Union Square Hospitality Group lays off 80% of staff over coronavirus closures

After shuttering all of its restaurants on March 13, the company laid off 2,000 employees, joining a handful of other fine-dining groups that have cut staff over the last week.

By Julie Littman • March 19, 2020

&pizza's coronavirus response plan: Pay workers more, not less

As restaurants across the country lay off workers in droves, the Washington, D.C.-based pizza chain has raised hourly pay $1 and is developing plans to keep staff fully employed even if its stores temporarily close. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 18, 2020

Chuck E. Cheese closes dine-in, offers in-home birthday packages

While still offering off-premise dining, the birthday-focused restaurant is making its dance-party-themed videos and rewards available online and selling family packs with cake, pizza and goodie bags during COVID-19 closures.

By Lauren Manning • March 17, 2020

How coronavirus is changing restaurant policies

Major U.S. chains and delivery platforms are updating their standards, from paid sick leave to social distancing in stores, to adapt in an uncertain market.

By Nami Sumida, Emma Liem Beckett, Julie Littman, Thai Phi Le • Updated July 21, 2020

Inspire Brands acquires 22 Buffalo Wild Wings from franchisee

Along with ICV Partners' $130 million acquisition of Diversified Restaurant Holdings, the company sold 22 Buffalo Wild Wings units to the restaurant holding company. 

By Alicia Kelso • March 13, 2020

Hy-Vee to replace Market Grilles with Wahlburgers

The company's 21 full-service restaurants will transition to the popular burger brand by this summer.

By Krishna Thakker • March 13, 2020

Starbucks offers 'catastrophe pay' to workers impacted by coronavirus

The temporary benefit includes 14 days of paid sick leave for workers diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19, and also for those who are at elevated risk due to age or preexisting medical conditions. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 12, 2020

Starbucks US could switch to pickup, delivery orders as COVID-19 spreads

Operations are continuing as normal, but CEO Kevin Johnson said stores in the U.S. and Canada could limit seating, enable mobile order-only scenarios for pickup or delivery or only keep drive-thrus open. 

By Julie Littman • March 12, 2020

Taco Bell fires latest shot in breakfast wars with new burrito menu

The QSR has rapidly launched several items this year, with these burritos becoming a permanent addition complementing LTOs like its Triplelupa and Nacho Fries. 

By Julie Littman • March 12, 2020

McDonald's corporate stores offer quarantined workers 2 weeks paid leave

Labor advocacy group Fight for $15 wants the company to do more and issued a list of demands, including paid sick leave for all employees and better training on cleaning standards.

By Julie Littman • March 11, 2020

Taco Bell taps TikTok's vertical video format for TV ad

The effort marks the first time TikTok has partnered with a brand on a national advertising campaign and references trends on the app, like "eboys."

By Peter Adams • March 10, 2020

Wingstop pays fans to be walking billboards

The fast-food joint is transferring its OOH budget to loyal fans, giving Instagrammers who wear the special branded merchandise $10 via Venmo.

By Dianna Christie • March 10, 2020

Chipotle to expand paid parental leave, test unlimited PTO

The restaurant chain has been expanding its benefit offerings over the past year, but it has faced scrutiny at the state and local level.

By Aman Kidwai • March 6, 2020

Starbucks predicts coronavirus will gut Q2 comp store sales in China by 50%

Starbucks China's comparable stores sales fell 78% in February, a direct result of temporary store closures due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 6, 2020

Report: Subway to offer $5 value menu despite franchisee tension

Operators have previously voiced frustrations over the sandwich chain's discounts, one of many changes rolled out by new CEO John Chidsey in a bid to get the struggling company back on track. 

By Alicia Kelso • March 6, 2020

Jimmy John's names Sonic's Darin Dugan as CMO

Dugan replaces John Shea, who served in the role for just over two years, and follows several management shuffles by parent company Inspire Brands.

By Robert Williams • March 6, 2020

Chipotle founder steps down from board

Steve Ells, who founded the company in 1993, will no longer hold a formal role at the company as CEO Brian Niccol takes over as chairman. 

By Julie Littman • March 6, 2020

Taco Bell converting suburban stores to Cantinas in new test

The restaurant also said it plans to open a Cantina in Times Square and a gaming-themed Cantina in San Ramon, California this fall.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated March 6, 2020

El Pollo Loco rolls out its own plant-based chicken chainwide

The chain is the first to scale a plant-based chicken product, which it developed in-house using 100% GMO-free soy protein through an exclusive supplier.

By Lauren Manning • March 5, 2020

NYC Chipotle worker gets job back in sick leave settlement

The employee will also receive $2,500 in restitution, and Chipotle will remove disciplinary marks on her record for using paid sick leave offered under New York City law.

By Lisa Burden • March 4, 2020

Yum acquires leadership development program

The parent company of Pizza Hut and Taco Bell plans to offer Heartstyles, which provides hands-on training, to 98% of its restaurants.

By Julie Littman • March 4, 2020

Arby's names P&G's Patrick Schwing as CMO

Schwing previously led the global interactivity and innovation group at Oral-B, P&G's consumer dental care brand. ​

By Robert Williams • March 4, 2020

Dunkin' drafts 'Cheer' star for Instagram sweepstakes

Gabi Butler, the all-star cheerleader who appears in the Netflix docu-series, will post a special "Dunkin' cheer" to the company's account.

By Robert Williams • March 4, 2020

Logan's Roadhouse parent closes all restaurants

The COVID-19 outbreak has complicated CraftWorks' bankruptcy plans. The company lost its debtor-in-possession financing and may have to permanently shutter all of its restaurants. ​

By Julie Littman • Updated March 23, 2020

Union: Workers at airport Starbucks locations face racial pay gap, LGBTQ discrimination

Starbucks has attempted to make strides to improve equity among its employees, but airport employees are not employed by the coffee chain itself.

By Ryan Golden • March 4, 2020