2019 was quite a year for the restaurant industry, from the disruption brought on by delivery and new technologies to closures and large mergers and acquisitions. But one storyline dominated headlines: a chicken sandwich feud between Popeyes and Chick-fil-A that began on Twitter last summer, which soon spilled out into its restaurants. The battle continued into late December with Popeyes' search in classified ads for sandwich makers to work on Sundays.

While the fight for chicken sandwich dominance was popular among readers, one of the most significant industry shifts last year was the number of executive leadership changes. Chains like McDonald's, Jack in the Box, Panera, Red Robin, Yum Brands and Papa John's announced CEO departures, which could dramatically impact company strategies in 2020.

The Restaurant Dive team collected some of the most significant stories of 2019 to share with you as we prepare for what is likely going to be another big year for restaurants.