Yelp: Complaints over short-staffed restaurants up 229% in Q1

Reviews mentioning long wait times were also up 23% during Q1,Yelp’s State of the Restaurant Industry Report shows.

By Julie Littman • June 16, 2022

May inflation spike likely to prod Fed to more aggressive action

May CPI data shows inflation rose 8.6% in the latest 12 months, its fastest in 40 years, extinguishing hopes inflation had reached its peak.

By Grace Noto • June 13, 2022

Explore the Trendline➔

Menu development

Restaurants big and small are experimenting with their menus to align with the preferences of on-the-go diners and mitigate the impact of rising food costs, supply chain disruption and shrinking consumer discretionary funds. 

By Restaurant Dive staff

DoorDash launches in-app reviews

The platform also features dish recommendations from local customers and curated lists that feature popular, trending and top-rated restaurants nearby. 

By Alicia Kelso • June 13, 2022

The restaurant industry is reaching a tipping point – here's what to do now

In an environment of rising prices, well-timed incentive marketing campaigns can inspire action with your guests.

June 6, 2022

Report: Over 40% of independent restaurants are behind on rent

This is the worst rent delinquency level among small restaurants since October, and the change is largely due to rent inflation, according to Alignable.

By Alicia Kelso • June 2, 2022

Punch Bowl Social's founder is ready to launch his next eatertainment brand

Jaguar Bolera will offer high-end food, beverages and design at its first location next year, Robert Thompson said. 

By Julie Littman • June 1, 2022

Subway enhances its catering program

The program now includes "easy order" options including pre-selected platters and lunchboxes, as well as pickup and delivery regardless of order size. 

By Alicia Kelso • June 1, 2022

Survey: 65% of consumers prefer local restaurants over chains

Nearly one-third of consumers have dined at a local restaurant in the last three months while 72% have spent money at local restaurants or plan to do so, a survey from Next Insurance found.

By Alicia Kelso • May 26, 2022

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.

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 23, 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.

By Alicia Kelso • May 19, 2022

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. 

By Alicia Kelso • May 18, 2022

Study: Independent restaurants show signs of recovery despite inflation

The NPD Group found the number of independent restaurant units grew 1% by the end of 2021, compared to a 5% decline in 2020. 

By Alicia Kelso • May 12, 2022

Study: Inaccurate delivery order can erode diner loyalty

Sixty-three percent of consumers have experienced at least one incorrect delivery order in the past year, per eduMe research, and a majority of diners pin the blame on restaurants.

By Alicia Kelso • May 9, 2022

Papa Johns adds ESG incentives to compensation

The chain will tie corporate bonuses to workforce diversity, clean ingredients and environmental impact metrics following similar announcements from Wendy's, McDonald's, Starbucks and Chipotle.

By Alicia Kelso • May 5, 2022

McDonald’s hikes menu prices 8% as visits fall 1%

CEO Chris Kempczinski told investors the chain is closely monitoring lower income consumers, who he predicts will have "increased value sensitivity" as gas costs and rent rates surge.

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 29, 2022

Report: High gas prices are affecting restaurant foot traffic

Placer.ai data shows a significant rise in the share of Sonic visitors driving less than five miles to restaurants, while the share of visitors traveling 10 miles or more dropped.

By Alicia Kelso • April 28, 2022

McDonald's spotlights Latino film talent to boost industry representation

In partnership with "Encanto" star Stephanie Beatriz, the chain will give the winner of a short film contest a chance to work on initiatives and campaigns.

By Chris Kelly • April 28, 2022

Study: 43% of diners will pay more for sustainable restaurant takeout

Most consumers believe sustainable eating is more expensive, but nearly 50% would consider changing what they order to be more sustainable. 

By Alicia Kelso • April 20, 2022

Panera expands beverage subscription to include all self-serve drinks

For $10.99 per month, customers can access free self-serve drinks. To help inaugurate the program, the company is debuting caffeinated lemonades.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 19, 2022

Yelp adds eco-friendly business search filter

Searchable attributes like "provides reusable tableware" or "bring your own container allowed" will make it easier for consumers to find businesses that have adopted sustainable practices, the company said.

By Alicia Kelso • April 13, 2022

Study: One-third of diners don't want to see robots preparing their food

While consumers understand the benefits of automation, 32% would prefer not to see the technology in action, new research from Big Red Rooster finds.

By Alicia Kelso • April 11, 2022

The importance of embracing today's always-connected diner

Restaurants should reconsider their investments to ensure a great, connected experience for their customers, writes Anthony Cross, Yelp's vice president of restaurant products.

By Anthony Cross • April 4, 2022

Study: Two-thirds of restaurants hurt by rising gas prices

Restaurant owners say steep prices at the pump have affected their delivery sales, according to Alignable research. 

By Alicia Kelso • March 30, 2022

4 ways data is helping restaurants reinvent themselves in 2022

The value of building long-term relationships with diners can be the difference between meaningful growth or a struggling business, writes Dan Silver, SVP of marketing at GroundTruth.

By Dan Silver • March 28, 2022

Dos Toros faces class action suit over 'humanely raised' meat claims

The complaint alleges Dos Toros' pork and chicken suppliers raise animals in facilities without outdoor access, despite the chain's claims to the contrary.

By Alicia Kelso • March 28, 2022