CAKENOMICS - May/June 2022 - 8

WINNING PROMOTIONS
Social Responsibility
The Cheesecake Factory Incorporated has an established track
record of leading and operating its restaurants in alignment with
environmental sustainability and social responsibility - including
tying a portion of fiscal 2022 executive bonus compensation to its
sustainable sourcing policy and climate commitments.
" Making this commitment is a wonderful progression that builds
upon our award-winning sustainable sourcing and food recovery
programs, " says Megan Bloomer, vice president of sustainability
for The Cheesecake Factory. " The company has taken a creative
approach to sustainability, forging and maintaining collaborative
partnerships with advocacy organizations and industry thought
leaders to ensure we are setting relevant goals and reaching credible
achievements. "
The Cheesecake Factory marked the first step in creating its climate
strategy by signing the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)
Commitment Letter and plans to submit reduction targets to SBTi
for validation. Upon acceptance, the company plans to publish its
approved targets on the SBTi website and in the company's annual
CSR report.
" With this action, The Cheesecake Factory has demonstrated
their commitment to credible climate reduction goals and science-based
transition plans, " said Danielle Fugere, president of As
You Sow.
In other news, The Cheesecake Factory has been recognized
as one of the Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For® for the
ninth consecutive year, according to Fortune and Great Place to
Work®, the global authority on workplace culture. The Cheesecake
Factory® ranked 58th on the list, which recognizes companies that
showed exceptional care for their employees and their communities
Flavor
54 2022
during a historically challenging time. The prestigious list is determined
in large part by an anonymous employee survey that measures
attributes describing a great employee experience including
high levels of trust, respect, pride and camaraderie, as well as the
company's broader community impact.
The company expects to open as many as 15 to 16 new restaurants
in fiscal 2022, including as many as four Cheesecake Factory
restaurants, four to five North Italia restaurants, and as many as seven
FRC restaurants, including three to four Flower Child locations.
" The Cheesecake Factory is very honored to be named on the
Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list for the ninth year in
a row, " says David Overton, founder, chairman and chief executive
officer of The Cheesecake Factory.
LAYERING
In the latest Wixon Innovates, the innovation
team addresses the consumer desire
for new, yet familiar flavors in what they're
calling Next Level Favorites.
While 'new, yet familiar' may seem
contradictory, " it's really not. It's about
comfort. We're in a confusing time. People
are more than ready to get back to
exploring new cuisines and having flavor
adventures, yet the pandemic has left
them wary. There's comfort in familiar
things, " says Wixon marketing manager
THE SUMMER ISSUE
Rachael Jarzembowski.
This insight led the innovation team
to lean into familiar, recognizable flavors,
then elevate them with something
new. Next Level Favorites achieves the
right balance for innovation this year as
consumers transition from their pandemic
mindset. Mintel consumer research shows
that consumers are more open to trying
new flavors when they're combined with a
food they would typically eat.
Nearly half (47%) of consumers enjoy
snacks that offer a twist on the familiar.
" Pairing familiar flavors with emerging
ones gives people a bridge to explore new
flavors, " Jarzembowski says.
The featured flavors for Next Level
Favorites start with a familiar flavor and
layer it with something new introducing
a complex flavor. " The new flavor is not
only tasty, but it's not as intimidating
to try, " explains Wixon corporate chef
Ryan Kukuruzovic. " Balancing pairings
can inject excitement. "
THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY
CAKENOMICS - May/June 2022

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