California McDonald's workers win $26M settlement over wage theft

The agreement ends seven years of litigation over pay and hour violations at corporate stores, but this isn't the only class action lawsuit involving the chain.

By Julie Littman • Nov. 25, 2019

Blaze Pizza uses digital, drive-thrus to slice up market competition, says CEO Mandy Shaw

The brand's new leader believes its franchise model and focus on multiple off-premise touch points threaten fast casuals and legacy pizza chains slow to engage with third-party delivery.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Nov. 25, 2019

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

Shift Change: CPK's new EVP to oversee international expansion

This week's Shift Change also highlights executive news from Wingstop, Your Pizza, RAVE Restaurant Group and Kura Sushi. 

By Julie Littman • Nov. 22, 2019

ADA lawsuits target physical gift cards

Starbucks appears to be the only major restaurant retailer that provides gift cards with Braille, according to a growing number of ADA-based lawsuits.

By Lauren Manning • Nov. 22, 2019

Workers sue McDonald's over workplace violence

The lawsuit alleges that the company's new design fails to minimize the threat of violence and that the chain doesn't adequately train staff to handle conflicts.

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 22, 2019

From food halls to ghost kitchens, collaboration is on the menu for grocers and restaurants

While both can siphon dollars from the other, the right partnerships could boost operational efficiencies, drive brand awareness and elevate food offerings.

By Jeff Wells • Nov. 21, 2019

DC sues DoorDash over tipping model, seeks millions in recovery

The city's attorney general brought a lawsuit against the delivery platform Tuesday, and wants to impose civil penalties for the brand's "deceptive" past practices. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Nov. 20, 2019

DoorDash may ditch IPO plans for direct listing

With over $2 billion raised and a valuation of nearly $13 billion, the aggregator may not need additional capital through a traditional IPO, which often comes with increased investor pressure and scrutiny. 

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 20, 2019

Mariano's to open new BBQ concept to replace Pork & Mindy's

Following the Chicago-based restaurant's bankruptcy filing, the grocer says it will open a new brand called Mariano's Smokehouse. 

By Krishna Thakker • Nov. 20, 2019

Apollo considers selling Qdoba for $550M

The company's asking price is 80% higher than the $305 million it paid to buy the chain from Jack in the Box in 2018. 

By Julie Littman • Nov. 19, 2019

Burger King: Impossible Whoppers never advertised as vegan

Other QSRs like White Castle and Dunkin' have already put protocols in place to keep the products separate from meat during the cooking process. 

By Lauren Manning • Updated Jan. 31, 2020

KFC's CTO started as an intern. Now he leads its tech strategy

Chris Caldwell has had a front-row seat to Yum Brands' modernization, from rolling out Microsoft Exchange Servers to AI-enabled drive-thrus.  

By Samantha Schwartz • Nov. 19, 2019

Starbucks loses traffic to open bathroom policy

A new study found that visits to Starbucks dropped 6.8% following the company's adoption of the new store rule in May 2018.

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 18, 2019

Chick-fil-A will no longer donate to anti-LGBTQ nonprofits

The fast food chain's charitable arm will highlight organizations that focus on education, homelessness and hunger.

By Julie Littman • Nov. 18, 2019

Class action suit alleges McDonald's manager groped, shoved employee

At the heart of the allegations is McDonald's status as a franchisor, and the consequences that may hold for workers.

By Ryan Golden • Nov. 15, 2019

Comic Dive: Chicken Sandwich Kerfuffle

Recent missteps by Chick-fil-A, which is closed on Sundays, has given Popeyes easy marketing fodder around its viral dish.

By John Hazard • Nov. 15, 2019

Shift Change: Subway, Blaze Pizza hire new CEOs

This week's Shift Change also includes executive news from The Krystal Company, CKE Restaurants, Just Salad and Women's Foodservice Forum. 

By Julie Littman • Nov. 15, 2019

Just Salad's new CFO arrives from Noon Mediterranean CEO post

Stefan Boyd has previously served as CFO of Le Pain Quotidien and as an investment banking associate at JPMorgan.

By Jane Thier • Nov. 14, 2019

KFC pilots drive-thru-only concept in Australia

The location features five drive-thru lanes that accept orders and payments through the chain's mobile app as well as lanes to accept on-the-spot orders.

By Lauren Manning • Nov. 14, 2019

Landry's makes $40M offer for bankrupt Houlihan's

Landry's made its third transaction within the last few months following its acquisition of two Del Frisco's concepts and its bid for Restaurants Unlimited. 

By Julie Littman • Nov. 14, 2019

Subway taps new CEO after a year-plus wait

John Chidsey, formerly chairman and CEO of Burger King Holdings, will take the helm of the sandwich chain, which hasn't had a permanent leader since last summer.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Nov. 13, 2019

DoorDash delivery workers earn 12.5% more on average under new pay model

Overall Dasher earnings including tips rose $1.30 in October, the platform's first full month under the payment system, according to a company blog post. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Nov. 13, 2019

4 challenges McDonald's new CEO must overcome

Chris Kempczinski inherits a tense relationship with franchisees and employee frustration over sexual harassment and minimum wage — issues he must deescalate to keep the world’s largest fast food chain on top.

By Julie Littman • Nov. 12, 2019

Beef Quality Assurance: raising beef the right way

For more than 30 years, the beef community has participated in a voluntary Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) program to ensure U.S. beef is produced under stringent animal care standards, resulting in high-quality beef.

Nov. 12, 2019

Lunch Break: Applebee's VP of strategy dishes on the power of direct delivery

Developing direct delivery alongside a portfolio of third-party partnerships can expand a restaurant's reach and maintain control of diner relationships, Scott Gladstone told Restaurant Dive. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Nov. 12, 2019