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

Explore the Trendline➔

How AI is shaping the restaurant industry

Automated technology can transform restaurant systems and relieve pressure from rising operating costs, opening up new opportunities for chains looking to sharpen their value proposition. 

By Restaurant Dive staff

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

A restaurant's next big financial risk isn't bad reviews — it's data breaches

As hackers find new ways to gather coveted personal information, restaurants are quickly becoming a target for the internet underworld.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 18, 2018

Buffalo Wild Wings' redesign delivers high-end sports bar experience

Inspire Brands takes the chain back to its roots with a stadium sports watching experience, an open-air bar and year-round patio, plus lounge areas replete with gaming systems.

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 18, 2018

The power of sustainable sourcing

While McDonald’s move to rid its beef supply chain of non-medically necessary antibiotics may seem like an edict thrown at the procurement staff within the massive company, it’s more a boon than a burden.

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 17, 2018

Applebee's buys 69 units from Apple Gold

Applebee's will no longer be fully franchised with its ownership of these restaurants. 

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 17, 2018

Starbucks opens 23,000-square-foot Reserve Roastery in NYC

The format, which boasts coffee flights and a cocktail bar, marks the chain's fourth roastery concept and second in the U.S. 

By Alicia Kelso • Dec. 14, 2018

Chipotle rounds out leadership team with 2 new execs

Roger Theodoredis and Tabassum Zalotrawala will take on the roles of chief legal officer and chief development officer, respectively, as the fast casual chain continues its push past high-profile stumbles to become a lifestyle brand. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 14, 2018

Court advances KFC employee's claim that lactation room wasn't private

The plaintiff claims she was forced to pump in an office that had a video camera and a window through which co-workers could — and did — watch her.

By Lisa Burden • Dec. 13, 2018

40% of McDonald's owners could lose leases, association says

Company franchisees learned about potential financial risks tied to store remodels at an October National Owners Association meeting, escalating tensions with corporate.

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 12, 2018

Papa John's debuts 'crusto-currency' reward program

The embattled pizza chain riffs on the crytocurrency craze with its improved Papa Rewards program.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 11, 2018

Major Yelp shareholder calls for board shake-up

Missing earnings in 12 of the last 19 quarters, investors want the review site to step up the pace of innovation and take accountability for missteps.

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 11, 2018

JUST partners with Toriyama to produce lab-grown wagyu beef

Through the agreement, JUST plans to make the exclusive beef available to more restaurants and at more price points.

By Megan Poinski • Dec. 11, 2018

NYC vegan chain by Chloe welcomes new CEO

Patrick Hellstrand joins the popular chain with locations in three U.S. cities and London to aid expansion after a $31 million funding round earlier this year.

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 7, 2018

App connects diners with otherwise unsellable food

Now in seven countries, Too Good To Go lets restaurants sell expiring or excess food at discounted prices to consumers.

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 6, 2018

Uber Eats tests promoted placement model for restaurants

The program lets restaurants in India to bundle food items together and sell them at a discount in exchange for placement in the app's "specials" section.

By Alicia Kelso • Dec. 5, 2018

Fatburger owner adds Mediterranean chain to its menu

FAT Brands gets in on the Mediterranean craze with its purchase of Yalla Mediterranean, bringing its total restaurants to over 300 globally. 

By Julie Littman • Dec. 5, 2018

Jack in the Box owners take disputes to court

The National Franchisee Association, representing 85% of the company's restaurants, claims that the chain has failed to provide marketing audits and forced unnecessary repair costs on owners.

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 5, 2018

Shake Shack owner nixes fast casual model at NYC pizzeria

After 15 months as an upscale fast casual restaurant, Union Square Hospitality Group's Martina will switch to a more traditional table-service model.

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 5, 2018

New executive hires prime Potbelly for a turnaround

Retail veteran and new CFO Thomas Fitzgerald and other key leaders could provide a boost for the company after it has struggled since its 2013 IPO.

By Alicia Kelso • Dec. 4, 2018

Strong Thanksgiving dining spend signals growth through New Year's

Spending was up 4.1% Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, with quick-service restaurants posting strong market share fueled by mobile offerings. 

By Julie Littman • Dec. 4, 2018

Chili's parent company opens first airport Maggiano's in Dallas

It’s not easy for restaurants to permeate the convoluted, high-security system of airports, but when executed well, these locations can be worth the hassle and higher rent costs. 

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 4, 2018

Amazon to close London restaurant delivery service Tuesday

The tech giant's retreat comes just two years after its launch in the city, and amid reports that rival Deliveroo is looking to raise $500 million from investors and double its valuation. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 3, 2018