Nearly two-thirds of public restaurants face bankruptcy risk

Aaron Allen & Associates analyzed risk scores for 46 companies and found that 65%, representing about 73,000 U.S. restaurant locations, fall in a "distress zone."

By Alicia Kelso • June 1, 2020

DoorDash immerses Snapchat users in AR restaurants

Users can place themselves in virtual interiors from Baskin Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Cheesecake Factory, Chili's and Outback Steakhouse.

By Robert Williams • June 1, 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

Popeyes refreshes brand identity, pilots store redesign

Restaurant Brands International is doubling down on the chain's growth over the past year and is expanding around the globe with a new look.

By Dianna Christie • June 1, 2020

EEOC asks court to enforce subpoenas against Bloomin' in pay discrimination investigation

The commission claims that the casual dining chain's "failure to comply" with subpoenas served in 2019 has "hampered the investigation" into sex-based discrimination allegations against an Outback Steakhouse.

By Alicia Kelso • Updated May 29, 2020

Shift Change: Dine Brands begins CEO search, Panera hires brand officer

Wahlburgers and Naf Naf Grill also tapped new CEOs this week and Waitr promoted its director of financial planning to CFO and chief accounting officer.

By Julie Littman • May 29, 2020

Denny’s, IHOP franchisees close restaurants

Feast American Diners shuttered 15 Denny's in New York due to the impact of COVID-19, just weeks after an IHOP franchisee filed for bankruptcy and closed 49 units.

By Alicia Kelso • May 28, 2020

Need and eligibility keys to avoiding PPP loan liability risk

Document what goes into your decision to apply for a loan to protect yourself and your company if you're hit with an audit or lawsuit, an attorney says. 

By Robert Freedman • May 27, 2020

Le Pain Quotidien's US arm files for bankruptcy, sold for $3M

The cafe chain, which already temporarily closed its 98 units and fired 2,000 employees due to COVID-19, said it would have faced liquidation if not for the sale to Aurify Brands. 

By Julie Littman • May 27, 2020

TGI Fridays could permanently close 20% of US locations

To try to drive sales, the chain is testing party tents that let diners eat in restaurant parking lots in New Hampshire, with plans to roll out the pilot to Connecticut. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 27, 2020

French insurer ordered to pay restaurant's coronavirus disruption claim

The ruling requires insurance company AXA to pay two months' worth a restaurant company's revenue losses due to the COVID-19 outbreak, results that could have implications for the U.S. market as well. 

By Alicia Kelso • May 27, 2020

5 chains at risk of defaulting within a year

Dave & Buster's, Bloomin' Brands, The Cheesecake Factory, Denny's and Brinker International have the highest probability, according to S&P Global data, which could further complicate recovery plans.

By Julie Littman , Emma Liem Beckett • May 26, 2020

PepsiCo Foodservice CMO on linking restaurant relief to culture amid a pandemic

Scott Finlow spoke to Marketing Dive about how the food and beverage giant's purposeful efforts have tapped into what's popular now, including John Krasinski's "Some Good News."

By Peter Adams • May 26, 2020

Starbucks could close up to 400 stores in next 18 months

The closures are part of Starbucks' repositioning plan, in which the chain will develop more pickup-only locations and move units out of low-traffic malls and into sites where there could be a drive-thru. 

By Alicia Kelso • Updated June 10, 2020

McDonald’s warns franchisees of potential retrenchment from coronavirus crisis

McDonald’s U.S. President Joe Erlinger told operators on a call last week that they may have to consider selling locations or downsizing, Bloomberg reports. 

By Alicia Kelso • May 21, 2020

Illinois judge denies McDonald's motion to dismiss workers' coronavirus lawsuit

Two workers testified on Thursday at a preliminary injunction hearing that the fast food chain didn't provide enough safety information and employees often worked close together despite the pandemic. 

By Alicia Kelso • Updated June 5, 2020

Chipotle's TikTok campaign shows off new app features

The chain unveiled a series of "TikTok Hack Menu" videos to show how people can create personalized menu items in its own app.

By Robert Williams • May 20, 2020

Subway lays off 150 more employees

The job cuts mark the struggling sandwich chain's second major workforce reduction in just three months. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 20, 2020

Potbelly's financial woes deepen after saying it may not meet debt obligations

The sandwich chain, which previously reported it could close up to 100 stores, says it could violate debt covenants by June without changes to its agreement. 

By Julie Littman • May 20, 2020

Chick-Fil-A, Papa John's top ranking of app performance

The best-performing brands have apps that load on mobile devices quickly to keep customers engaged in a branded experience.

By Robert Williams • May 20, 2020

75% of small businesses sought PPP aid, Census Bureau finds

About 38% of the survey's 22,000 respondents said they've received loan money — and the coronavirus' impact appeared disproportionately felt in the Northeast and Great Lakes.

By Dan Ennis • May 19, 2020

McDonald's faces criticism for sexual harassment issues in international markets

Labor organizations from around the globe filed a joint complaint Monday against the chain, alleging patterns of rampant harassment and gender-based violence.

By Alicia Kelso • May 19, 2020

New CEO to take helm at National Restaurant Association

Effective June 1, Tom Bené, a former Sysco and PepsiCo exec, will lead the organization during one of the most difficult times the industry has ever faced. 

By Julie Littman • May 18, 2020

Shift Change: Wingstop appoints CTO, Sweetgreen hires COO

This week's Shift Change also includes new board members at Potbelly and Dave & Buster's. 

By Julie Littman • May 15, 2020

McDonald’s reopening requirements saddle operators with more costs

The chain's 59-page reopening guide for its U.S. restaurants includes purchasing recommendations for a $718 touchless sink and $310 automatic towel dispenser, The Wall Street Journal reports. 

By Alicia Kelso • May 15, 2020

Bankrupt Krystal sold to Fortess Investment Group for $48M

With healthy M&A all but paused during the pandemic, distressed company sales are likely to be among the handful of deals to occur this year. 

By Julie Littman • May 15, 2020