Shake Shack borrows $225M to support expansion plans

The funding will be used to aid opening additional units, new store formats and drive-thrus, as well as improvements to the digital guest experience and further investments in talent development. 

By Julie Littman • March 2, 2021

Yum Brands buys Kvantum's AI business to 'fast-track' data-driven marketing

The owner of KFC and Taco Bell will combine Kvantum's machine learning tech with culture-based insights from Collider Lab, a consultancy it acquired in 2015.

By Peter Adams • March 2, 2021

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

McDonald's, Yum Brands sign global partnerships with Beyond Meat

The word "exclusive" doesn't appear in either announcement, which could mean the door is open for other plant-based partnerships as the chains ramp up their offerings in the category.

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 26, 2021

Packaging manufacturers compete for raw materials as takeout shakes up foodservice

There has been "an increased use of tamper-evident and tamper-resistant packaging, designed to protect food and beverage when it’s on the go," said Natha Dempsey, president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute.

By Jen A. Miller • Feb. 26, 2021

Hooters’ fast casual chain Hoots Wings signs first franchise deal

Hoots Wings plans to open 60 franchised locations through its new agreement with Dallas-based AE Restaurant Group. 

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 25, 2021

Cracker Barrel to test virtual chicken and biscuits brand as off-premise grows 78%

The company has been operating its ghost kitchen facility in Indianapolis since the fall and plans to launch the concept from the location this week. 

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 24, 2021

Remote Chipotle ERG will support minority mentorship program

The group, which will hold virtual roundtable discussions and quarterly diversity and inclusion training, builds on the fast casual chain's past efforts to make talent development more accessible.

By Ryan Golden • Feb. 24, 2021

California fines Burgerim $4M, orders it to refund franchise fees

The chain sold franchises to 1,550 operators who paid $57.7 million in fees, according to a complaint by the state, but didn't deliver the refunds it promised to many franchisees.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Feb. 24, 2021

Just Salad takes its reusable bowl program to go

While sales of its dine-in reusable program grew 100% in 2019, the pandemic caused more customers to order carryout, which pushed the fast casual chain to offer the bowls for off-premise. 

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 23, 2021

Olo files to go public with $100M offering

The software company posted a 94% increase in revenue during 2020 as customers shifted toward digital ordering channels during the pandemic. 

By Julie Littman • Feb. 23, 2021

Steak 'n Shake sued for $8.5M in unpaid fees

Fighting back against the restaurant chain's assertions that it is debt free, Wilmington Trust has filed a claim that it's owed millions in unpaid fees and interest dating back to 2018.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated April 6, 2021

Toast considering IPO valued at $20B, WSJ reports

The software company, which processed 50 million digital guest orders in 2020, is also exploring a sale or merger with a special purpose acquisition corporation, per the publication.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 22, 2021

Noodles & Company plots multi-unit franchise expansion

The fast casual chain is looking to grow its footprint in Southern and Southwest markets, with a focus on off-premise operations.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Feb. 19, 2021

McDonald's links 15% of executive bonuses to hiring women, diverse employees

The pledge follows a series of discrimination lawsuits filed by Black franchisees, which allege corporate intentionally steered Black operators toward underperforming stores. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Feb. 18, 2021

McDonald's escalates chicken sandwich wars with merch drop

A capsule collection for the new Crispy Chicken Sandwich includes a hoodie and a vinyl record with a track that will be in the chain's advertising.

By Robert Williams • Feb. 17, 2021

McDonald’s agrees to independent review of contentious technology fees

At the request of the National Franchisee Leadership, which claims that no outstanding fees were due, the chain said it plans to enlist Ernst & Young to provide certainty that payables are owed. 

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 16, 2021

Campaign Trail: Jimmy John's bets on 'strong DNA' in rebrand designed for digital

To keep up with its "freaky fast" positioning, the sandwich chain needed to grow up without feeling old compared to its competitors.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Feb. 16, 2021

Sweetgreen preps in-house agency with new exec

The fast-casual brand hired Thomas Wilder as its first executive creative director, overseeing advertising, packaging, online channels, store experiences and social media.

By Robert Williams • Feb. 16, 2021

Brands get back together with experiential marketing in time for Valentine's Day

Dunkin' and White Castle are among the brands offering in-person experiences designed to be memorable and safe. But are consumers ready?

By Aaron Baar • Feb. 11, 2021

Taco Bell franchisee to break ground this month on new Defy model

The two-story store with four drive-thru lanes in Minnesota will let mobile order customers use digital check-in screens to scan unique QR codes and then have their order delivered through a proprietary lift system.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Aug. 12, 2021

Luckin's fall from grace capped by bankruptcy filing in US

Months after admitting to securities fraud, the Chinese coffee chain — which first surpassed Starbucks' footprint in China in 2019 — will not have to close its stores in the market.

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 9, 2021

Burger King expands loyalty program nationwide

The chain expects to have more than two-thirds of its restaurants activated with loyalty capabilities this month and will soon launch a new Royal Perks deal.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Sept. 2, 2021

Taco Bell decries rivals' celeb menu stunts in 'Build Your Own Cravings' mobile push

Even as it teases fellow QSRs like McDonald's and Chipotle that have relied on celebrities, Taco Bell's latest effort also features influencers.

By Chris Kelly • Feb. 8, 2021

Danny Meyer's SPAC seeks $250M in IPO

USHG Acquisition Corp. isn't interested in just restaurant companies, listing businesses from tech to e-commerce and health to retail for potential mergers.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Feb. 8, 2021

A surprising ingredient for clean, plant-forward dairy alternatives

Walnuts can be used as a creamy option to thicken soups and sauces, and for dairy-free desserts, without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Feb. 8, 2021