Taco Bell CEO says chain will 'definitely' add plant-based protein

Mark King told Nation's Restaurant News he's met with Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods and the restaurant could launch new products by year's end.

By Lauren Manning • Feb. 25, 2020

McDonald's faces more racial discrimination accusations

A group of current and former McDonald’s franchisees has retained a law firm to investigate the chain, just a month after a racial discrimination lawsuit was filed by two senior company execs. 

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 24, 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

Campaign Trail: McDonald's type-only ads illustrate the power of visual identity

Omitting the golden arches and recognizable burger imagery, the minimalist creative flexes the fast-food behemoth's iconic status.

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Feb. 24, 2020

Cousins Subs fights turnover by treating employees like family

"It's tough out there" for food-service employers, one exec admits, yet the chain thrives in part by being intentional about giving thanks.

By Ryan Golden • Feb. 24, 2020

Domino's zeros in on tech to improve service, labor costs

Tools like GPS tracking, a newly launched Pie Pass program, autonomous delivery tests and AI platforms for staffing could help franchisees drive efficiencies and profitability in a tight labor market. 

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 21, 2020

Shift Change: Checkers & Rally's, Focus Brands hire new CEOs

Additional executive news includes The Cheesecake Factory's new board member and Papa John's chief development officer hire. 

By Julie Littman • Feb. 21, 2020

Pizza Hut's largest franchisee reportedly considering bankruptcy

If NPC International files for bankruptcy, the move could help the company renegotiate lease agreements with landlords, Bloomberg reports.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Feb. 20, 2020

NextGen Cup Challenge, driven by McDonald's and Starbucks, rolls out reusable cup pilot in California

The programs — set to debut at independent coffee shops around San Francisco and Palo Alto — could pave the way for major chains to make the switch as they seek to meet environmental goals. 

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 20, 2020

Burger King promotes moldy Whopper as part of 'real food' push

A subversive video celebrating the removal of artificial preservatives from the Whopper shows a time-lapse of a burger rotting.

By Peter Adams • Feb. 19, 2020

Papa John's hires former Taco Bell exec as chief development officer

The pizza chain has tapped Amanda Clark to focus on expanding its North American and international footprint, adding to a litany of C-suite changes.

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 19, 2020

New CFO takes reins at Yelp as it struggles to monetize site traffic

More than six months after CFO Lanny Baker left the company to head finance at Eventbrite, Yelp has named an experienced replacement whom it hopes will spur momentum.

By Jane Thier • Feb. 18, 2020

Sweetgreen taps celeb chef David Chang to promote new sustainable salad

The Momofuku founder stars in a humorous video series alongside fish puppets to discuss the new environmentally friendly kelp offering.

By Dianna Christie • Feb. 18, 2020

Lunch Break: Firehouse Sub's VP of operations services shares strategies for tech deployment

Rich Goodman talks about how the sandwich chain, with a 98% franchised system, approaches upgrades, from new online guest experiences to digital education resources for employees. 

By Julie Littman • Feb. 18, 2020

WeWork launches Food Labs in NYC amid struggles

The company opened its newest food-focused co-working space and innovation lab, which is designed to promote research and development and collaboration.

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 14, 2020

Starbucks names new CMO focused on bridging physical, digital experience

In his prior roles at the company, 18-year veteran Brady Brewer helped guide areas like delivery and mobile app offerings.

By Peter Adams • Feb. 14, 2020

Shift Change: Newk's Eatery hires first COO while Outback Steakhouse appoints new president

Del Taco and Starbucks hired new chief marketing officers while Whataburger brought on a chief financial officer and TGI Fridays' chief experience officer departed.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 14, 2020

Bloomin' Brands consolidates leadership, shifts board

The company appointed Gregg Scarlett as EVP and chief operating officer of casual restaurants as part of its strategy to consolidate leadership while Executive Chairman Elizabeth Smith will step down from her role in March. 

By Lauren Manning • Feb. 14, 2020

BBQ Holdings lands 1st acquisition with Granite City Food

This deal is unlikely to be the last for Famous Dave's parent company as it pushes to become a multi-branded concept, mirroring recent moves by Inspire Brands, FAT Brands and Cracker Barrel. 

By Julie Littman • Feb. 14, 2020

Burgerim drama mounts as WA, MD revoke franchise registration

Franchisees of the beleaguered burger chain, once considered one of the hottest and fastest growing brands, face additional challenges as states revoke the franchisor's right to sell licenses.

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 13, 2020

Secret Sauce: Pinstripes uses a different kind of equity partnership to grow

Joining forces with real estate developers has helped this eatertainment concept, which opened during the Great Recession, reach toward its long-term goal of over 100 units in the U.S.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 12, 2020

KFC, Crocs strut fried chicken-themed clogs at New York Fashion Week

Collaborative footwear featuring scented drumstick charms will be available to consumers this spring.

By Peter Adams • Feb. 12, 2020

Denny's pilots Yelp Store Visits to measure physical store foot traffic

The platform also introduced Showcase Ads, a video-centric format for national marketers to highlight seasonal promotions.

By Robert Williams • Feb. 12, 2020

Proposed RI bill would fine delivery providers for listing non-partnered restaurants

Companies would be penalized $1,000 each day a violation occurs, and any merchant could bring action in superior court to recover actual damages or up to $5,000. 

By Julie Littman • Updated Feb. 12, 2020

Starbucks' airport strategy takes flight with 2 deals

The coffee chain hopes to explore innovative store concepts with Paradies Lagardère and OTG Management, including offerings like gate-to-gate delivery, and will open new locations this year. 

By Lauren Manning • Feb. 11, 2020

Sonic to buy 73 units from bankrupt franchisee

The franchisor plans to acquire the units from SD Holdings, which operates in North Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia and Alabama, after the operator accumulated $22.3 million in secured debt.

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 11, 2020