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Just Eat Takeaway reports $3B impairment following Grubhub deal

Despite the impairment, which JET blames on reduction in sector valuation, high interest rates and equity volatility, an earnings call pointed to early positive results from its Amazon partnership.

SBA to disburse $180M in remaining RRF funds

While the Small Business Administration confirmed it would distribute the money, it has yet to provide additional details on how it will be allocated. 

Despite menu price increases, Starbucks Rewards members keep coming back

Guest counts reached an all-time high during the quarter, with loyalty customer growth outpacing non-members. 

TGI Fridays expands C3 partnership with new virtual brands

TGI Fridays’ test phase, which began with a rollout of Krispy Rice in select markets last fall, generated up to $1 million in sales per restaurant.

Church’s Texas Chicken and Texas Chicken name new CEO

Joe Guith, a former executive of Focus Brands, joins the brand as its top executive nearly a year after it was bought by High Bluff Capital Partners. 

Fat Brands plans to open 900 new restaurants in 5 years

The aggressive expansion strategy would raise the company’s total location to over 3,200 while also adding $50 million in incremental adjusted EBITDA. 

Workers United says it will waive bargaining rights over some Starbucks benefits

The union said its members want to be included in new benefits, such as wage increases, credit card tipping, faster sick leave accrual and revived training programs.

McDonald’s names global CIO following other executive changes

Brian Rice will serve on the global senior leadership team as EVP and global CIO, reporting directly to CEO Chris Kempczinski.

Danny Meyer to resign as CEO of USHG

Chip Wade, currently Union Square Hospitality Group president and COO, will take the top leadership position in the full-service restaurant group, effective Sept. 6. 

Bloomin’ plans to keep menu price hikes below inflation

The company said during its second quarter earnings call it expects to keep price increases around 6.5% in the latter half of the year.

Study: Consumers spending 40% of food budget on restaurants despite inflation

As inflation squeezes budgets, consumers say they would more likely cut spending on clothes and gym memberships before decreasing going out to eat, Popmenu finds.

Jack in the Box welcomes back most famous employee Mark Hamill

Before he was Luke Skywalker, Hamill was fired by the chain for using a clown voice while manning the drive-thru — a role he resumed for a campaign stunt.

Wingstop expects its food costs to shrink this year

The chain is experiencing a 19% drop in chicken wing costs, allowing it to lean more heavily on value offerings as other restaurants hike menu prices. 

McDonald’s US plant-based burger test is over

The company said the test “concluded as planned,” but the news comes amid analyst speculation of low product sales.

Study: Over one-third of restaurant operators implementing hiring freezes

Despite an ongoing labor shortage, 4% of small restaurant owners said they are cutting staff, a July Alignable report also found. 

Chipotle plans 4% menu increase in August

The price hike will help offset rising operating costs due to increased wages and inflation, especially around dairy, tortillas and packaging.  

NRA urges SBA to release $180M in leftover RRF funds

Per a Government Accountability Office report, $24 million of the funding was designated for litigation, and roughly $56 million came from returned grants.

Flytrex expands delivery radius to service 100K customers

The drone delivery firm, which flies orders from restaurants and retailers, received FAA approval to expand its radius from one to two nautical miles from its operating stations in North Carolina and Texas. 

Uber is looking to change its ‘frustrating’ US grocery experience

After a rough launch with Cornershop two years ago, Uber is aiming to course-correct by adding new features on Eats for customers, workers and retailers.

San Francisco weakens 15% delivery fee cap

The San Francisco Board of Supervisors passed a law Tuesday enabling delivery services to charge more than 15% in restaurant commissions if eateries opt for additional services. 

Chipotle on track to reach $3.5B in digital sales in 2022

Digital sales, which represented 39% of sales during Q2, are expected to grow this year even as dine-in sales rise amid a shift in customer behavior. 

McDonald's digital sales top $6B across top 6 markets

Digital channels account for about a quarter of the chain’s sales in the U.S.

Waitr strikes exclusive partnership with New York Giants, New York Jets

The delivery firm, which is rebranding as ASAP, will provide in-stadium mobile ordering during home games, concerts and events at MetLife Stadium.

McDonald’s CEO: Robots aren’t practical in vast majority of restaurants

Though 10% labor inflation and staffing levels are challenging the chain, CEO Chris Kempczinski said automation won’t be a “silver bullet” solution. 

How Kitchen United's new access to grocery stores, malls will fuel its growth

With $100 million in fresh funding under its belt, the ghost kitchen operator will build out its tech stack and expand within new and existing markets.