Breakfast eateries embrace delivery, technology

Chains have adapted front- and back-of-house operations to accommodate more off-premise sales and technology to improve the dine-in experience.

Chick-fil-A plans distribution center in Kansas City

The facility, owned by the restaurant chain’s distribution subsidiary, will be its fifth U.S. location.

Habit Burger promotes Shannon Hennessy to CEO

Hennessy, who has been president since July 2022, succeeds Russ Bendel, who will retire from the chain effective June 6.

Rise and shine: Why breakfast chains are booming

Early bird foot traffic from remote and hybrid workers is boosting same-store sales growth at A.M. eateries, fueling sizable expansion pipelines.

Pretzelmaker opens first drive-thru

The Mason City, Iowa unit will include the chain’s Fresh Twist brand menu, which launched in 2018 to meet demand for breakfast and late-night options. 

Survey: 66% of franchisees feel optimistic about business

Changing consumer preferences may push franchisees to invest in store remodels and digital ordering and delivery systems, TD Bank found in a survey.

DoorDash adds cash payment option to Drive product

The company’s white label fulfillment platform can now accept cash payments, which drivers would collect as part of their pay.

Howard Schultz leaves Starbucks 13 days early

Laxman Narasimhan takes the CEO post just three days before Starbucks’ annual shareholder meeting and a week and a half before Schultz is scheduled to appear before the Senate labor committee.

McDonald’s franchisee declares bankruptcy following rape lawsuit

Rice Enterprises filed for Chapter 11 protections over a year after it was sued over an alleged rape of a 14-year-old employee by a manager. 

Papa Johns fired worker with vision disability who needed service dog, EEOC alleges

Misconceptions still linger about service animals, including their risk to health and safety, EEOC says.

Chick-fil-A to roll out updates to rewards program in April

Chick-fil-A One, which has over 50 million members, will offer new items and increased points for redemption on some items starting April 4.

CKE names former Papa Johns COO as CEO

Max Wetzel joins the parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s after working at Papa Johns for over three years in various executive positions. 

Steele Brands’ 250-unit pipeline will take it nationwide

After consumer interest in health food boomed following the COVID-19 pandemic, the holding company accelerated franchising of its Crisp & Green concept, which will soon operate in 25 states.

Subway brings back Footlong Pass subscription

The chain, which sold out 10,000 subscriptions in August in under six hours, is now offering 250,000 passes to rewards members for April redemption. 

Krispy Kreme exiting CPG snack business, cutting 102 jobs

The sweets maker said the segment underperformed on the market. Instead, the company is focusing on delivering fresh-baked doughnuts to stores.

Nextbite, IHOP launch TenderFix virtual brand

Nextbite’s chicken-centric brand, which was developed with the help of actor Noah Schnapp, marks the third partnership between the host kitchen and IHOP.

Sweetgreen teams with Zipline for drone delivery

Zipline’s new home delivery platform would use 97% less energy than deliveries fulfilled by car, the company claims. 

Popeyes franchisee files for bankruptcy following founder’s death

Premier Cajun Kings marks the third franchisee within the Restaurant Brands International’s system to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection this year.

McDonald’s hires Tabassum Zalotrawala as chief development officer

Zalotrawala, who resigned from Chipotle earlier this week, will lead McDonald’s effort to accelerate U.S. store development and unit growth.

Denny’s serves up AR experience with new menu overhaul

Guests can take a virtual tour of Denny’s new menu and get exclusive deals, as part of a brand update that includes new kitchen equipment and food offerings. 

Hawaiian Bros signs first multi-unit franchise deal for 75 units

The roughly 30-unit fast casual chain will more than double its unit count in a deal with Stine Enterprises to open restaurants in Arizona and North Texas.

Updated March 15, 2023

California court defends independent contractor status for gig workers

The California Court of Appeal upheld the independent contractor provision of Prop 22, but struck down portions that would’ve made it almost impossible to amend the law. 

Grubhub CEO Adam DeWitt resigns

DeWitt leaves Grubhub May 1 after 11 years at the company and nearly two years as CEO. Howard Migdal, current CEO at sister company SkipTheDishes, will succeed him.

Chipotle’s chief development officer departs

Tabassum Zalotrawala, who has been at the fast casual chain for over four years and helped develop the Chipotlane, has resigned from her position. 

Updated March 14, 2023

Church’s Texas Chicken hires Burger King vet as US COO

Roland Gonzalez, who has over a decade of restaurant experience, joins the QSR amid a C-suite hiring spree, including CFO, CMO and CEO hires within the past year.