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

Chipotle debuts branded apparel dyed with recycled avocados

Available at a microsite, the line supports sustainability at a time when fast fashion is often associated with negatively impacting the environment.

By Dianna Christie • Aug. 4, 2020

Domino's promotes Art D'Elia to marketing chief

The move comes as the chain is reaping the benefits of a strong digital focus as stay-at-home orders prompt consumers to order in rather than dine out.

By Dianna Christie • Aug. 3, 2020

Grubhub says pandemic is 'permanent catalyst' for business as revenue rises 41%

The delivery platform said its corporate business was hardest hit by the pandemic, but it added thousands of chain restaurants in Q2. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 31, 2020

12 North Carolina McDonald's restaurants fined for alleged child labor law violations

It’s not uncommon for fast food chains to face allegations of such missteps, and others like Qdoba, Chipotle and Wendy's have paid similar fines in the past year.

By Katie Clarey • July 31, 2020

Taco Bell operator sued for withholding overtime pay from misclassified employees

The assistant general manager position required "housekeeping, customer service, cash handling, food preparation, and other non-exempt work," according to the lawsuit.

By Lisa Burden • July 31, 2020

Pret A Manger shutters 17 stores in Boston and Chicago

With more Americans working remotely, the chain, which dropped sales by 87% YTD, has shifted its focus to offering group meals for pickup and delivery and plans to launch order ahead. 

By Julie Littman • July 31, 2020

Shake Shack's digital sales doubled in Q2, but same-store sales declined sharply

As part of its expansion into new formats, the burger chain expects to open its first drive-thru next year in a suburban neighborhood.

By Alicia Kelso • July 31, 2020

California Pizza Kitchen files for bankruptcy

The company, which expects to emerge from Chapter 11 proceedings in less than three months, filed for bankruptcy as part of its agreement with lenders that will help it equitize a vast majority of its debt. 

By Julie Littman • July 30, 2020

Dunkin' may shutter 800 US stores by year's end

More than 50% of these closures are in Speedway c-stores that were previously announced in February, but the chain says all places on the chopping block are in "low-volume sales locations."

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 30, 2020

McDonald's boosts marketing budget by $200M to drive recovery

The increase comes after the company slashed marketing spend by 70% in Q2, giving it a "sizable marketing war chest" for the remainder of the year. 

By Robert Williams • July 30, 2020

McDonald's to exit more than 100 Walmart stores

The fast food giant plans to close 200 under-performing outlets, more than half of which are located inside Walmart locations.

By Jessica Dumont • July 29, 2020

Wingstop reports best quarter since IPO in 2015

The company's digital strategy, which included free delivery promotions and opening ghost kitchens, helped the chain boost its digital transactions to nearly 64% of sales during Q2. 

By Julie Littman • July 29, 2020

Breakfast continues to drag McDonald's sales

Much like other QSRs, a lack of commuters significantly impacted McDonald's morning daypart, but the chain plans to invest in the growing segment coming out of the pandemic. 

By Julie Littman • July 29, 2020

Starbucks US same-store sales plummet 40% as diner routines change

Executives noted the volatility of the pandemic could continue to undermine sales, and the company predicts U.S. same-store sales declines of 12% to 17% for the year. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 29, 2020