McDonald’s CosMc’s chain is coming for Starbucks customers

The beverage-forward concept is targeting the “3 p.m. slump” — a daypart Starbucks is also working to improve — with highly customizable caffeinated beverages and select food items, CEO Chris Kempczinski told investors Wednesday. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 7, 2023

Dave & Buster’s sees future in revamped restaurants and loyalty growth

The restaurant chain is remodeling its store fleet and enhancing its loyalty program with personalized offerings. 

By Bryan Wassel • Dec. 7, 2023

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

6 key details about CosMc’s, McDonald’s new fast food chain

CEO Chris Kempczinski said he believes McDonald’s has “the right to win” the afternoon “beverage pick-me-up occasion” with its new concept, which will be tested in three markets over at least one year.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 7, 2023

McDonald’s aims for 50K units by 2027, plans AI deployment

To reach that mark, the restaurant chain will need to increase its growth rate by roughly 80% to about 2,200 openings per year.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 6, 2023

Fueling Up: People hate Wawa’s pizza. Here’s what the company can do about it.

Critics and consumers have harshly judged the retailer’s pies since they debuted this summer. If sales are also poor, it may need to pull pizza from its menus, one expert says.

By Brett Dworski • Dec. 5, 2023

McDonald’s asks SCOTUS to hear no-poach case

A group of former employees sued in 2018, alleging that hiring restrictions between the fast food chain and its franchises constituted a “per se” violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act.

By Ryan Golden • Dec. 4, 2023

Papa Johns will pay $175K to settle ADA claim involving service dog

The worker was not allowed to bring to work the dog he needed for his commute — despite running the accommodation past the store manager ahead of time, according to the complaint. 

By Emilie Shumway • Dec. 4, 2023

Why Domino’s is awarding half a million dollars in snow plowing grants

Chief Brand Officer Kate Trumbull explained how the chain’s latest effort shows off an "experienced by few, seen by many" ethos.

By Chris Kelly • Dec. 4, 2023

Brinker appoints MGM Resorts exec as Maggiano’s president

Dominique Bertolone joins the casual dining Italian brand as it faces sliding traffic and looks to resume growth.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Dec. 1, 2023

Inspire Brands changes its corporate structure

The company’s new structure is centered on brands, commercial and company restaurants and growth, to take advantage of its scale and shared services.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 30, 2023

Kitchen United will sell or close all physical units, pivot to software

The ghost kitchen pioneer, which raised $100 million last year to expand its food halls, began to offload its physical locations months ago. It has already shuttered its Kroger outposts, which made up 44% of its footprint.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne , Catherine Douglas Moran • Updated Nov. 29, 2023

Starbucks adds 4 holiday cold foam flavors

Starbucks’ new holiday cold foam could help drive year-round consumption of cold coffee, even as customization strains store-level labor.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Updated Nov. 29, 2023

Starbucks introduces oversight committee to improve governance

The coffee chain said the Environmental, Partner and Community Impact committee will help improve its supply chain operations and employee relationships.

By Zoya Mirza • Nov. 27, 2023

Taking off in style – Turning airport terminals into premium dining and hospitality destinations

How airports are transforming terminal dining from a passenger hassle into an enjoyable part of travel.

Nov. 27, 2023

Bar Louie offers 50% franchise fee discount for first-time operators

The casual chain also developed a contemporary, flexible design as part of its strategy to accelerate franchise growth. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 17, 2023

Checkers and Rally’s names CFO, CMO

Michael Blair, previously at Miller’s Ale House, joins the chain as CFO, while Scott Johnson, previously at Jollibee, takes the CMO role.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 17, 2023

Starbucks Workers United stages second ‘Red Cup Rebellion’ strike

In its second annual demonstration against one of Starbucks’ key holiday promotions, the union seeks to increase customer involvement.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 16, 2023

Patrick Doyle: RBI’s key product is its franchise model, not brand menus

“People use the term owner-operator interchangeably with franchisee, and I think where people have gotten in trouble is when they are just owners. You have to be both,” Doyle, RBI’s executive chairman, said at the Restaurant Finance & Development Conference.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Nov. 14, 2023

Uncle Julio’s hires CEO, COO

Scott Lawton adds the CEO role at Uncle Julio's to his resume, while RJ Thomas, former CEO of King's Seafood Company, becomes president and COO.

By Julie Littman • Nov. 13, 2023

Order up! How grocers are replicating the restaurant experience in retail

As the gap widens between grocery and restaurant prices, food retailers see an opportunity to turn up the heat on their made-to-order meals to lure cost-conscious consumers.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Nov. 9, 2023

Chipotle hires top HR execs as it continues to grow its workforce

Ilene Eskenazi has been hired as the chain’s chief human resources officer, and Lois Alexis-Collins is now chief people officer, field operations. 

By Julie Littman • Nov. 8, 2023

Foodservice ‘renaissance’: How grocers are spicing up their deli and premade meals

As supermarkets increasingly replace restaurant meals, they’re looking to offer better prices alongside flavor innovation, deals and new shopping experiences.

By Catherine Douglas Moran • Nov. 7, 2023

Starbucks’ new benefits, planned raises draw union criticism

Unionized stores are excluded from a new vacation accrual policy and a national barista championship, but will receive raises alongside other workers.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 7, 2023

Fast-growing Majors Management bringing pizza restaurants to 100 locations

The first of the Noble Roman’s franchise locations will be in stores by summer of 2024, with all sites expected to be operational by September 2026.

By Jessica Loder • Nov. 6, 2023

Wendy’s breakfast discounts, late-night traffic buoy sales

The chain has maintained strong profitability on morning daypart promotions, said CFO Gunther Plosch, and late-night sales have increased by double digits year over year. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 2, 2023