The Latest
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Courtesy of El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco names Organic digital AOR as chain accelerates digital transformation
The partnership will support the brand's efforts to advance its social media engagement and e-commerce business after a period of rapid digital growth.
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Mozart, Mike. (2014). "Ruby Tuesday" [photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
Ruby Tuesday emerges from bankruptcy
The chain plans to continue developing virtual, delivery-only brands to leverage its growing off-premise business and support its long-term growth strategy.
UPDATED: Feb. 25, 2021 at 12:02 p.m. -
88% of restaurants considering swapping to digital menus, survey says
Seventy-six percent of operators plan to continue offering contactless payment options this year as well, Square's Future of Restaurants 2021 report shows.
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Cracker Barrel to test virtual chicken and biscuits brand as off-premise grows 78%
The company has been operating its ghost kitchen facility in Indianapolis since the fall and plans to launch the concept from the location this week.
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Courtesy of California Pizza Kitchen
As restaurants recover, their success formula will change
Off-premise innovations like ghost kitchens will characterize the industry going forward, a Duff & Phelps analysis says.
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Julie Littman/Restaurant Dive
California fines Burgerim $4M, orders it to refund franchise fees
The chain sold franchises to 1,550 operators who paid $57.7 million in fees, according to a complaint by the state, but didn't deliver the refunds it promised to many franchisees.
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Industry Dive
Remote Chipotle ERG will support minority mentorship program
The group, which will hold virtual roundtable discussions and quarterly diversity and inclusion training, builds on the fast casual chain's past efforts to make talent development more accessible.
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Permission granted by Yelp
Yelp adds takeout features, enhanced analytics to Waitlist
The latest updates to the company's restaurant products include guest profiles and POS integration, which give users more data on operational performance, customer preferences and ordering behavior.
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Steak 'n Shake dodges bankruptcy, sues lender for alleged takeover scheme
The chain claims Fortress Investment Group used confidential financial information to try and buy Steak 'n Shake's loans, push it into bankruptcy and acquire it through a credit bid.
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Retrieved from Olo/Business Wire on February 22, 2021
Olo files to go public with $100M offering
The software company posted a 94% increase in revenue during 2020 as customers shifted toward digital ordering channels during the pandemic.
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Retrieved from Just Salad on February 23, 2021
Just Salad takes its reusable bowl program to go
While sales of its dine-in reusable program grew 100% in 2019, the pandemic caused more customers to order carryout, which pushed the fast casual chain to offer the bowls for off-premise.
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Biden prioritizes small businesses with new PPP rules
Starting Wednesday, the White House will institute a 14-day period during which only businesses with fewer than 20 employees can apply for loans through the federal program.
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Courtesy of Toast Inc.
Toast considering IPO valued at $20B, WSJ reports
The software company, which processed 50 million digital guest orders in 2020, is also exploring a sale or merger with a special purpose acquisition corporation, per the publication.
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Kendall Davis/Restaurant Dive
Tracking restaurant industry priority for the COVID-19 vaccine
Connecticut has shifted away from its current phased plan and is now vaccinating based on age over the next several months. Frontline essential workers were initially placed in Phase 1b.
UPDATED: Feb. 23, 2021 at 11:23 a.m. -
California proposes $2B in grants for restaurants, small businesses
The Golden State's $9.6 billion COVID-19 relief package includes $25,000 grants for businesses impacted by the pandemic and two years of fee relief for restaurants and bars that have alcohol licenses.
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Retrieved from Lazy Dog on February 19, 2021
Dramatic layoffs 'kindest' approach to pandemic, Lazy Dog CFO says
Innovations like a retro-styled TV dinner helped boost kitchen productivity and gave employees more hours, Robert Linder said.
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NRA, One Fair Wage release dueling studies on minimum wage policy
The reports reflect the sharp divide over whether raising restaurant employee pay and ending the tip credit is necessary to stabilize income and ensure equity or if it will cripple the recovering industry.
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Thai Phi Le
Noodles & Company plots multi-unit franchise expansion
The fast casual chain is looking to grow its footprint in Southern and Southwest markets, with a focus on off-premise operations.
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Permission granted by Bloomin' Brands/Tender Shack
Bloomin' Brands takes virtual brand Tender Shack national
Carrabba's and Outback Steakhouse restaurants will primarily host the chicken-focused concept, which is available across 725 locations.
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McDonald's links 15% of executive bonuses to hiring women, diverse employees
The pledge follows a series of discrimination lawsuits filed by Black franchisees, which allege corporate intentionally steered Black operators toward underperforming stores.
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Wingstop surpasses $1B in digital sales in 2020
Delivery is a key driver to the company's growth in online transactions, making up 25% of total sales after its first year as a new channel for the QSR.
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Retrieved from LinkedIn on February 11, 2021
Will Clubhouse be the next social media platform for marketers?
The parent company of Burger King and Popeyes jumped on the buzzy app last week, opening the possibility of another digital channel for brands to utilize.
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Permission granted by Cosmic Wings
Applebee's launches Cheetos-inspired virtual wings brand
Cosmic Wings is available on Uber Eats and is distinct from Neighborhood Wings by Applebee's, the virtual concept the chain tested last year.
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Dave & Buster's sues Gov. Andrew Cuomo over 'arbitrary' arcade closures
The chain is frustrated that New York's COVID-19 restrictions have forced it to close while bowling alleys and casinos have been allowed to reopen.
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Jimmy John's to pay $1.8M to settle overtime pay dispute
Sixty-six store managers employed by the sandwich chain will receive payment, while more than 500 managers employed by franchisees will be given gift cards as part of a settlement approved Monday.
