Wawa pilots dinner menu

The convenience store is testing items like braised chicken and all-natural Angus burgers across hundreds of stores in six states and Washington, D.C. 

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 25, 2020

Chipotle accused of shortchanging customers in lawsuit

A complaint claims the chain isn't providing proper change to diners, potentially costing consumers upwards of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 24, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Loyalty & Rewards Strategy

Capturing — and keeping — loyal customers is more crucial than ever as diner price sensitivity puts pressure on restaurants.

By Restaurant Dive staff

Cracker Barrel snubs activist investor with new board appointment

The casual chain has tapped Gisel Ruiz, who served in executive positions at Sam's Club and Walmart, over Sardar Biglari's nomination of ally Raymond Barbrick.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Sept. 16, 2020

Shake Shack to pay employee bonuses at end of year

The chain ended its 10% bonus pay program for hourly employees on Aug. 19, but will give all of its employees between $250 and $400 depending on position. 

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 21, 2020

Punch Bowl Social's hospitality push is on hold, new CEO says

John Haywood will focus the eatertainment concept on reopening locations in September, resuming expansion in the spring and surviving "another tough 12 months."

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 20, 2020

Taco Bell is launching a mobile-focused, double drive-thru model in 2021

The QSR's new concept will feature a smaller footprint, a priority pickup lane for diners who order via its app and "bellhops" that will offer tablet ordering at the drive-thru and curbside pickup areas. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 20, 2020

Chipotle managers refused nursing mom pumping breaks, class-action suit alleges

The plaintiff alleged the managers told her she "should have managed her time better before coming into work," in refusing her break time on one occasion.

By Lisa Burden • Aug. 20, 2020

Pizza Hut creates chief equity officer role, launches antiracism initiative for educators

In the newly created position for Pizza Hut U.S., Chequan Lewis will be responsible for developing processes and implementing policies that will create a more equitable workplace culture.

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 19, 2020

Popeyes looks to end year early with Times Square countdown celebrating chicken sandwich

As the mega-popular menu item celebrates its one-year anniversary, the brand is hosting a mock New Year's eve event in August.  

By Dianna Christie • Aug. 19, 2020

How Waitr's CEO made the company profitable in 6 months

Since Carl Grimstad joined the delivery company, employed drivers were switched to contractors, more restaurants joined the platform and it expanded into grocery and alcohol delivery.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 19, 2020

Pizza Hut's largest franchisee zeroes in on Red Roof dine-in format in its store closures

NPC International, which filed for bankruptcy in July, said it will close up to 300 locations and will reallocate employee resources to "thriving locations." 

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 18, 2020

Johnny Rockets will grow via ghost kitchens, Fat Brands CEO says

Andy Wiederhorn said that Johnny Rockets gives franchisees diversified burger options and the chance to scale a new brand through virtual kitchens out of other Fat Brands restaurants.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 18, 2020

Garbanzo Mediterranean Grill files for bankruptcy as nontraditional locations remain closed

Nearly half of the chain’s 25 restaurants are in places like college campuses and airports, which have remained shuttered since March. 

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 17, 2020

Easterbrook fights to keep McDonald's severance, claims company knew of inappropriate behavior

The former CEO's attorney argues that because McDonald's had possession of his emails in October, the restaurant doesn't have grounds to accuse Easterbrook of breaking his deal with the company.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 17, 2020

Exit interview: Punch Bowl Social founder plans to launch social club, 'urban Waffle House' for millennials

Robert Thompson is leaving the eatertainment concept he founded in 2012 to pursue hospitality and restaurant concepts that cater to post-pandemic diner behavior.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 14, 2020

Fat Brands continues expansion tear with purchase of Johnny Rockets for $25M

The deal, which is expected to close in September, will bring the Fatburger parent's store network to about 700 and raise its annual sales to over $700 million. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 13, 2020

Buffalo Wild Wings names Target brand manager as new marketing chief

Rita Patel steps into the role as the largest sports bar brand in the U.S. faces uncertainty around restaurant reopenings and the fall sports season.

By Peter Adams • Aug. 11, 2020

McDonald's sues former CEO after probe uncovers 3 more relationships with employees

The chain's investigation revealed that Steve Easterbrook allegedly tried to destroy information, including nude photos of employees sent from his corporate email.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 10, 2020

Uber Eats grows its restaurant partner roster by 50%

About 30% of the time, restaurants with their own couriers called on Uber Eats to supplement their delivery networks as demand outstrips operators' in-house capacity.

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 7, 2020

Domino's taps supply chain exec as next CFO

Following news of CFO Jeffrey Lawrence's planned retirement, the global pizza chain promoted Stu Levy, executive vice president of supply chain services.

By Jane Thier • Aug. 7, 2020

Shift Change: Whataburger appoints CEO, Focus Brands adds communications role

This week Bloomin' Brands added a diversity and inclusion position, while Domino's appointed a new chief financial officer.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 7, 2020

Popeyes chicken sandwich continues to boost sales during pandemic

Same-store sales increased to 28.5% in the U.S. during the second quarter while average sales per restaurant reached $1.7 million with help from the menu item. 

By Julie Littman • Aug. 6, 2020

Delivery partnerships, customer acquisition help Papa John's SSS grow 28% in Q2

The pizza chain added over 3 million new customers on digital channels alone, and saw increased retention and repeat rates among these diners.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 6, 2020

Wendy's breakfast makes up 8% of US Q2 sales

Despite being the most challenged daypart during the pandemic, the chain reported strong margins and sales growth, and plans to invest $15 million to advertise the menu during the last half of 2020.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 5, 2020

45% of consumers less likely to order from Starbucks because of initial BLM policy, study finds

Nearly 21% of consumers said they will actively try to avoid buying from brands that restrict employees from expressing support for the movement, and 51% said they are less likely to buy from these companies, according to DealAid data.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 5, 2020