Corporate: Page 2

McDonald's to shutter all stores in UK, Ireland

The chain's 1,270 locations in this region will no longer offer drive-thru and delivery, and employees at corporate-owned restaurants will be paid for scheduled shifts through April 5.

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 23, 2020

Darden's Q3 results hint at dismal future for casual dining

Same-store sales dropped more than 21% for the week ending March 15 across its brands, with same-store sales declining 60% this week. 

By Alicia Kelso • March 20, 2020

McDonald's reportedly pushed against sick leave provision in coronavirus package

The chain is concerned the package — which requires companies with 50 to 500 employees to give workers two weeks paid sick leave — will hurt its franchisee profitability, according to Business Insider. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 19, 2020

Union Square Hospitality Group lays off 80% of staff over coronavirus closures

After shuttering all of its restaurants on March 13, the company laid off 2,000 employees, joining a handful of other fine-dining groups that have cut staff over the last week.

By Julie Littman • March 19, 2020

&pizza's coronavirus response plan: Pay workers more, not less

As restaurants across the country lay off workers in droves, the Washington, D.C.-based pizza chain has raised hourly pay $1 and is developing plans to keep staff fully employed even if its stores temporarily close. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 18, 2020

Chuck E. Cheese closes dine-in, offers in-home birthday packages

While still offering off-premise dining, the birthday-focused restaurant is making its dance-party-themed videos and rewards available online and selling family packs with cake, pizza and goodie bags during COVID-19 closures.

By Lauren Stine • March 17, 2020

How coronavirus is changing restaurant policies

The latest updates include extended emergency pay from Darden, as well as news from Wingstop and Denny's.

By Nami Sumida , Emma Liem Beckett , Julie Littman , Thai Phi Le • UPDATED: April 7, 2020 at 10:27 a.m.

Inspire Brands acquires 22 Buffalo Wild Wings from franchisee

Along with ICV Partners' $130 million acquisition of Diversified Restaurant Holdings, the company sold 22 Buffalo Wild Wings units to the restaurant holding company. 

By Alicia Kelso • March 13, 2020

Hy-Vee to replace Market Grilles with Wahlburgers

The company's 21 full-service restaurants will transition to the popular burger brand by this summer.

By Krishna Thakker • March 13, 2020

Starbucks offers 'catastrophe pay' to workers impacted by coronavirus

The temporary benefit includes 14 days of paid sick leave for workers diagnosed with or exposed to COVID-19, and also for those who are at elevated risk due to age or preexisting medical conditions. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 12, 2020

Starbucks US could switch to pickup, delivery orders as COVID-19 spreads

Operations are continuing as normal, but CEO Kevin Johnson said stores in the U.S. and Canada could limit seating, enable mobile order-only scenarios for pickup or delivery or only keep drive-thrus open. 

By Julie Littman • March 12, 2020

Taco Bell fires latest shot in breakfast wars with new burrito menu

The QSR has rapidly launched several items this year, with these burritos becoming a permanent addition complementing LTOs like its Triplelupa and Nacho Fries. 

By Julie Littman • March 12, 2020

McDonald's corporate stores offer quarantined workers 2 weeks paid leave

Labor advocacy group Fight for $15 wants the company to do more and issued a list of demands, including paid sick leave for all employees and better training on cleaning standards.

By Julie Littman • March 11, 2020

Taco Bell taps TikTok's vertical video format for TV ad

The effort marks the first time TikTok has partnered with a brand on a national advertising campaign and references trends on the app, like "eboys."

By Peter Adams • March 10, 2020

Wingstop pays fans to be walking billboards

The fast-food joint is transferring its OOH budget to loyal fans, giving Instagrammers who wear the special branded merchandise $10 via Venmo.

By Dianna Christie • March 10, 2020

Chipotle to expand paid parental leave, test unlimited PTO

The restaurant chain has been expanding its benefit offerings over the past year, but it has faced scrutiny at the state and local level.

By Aman Kidwai • March 06, 2020

Starbucks predicts coronavirus will gut Q2 comp store sales in China by 50%

Starbucks China's comparable stores sales fell 78% in February, a direct result of temporary store closures due to the outbreak of COVID-19.

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 06, 2020

Report: Subway to offer $5 value menu despite franchisee tension

Operators have previously voiced frustrations over the sandwich chain's discounts, one of many changes rolled out by new CEO John Chidsey in a bid to get the struggling company back on track. 

By Alicia Kelso • March 06, 2020

Jimmy John's names Sonic's Darin Dugan as CMO

Dugan replaces John Shea, who served in the role for just over two years, and follows several management shuffles by parent company Inspire Brands.

By Robert Williams • March 06, 2020

Chipotle founder steps down from board

Steve Ells, who founded the company in 1993, will no longer hold a formal role at the company as CEO Brian Niccol takes over as chairman. 

By Julie Littman • March 06, 2020

Taco Bell converting suburban stores to Cantinas in new test

The restaurant also said it plans to open a Cantina in Times Square and a gaming-themed Cantina in San Ramon, California this fall.

By Emma Liem Beckett • UPDATED: March 6, 2020 at 10:14 a.m.

El Pollo Loco rolls out its own plant-based chicken chainwide

The chain is the first to scale a plant-based chicken product, which it developed in-house using 100% GMO-free soy protein through an exclusive supplier.

By Lauren Stine • March 05, 2020

NYC Chipotle worker gets job back in sick leave settlement

The employee will also receive $2,500 in restitution, and Chipotle will remove disciplinary marks on her record for using paid sick leave offered under New York City law.

By Lisa Burden • March 04, 2020

Yum acquires leadership development program

The parent company of Pizza Hut and Taco Bell plans to offer Heartstyles, which provides hands-on training, to 98% of its restaurants.

By Julie Littman • March 04, 2020

Arby's names P&G's Patrick Schwing as CMO

Schwing previously led the global interactivity and innovation group at Oral-B, P&G's consumer dental care brand. ​

By Robert Williams • March 04, 2020