Darden accuses chicken producers of overcharging

A lawsuit filed in federal court claims they conspired to sell products to the parent company of chains including Olive Garden at artificially inflated prices from 2008 through 2016.

By Cathy Siegner • Jan. 29, 2019

Luby's looks for a turnaround after failed proxy fight

Bandera Partners, which owns 9.8% of company stock, has pushed for changes to rein in heavy debt and turn around declining revenue.

By Alicia Kelso , Julie Littman • Jan. 28, 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

Taco Bell cooks up faux movie trailer for the return of Nacho Fries

The campaign includes running the spot in theaters, printing movie posters and creating special "For Your Consideration" media kits.

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 28, 2019

More foodservice operators asking for plant-based meats

With the likes of Carl's Jr. and White Castle expanding vegan options, shipments of plant-based proteins to restaurants increased 20% year over year, according to The NPD Group.

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 25, 2019

Shift Change: Burger King parent, Tropical Smoothie, Caribou Coffee name new CEOs

This new Restaurant Dive series highlights the latest executive changes across multiple chains as they plan their growth strategies for the year or try to improve slumping sales.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 25, 2019

KFC commits to using more sustainable packaging by 2025

The fast food chain plans to source all consumer-facing products with recoverable and reusable plastics, joining a growing list of brands removing traditional plastics from their stores.

By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 25, 2019

Can a chief people officer change Papa John's culture?

Marvin Boakye comes from petroleum company Andeavor in Texas, and is the first person to hold the position at the beleagured pizza chain. 

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 24, 2019

Burger King teases Super Bowl spot with DoorDash mystery box

The burger chain will return to the Super Bowl for the first time in 12 years and is building buzz with a mysterious delivery.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 24, 2019

9 months after layoffs, Munchery closes for good

The startup lasted nine years, but ultimately couldn't find a sustainable way to navigate the ruthless meal kit and food delivery marketplace.

By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 24, 2019

A&W lowers fees for franchisees as it looks to expand

As rising minimum wages, a tight labor market and the delivery boom pressure chains, many companies see franchising as the safest path to growth.

By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 24, 2019

Third-party delivery service Chowbus snags $4M in funding

The platform, which calls itself the 'Grubhub for authentic Asian cuisine,' also offers marketing and tech support to restaurants unlike its larger competitors. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 23, 2019

Burger King parent taps new CEO, shuffles executives

While other brands shift their C-suites amid ongoing struggles, Restaurant Brands International's latest promotions could better prepare the company for ongoing global expansion.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 23, 2019

Starbucks Mexico opens second store run by older workers

Employers might start their diversity and inclusion initiatives by turning to overlooked groups in their organizations.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 23, 2019

Subway's struggles marked by another executive exit

James Walker, vice president of the chain's North America division, leaves just after the CMO resigned in December and months after the CEO stepped down. 

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 22, 2019

Burger King customers can trade McDonald's MacCoins for Big King XL sandwich

In its latest attempt at "flame-grilling the competition," Burger King is playing into the confusion that McDonald’s 2018 MacCoins campaign caused some consumers. 

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 18, 2019

Taco Bell's 'leaked memo' reveals return of Nacho Fries, free giveaway

Starting "Fryday," select "fryologists" in 10 markets will surprise customers by giving out the popular, but limited, menu offering before its official return on Jan. 24. 

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 18, 2019

FAT Brands expands co-branded Fatburger/Buffalo's Express units

With dual-brand concepts often resulting in efficiency, flexibility and increased profit margins, the company plans to add another 10 units in the U.S. 

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 17, 2019

Domino's slapped with failing chicken welfare grade

The pizza chain has resisted animal rights groups' outcries before, but the zero score from the World Animal Protection report comes as consumers demand more transparency and humane practices. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 17, 2019

Starbucks has more stores abroad than in US

With plans for thousands of locations in China and the Asia-Pacific, Starbucks focuses on world coffee domination.

By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 15, 2019

Taco Bell testing vegetarian menu as meatless trend grows

The chain also announced seven new commitments, including the removal of all artificial colors and flavors and improving the sustainability of its beef supply.

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 11, 2019

Taco Bell's new billboard dispenses nacho cheese

Next week's activation in Toronto will promote the launch of the Nacho Cheese Naked Chicken Chalupa.

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 11, 2019

McDonald's reviews local US media business to give franchisees more flexibility, AdAge reports

The news follows last year's formation of the National Owners Association, which gives franchisees more of a voice in the chain's business decisions.

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 11, 2019

California could ban paper receipts by 2022

The proposed legislation would require restaurants, grocery stores and other businesses to provide digital receipts unless customers request a paper one.

By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 10, 2019

McDonald's operators shouldn't begin any new remodels, association says

The National Owners Association has told its members not to start any new renovations until changes have been made to the chain's remodeling process.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 9, 2019

Impossible Burger becomes gluten-free in new reformulation

White Castle will offer the revamped product, which is designed to replace ground beef in any recipe, chainwide in the next few months.

By Cathy Siegner • Jan. 9, 2019