Starbucks leads in forging emotional connections among fast food brands, study says

The impact of positive emotions on performance has been mixed during a crisis that's delivered an unprecedented hit to restaurants.

By Dianna Christie • July 10, 2020

Starbucks will require all customers to wear masks inside stores

The nationwide company mandate, which goes into effect on July 15, comes as baristas and other fast food employees experience harassment from diners who refuse to wear masks. 

By Alicia Kelso • July 10, 2020

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

Rave Restaurant Group at risk of Nasdaq delisting

The market cap and net income of the owner of Pie Five and Pizza Inn are not in compliance with Nasdaq's standards. The company has 45 days to submit a plan for how it will meet the required financial benchmarks.

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 9, 2020

Uber will launch US grocery delivery this month

The service's American rollout will begin in Dallas and Miami, where the company recently soft launched with Cornershop, and could be a bid to inch closer to profitability following its Postmates acquisition. 

By Jeff Wells • July 8, 2020

DoorDash partners with Kiva to provide funding to Black-owned restaurants

The company will seed a revolving loan fund starting at $150,000 and also offer $0 delivery fees for Black-owned restaurants through the end of the year. 

By Julie Littman • July 8, 2020

P.F. Chang's, Ruby Tuesday scored millions in PPP loans, according to SBA

Nearly 50,000 restaurant companies received loans of more than $150,000, and more than two-thirds of these PPP loans went to full-service restaurants, Small Business Association data shows. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 7, 2020

Burger King Finland turns McDonald's into delivery hot spots

The conquesting campaign offered free delivery to people who ordered food near McDonald's locations.

By Robert Williams • July 6, 2020

Subway shifts $5 Footlong promotion to digital-only after slow traffic

The change comes just two weeks after the deal was introduced, adding more woes to this controversial menu item. 

By Alicia Kelso • July 2, 2020

Chipotle launches virtual farmers market for suppliers

The fast casual chain partnered with Shopify to help farmers in its supply chain sell meat, dairy and grain products directly to consumers online. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 30, 2020

Papa John's promotes Shaq-inspired pizza on Snapchat amid same-store sales surge

The chain's marketing push around brand ambassador Shaquille O'Neal has gained steam, and may have contributed to its 28% same-store sales gain in Q2. 

By Robert Williams • June 30, 2020

Burger King hires Ellie Doty as first-ever North American CMO

Formerly CMO of Chili's, her new job comes as the CMO role returns to prominence as brands look to navigate the next stage of the COVID-19 economy.

By Dianna Christie • June 29, 2020

Red Robin to settle claims over 'just say yes' break policy for $8.5M

The restaurant argued the policy demonstrated its "proactive commitment to providing Team Members with breaks anytime they want one."

By Katie Clarey • June 29, 2020

Domino's expands contactless services with carside delivery

Customers who select this carryout option online can choose where they would like their food placed, including the passenger side, trunk or back seat. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 29, 2020

Luckin abandons Nasdaq delisting appeal

The last day to trade the company's stock is June 29, a little over a year after its IPO raised $561 million. 

By Lauren Manning • June 29, 2020

Punch Bowl Social to reopen 5 locations in coming weeks

The eatertainment chain will enter its Phase One of reopening with its Denver restaurant resuming operations on July 1. 

By Julie Littman • June 26, 2020

Starbucks offers mental health training for store managers

The training includes 30-minute modules focused on effective listening, providing encouragement and reassurance, offering informational resources and the importance of self-care. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 26, 2020

IHOP, Applebee's parent taps acting CIO into permanent role

Justin Skelton comes to the role with the upper hand of having previous tenure at Dine Brands, and serving as the CIO in an acting capacity. 

By Roberto Torres • June 26, 2020

WSJ: Checkers and Rally's parent exploring potential restructure

Checkers has nearly $300 million in debt from its 2017 buyout by Oak Hill Capital Partners and has been selling stores to franchisees in an attempt to lower it. 

By Alicia Kelso • June 25, 2020

Chuck E. Cheese parent to close 45 locations

After its Ch. 11 bankruptcy filing, the company is asking to abandon 45 leases at underperforming locations, or which 11 were already permanently closed. 

By Julie Littman • Updated June 26, 2020

Chipotle ranks No. 1 among QSRs for COVID-19 safety measures, report says

McDonald's and Starbucks ranked among the top for health and safety compliance as well, according to Ipsos research based on in-store visits from mystery shoppers.

By Alicia Kelso • June 24, 2020

Recent PPP changes offer restaurants hope, but calls for industry aid continue

The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act and streamlined loan forgiveness applications make the federal safety net easier for operators to use without penalty, but critics argue that key needs are still unaddressed. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 24, 2020

Starbucks continues plant-based push with Impossible breakfast sandwich

As consumer interest in meat alternatives surges, the coffee chain joins Burger King and Dunkin' in adding these items to its morning menu.

By Julie Littman • June 23, 2020

Starbucks' stumble on Black Lives Matter shows rising stakes for brands in addressing race

Initially banning employees from wearing Black Lives Matter apparel, the chain quickly reversed its position — but the damage may already have been done.

By Peter Adams • June 22, 2020

WSJ: Chuck E. Cheese parent fielding potential buyers

New York grocery owner John Catsimatidis and a group of bondholders are among the eatertainment chain's latest suitors.

By Julie Littman • June 22, 2020

Taco Bell to clarify policy after employee fired for wearing Black Lives Matter mask

The chain said staff can don Black Lives Matter attire and has since apologized to the worker in Ohio, who posted a video on Facebook after being terminated for bringing "politics into the building."

By Julie Littman • June 19, 2020