Restaurants adding surcharges to cover healthcare costs

Despite the added price, diners have been willing to pay additional fees that go toward employees' healthcare costs, paid time off and other benefits. 

By Alicia Kelso • April 16, 2019

Burger King plans to treat chickens better, and now they're going plant-based. Where's McDonald's?

Improving its animal welfare standards and introducing more vegetarian options could drive profits and protect against public backlash, says Kenny Torrella, VP of public engagement at Mercy for Animals.

By Kenny Torella • April 15, 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

Starbucks launches $1.3M 'Cup Fund' for UK recycling programs

Launched in partnership with environmental charity Hubbub, the fund will offer individual grants of up to $131,000 to support paper cup recycling initiatives in at least 10 U.K. locations.

By Rina Li • April 15, 2019

McDonald's cage-free egg progress signals an industry sea change

The chain claims to be 33% cage-free on its way to reach 100% by 2025, and analysts predict the move will bring these egg costs down.

By Alicia Kelso • April 12, 2019

Shift Change: Kona Grill appoints interim CEO; Subway gets a new CIO

This week's Shift Change highlights executive changes at Subway, Kona Grill and Farmer Boys. 

By Julie Littman • April 12, 2019

Papa Murphy's acquired by MTY Food Group for $190M

The sale will give the take-and-bake pizza chain new capital investments that could help top line sales growth and increase franchisee profitability.

By Julie Littman • April 11, 2019

Jeni Britton Bauer on how simple goals can create a splendid brand

The founder of Jeni's Spendid Ice Creams shares what it takes to build a brand into a cult favorite, how to encourage creativity and what to look for in a team. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 10, 2019

Dig Inn lands $20M led by Danny Meyer-backed investor, will expand into full-service

The farm-to-table plans to open a sit-down location in New York City, in a move that bucks the industry trend of casual dining chain's launching fast casual concepts to drive growth. 

By Kevin Whiteley • April 10, 2019

Burger King settles lawsuit with franchisee from rodent video

The fast food chain had sued operator Fritz Management to stop using its brand name in 37 locations in Texas, claiming negative media attention following viral videos of rodents in a kitchen is causing sales to decline. 

By Alicia Kelso • Updated May 16, 2019

J. Alexander's strikes deal with activist investor

As part of the agreement with Ancora Advisors, the restaurant has appointed an additional board member, echoing similar agreements made by Red Robin and Bloomin' Brands with activist investors.

By Lauren Manning • Updated April 21, 2020

Former Land O'Lakes CIO joins Subway amid leadership shake ups

Mike Marcie is joining Subway as it battles for relevance in a saturated fast food market and undergoes a leadership shuffle.

By Samantha Schwartz • April 9, 2019

Benihana enters sports arenas with AEG partnership

The restaurant is bringing its teppanyaki tables and performing chefs to 400- and 550-square-foot units in Dignity Health Sports Park and Sprint Center as casual chains look to nontraditional channels for growth.

By Kevin Whiteley • April 8, 2019

Taco Bell launches 'hiring parties' to beef up labor force

The Mexican QSR is using a different approach to hire workers in a tight labor market, hosting 600 events where prospective workers can partake in on-the-spot interviews and speak with employees and managers. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 5, 2019

Shift Change: Kona Grill, Red Robin CEOs depart

This week's Shift Change highlights executive changes at Red Robin, Vitality Bowls, Kona Grill, Little Caesars and more. 

By Julie Littman • April 5, 2019

McDonald's cuts down late-night menu

The fast food chain's move is in line with its overall strategy to increase efficiencies and reduce its reliance on labor. 

By Julie Littman • April 5, 2019

Red Robin's CEO retires amid brand overhaul

Denny Marie Post exits the casual dining chain after eight years of executive leadership, leaving only two other women CEOs in the public restaurant space. 

By Julie Littman • April 4, 2019

Subway launches sandwich created with Tastemade data

The media brand's data-driven insights will help the chain offer locally relevant menu items for U.S. diners, such as the Green Goddess Tuna Melt. 

By Lauren Manning • April 4, 2019

Deliveroo to offer London riders electric scooter rentals

The third-party delivery company partnered with electric scooter rental platform Elmovo to launch the program, which comes just days before the city rolls out new Ultra-Low Emission Zone regulations.

By Kevin Whiteley • April 4, 2019

Taco Bell launches vegetarian menu nationwide

Months after an April pilot at 200 Dallas stores, the chain will add a dedicated vegetarian menu to its revamped menu that will be released on Thursday.

By Kevin Whiteley • Updated Sept. 11, 2019

Protesters call for Wendy's to end use of unnecessary antibiotics in beef supply chain

U.S. PIRG said the chain has a chance to differentiate itself, but Wendy's will likely not be alone in efforts to remove medically unnecessary antibiotics.

By Emma Cosgrove • April 2, 2019

McDonald's invests $3.7M in app developer

The fast food chain's latest move will give it a competitive edge with access to new technology that will enhance the customer experience and drive sales. 

By Julie Littman • April 2, 2019

Burger King will roll out Impossible Whoppers nationwide

Burger King will be the largest chain to offer the product systemwide, a move that could spur rival burger brands to launch plant-based patties of their own. 

By Kevin Whiteley • Updated April 29, 2019

Crashing the C-suite ceiling: How female restaurant leaders are pushing for more diversity

Even though more women work in the restaurant industry than men, fewer are at the executive level. Brands like Auntie Anne's, Red Lobster, Starbucks and McDonald's hope to change that.

By Julie Littman • April 1, 2019

Darden's animal welfare policy focuses on antibiotic reduction, better treatment

Drawing on consumer concerns, major chains like McDonald's and The Cheesecake Factory have started to switch to antibiotic-free meat and institute policies that reduce harm to animals. 

By Lauren Manning • April 1, 2019

European Parliament approves 2021 single-use plastics ban

The new measure, which includes restrictions on cutlery, straws, cups and foam containers, could increase costs as restaurants switch to plastic alternatives. 

By Katie Pyzyk • April 1, 2019