How restaurant CMOs are adapting to emerging tech, media channels

To stay competitive in an age of hyper-convenience, savvy customers and social media dominance, these executives marry marketing with IT.

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 12, 2018

Party mas: Taco Bell is taking event reservations

Following success at its Las Vegas Cantina the chain is testing party reservations for $25 — complete with taco-themed decorations.     

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 9, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Restaurant Dive

Check out a selection of articles about some of the biggest trends and news — from Jersey Mike’s IPO to an uptick in restaurant closures  — shaping the restaurant industry in 2026.

By Restaurant Dive staff

Impossible Burger will be sold in grocery stores next year

The move into retail will add to the approximately 5,000 restaurants in all 50 states where the plant-based burger is now available — a huge jump from about 50 restaurants a year ago.

By Cathy Siegner • Nov. 9, 2018

What's the secret sauce behind Mariano's store experience?

The Chicagoland chain, along with Eataly, Lowe's Foods and China's Hema market, offered tips on how to turn locations into destinations.

By Jeff Wells • Nov. 6, 2018

Are off-premise channels a silver bullet for the casual dining segment?

Restaurants have experienced declining sales for the past decade, but delivery, catering and carryout are yielding positive results for major chains.

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 5, 2018

El Pollo Loco's rebrand will focus on Hispanic consumers, delivery

The California-based Mexican quick-service chain wants to build on a new logo and store design, focusing on its made-in-house ingredients and family dinners.   

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 5, 2018

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.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Nov. 2, 2018

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. 

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 2, 2018

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.  

By Erica Sweeney • Oct. 30, 2018

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.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 29, 2018

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.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 29, 2018

Will McDonald's new sandwich help breakfast sales rise and shine?

The fast food giant, which CEO Steve Easterbrook admitted is losing share in the morning daypart, will roll out Triple Breakfast Stacks next month  — its first new breakfast item in five years.

By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 25, 2018

Dunkin' launches revamped espresso to check premium rivals

The chain is betting upscale machinery, trained staff and its recent branding change will lure younger consumers away from Starbucks and other higher-priced competitors.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 25, 2018

VeganBurg to bring plant-based comfort foods to 300 California locations

While chains like Panera and White Castle have added meatless options, the company hopes its 100% vegan burger menu will give it a meaningful slice of the market.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 23, 2018

Noon Mediterranean finds a buyer in Daphne's parent company

Elite Restaurant Group will convert the remaining 12 Noon stores to Daphne's, a Greek fast casual chain it acquired in April, creating a 36-restaurant network to compete in the crowded Mediterranean space.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 22, 2018

Wegmans tests a prepared foods ordering app

The grocer’s Pittsford, New York, flagship store is offering pizza, subs, sushi and more for pickup or delivery through its new 2GO service.

By Jeff Wells • Oct. 22, 2018

Time Out to open 5 food halls

The British media company enters a crowded scene in the U.S. after trialing the concept in Portugal for four years. 

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 19, 2018

Washington, DC mandates sexual harassment training for restaurants

The D.C. Council also voted to preserve the tip credit, a system some advocates believe is at the root of the industry's history of harassment.

By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 19, 2018

All but 2 burger chains fail antibiotics report card

Only Shake Shack and BurgerFi earned As on Chain Reaction's fourth annual antibiotic report, followed by Wendy's with a whopping D-.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 18, 2018

Burger King concocts Halloween sandwich that's 'clinically proven' to create nightmares

The brand conducted a sleep study to prove the Nightmare King stirs up bad dreams, and captured the research in found footage-style video. 

By Erica Sweeney • Oct. 18, 2018

Most diners order delivery through restaurants, not third-party apps

Despite the staggering growth of companies such as Uber Eats, 53% of consumers still order food directly through their preferred brands, whether an app or a website. 

By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 17, 2018

Inside Starbucks' secretive, ad-free Facebook community for fall enthusiasts

The Leaf Rakers Society, now at over 26,000 members, has become a powerful tool for peer-to-peer recommendations around seasonal products like the Pumpkin Spice Latte.

By Peter Adams • Oct. 17, 2018

Majority of diners will pay more for sustainable packaging

Forty-five percent of Americans consider sustainability when choosing a fast food outlet, but only 31% said those businesses clearly label items with proper disposal instructions, according to a study.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 16, 2018

From fast to fancy: QSRs go upscale to compete with fast casual

McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell and other major chains are trying to win customers with table service, butler bells and new store design. But will these changes alienate their core customers?

By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 15, 2018

McDonald's franchisees may form a private association

Frustrated by stagnant sales and tight cash flows, operators met on Wednesday in Tampa, Florida, to discuss forming an independent organization — which could mean a rocky road ahead for the chain. 

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 11, 2018