The Latest
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Dems introduce $15 minimum wage bill
The Raise the Wage Act of 2019 also would do away with the tipped minimum wage and the subminimum wage for workers with disabilities.
Policy and Regulation -
OpinionPutting pizza delivery apps to the test
Restaurant Dive reviewed ordering technology from Domino's, Pizza Hut and Papa John's to see if they are worth the investment or just a marketing gimmick.
Delivery -
Shake Shack to test food trucks in Atlanta and New Jersey
The burger joint joins other chains like Johnny Rockets and Auntie Anne's to use food trucks, with plans to launch in the two locations in February.
Consumer Trends -
Domino's slapped with failing chicken welfare grade
The pizza chain has resisted animal rights groups' outcries before, but the zero score from the World Animal Protection report comes as consumers demand more transparency and humane practices.
Corporate -
McDonald's Israel adopts sensor-powered tech to assist blind customers
RightHear technology helps blind customers navigate the restaurant through voice instructions announced through their phone.
Consumer Trends -
Sun Holdings takes the lead on a Taco Bueno turnaround
The multi-unit franchise owner, which has a portfolio of over 800 restaurants across multiple brands, completes acquisition of the Tex-Mex chain.
M&A -
Deep DiveTapped out? Brewpubs, taprooms inundate beer scene as brewers aim to stand out
With more than 6,000 craft beers in the U.S., makers of the popular alcoholic drink are focusing on creating an immersive experience through food, entertainment and, of course, tasty and cleverly named beverages.
Beverages -
DoorDash expands footprint into all 50 states
The third-party delivery platform is the first to be in cities from coast to coast.
Delivery -
AmEx acquires Japanese restaurant reservation startup
The purchase of Pocket Concierge is the latest example of a credit card company leveraging diner preferences toward personalized experiences.
M&A -
White Castle rolls out the red carpet for Valentine's Day
The burger chain will offer special table-service for the 28th year in a row, but this year fans can order the experience for delivery.
Delivery -
Subway expands mobile marketing abroad after 10X ROI in US test
The sandwich chain is extending its personalized marketing efforts to Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom to boost loyalty.
Marketing -
Restaurant prices post highest increase in 7 years
Diners paid 0.5% more at full-service restaurants and 0.4% more at limited service eateries in December, according to a U.S. Labor Department report.
Consumer Trends -
Starbucks has more stores abroad than in US
With plans for thousands of locations in China and the Asia-Pacific, Starbucks focuses on world coffee domination.
Beverages -
DoorDash hits the airwaves with first national ad campaign
Through March 31, DoorDash ads will air on TV, digital and social channels featuring major partners like Wendy's, Chipotle and The Cheesecake Factory.
Delivery -
From wearables to AI: How a startup looks to change the restaurant industry
Presto, which provides tabletop tablets to Applebee's and Red Lobster, developed smartwatch-like devices for serving staff and an artificial intelligence platform to improve operations.
Operations -
BJ's Restaurants tests order-ahead, dine-in service
The company's partnership with Allset enables consumers to make reservations, order meals and pay the bill before arriving at the restaurant.
Consumer Trends -
Eatsa launches smart pickup shelves
The chain's digital pickup system, which links order management platforms to automated "spots" displaying customer names, is designed to reduce third-party delivery and to-go order errors.
Operations -
Government shutdown throws a wrench into restaurant hiring
The fast-food industry has been hit especially hard by the labor shortage in an employee-driven job market, and the shutdown has only exacerbated issues.
Operations -
Taco Bell testing vegetarian menu as meatless trend grows
The chain also announced seven new commitments, including the removal of all artificial colors and flavors and improving the sustainability of its beef supply.
Consumer Trends -
Private equity firms buy P.F. Chang's for $700M
TriArtisan Capital Advisors and Paulson & Co. have agreed to buy the casual Chinese food chain from Centerbridge Partners.
UPDATED: Jan. 11, 2019 at 9:45 a.m.
Corporate -
McDonald's reviews local US media business to give franchisees more flexibility, AdAge reports
The news follows last year's formation of the National Owners Association, which gives franchisees more of a voice in the chain's business decisions.
Corporate -
Taco Bell's new billboard dispenses nacho cheese
Next week's activation in Toronto will promote the launch of the Nacho Cheese Naked Chicken Chalupa.
Corporate -
Why cannabis could spark menu innovations in 2019
The National Restaurant Association's "What's Hot Culinary Forecast" pinned CBD-infused drinks and foods as the top two menu trends this year.
Beverages -
Report: Grubhub is the most-used delivery app
Uber Eats is a close second, but is the fastest-growing company with 230% growth last year, according to a Zion & Zion study.
Delivery -
Resy gives diners 'backstage pass' to their favorite eateries
The reservation platform's new Off Menu Week program features select restaurants that will serve seasonal and experimental dishes.
Consumer Trends