El Pollo Loco ordered to fix franchisee contracts to open new stores

More than half of the chain's locations are franchised, and operators aren't happy with the company's decision to open corporate-owned stores in close proximity to their longstanding restaurants.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 7, 2018

Waffle House serves up emergency preparedness with a side of social responsibility

The chain's restaurants so rarely cease operations that FEMA even has a Waffle House test. But how does it care for employees — and communities — when the worst happens?

By Jennifer Carsen • Nov. 7, 2018

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

Papa Gino's parent company files for bankruptcy

PGHC, which owns the New England favorite as well as D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches, abruptly closed 95 stores and laid off 1,100 employees.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 6, 2018

Chicken chain Bojangles' to go private for $594M

The move could give the Charlotte-based company the leverage it needs to better compete with rivals like Chick-fil-A, KFC and Popeyes, and develop long-term growth initiatives.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Nov. 6, 2018

El Pollo Loco's rebrand will focus on Hispanic consumers, delivery

The California-based Mexican quick-service chain wants to build on a new logo and store design, focusing on its made-in-house ingredients and family dinners.   

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 5, 2018

Starbucks' renewed focus on coffee, 'happy hour' deals pays off

The coffee giant reported record consumer spending for its fourth quarter, breaking the company out of its U.S. sales slump and growing revenue 10% to $6.3 billion.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Nov. 2, 2018

McDonald's focuses on poultry with made-to-order meals

The addition of two new customizable products at more than 160 Washington restaurants comes as the chain looks to become a go-to chicken destination. 

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 2, 2018

Private equity suitors reportedly wooing Papa John's

Anonymous sources told Reuters that binding offers for the world's third-largest pizza chain are expected in the next few weeks. 

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 1, 2018

McDonald's employees to shadow influencers in their favorite industries

The chain's mentorship track lets workers learn from people like Empire actor Bryshere Gray, YouTube star Tyler Oakley and dermatologist Meena Singh.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 1, 2018

Applebee's pays $100K to settle transgender hostess' bias suit

EEOC guidance on transgender discrimination has been challenged in court, but the agency continues to enforce its position, suing employers that don't comply with its directive.

By Lisa Burden • Nov. 1, 2018

Denny's stock surges on news of aggressive refranchising plan

The chain's move to sell nearly all of its company-owned stores comes under the shadow of McDonald's and Jack in the Box's power struggles with their heavily franchised systems. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Nov. 1, 2018

Jack in the Box franchisees ask for board seat, marketing audit

Less than a month after the fast food chain's franchisee association called on CEO Lenny Comma to step down, the group is now pushing for a "solutions-focused meeting" to rein in declining transactions.

By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 31, 2018

On-demand delivery startup Deliv secures $40M in funding

The new round raised the company's valuation to several hundred million dollars and offers further evidence of investors' growing interest in the food delivery scene. 

By Jessica Dumont • Oct. 31, 2018

Sweetgreen raises $200M, joins the unicorn club

Fidelity Investments led the funding round in the Los Angeles-based salad concept, which is now valued at $1 billion and plans to use the cash to improve its delivery and supply chain.

By Alicia Kelso • Updated Nov. 13, 2018

Parent company of Cinnabon, Jamba Juice considers IPO

Fresh off its Jamba Juice acquisition news, Roark Capital is considering a $1 billion valuation next year for its quick-service restaurant portfolio Focus Brands, which will soon operate 6,000 locations around the world.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 30, 2018

Walmart plans supercenter transformation with new 'town centers'

Restaurants like Shake Shack and Caribou Coffee are potential partners as the retailer pushes for more shoppers and greater efficiency. 

By Jeff Wells • Oct. 29, 2018

After public stumbles, Chipotle changes tactics to address food safety

The burrito chain's varied reactions to its string of foodborne outbreaks can serve as lessons to other restaurants in how to respond when disaster — and bacteria — strikes.

By Jacqueline Renfrow • Oct. 29, 2018

Joe & the Juice eyes IPO as the Danish chain expands in US

The coffee and juice company has about 300 stores in 14 countries and hopes its freeform ethos will appeal to young, urban U.S. consumers seeking nutritious food on the go.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 29, 2018

Chipotle's digital sales, higher menu prices boost performance

The chain's digital sales jumped nearly 50% following a $135 million investment that helped speed up mobile and online orders, close struggling stores and launch its "For Real" marketing campaign.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 26, 2018

Cava offers employees paid leave to cast a ballot

Workers will get two hours to vote on Nov. 6 — the latest benefit tossed into the ring as chains like Starbucks and Noodles & Company fight to retain talent.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 26, 2018

Will McDonald's new sandwich help breakfast sales rise and shine?

The fast food giant, which CEO Steve Easterbrook admitted is losing share in the morning daypart, will roll out Triple Breakfast Stacks next month  — its first new breakfast item in five years.

By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 25, 2018

GrubHub's COO quits while company lowers profit forecast

Despite a strong increase in users and a record Q3, the food delivery business faces surging competition from Postmates and Uber Eats.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 25, 2018

Burger King preps for tech-filled future to boost slow sales

The chain plans to revamp amenities, including double drive-thrus and kiosks, but needs to stand out from rivals like McDonald's with similar initiatives.

By Kristine Sherred and Robert Williams • Oct. 25, 2018

Phoenix IHOP serves beer, Bloody Marys and wine on tap

After taking over a former Lone Star Steakhouse, the franchise owner left the bar intact, making it the first standalone IHOP to offer an alcoholic drink menu.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 23, 2018

VeganBurg to bring plant-based comfort foods to 300 California locations

While chains like Panera and White Castle have added meatless options, the company hopes its 100% vegan burger menu will give it a meaningful slice of the market.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 23, 2018