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What's the impact of the Senate's failure to pass RRF? The restaurant industry reacts.

From independent operators to hospitality groups, most are disappointed and some are angry that there remains no federal aid to support struggling restaurants.

By the numbers: The cost of 1 year without RRF

We took a look at several market performance indicators over the past year to get a sense of how the absence of Restaurant Revitalization Fund impacted U.S. restaurants, and what operators are forecasting for the future. 

Wendy's largest shareholder proposes to buy company

Trian Partners and billionaire owner Nelson Peltz told the chain's board of directors Tuesday that Trian would explore an acquisition, merger or other transaction in which it would own the company.

Fat Brands to buy Nestle Toll House Cafe, bolstering its dessert category

Fat plans to turn Nestle Toll House Cafe's 85 units into Great American Cookies locations after the acquisition closes. Terms of the deal weren't disclosed.

Wing Zone is the latest chain to bet big on Miso Robotics

The chain, which has 100-plus stores in its development pipeline, will include robotic fryer Flippy 2 in all standard restaurant builds going forward. 

Inspire Brands teams with CloudKitchens, explores modular drive-thru units

Nixing dining rooms via new ghost and small, takeout-only restaurant builds could save on labor and development costs, said Frank Inoa, VP of design and engineering innovation.

The new faces of labor? Meet the robots of the National Restaurant Association Show

As restaurants struggle to find labor, tech companies like Nala Robotics and Richtech are developing automated chefs and baristas to fill gaps.

Nextbite exec dishes on how operators can make virtual brands successful

These concepts can optimize excess kitchen capacity and slow dayparts, but also poise operators to be nimble in emerging markets like Web3, says Chief Growth Officer Geoff Madding.

Starbucks to exit Russia and help its workers find new jobs

While the chain suspended operations at its 130 licensed locations in early March, it said Monday that it would no longer have a presence in Russia. 

RRF refill bill fails to pass Senate in major blow to restaurant industry

While the vote wasn't a surprise, the inability to approve S. 4008 leaves the Restaurant Revitalization Fund empty and the nearly 200,000 applicants that didn't receive grants in the dark. 

Wow Bao launches virtual loyalty program through Paytronix

Bao Bucks could grow revenue for partner restaurants and secure Wow Bao's customer base, which can now access its menu at over 600 host kitchens. 

Noodles & Company gamifies mobile rewards to boost loyalty

The chain saw a ninefold gain in click-through rates while generating $71 for every 100 emails it sent to app users via a loyalty promotion.

McDonald's offloads Russian restaurants to licensee for undisclosed price

Alexander Govor, who operated 25 units in Siberia, will run the locations under a new brand and retain McDonald's employees for at least two years.  

Updated May 19, 2022

SoundHound AI, Square launch tool to automate phone ordering

SoundHound for Restaurants' voice assistant answers phone calls, take orders, accept modifications and send confirmations to complete payments.

How Wingstop is taking control of its poultry supply chain

The company is considering joint ventures with suppliers, acquiring a poultry complex or building its own plant to secure more predictable food costs.

Study: Consumers tip more for dine-in than delivery or takeout

As diners return to restaurants, guests tip 20% on average for dine-in service versus 15% for off-premise transactions, a Toast report finds. 

Starbucks to cover travel for employees seeking abortion, gender-affirming care

The policy applies to workers, as well as their dependents, who need to travel more than 100 miles to access these medical procedures. 

Brinker CEO to retire in June

KFC U.S. President and Chief Concept Officer Kevin Hochman will take over for Wyman Roberts, who has been with Brinker for 17 years. 

Uber Eats adds voice ordering, pilots autonomous delivery

The food delivery provider rolled out several delivery products on Monday, as well as in-stadium ordering and vouchers for events.

Domino's grants 'Stranger Things' fans 'mind-ordering' powers through new app

An immersive mobile experience tied to the Netflix show’s return uses facial recognition and eye-tracking technology to help users order pizza.

Updated May 17, 2022

McDonald's franchisees reportedly worried new grading system will hurt retention

Operations PACE would mandate a further six to 10 visits by assessors and company representatives to every location, the chain's operators told CNBC.

Woworks acquires fast casual chains Barberitos, Zoup

The parent company of Saladworks will grow to six brands and over 400 locations with these two purchases. 

Chili's parent extends education benefits to employees' family members

Brinker International's perk will allow one eligible family member of each worker who is management level or above to access tuition-free programs. 

Why the NLRB's Starbucks complaint may only be symbolic union win

Starbucks denies the complaint's hundreds of union-busting allegations. If the chain is found to have violated labor law, it could be years before the board can enforce consequences.

Chipotle CFO doesn't rule out more food inflation despite pause

Finance chief Jack Hartung said the chain has raised prices about 10% for the 12 months through Q1 compared to 2% in a typical year.