said in a statement. 'We are confident that under his leadership, BJ's will continue to drive sustainable growth and create long-term shareholder value.' The company's ongoing strategy to drive sales includes menu innovation, like its Pizookie Meal Deal, Tick said in the company's Q1 2025 earnings release. That item improved the chain's value proposition, he said during an earnings call. A Pizookie Platter, which combined four regular sized Pizookie's into one treat, gained significant play on social media, generating 57 million organic social impressions. The chain sold more than 24,000 platters, Tick said. Menu innovation contributed to a 2.7% traffic bump during the quarter. The chain also has been working on improving team member experience, such as updating its point-of-sales and kitchen display systems that can help employees input menu items, boost accuracy and speed of service. This has helped reduce comping of food and beverages by 13% year over year, Tick said. Recommended Reading BJ's Restaurants CEO, president Gregory Levin steps down
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
BJ's Restaurant announces Lyle D Tick as new president and CEO
BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse has announced the appointment of Lyle D Tick as CEO and president. The current interim CEO, C Bradford Richmond, will transition into the role of CEO's special advisor and continue his service on the board of directors. Tick, who has been with BJ's since September 2024 as chief concept officer and president, has played a crucial role in developing the brand's vision, emphasising the team member experience and the offering of handcrafted food and beverages. Tick said: 'It is an honour to be appointed BJ's next CEO, and I am grateful to the board for their confidence in me. Since joining the leadership team last year, I have developed an even greater appreciation for the tremendous potential of the BJ's brand. 'I look forward to building on the foundations we have laid and continuing to work with Brad, the board, the leadership team and our team members around the country as we execute on our strategies to position BJ's for sustainable long-term success.' Tick was previously president and CEO of On the Border Mexican Grill & Cantina from December 2023 until August 2024 and brand president of Buffalo Wild Wings, part of the Inspire Brands group of restaurants, from 2018 to 2023. He led the the revitalisation of Buffalo Wild Wings, updating its restaurant design, overhauling the menu, and introducing the GO sub-brand. Founded in 1978, BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse operates and owns more than 200 casual dining establishments across 31 states. The brand offers dine-in, take-out, delivery and catering for large parties. In a recent collaboration with Mars, BJ's launched the SNICKERS Pizookie in April 2025. In 2024, the chain introduced a $13 Pizookie Meal Deal for customers seeking value in the face of the rising cost of living. "BJ's Restaurant announces Lyle D Tick as new president and CEO" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Local businesses reflect on power outage in Broussard
BROUSSARD, La. () — Thursday morning power outage impacting over 2,000 Entergy customers came as a surprise. 'I was in the meat market. We had a line of customers and next thing you know, everything is black,' said Bryce Johnson, manager of Billeaud's Meat & Grocery. Griffin Billeaud, also a manager of Billeaud's Meat & Grocery said he was on the computer, in his office when everything went dark and took quick action to turn the generator on. 'We were at our other store in Lafayette, all the managers. I was getting ready to come over here to get my stuff together and she called. She's like, the power is out. And we're like, 'What do you mean? Like, is it flickering or is it like, really out?' She was like, 'No, it's out,'' said Carlie Burton, a manager of BJ's. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now From light signals being out and drivers having to adapt to the traffic flow. Businesses notifying customers they were closed were some of the effects. A spokesperson with Entergry mentioned a tree fell on the transmission line and crews worked to repair and restore the power quickly. Johnson explained how Downtown Broussard gets busy during lunch time and it was hectic but their generator helped. Burton with BJ's said everything ran on energy as they fry food, have plate lunches and steam tables. With the workers dedication to serving the community and pushing through the challenge of working with a generator she said customers felt it was impressive. 'It was hard and it was a lot but the fact that we were able to keep pushing through and serving the community here, which is all we really want to do. I think that made everybody here feel pretty good,' she said. Chrysler at 100: Plans for a bold comeback New details from Luigi Mangione's handwritten 'manifesto' revealed in court Customers report getting punctured Nintendo Switch 2s from NYC GameStop Illinois woman loses $62K to scammer impersonating Kevin Costner Scientists hooking flies on cocaine to study addiction: Reports Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Kura Sushi, BJ's, Red Robin, Tapestry, and E.W. Scripps Shares Skyrocket, What You Need To Know
A number of stocks jumped in the afternoon session after the major indices rebounded (Nasdaq +2.0%, S&P 500 +1.5%) as President Trump postponed the planned 50% tariff on European Union imports, shifting the start date to July 9, 2025. Companies with substantial business ties to Europe likely had some relief as the delay reduced near-term cost pressures and preserved cross-border demand. The stock market overreacts to news, and big price drops can present good opportunities to buy high-quality stocks. Among others, the following stocks were impacted: Sit-Down Dining company Kura Sushi (NASDAQ:KRUS) jumped 6.2%. Is now the time to buy Kura Sushi? Access our full analysis report here, it's free. Sit-Down Dining company BJ's (NASDAQ:BJRI) jumped 5%. Is now the time to buy BJ's? Access our full analysis report here, it's free. Sit-Down Dining company Red Robin (NASDAQ:RRGB) jumped 6.6%. Is now the time to buy Red Robin? Access our full analysis report here, it's free. Apparel and Accessories company Tapestry (NYSE:TPR) jumped 5.5%. Is now the time to buy Tapestry? Access our full analysis report here, it's free. Broadcasting company E.W. Scripps (NASDAQ:SSP) jumped 7%. Is now the time to buy E.W. Scripps? Access our full analysis report here, it's free. E.W. Scripps's shares are extremely volatile and have had 92 moves greater than 5% over the last year. In that context, today's move indicates the market considers this news meaningful but not something that would fundamentally change its perception of the business. The biggest move we wrote about over the last year was 8 months ago when the stock gained 24.1% on the news that the company announced that it would end its 24/7 national news broadcast service after November 15, 2024, due to challenges hitting its revenue target from linear television. The business planned to focus on digital and streaming platforms. While the move means SSP would scale back its reach in the short term (with over 200 job cuts expected), the stock's reaction suggested the market liked the decision to capitalize on more promising growth opportunities. E.W. Scripps is down 10.5% since the beginning of the year, and at $2.25 per share, it is trading 41.7% below its 52-week high of $3.87 from July 2024. Investors who bought $1,000 worth of E.W. Scripps's shares 5 years ago would now be looking at an investment worth $239.60. Today's young investors likely haven't read the timeless lessons in Gorilla Game: Picking Winners In High Technology because it was written more than 20 years ago when Microsoft and Apple were first establishing their supremacy. But if we apply the same principles, then enterprise software stocks leveraging their own generative AI capabilities may well be the Gorillas of the future. So, in that spirit, we are excited to present our Special Free Report on a profitable, fast-growing enterprise software stock that is already riding the automation wave and looking to catch the generative AI next. Sign in to access your portfolio
