&pizza to close on Election Day, offer PTO

The fast casual pizzeria joins a handful of independent restaurants and chains including Milk Bar that will offer time off and close locations to make it easier for employees to vote.

By Lauren Manning • June 15, 2020

DoorDash worth $16B with new $400M in funding

The additional funding signals a possible shift in investor sentiment over food delivery apps, which many are hesitant to back because they haven't been profitable. 

By Julie Littman • Updated June 19, 2020

Starbucks reverses policy, allows employees to wear Black Lives Matter attire

The decision follows backlash and calls to boycott the chain after BuzzFeed shared an internal company memo telling employees such clothes could be misconstrued and lead to violence. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 12, 2020

Taco Bell's breakfast business slumps, putting it behind sister chains

With more people working from home during the novel coronavirus pandemic, Taco Bell's breakfast traffic declined while KFC and Pizza Hut boosted their dinner dayparts with sought-after delivery and carryout options.

By Alicia Kelso • June 11, 2020

McDonald's names global CMO after 11-month vacancy

Alistair Macrow, a 15-year veteran of the chain, will work to accelerate its pandemic recovery and build customer trust as dining areas begin to reopen.

By Dianna Christie • June 10, 2020

Punch Bowl Social closes 2 locations after lease dispute

While the impact to the eatertainment chain is small, these closures signal growing tensions between landlords and tenants, which could result in more vacant storefronts.

By Julie Littman • June 10, 2020

Dunkin' flexes advertising muscle in 1st national recruitment campaign

The chain is promoting 25,000 job openings through TV spots, digital assets, social, radio, OOH and in-store signage as the economy is hit with pandemic-related unemployment.

By Dianna Christie • June 9, 2020

Uber expands corporate offerings with Vouchers for Eats

Vouchers builds on Uber for Business' corporate meal solutions as a way for employers to boost morale and productivity while staff work from home. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 9, 2020

BurgerFi to go public in $100M deal with blank-check investor

The burger chain entered into a definitive agreement with Opes Acquisition Corp. to combine on Tuesday. Its anticipated initial enterprise value is $143 million. 

By Julie Littman • Updated June 30, 2020

WSJ: Chuck E. Cheese asks lenders for help to avoid bankruptcy

The eatertainment chain is allegedly seeking a $200 million loan to help offset its $1 billion in debt, which accrued more than $100 million in interest last year.

By Alicia Kelso • June 8, 2020

McDonald’s franchisees want to keep limited menu post-coronavirus

The National Owners Association told members last week the smaller menu helped improve service times and sales.

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 8, 2020

A lesson in fiscal discipline from Chipotle's CFO

Chipotle has maintained its long-term vitality as the pandemic forces countless competitors to close their doors. CFO Jack Hartung shares how the company does it.

By Jane Thier • June 5, 2020

Cheesecake Factory temporarily closes locations during racial justice protests

The closures contributed to a 63% drop in same-store sales for the fiscal second quarter ended May 31.

By Alicia Kelso • June 4, 2020

Luby's seeks sale of all assets to clear debt

The operator is open to being acquired in its entirety but would sell its holdings, including Luby's, Fuddruckers and a contract management company called Culinary Contract Services, separately if needed. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 4, 2020

McDonald's names victims of police brutality, racist violence in new ad

The chain shows solidarity with Black Lives Matters in the clip and pledges to donate to the National Urban League and the NAACP.

By Dianna Christie • June 4, 2020

Panera franchisee to pay $4.6M in overtime lawsuit

The settlement, which received judicial approval last week, stems from a 2018 class action lawsuit filed by assistant managers against Covelli Enterprises, Panera's largest franchisee.

By Alicia Kelso • June 3, 2020

Starbucks reopens with reduced hours, provides extended unpaid leave to employees

The chain's COVID-19 Leave of Absence allows employees to take unpaid leave through Sept. 30 while also maintaining health insurance and other benefits. 

By Julie Littman • June 3, 2020

In-N-Out sues insurer for business interruption coverage

The chain claims Zurich American Insurance wrongly denied coverage of its losses from the coronavirus and is in breach of contract.

By Alicia Kelso • June 2, 2020

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

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