McDonald's pilots takeaway-only format in London

The test store's streamlined format includes ATM-style order kiosks and has no seating, focusing entirely on takeout orders.

By Lauren Manning • Aug. 1, 2019

Pizza Hut could temporarily close up to 500 stores over next 2 years

Underperforming units will be transformed into express stores focused on carryout and delivery with existing or new franchisee partners.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 1, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

Loyalty & Rewards Strategy

Capturing — and keeping — loyal customers is more crucial than ever as diner price sensitivity puts pressure on restaurants.

By Restaurant Dive staff

Beyond Meat will double production capacity by the end of 2019

Internal production capacity is essential to meeting the company's goal of underpricing meat in multiple categories, said CEO Ethan Brown. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Aug. 1, 2019

Taco Bell Spain debuts vegan meat substitute

The chain has opted for a more robust vegetarian menu in the U.S. as the list of QSRs going plant-based grows.

By Lauren Manning • July 31, 2019

Beyond Meat's restaurant and foodservice revenue skyrockets 486%

The division raked in $53.8 million in the first half of the year, driving half of the plant-based company's revenue just three months after its IPO. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 30, 2019

Sweetgreen's new store layout eliminates assembly line

The new store, which will open in New York City this fall, also swaps out chalkboard menus for digital displays and lets customers order from kiosks or staff with iPads.

By Lauren Manning • July 30, 2019

Chuck E. Cheese staying private after failed merger

The eatertainment's parent company and Leo Holdings terminated their merger agreement on Monday, a move that will keep the chain from re-entering the public market. 

By Julie Littman • July 29, 2019

Tim Hortons fries up plant-based eggs for breakfast

The Canadian QSR is the first major fast food restaurant to use Just Egg and follows up on its addition of Beyond Sausage to its menu. 

By Lauren Manning • July 26, 2019

Shift Change: Dunkin' Brands hires HR exec; Quiznos parent appoints CFO

This week's Shift Change highlights new leadership at REGO Restaurant Group, Dunkin' Brands, McDonald's, Moe's Southwest Grill and more. 

By Julie Littman • July 26, 2019

Yum Brands taps new CEOs for Taco Bell, Pizza Hut

With Taco Bell CEO Mark King and Pizza Hut CEO Artie Starrs, the two QSR brands appear to be eyeing continued rapid international growth. 

By Julie Littman • July 26, 2019

Starbucks' digital strategy is working. Now it wants to dive deeper

With $6.8 billion in revenue during the last quarter and its stock price at an all-time high, the coffee chain is already banking on its tech initiatives.

By Roberto Torres • July 26, 2019

Dunkin' will roll out Beyond Meat breakfast sandwich nationwide

The chain will offer the plant-based product across U.S. stores beginning Nov. 8, and diners can sample the menu item for free for a limited time. 

By Lauren Manning • Updated Oct. 21, 2019

Popeyes plants its flag in KFC territory: China

Popeyes signed an agreement to develop over 1,500 units in China during the next 10 years, which could start chipping away at KFC's longtime dominance in the region. 

By Alicia Kelso • July 24, 2019

Cracker Barrel buys $140M stake in Punch Bowl Social

In a move that lets it better diversify, the casual dining chain has taken a non-controlling position in the eatertainment brand, which grew 34% last year. 

By Julie Littman • July 23, 2019

McDonald's departing global CMO will be replaced by 2 new SVPs

Two current employees will fill the newly created roles of global marketing SVP and marketing technology SVP after Silvia Lagnado's departure. 

By Barry Levine • July 23, 2019

Starbucks to license exclusive technology with new partnership

Brightloom, formerly eatsa, will create an all-in-one platform, which will include the coffee giant's mobile and loyalty technology, that will be available to the wider industry.

By Julie Littman • July 23, 2019

Red Robin's investor fight symptom of a changing Wall Street

The casual dining company is just one of many under the microscope of shareholders lately, and more will likely be next.

By Julie Littman • July 22, 2019

Private equity firm triples investment with Jack's Family Restaurants sale

Onex Group is in the process of selling the casual dining chain, reportedly receiving $835 million in proceeds from the transaction compared to its original investment of $234 million.

By Alicia Kelso • July 22, 2019

Shift Change: Luby's, Checker's & Rally's boost IT teams

This week's Shift Change highlights new executives at Rave Restaurant Group, Freshii, QDOBA, Checker's & Rally's and Luby's. 

By Julie Littman • July 19, 2019

Impossible Foods shortage ends — for now

Even though the plant-based meat manufacturer has stepped up operations on multiple fronts, another shortage could occur if demand were to spike.

By Lauren Manning • July 19, 2019

Cooper's Hawk confirms investment by Ares Management

Cooper's Hawk CEO Tim McEnery said the new investment from the private equity firm will help accelerate growth. 

By Alicia Kelso • Updated July 24, 2019

Despite plant-based boom, beef burgers still reign supreme

While consumers ordered 228 million plant-based burgers at QSRs, up 10% from last year, 6.4 billion beef burgers were served in the same time period.

By Lauren Manning • July 18, 2019

McDonald's to test plastic-free toys in British Happy Meals

Following a petition with nearly 400,000 supporters, the fast food chain says it's exploring ways to reduce plastics in the U.K., but has yet to commit to similar goals in the U.S. 

By Julie Littman • July 18, 2019

Restaurant industry to hire former inmates to ease labor shortage

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation received a $4.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to develop model training and job placement programs for young adults who are currently or were recently incarcerated. 

By Alicia Kelso • July 15, 2019

Starbucks rolls out express store in China

The new stripped-down format, which is focused on delivery and mobile orders, will better position the coffee chain against its growing competitor Luckin.

By Lauren Manning • July 15, 2019