This week in restaurant news, KFC adds its first chief digital officer, WOWorks adds seven new virtual brands, and Uber Eats reportedly follows through on its stated goal to wean out thousands of ghost kitchens on its platform. Quick-service restaurant (QSR) giant KFC, which has more than 28,000 locations around the world, announced in a Friday (July 14) press release the creation of a chief digital officer role and the appointment of hospitality veteran Paul Tuscano, who has spent the last seven years as a vice president focused on mobile products at Marriott. KFC said in the release that the goal of this position is to “drive digital priorities further,” working alongside the chief technology officer

Condiment maker Only Plant Based!, Mrs. Goldfarb’s Unreal Deli and Acelerate are partnering to create America’s first vegan sub shop chain. The new chain is now operating through Acelerate’s ghost kitchen and delivery platform in Austin, Denver, LA, NYC, and Raleigh, with more cities to come. Through the partnership, Only Plant Based! is supplying its line of creamy eggless dressings, mayo and sour cream to top Unreal Deli’s authentic-style submarine sandwiches. The two brands are planning to bring their plant-based sub menu to locations throughout America. “It’s an ideal partnership and an example of how the plant-based experience can be enhanced through a collaborative business model,” says Only Plant Based! consulting chef George Vutetakis. “This venture brings together companies who have specific expertise and passion for their products in order to create the best possible menu, taste and access for the customer.” Super subs Only Plant Based! launched its popular line of condiments in the US last year following success in the UK and Ireland. Its Original Mayo, Chipotle Mayo, Garlic Mayo, Ranch Dressing and Sour Cream can be found in 1,000 US grocers and online, including Kroger, Walmart and Amazon.  Founded by Jenny Goldfarb, Unreal Deli creates authentic plant-based versions of turkey, corned beef, and steak slices. Since securing a deal on Shark Tank in 2019, the brand has rapidly expanded to food service and national grocery chains, including Publix and Whole Foods. At this year’s Expo West, Unreal Deli revealed an upcoming line of bulk deli meats intended ...