Corporate

Denny's, IHOP franchisees close restaurants

Feast American Diners shuttered 15 Denny's in New York due to the impact of COVID-19, just weeks after an IHOP franchisee filed for bankruptcy and closed 49 units.

By Alicia Kelso • May 28, 2020

Need and eligibility keys to avoiding PPP loan liability risk

Document what goes into your decision to apply for a loan to protect yourself and your company if you're hit with an audit or lawsuit, an attorney says. 

By Robert Freedman • May 27, 2020

Le Pain Quotidien's US arm files for bankruptcy, sold for $3M

The cafe chain, which already temporarily closed its 98 units and fired 2,000 employees due to COVID-19, said it would have faced liquidation if not for the sale to Aurify Brands. 

By Julie Littman • May 27, 2020

TGI Fridays could permanently close 20% of US locations

To try to drive sales, the chain is testing party tents that let diners eat in restaurant parking lots in New Hampshire, with plans to roll out the pilot to Connecticut. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 27, 2020

French insurer ordered to pay restaurant's coronavirus disruption claim

The ruling requires insurance company AXA to pay two months' worth a restaurant company's revenue losses due to the COVID-19 outbreak, results that could have implications for the U.S. market as well. 

By Alicia Kelso • May 27, 2020

5 chains at risk of defaulting within a year

Dave & Buster's, Bloomin' Brands, The Cheesecake Factory, Denny's and Brinker International have the highest probability, according to S&P Global data, which could further complicate recovery plans.

By Julie Littman , Emma Liem Beckett • May 26, 2020

Q&A

PepsiCo Foodservice CMO on linking restaurant relief to culture amid a pandemic

Scott Finlow spoke to Marketing Dive about how the food and beverage giant's purposeful efforts have tapped into what's popular now, including John Krasinski's "Some Good News."

By Peter Adams • May 26, 2020

Starbucks to accelerate drive-thru, pickup-only development

Within the next 12 to 18 months, the company will move out of low-traffic malls and offer more drive-thrus, curbside and delivery options. 

By Alicia Kelso • May 22, 2020

McDonald's warns franchisees of potential retrenchment from coronavirus crisis

McDonald’s U.S. President Joe Erlinger told operators on a call last week that they may have to consider selling locations or downsizing, Bloomberg reports. 

By Alicia Kelso • May 21, 2020

Employees file lawsuit against McDonald's for 'inadequate' COVID-19 response

Five Chicago-area employees claim they were only given masks and gloves after striking and didn't receive training to protect themselves. 

By Alicia Kelso • May 20, 2020

Chipotle's TikTok campaign shows off new app features

The chain unveiled a series of "TikTok Hack Menu" videos to show how people can create personalized menu items in its own app.

By Robert Williams • May 20, 2020

Subway lays off 150 more employees

The job cuts mark the struggling sandwich chain's second major workforce reduction in just three months. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 20, 2020

Potbelly's financial woes deepen after saying it may not meet debt obligations

The sandwich chain, which previously reported it could close up to 100 stores, says it could violate debt covenants by June without changes to its agreement. 

By Julie Littman • May 20, 2020

Chick-Fil-A, Papa John's top ranking of app performance

The best-performing brands have apps that load on mobile devices quickly to keep customers engaged in a branded experience.

By Robert Williams • May 20, 2020

75% of small businesses sought PPP aid, Census Bureau finds

About 38% of the survey's 22,000 respondents said they've received loan money — and the coronavirus' impact appeared disproportionately felt in the Northeast and Great Lakes.

By Dan Ennis • May 19, 2020

McDonald's faces criticism for sexual harassment issues in international markets

Labor organizations from around the globe filed a joint complaint Monday against the chain, alleging patterns of rampant harassment and gender-based violence.

By Alicia Kelso • May 19, 2020

New CEO to take helm at National Restaurant Association

Effective June 1, Tom Bené, a former Sysco and PepsiCo exec, will lead the organization during one of the most difficult times the industry has ever faced. 

By Julie Littman • May 18, 2020

Column

Shift Change: Wingstop appoints CTO, Sweetgreen hires COO

This week's Shift Change also includes new board members at Potbelly and Dave & Buster's. 

By Julie Littman • May 15, 2020

McDonald's reopening requirements saddle operators with more costs

The chain's 59-page reopening guide for its U.S. restaurants includes purchasing recommendations for a $718 touchless sink and $310 automatic towel dispenser, The Wall Street Journal reports. 

By Alicia Kelso • May 15, 2020

Bankrupt Krystal sold to Fortess Investment Group for $48M

With healthy M&A all but paused during the pandemic, distressed company sales are likely to be among the handful of deals to occur this year. 

By Julie Littman • May 15, 2020

Starbucks seeks rent relief for a full year

In a letter written by Starbucks COO Roz Brewer and obtained by Restaurant Business, the company asked its landlords for 12 months of rent breaks for its corporate-owned units beginning in June.  

By Alicia Kelso • May 14, 2020

McDonald's will boost US marketing $100M as dining rooms reopen

It's unclear what future marketing promotions will look like, though the fast-food behemoth is likely to highlight safety precautions early on to address consumer concerns about eating in restaurants.

By Robert Williams • May 14, 2020

Potbelly could permanently close up to 100 stores

About 90% of the shops under consideration for closure were impaired before the pandemic and are even more challenged today, CFO Steve Cirulis said on an earnings call. 

By Julie Littman • May 13, 2020

Buffalo Wild Wings unveils its first 'GO' store in Atlanta

The new concept, which will open Wednesday, features heated pickup lockers to service guests who order ahead via the brand's mobile app.

By Lauren Stine • May 12, 2020

Chipotle secures $600M in cash

The fast casual chain is the latest to secure cash from a revolving credit line, joining the likes of McDonald's and Yum Brands in using this tactic to weather the economic storm from the novel coronavirus pandemic.

By Alicia Kelso • May 11, 2020