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Potbelly's financial woes deepen after saying it may not meet debt obligations

The sandwich chain, which previously reported it could close up to 100 stores, says it could violate debt covenants by June without changes to its agreement. 

Chick-Fil-A, Papa John's top ranking of app performance

The best-performing brands have apps that load on mobile devices quickly to keep customers engaged in a branded experience.

Subway lays off 150 more employees

The job cuts mark the struggling sandwich chain's second major workforce reduction in just three months. 

Chipotle's TikTok campaign shows off new app features

The chain unveiled a series of "TikTok Hack Menu" videos to show how people can create personalized menu items in its own app.

Family meals serve up new opportunities for chains

As restaurants struggle to grow sales during the novel coronavirus pandemic, many have transformed their catering menus into family meals to appeal to more people staying at home.

McDonald's faces criticism for sexual harassment issues in international markets

Labor organizations from around the globe filed a joint complaint Monday against the chain, alleging patterns of rampant harassment and gender-based violence.

75% of small businesses sought PPP aid, Census Bureau finds

About 38% of the survey's 22,000 respondents said they've received loan money — and the coronavirus' impact appeared disproportionately felt in the Northeast and Great Lakes.

Golden Corral revamps dining room formats as Garden Fresh goes under

Social distancing mandates that close self-service food and drink stations are hitting buffet chains hard, but some are adapting with new services.

Washington no longer requires dine-in customers to provide contact information

Gov. Jay Inslee revised his earlier requirement on Friday for restaurants to collect dine-in customer information, saying it would be voluntary for patrons.

UPDATED: May 19, 2020 at 9:56 a.m.

Potential Uber/Grubhub merger points to inevitable consolidation in delivery market

While acquisitions have been speculated for 18 months, the latest rumors signal a shift in the segment — one that might lead to steeper fees and reduced visibility for restaurants.

Postmates adds curbside pickup feature

The delivery platform's newest feature for merchants enables both customers and drivers to collect orders without entering restaurants.

New CEO to take helm at National Restaurant Association

Effective June 1, Tom Bené, a former Sysco and PepsiCo exec, will lead the organization during one of the most difficult times the industry has ever faced. 

McDonald's reopening requirements saddle operators with more costs

The chain's 59-page reopening guide for its U.S. restaurants includes purchasing recommendations for a $718 touchless sink and $310 automatic towel dispenser, The Wall Street Journal reports. 

Bankrupt Krystal sold to Fortess Investment Group for $48M

With healthy M&A all but paused during the pandemic, distressed company sales are likely to be among the handful of deals to occur this year. 

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Shift Change: Wingstop appoints CTO, Sweetgreen hires COO

This week's Shift Change also includes new board members at Potbelly and Dave & Buster's. 

Starbucks seeks rent relief for a full year

In a letter written by Starbucks COO Roz Brewer and obtained by Restaurant Business, the company asked its landlords for 12 months of rent breaks for its corporate-owned units beginning in June.  

McDonald's will boost US marketing $100M as dining rooms reopen

It's unclear what future marketing promotions will look like, though the fast-food behemoth is likely to highlight safety precautions early on to address consumer concerns about eating in restaurants.

IRS allows employers to claim tax credit for paying furloughed employees' health premiums

The employee retention credit is one of a few financial options available to employers during the pandemic, and could benefit chains like The Cheesecake Factory, Shake Shack and Chuy's.

Potbelly could permanently close up to 100 stores

About 90% of the shops under consideration for closure were impaired before the pandemic and are even more challenged today, CFO Steve Cirulis said on an earnings call. 

Uber bids to acquire Grubhub, reports say

While Grubhub wouldn't comment specifically on a Bloomberg report,  it released a statement that said "consolidation could make sense in our industry, and like any responsible company, we are always looking at value-enhancing opportunities."

UPDATED: May 12, 2020 at 2:31 p.m.

IRS: Business expenses not deductible under PPP loans

The chairs of the House and Senate tax-writing committees are expected to challenge the IRS' interpretation of the program to help small businesses survive the pandemic.  

Shake Shack debuts social cooking series to build brand community during quarantine

Hosted by Culinary Director Mark Rosati and Executive Chef John Karangis, "Shake Shack at Your Shack" teaches viewers tips on how to make the chain's menu items at home.

Pizza ordering platform Slice lands $43M in funding

The company, which provides online ordering tech and marketing solutions for independent pizzerias, will use the cash infusion to enhance and scale its offerings. 

Luckin Coffee fires CEO, COO as part of fraud investigation

Following ongoing investigations looking into employees fabricating transactions of over $300 million, the chain has fired its CEO and COO and suspended six other employees. 

UPDATED: May 12, 2020 at 12:46 p.m.

Texas chain petitions governor to make margaritas-to-go available forever

Selling alcoholic beverages with food could attract customers, especially since alcohol sales make up 20% to 30% of restaurant sales in the U.S.

UPDATED: May 12, 2020 at 12:57 p.m.