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SoftBank bets big on Zume's 'baking on the way' technology

The robotic pizza preparation startup has secured $375 million in funding from the bank, which is expected to bring its valuation to about $2.25 billion. 

Delivery

Upstart SeatNinja raises capital to compete with fellow disruptors

The company, which counts Buffalo Wild Wings and Outback Steakhouse as clients, hopes $600,000 will help it take a slice of the growing reservation marketplace.

Operations

Carl's Jr. catches 'Famous Stars' for multichannel influencer campaign

The fast food brand is teaming up with Australian comedian and Instagram star Celeste Barber on the new "Famous Stars, Eating Famous Stars" spots.

Marketing

Starbucks' renewed focus on coffee, 'happy hour' deals pays off

The coffee giant reported record consumer spending for its fourth quarter, breaking the company out of its U.S. sales slump and growing revenue 10% to $6.3 billion.

Beverages

Yelp launches Nowait kiosks to trim restaurant wait times

The kiosks allow diners to add themselves to a restaurant’s queue on arrival and receive status updates through their phones. 

Operations

Uber Eats' new platform frees work lunches from expense reports

With Eats for Business, employees can pay for delivery on company credit cards and employers can control when and where workers can order food.

Operations

McDonald's focuses on poultry with made-to-order meals

The addition of two new customizable products at more than 160 Washington restaurants comes as the chain looks to become a go-to chicken destination. 

Consumer Trends

Panera to reach $2B in digital sales by end of year

In 2012, Panera founder and then-CEO Ron Shaich hatched a plan to transform his humble sandwich chain for the future, and it's paying off two years ahead of schedule. 

Operations

Applebee's pays $100K to settle transgender hostess' bias suit

EEOC guidance on transgender discrimination has been challenged in court, but the agency continues to enforce its position, suing employers that don't comply with its directive.

Corporate

McDonald's employees to shadow influencers in their favorite industries

The chain's mentorship track lets workers learn from people like Empire actor Bryshere Gray, YouTube star Tyler Oakley and dermatologist Meena Singh.

Corporate

Denny's stock surges on news of aggressive refranchising plan

The chain's move to sell nearly all of its company-owned stores comes under the shadow of McDonald's and Jack in the Box's power struggles with their heavily franchised systems. 

Corporate

Private equity suitors reportedly wooing Papa John's

Anonymous sources told Reuters that binding offers for the world's third-largest pizza chain are expected in the next few weeks. 

Corporate

Pizza Hut unveils robotic delivery truck that bakes pizzas en route

The chain partnered with Toyota to create the PIE Pro prototype, which cooks pies in seven minutes and could help trim delivery times and broaden its footprint in the competitive space.  

Marketing

On-demand delivery startup Deliv secures $40M in funding

The new round raised the company's valuation to several hundred million dollars and offers further evidence of investors' growing interest in the food delivery scene. 

Corporate

Pret A Manger to shell out nearly $1M to underpaid New York workers

After settling a similar case in 2014 and amid two simultaneous labeling lawsuits, the U.K. sandwich chain will pay the hefty fine for alleged overtime and hourly wage violations.

Operations

Jack in the Box franchisees ask for board seat, marketing audit

Less than a month after the fast food chain's franchisee association called on CEO Lenny Comma to step down, the group is now pushing for a "solutions-focused meeting" to rein in declining transactions.

Corporate

BrewDog Airlines offers group travel experience for craft brewer's fans

The trip from London includes BrewDog-inspired dining, Cicerone-trained cabin staff, canned cocktails from its spirits arm LoneWolf and a visit to its new brewery in Columbus, Ohio. 

Beverages

Parent company of Cinnabon, Jamba Juice considers IPO

Fresh off its Jamba Juice acquisition news, Roark Capital is considering a $1 billion valuation next year for its quick-service restaurant portfolio Focus Brands, which will soon operate 6,000 locations around the world.

Corporate

Shake Shack pilots online ordering at 10 locations

While chains like Wendy's and McDonald's unveil third-party delivery partnerships, the burger joint seems to be staking its digital sales goals on perfecting the system before expanding.

Operations

IHOP gets in the holiday spirit with Grinch-inspired menu, ads

The pancake chain's limited-time offerings include green pancakes, green whipped cream-topped hot chocolate and a "roast beast" omelet.  

Consumer Trends

More than 80% of diners choose restaurants that respond to online reviews

Three out of four consumers believe those responses should be personalized, pressuring businesses to hone their brand voice and be vigilant about managing internet reputations.

Consumer Trends

Joe & the Juice eyes IPO as the Danish chain expands in US

The coffee and juice company has about 300 stores in 14 countries and hopes its freeform ethos will appeal to young, urban U.S. consumers seeking nutritious food on the go.

Beverages

Venture capitalists are investing big in delivery, but will third parties last?

About $3.5 billion has been poured into food and grocery delivery firms this year, but restaurant brands are making inroads of their own. 

Delivery

Walmart plans supercenter transformation with new 'town centers'

Restaurants like Shake Shack and Caribou Coffee are potential partners as the retailer pushes for more shoppers and greater efficiency. 

Corporate