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Where the presidential candidates stand on workplace issues

Restaurant Dive and HR Dive are providing an ongoing comparison of the nominees' platforms on topics such as tip credits and minimum wage.

UPDATED: Oct. 23, 2020 at 10:28 a.m.

New restaurant openings return to pre-pandemic levels, Yelp says

About 6,600 food establishments opened each in August and September, while 210,000 temporarily closed businesses reopened during Q3, according to the latest Yelp Economic Average report.

Chipotle could exceed $2.5B in digital sales in 2020

The fast casual chain's digital sales grew just over 200% to $776 million during the third quarter and made up nearly half of total sales. So far this year, digital sales are almost $2 billion.

72% of franchisees have enhanced delivery, drive-thru amid the pandemic, study shows

The shift toward delivery and online ordering — which now make up 39% of sales compared to 20% in 2019 — is expected to be long lasting especially as consumer adoption grows, according to TD Bank.

Restaurant operating profits will rise 15% in 2021, Moody's predicts

Conditions are expected to continue to slowly improve in the next 12 to 18 months due to easing dine-in restrictions, but the ratings agency also cautioned that more closures are on the horizon. 

CMOs must decipher pandemic-related consumer behavior changes, Dentsu survey finds

Prepared CMOs were already shifting to digital and e-commerce channels, which are now table stakes for restaurants, evidenced by the dramatic growth of digital sales at chains like Chipotle.

Wisconsin judge reinstates 25% capacity limit on bars, restaurants

The judge denied a request on Monday to extend a temporary hold on Gov. Tony Ever's restrictions, which were put into place a week ago, arguing that it was unclear if businesses were actually being hurt by the measure.

UPDATED: Oct. 21, 2020 at 10:41 a.m.

Report: Winter weather could undo 2M in job gains from August, September

Restaurants, which added outdoor dining during the summer, will be among the most impacted, especially if they are in markets where average temperatures drop to below 50 degrees by November, Gusto research shows.

Deep Dive

How ghost kitchens are helping major restaurants recoup lost revenue

Chains like Famous Dave's and Brinker International were already moving toward delivery-only concepts pre-pandemic, allowing them to more quickly deploy and expand these concepts compared to other restaurants.

Wisconsin Applebee's franchisee is latest to file Chapter 11

The franchisee, which operates 25 units, was appointed a receiver last week, but instead chose to file for bankruptcy to keep its restaurants open and 600 employees on the job. 

Former Sweetgreen employee alleges he was sexually harassed, misgendered

The plaintiff, a transgender man, said a co-worker "showed him pornographic pictures, told other employees they were dating and that the plaintiff was her property," according to the complaint. 

P.F. Chang's continues takeout-only expansion with NYC launch

CEO Damola Adamolekun said its three new To Go locations in the Big Apple is part of a larger strategy to reach a more urban population.

Del Taco is planning a drive-thru-only restaurant model

With the Mexican QSR recouping lost dine-in sales through off-premise channels, the chain is in the final stages of a new prototype that removes the dining room and requires less real estate. 

Sun Holdings acquires bankrupt IHOP locations

Sun Holdings subsidiary Suncakes LLC bought 41 out of 49 IHOP locations from CFRA Holdings, which filed for bankruptcy in May. 

Jack in the Box serves up plant-based, 'unchicken' sandwich

The chain is the latest QSR to add an alternative protein item to their menu, which appeals to the growing flexitarian trend and can help drive diner interest and traffic. 

NYC releases heater guidance as city faces new restaurant closures, impending winter

Mayor Bill de Blasio has approved the use of electric, gas and propane heaters for outdoor dining following Gov. Andrew Cuomo's new "Cluster Action Plan" to close or reduce dining capacity in neighborhoods with high COVID-19 cases. 

Column

Shift Change: BurgerFi hires CEO

This week's Shift Change also highlights a new chief marketing officer at Qdoba and the retirement of Starbucks' chief partner officer. 

Starbucks to hold execs accountable for new racial diversity goals

The company aims to have 30% representation for Black, indigenous and people of color at the corporate level and 40% at the retail and manufacturing level by 2025.

Chipotle adds HBCU to its education benefit

The retention rate for program participants is three and a half times higher than that of others, the company said.

McDonald's sued over alleged harassment of Black workers, diners

The three plaintiffs, who worked at an Illinois restaurant, claim the location's general manager called Black employees and diners "ghetto" and retaliated against Black workers through hour reductions and termination.

Wendy's coupon gets more valuable with each retweet

The coupon on Twitter was retweeted 10.8K times, translating to customers receiving 30% off a breakfast order on the Uber Eats app through Friday morning.

UPDATED: Oct. 14, 2020 at 4:55 p.m.

Taco Bell adds DoorDash as a delivery partner

The new partnership, which will cover 75% of Taco Bell's U.S. locations, continues Yum's strategy to grow delivery after its exclusive partnership with Grubhub ended abruptly during the summer.

7 months later: Where the restaurant industry stands

With sales down to 2016 levels, restaurants have a lot of ground to make up, but pent-up demand for dining in is still high and technological innovations can help bring consumers back.

Deep Dive

How to make ghost kitchens and virtual brands profitable

Jumping into a ghost kitchen may seem like a way to recoup lost dining room sales during the pandemic, but operators need to consider food costs, labor, marketing and brand equity to help ensure a payoff.

Casual dining curbside pickup times beat QSR, report shows

Olive Garden, Applebee's and Panera — which earned high speed and customer satisfaction scores from Rakuten Ready — benefit from large real estate footprints with designated parking spots and strong technology infrastructure.