Value offerings drove traffic boosts at major chains

Buffalo Wild Wings recently saw traffic jump nearly 50% thanks to its $20 unlimited boneless wings offered Mondays and Wednesdays, according to Placer.ai data.

DC restaurant to pay $525K in wage theft settlement

Swahili Village will pay about $260,000 in back wages to more than 70 workers after Washington, D.C.’s attorney general alleged the restaurant failed to pay minimum wage.

Restaurant trend outlook for 2024

Slow traffic, growing interest in afternoon snacking and trends toward value menus, digital and in-store personalization will shape the restaurant landscape.

Award-winning chef, IRC co-founder Naomi Pomeroy dies

Pomeroy advocated for independent restaurants and fought for the legislation that established the $28.6 billion Restaurant Revitalization Fund.

Beastie Boys sue Chili’s parent Brinker over ‘Sabotage’ video

The rappers contend that the restaurant chain appropriated their 1994 hit and music video for social media use without permission.

The biggest restaurant bankruptcies so far this year

From Red Lobster to Rubio’s, several chains and franchisees went bankrupt as they faced declining traffic, rising costs and other economic factors. 

NYC delivery worker earnings up 22%

Decreases in consumer tips and total employment were more than offset by sharp rises in base pay, according to the Department of Consumer and Worker Protection.

FTC takes aim at undisclosed franchising fees

The agency also said policies that keep franchisees from reporting potentially illegal business practices to regulators are against the law.

Mobile apps drive fast food satisfaction — so long as service is speedy

High-quality mobile apps can be central to the fast food experience if they enable improvements across the entire customer journey.

Potbelly opens shop inside the Pentagon

The chain is focusing on expanding at military bases and installations, with two shops also set to open at Fort Liberty in North Carolina later this year.

Schlotzsky’s hires chief brand officer

Donna Spangler-Josephson will lead the deli chain’s marketing and branding efforts as it looks to reverse a gradual erosion of its store base.

Mr Gatti’s Pizza to open 92 units inside Walmart

The Walmart partnership and a recently developed c-store model play into the pizza chain’s strategy to expand via non-traditional channels. 

Del Taco unveils $2 value menu

As chains continue to roll out low-price lineups, Del Taco is looking to stand out by offering more than a dozen items under the eye-grabbing price point.

Pump & Pantry expands Quiznos partnership

After a “highly successful” initial rollout over the past two years, the companies decided to grow the deal from four to 10 sites by 2026.

Maggiano’s looks to boost traffic with new cocktail menu, ingredients revamp

The Mixologist Collection, which includes drinks that are mixed tableside, is part of “the first act” in the company’s push to elevate its dining experience.

Mod Pizza acquired by Elite Restaurant Group

The transaction comes several months after the chain closed underperforming locations and will help it avoid bankruptcy, which it was reportedly considering.

An inside look at Potbelly’s small-format restaurant

The company joins a list of chains turning to smaller store footprints as a way to decrease development and operational costs while accelerating growth.

Starbucks streamlines beverage making, creates role to speed service

The Siren Craft System, rolling out across the U.S. and Canada by the end of July, aims to help baristas and managers anticipate demand.

ConverseNow buys competitor Valyant AI

The companies expect the business combination will help speed up the deployment of voice AI at the drive-thru. 

Chipotle CFO Jack Hartung to retire after two decades at chain

Adam Rymer, the company’s current vice president of finance, will become CFO in January.

The restaurant labor market in 6 key statistics

Turnover has fallen in H1 2024, while unemployment and total jobs in restaurants remained steady, indicating a return to pre-pandemic labor market dynamics.

Updated July 8, 2024

Dave’s Hot Chicken to expand into UK, Ireland with 60-unit deal

Azzurri Group, an experienced franchisee that operates 230 restaurants in the region, will open its first Dave’s location in London during Q1 2025. 

Starbucks, KFC, Peet’s Coffee collaborate on citywide reusable cups project

Closed Loop Partners describes the Petaluma, California, project as a first-of-its-kind initiative for a U.S. city in which reusable to-go cups are the default option across multiple restaurants.

How Perkins’ multifaceted refresh aims to accelerate growth

The company is “elevating and adapting the brand” with its new name, store updates and an upcoming menu overhaul, President Toni Ronayne said in an interview.

Subway launches 3 new sandwiches in latest menu update

This marks fourth time the chain has changed its menu this year as it leans into new products to boost sales.