Valerie Gritton

Recent Contributions

FCES keynote: To go far, go together

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

Chicken Salad Chick’s story shows that scaling successfully isn’t necessarily about moving faster or constantly reinventing the brand. It’s about knowing what…

read now

Why Dillas Quesadillas simplified its menu to prepare for growth

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

Dillas Quesadillas is simplifying its menu to improve speed, accuracy and the customer experience as it prepares for future growth. In this episode of the…

listen now

Webinar: Order accuracy as the next loyalty battleground

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

In this “Accuracy is the New Loyalty” webinar, Star Micronics’ Craig Kaliebe discusses how labeling, smart scales and other verification tools help operators…

read now

The restaurant of tomorrow takes center stage at #QSRNext 2026

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

#QSRNext 2026 will bring together restaurant executives and industry leaders to explore the forces reshaping quick service, including AI, drive-thru…

read now

Me, Ted Lasso and something in common

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

Twenty years ago, I started my career in restaurant journalism. Now, I’m back where it all began as the editor of QSRWeb and Pizza Marketplace.

read now

FDA says Taylor Farms Cyclospora test a false positive as outbreak weighs on restaurant traffic

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

Taylor Farms is reporting the CDC has found a fast-positive for the cyclospora outbreak linked to its products.

read now

5-state Cyclospora outbreak linked to Taco Bell shredded lettuce

by Valerie Gritton — Editor, Connect Food

The Cyclospora illness is being linked to Taco Bell locations in the Midwest. The brand is taking precautions and removing the affected producer's products…

read now