Deep Dive: Page 2
Industry insights from our journalists
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Union proposals at odds with Starbucks’ contract goals
The union’s demand for a seat at the decision table would restrict Starbucks' power, experts say, so the company may use its deep pockets to drag out the bargaining process and protect its interests.
Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 9, 2022 -
The Starbucks union’s contract fight is a race against time
Organizers face slowing new election rates, accusations of bad-faith bargaining and an impending loss of decertification protection.
Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 8, 2022 -
How Reef helps shape city ghost kitchen regulations to accommodate its model
The ghost kitchen company has devised two paths into new markets: one through city hall, and one through back doors of hotel kitchens.
Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 8, 2022 -
6 restaurant tech solutions to combat 2022's challenges
From QR codes to advanced mobile apps and robots, restaurants are planning to adopt more technology within their operations in the year ahead.
Julie Littman • April 20, 2022 -
How QSR marketers are riding the plant-based food wave
Marketing plant-based foods, whether made in-house or with industry partners, comes with its own challenges as chains stay true to their brands.
Chris Kelly • March 8, 2022 -
Delivery firms are offering more flexibility to retain partners. Will it work?
Major aggregators are rolling out white labels, subscription programs and new data tools to keep partner restaurants and delivery customers as more diners order from operators directly.
Julie Littman • Jan. 19, 2022 -
Can restaurant marketers get digital right while facing panoply of pressures?
Amid labor, supply chain and inflationary issues, 2022 will be a year of increased pressure to deliver on fronts that span media, ordering and loyalty.
Chris Kelly • Jan. 18, 2022 -
Sustained delivery profitability may hinge on business beyond restaurants
While eateries remain their core businesses, third-party aggregators are adding new verticals, like retail and grocery, and services to diversify.
Julie Littman • Jan. 12, 2022 -
7 restaurant trends that will define 2022
Restaurants will trim their menus, phase out cumbersome curbside pickup channels and invest in automation as operators balance labor pressure with off-premise demand, analysts say.
Emma Liem Beckett, Julie Littman and Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 4, 2022 -
Behind the scenes of Starbucks workers' first successful union drive
A Buffalo Starbucks store secured a majority union vote on Dec. 9 after two years of organizing. But union experts don't think the win will be "a wildfire sweeping the American labor market."
Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Dec. 16, 2021 -
Reef's ghost kitchen expansion mired in permit, health inspection infractions
In the Sunshine State alone, more than one-third of active Reef mobile kitchen licenses had high-level health and safety infractions, Restaurant Dive found.
Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Dec. 2, 2021 -
How brands are turning inclusive holiday campaigns into more than 'inspiration porn'
Starbucks and Target lead the way for marketers trying to authentically embrace diversity and inclusion during a busy yet reflective season.
Chris Kelly • Nov. 24, 2021 -
Lack of capital, legislative restrictions may impede franchisees in 2022
Despite these hurdles, there is still runway left for expansion, experts say, and competition for high-quality operators.
Emma Liem Beckett • Nov. 8, 2021 -
Why franchisors are targeting Texas and Florida
A friendly business environment, strong population growth and lax COVID-19 restrictions have made the two states popular for franchise expansion.
Julie Littman • Nov. 1, 2021 -
Franchisees are flocking to fast casuals to grow. Here’s why.
As the segment shows greater resiliency compared to casual dining, restaurant operators are making deals for expansion, taking advantage of a real estate surplus and rebounding traffic.
Julie Littman • Oct. 25, 2021 -
Can QSRs meet marketing's new imperatives without alienating franchisees?
National brand building is often in conflict with the needs of local operators — a dichotomy that has only become more apparent in the past 18 months.
Chris Kelly • Oct. 12, 2021 -
How host kitchens are propelling virtual brands forward
Despite the rapid expansion, many experts question whether delivery-only concepts have long-term sustainability.
Julie Littman • Oct. 11, 2021 -
Want to expand through host kitchens? Here's what you need to know.
Brands should keep in mind how they plan to maintain consistency in food quality and the customer experience.
Julie Littman • Oct. 7, 2021 -
Recipe for revenue: Why restaurants are becoming host kitchens
Restaurants are leveraging unused kitchen capacity to facilitate the delivery of other brands and rake in extra cash.
Julie Littman • Oct. 4, 2021 -
Why restaurant M&A activity is spiking after pandemic lull
As diner demand helps restaurant sales recover, buyers are jumping back into the game amid low interest rates and as financing becomes more widely available.
Julie Littman • July 21, 2021 -
Food halls, ghost kitchens and the future of in-store restaurants
Rather than shying away from offering fresh meals and in-store dining due to lingering safety concerns and elevated at-home cooking trends, grocers are leaning into restaurants like never before.
Jeff Wells • May 24, 2021 -
Retention is key to solving the restaurant industry's labor crisis
As many restaurants struggle to bring on employees, others have had success with keeping their workers by creating a positive company culture, boosting benefits and offering clear paths for career growth.
Julie Littman • May 18, 2021 -
Yum ramps up transformation with new tech deals. How will they impact marketing?
Broader trends in the QSR category and changing media consumption habits could herald a bigger focus on performance marketing, experts suggest.
Peter Adams • May 17, 2021 -
Help wanted: How chains are adjusting hiring tactics to boost staffing
Amid an ongoing labor shortage, major restaurant brands are experimenting with mass hiring events, bonuses, pay raises and streamlined application processes to attract much-needed employees.
Julie Littman • May 11, 2021 -
How the labor shortage is shifting restaurant strategy
Diners are returning in droves as COVID-19 dining room restrictions ease, but staff are hard to come by, creating a difficult balancing act for operators trying to recoup lost revenue.
May 11, 2021