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

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

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

Private equity firms buy P.F. Chang's for $700M

TriArtisan Capital Advisors and Paulson & Co. have agreed to buy the casual Chinese food chain from Centerbridge Partners. 

By Julie Littman • Updated Jan. 11, 2019

Industry veteran tapped to drive Quiznos turnaround

Tim Casey has been named president and CEO of Rego Restaurant Group, a newly-formed company that includes Quiznos and Taco Del Mar. 

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 7, 2019

Report: Expect fewer restaurant discounts this year

Rising wage inflation will have restaurants rethinking discounts and promotions in 2019, BTIG predicts. 

By Julie Littman • Jan. 7, 2019

Wetzel's Pretzels promotes president to CEO

Jennifer Schuler replaces co-founder Bill Phelps, taking the helm as the chain plans further expansion, store remodels and menu innovation. 

By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 7, 2019

Red Robin taps new CFO to help with turnaround

Lynn Schweinfurth previously served as CFO, SVP and treasurer of Fiesta Restaurant Group, where she's worked since 2012.

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 4, 2019

Carl's Jr. gives plant-based Beyond Burger the star treatment

The chain is now selling the meat-free Beyond Famous Star burger for $6.29 at over 1,000 locations, following White Castle's Impossible slider expansion.

By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 3, 2019

Cicis incentivizes franchisees as part of expansion plan

The pizza chain rolled out a new program offering savings on upfront costs and fees to franchises as part of its efforts to grow to nearly 500 units by 2021.

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 3, 2019

What will become of Taylor Gourmet in trademark bidding war?

Three entities have filed bids for the hoagie chain's trademark and email list, including the company's co-founder Casey Patten and competitor Cosi. 

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 2, 2019

Chipotle claims 'immediate harm' caused by arbitration proceedings

Despite the company's request, a federal judge has refused to block arbitration proceedings until related litigation concludes.

By Ryan Golden • Dec. 28, 2018

Our 7 best stories of 2018

As we begin the new year, Restaurant Dive is taking a look back at our top stories since our launch on Oct. 1.

By Restaurant Dive staff • Dec. 21, 2018

Despite struggling same-store sales, Darden execs confident of Cheddar's turnaround

Sales for the casual chain declined yet again by 1.4% in Q2 of fiscal year 2019, but improving guest satisfaction scores and newly implemented strategies are expected to boost sales.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 21, 2018

Subway franchise pays $80K to settle claims that manager offered teens work for sex

In light of the #MeToo movement — and EEOC's related enforcement — many employers are reviewing their sexual harassment prevention efforts.

By Lisa Burden • Dec. 20, 2018

Potbelly returns to franchising strategy in national expansion

After scaling back its aggressive franchising plan from two years ago, the Illinois-based sandwich shop revisits the idea to expand throughout the Midwest and Southeast.

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 20, 2018

Macaroni Grill considers more acquisitions after turnaround

Just a few months after the once-troubled Italian chain bought Sullivan's Steakhouse, it's now on the hunt for another brand it can add to its portfolio. 

By Alicia Kelso • Dec. 19, 2018