Corporate

Chipotle launches virtual farmers market for suppliers

The fast casual chain partnered with Shopify to help farmers in its supply chain sell meat, dairy and grain products directly to consumers online. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 30, 2020

Papa John's promotes Shaq-inspired pizza on Snapchat amid same-store sales surge

The chain's marketing push around brand ambassador Shaquille O'Neal has gained steam, and may have contributed to its 28% same-store sales gain in Q2. 

By Robert Williams • June 30, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Trendline

Independent restaurants

In an industry built on in-person interactions and long-term relationships with customers, the COVID-19 crisis was a serious blow to independent operators, but many have pivoted and found new ways to reach diners.

By Restaurant Dive staff

Burger King hires Ellie Doty as first-ever North American CMO

Formerly CMO of Chili's, her new job comes as the CMO role returns to prominence as brands look to navigate the next stage of the COVID-19 economy.

By Dianna Christie • June 29, 2020

Red Robin to settle claims over 'just say yes' break policy for $8.5M

The restaurant argued the policy demonstrated its "proactive commitment to providing Team Members with breaks anytime they want one."

By Katie Clarey • June 29, 2020

Domino's expands contactless services with carside delivery

Customers who select this carryout option online can choose where they would like their food placed, including the passenger side, trunk or back seat. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 29, 2020

Luckin abandons Nasdaq delisting appeal

The last day to trade the company's stock is June 29, a little over a year after its IPO raised $561 million. 

By Lauren Stine • June 29, 2020

Punch Bowl Social to reopen 5 locations in coming weeks

The eatertainment chain will enter its Phase One of reopening with its Denver restaurant resuming operations on July 1. 

By Julie Littman • June 26, 2020

Starbucks offers mental health training for store managers

The training includes 30-minute modules focused on effective listening, providing encouragement and reassurance, offering informational resources and the importance of self-care. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 26, 2020

IHOP, Applebee's parent taps acting CIO into permanent role

Justin Skelton comes to the role with the upper hand of having previous tenure at Dine Brands, and serving as the CIO in an acting capacity. 

By Roberto Torres • June 26, 2020

WSJ: Checkers and Rally's parent exploring potential restructure

Checkers has nearly $300 million in debt from its 2017 buyout by Oak Hill Capital Partners and has been selling stores to franchisees in an attempt to lower it. 

By Alicia Kelso • June 25, 2020

Chuck E. Cheese parent to close 45 locations

After its Ch. 11 bankruptcy filing, the company is asking to abandon 45 leases at underperforming locations, or which 11 were already permanently closed. 

By Julie Littman • UPDATED: June 26, 2020 at 3:13 p.m.

Chipotle ranks No. 1 among QSRs for COVID-19 safety measures, report says

McDonald's and Starbucks ranked among the top for health and safety compliance as well, according to Ipsos research based on in-store visits from mystery shoppers.

By Alicia Kelso • June 24, 2020

Deep Dive

Recent PPP changes offer restaurants hope, but calls for industry aid continue

The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act and streamlined loan forgiveness applications make the federal safety net easier for operators to use without penalty, but critics argue that key needs are still unaddressed. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 24, 2020

Starbucks' stumble on Black Lives Matter shows rising stakes for brands in addressing race

Initially banning employees from wearing Black Lives Matter apparel, the chain quickly reversed its position — but the damage may already have been done.

By Peter Adams • June 22, 2020

WSJ: Chuck E. Cheese parent fielding potential buyers

New York grocery owner John Catsimatidis and a group of bondholders are among the eatertainment chain's latest suitors.

By Julie Littman • June 22, 2020

Taco Bell to clarify policy after employee fired for wearing Black Lives Matter mask

The chain said staff can don Black Lives Matter attire and has since apologized to the worker in Ohio, who posted a video on Facebook after being terminated for bringing "politics into the building."

By Julie Littman • June 19, 2020

Feds issue streamlined PPP loan forgiveness form

Under an EZ form, restaurants only have to complete a brief calculation and certify their representations to get out of repaying their payroll protection assistance.

By Robert Freedman • June 19, 2020

Column

Shift Change: On the Border hires CEO and CFO; McDonald's shuffles global people team

This week's Shift Change also includes a new chief food innovation officer at Panera and the departure of Buffalo Wild Wing's CMO. 

By Julie Littman • June 19, 2020

Buffalo Wild Wings CMO who led creative revival departs after less than 2 years

Seth Freeman spearheaded innovative creative concepts, including rebranding Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, that supported a turnaround for the brand.

By Peter Adams • June 17, 2020

Subway franchisees file FTC complaints over Footlong promotion

The sandwich chain brought back its $5 Footlong promotion on Tuesday despite ongoing pushback from franchisees claiming the offer is unprofitable. 

By Alicia Kelso • June 17, 2020

Restaurant industry expected to lose $240B by the end of 2020

The segment has already bled $120 billion in sales during the last three months following stay-at-home orders and dining room closures due to the novel coronavirus pandemic, according to the National Restaurant Association. 

By Alicia Kelso • June 16, 2020

Panda Express launches branded delivery, looks to fill 30,000 positions

This white label delivery channel lets diners order off-premise meals via its website and mobile app, which a third-party platform will fulfill. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 16, 2020

Restaurants strengthen employee communication to react quickly during coronavirus

Operators that maintained close relationships with working and furloughed staff during the pandemic are benefiting from better retention and smoother operations.

By Julie Littman • June 16, 2020

&pizza to close on Election Day, offer PTO

The fast casual pizzeria joins a handful of independent restaurants and chains including Milk Bar that will offer time off and close locations to make it easier for employees to vote.

By Lauren Stine • June 15, 2020

DoorDash worth $16B with new $400M in funding

The additional funding signals a possible shift in investor sentiment over food delivery apps, which many are hesitant to back because they haven't been profitable. 

By Julie Littman • UPDATED: June 19, 2020 at 11:54 a.m.