Latest news with #PieceofCake
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Chicken Salad Chick hits 300 restaurants
This story was originally published on Restaurant Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Restaurant Dive newsletter. Chicken Salad Chick opened its 300th location in April, a major milestone for the growing fast casual brand, according to a press release issued this week. The brand also signed 35 additional franchising deals in Q1, its most in any quarter, according to the press release. The brand cited strong unit economics as drivers of franchisee recruitment and construction. Average ticket, according to the release, is up. Chicken Salad Chick attributed this to the brand's unique positioning: the brand acquired Piece of Cake in late 2023, allowing it to expand its dessert menu. This offering could be driving check growth through attachment. Chicken Salad Chicken's unit count grew 13% in the last year, according to the press release, and its AUV for franchise stores hit $1.48 million in 2024, according to its Franchise Disclosure Document. That's an increase of about $75,000 compared to 2023's AUV, according to that year's FDD, equivalent to a 5% bump in same-store sales. This performance is driving increased franchisee interest, said Mark Verges, vice president of franchise development at the chain. Fast casual generally has performed well in the last couple years, as fast food's price advantage has eroded. The sector's overperformance relative to the industry pushed some of its leaders to speed up their growth plans late last year, with Shake Shack, Wingstop and Chipotle all boosting expansion. Cava recently increased its growth projections following strong same-store sales growth. The chicken salad brand is targeting development in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois and West Virginia, according to the press release. Recommended Reading Chicken Salad Chick signs 5 franchise agreements across the Midwest
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
From combat to community: Woman turns bakery into mission to help veterans
A Chicago area marine is bringing new life to the old saying 'Home sweet home.' Diane Aherns is a woman full of grit, grace and absolute love for her fellow vets. Her latest mission is about exactly that — with a little sugar on top. More News, Weather and Headlines at It has been 31 years since the Marine swapped her combat uniform for an apron and started the popular Piece of Cake bakery in East Dundee. Locals knew her not just for her legendary scones and pies but sugar laden, award winning cakes. But even as lines stretched out the door, Aherns felt something stirring beyond her mixing bowl. It was a call to serve in a new way. Four years ago, she transformed her bakery delivery van into a way to collect discarded furniture. She knew those used couches, kitchen tables and chairs would mean the world to veterans trying to start again. More from Erin: Morton West's 'Say Yes to the Dress' project helps students shine at prom free of cost Overflowing with donations, Aherns leased an Eligin warehouse and launched her latest mission, Operation: Sweet Life. 'Between thanksgiving and Christmas, we served 20 veterans with full homes of furniture,' she said. 'That's how fast things are going in and out. … They feel the love and that's what I'm supposed to be doing. That's my full time job here on earth…is to love.' Her old bakery van now delivering furniture, a hug and her signature sweet treats. 'They get what looks like brand new furniture to live in their home and they're just like blown away,' she said. ''Home sweet home' is our model, so that's what we try to deliver. … People kind of think I'm crazy because it's a day to day operation. But so many times we've been able to help somebody who has absolutely nothing.' Each load of love is a mission from the heart. Operation: Sweet Life has been able to help countless veterans and their families over the last few years. Which means, they are always in need of furniture donations . If you'd like to know more about how to donate and support this work log on to their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
