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National Restaurant Association Show is canceled

The industry's largest trade show will not be rescheduled — a move that could have devastating consequences for foodservice vendors that plan their marketing budgets around the event.

Curbside service and cocktails: How a full-service restaurant is staying open during coronavirus

Southern California restaurant 101 North has turned to curbside pickup, delivery, cocktail kits and selling items from its kitchen to maintain revenue while its dining room is closed.

Grocers step up to hire restaurant workers sidelined by coronavirus

The two industries are forming creative partnerships as grocers' hiring needs accelerate and restaurants close down their dining rooms.

Restaurant sales could slump 20% in next 12 months, Moody's says

This outlook is more positive for the second half of the year, when state-mandated shutdowns are predicted to lift, but brands may face challenges around insufficient labor, reduced consumer income and permanent closures.  

Popeyes dishes out Netflix login details as fans self-isolate amid coronavirus

 A "Fried Chicken N Chill" campaign will share the brand's username and password with 1,000 Twitter followers.

McDonald's CEO names new chief people officer

The workplace culture of the fast food giant has recently been in the spotlight as a result of major leadership changes, alleged labor violations and discrimination lawsuits.

McDonald's to shutter all stores in UK, Ireland

The chain's 1,270 locations in this region will no longer offer drive-thru and delivery, and employees at corporate-owned restaurants will be paid for scheduled shifts through April 5.

Coronavirus grows delivery platforms' restaurant partner networks

Grubhub CEO Matt Maloney told MarketWatch that his company is getting 10 to 15 more restaurant leads as many have been forced to pivot to delivery following state-mandated dine-in closures.

Logan's Roadhouse parent closes all restaurants

The COVID-19 outbreak has complicated CraftWorks' bankruptcy plans. The company lost its debtor-in-possession financing and may have to permanently shutter all of its restaurants. ​

UPDATED: March 23, 2020 at 8:38 a.m.

Domino's, Papa John's ramp up hiring amid slew of industry layoffs

Domino's plans to hire 10,000 while Papa John's wants to hire 20,000 and Pizza Hut is looking to add 30,000 following increased demand for pizza delivery during the coronavirus outbreak. 

UPDATED: March 23, 2020 at noon

Darden's Q3 results hint at dismal future for casual dining

Same-store sales dropped more than 21% for the week ending March 15 across its brands, with same-store sales declining 60% this week. 

NRA predicts $225B loss for restaurants, urges federal economic aid

The association is pushing for a $145 billion restaurant and food service recovery fund to pay employees and help operations, as well as assistance that allows businesses to defer mortgage, lease and loan obligations.

Union Square Hospitality Group lays off 80% of staff over coronavirus closures

After shuttering all of its restaurants on March 13, the company laid off 2,000 employees, joining a handful of other fine-dining groups that have cut staff over the last week.

McDonald's reportedly pushed against sick leave provision in coronavirus package

The chain is concerned the package — which requires companies with 50 to 500 employees to give workers two weeks paid sick leave — will hurt its franchisee profitability, according to Business Insider. 

&pizza's coronavirus response plan: Pay workers more, not less

As restaurants across the country lay off workers in droves, the Washington, D.C.-based pizza chain has raised hourly pay $1 and is developing plans to keep staff fully employed even if its stores temporarily close. 

Millions of restaurant workers could lose their jobs due to dine-in closures

About 7.4 million leisure and hospitality workers may lose their jobs following restaurant and bar closures from 12 states and Washington, D.C. — numbers that will only grow. 

Will COVID-19 usher in permanent restaurant paid sick leave benefits?

The restaurant industry is notorious for a lack of paid sick leave policies for foodservice workers. Some experts think policy changes during the outbreak could make these improvements last.

McDonald's suspends dine-in operations at corporate stores

The fast food chain is encouraging franchisees to do the same and shift to drive-thru, takeout and delivery as COVID-19 continues to spread. 

Chuck E. Cheese closes dine-in, offers in-home birthday packages

While still offering off-premise dining, the birthday-focused restaurant is making its dance-party-themed videos and rewards available online and selling family packs with cake, pizza and goodie bags during COVID-19 closures.

Chipotle tackles social distancing with virtual hangouts on Zoom

As the novel coronavirus keeps people apart, the burrito chain is hosting online events to bring them together, with guests like Colton Underwood from "The Bachelor."

States are mandating restaurant closures. Here's 3 ways brands can prepare.

Whether a restaurant is closing just its dining rooms or halting operations completely, lease agreements, perishable inventory and off-premise strategy will need to be assessed to weather COVID-19's impact. 

Breakfast wars boost QSR traffic 4% in first week of March

Despite the novel coronavirus outbreak, QSR breakfast traffic was up 4% during the week ending March 8, marking the highest gain for the segment in four weeks, according to data from The NPD Group. 

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Comic Dive: CMO Shift Change

Marketing leaders are shuffling around in the QSR space, with some executives taking new roles at sister restaurants as competition heats up.

Starbucks, Chick-fil-A lead charge in shift to off-premise only operations nationwide

Sweetgreen also eliminated dine-in seating, while Taco Bell has closed dining rooms in its company-operated stores as chains rapidly shift operations in response to COVID-19.

UPDATED: March 16, 2020 at 12:37 p.m.

KFC pulls 'finger lickin' ads in UK amid coronavirus concerns

The brand follows Hershey's and Coors in pausing a campaign that may be perceived as insensitive or ill-timed around the pandemic.