How restaurants are taking control of delivery in 2020

With doubts swirling over delivery's long-term profitability, this year will be marked by more restaurants renegotiating commission rates, developing branded online ordering and adding virtual kitchen options.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 31, 2020

Uber Eats, DoorDash reportedly considered merger in 2019

The two largest delivery providers in the U.S. discussed combining operations around six months ago, following pressure from mutual investor SoftBank, but talks fell apart, according to the Financial Times. 

By Julie Littman • Jan. 31, 2020

McDonald's UK taps Just Eat for delivery, ends Uber Eats exclusivity

The new agreement, which is expected later this year, puts pressure on Uber Eats in a region where half of its 30 million orders come from McDonald's.

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 30, 2020

Deliveroo to adopt dynamic pricing structure

The company plans to start charging fees based on delivery distance in February, including to its monthly subscribers, but members are threatening to boycott the new charges.

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 28, 2020

British regulators investigate Just Eat, Takeaway.com merger

The British Competition and Markets Authority is determining whether the $8 billion deal could stifle competition in the U.K. market.

By Lauren Manning • Jan. 27, 2020

How 6 full-service brands make off-premise work

While Chuy’s and Macaroni Grill have honed their third-party delivery partnerships, Olive Garden is doubling down on its independent off-premise strategy.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 23, 2020

Grubhub diversifies with tech suite focused on pickup

The company's Ultimate platform offers digital queues, POS integration, kitchen display systems and self-order kiosks, all of which could help it gain an edge against rival third-party providers. 

By Julie Littman • Jan. 23, 2020

Uber sells India food delivery business to local competitor

The company sold Uber Eats India to Zomato as part of its strategy to leave regions where management doesn't think it can be a top player in the space. 

By Julie Littman • Jan. 21, 2020

P.F. Chang's dips toes in to-go only trend

The chain's newest restaurant in Chicago will focus on carryout, catering and delivery, joining other casual chains like Applebee's, IHOP and Buffalo Wild Wings that are testing to-go focused models. 

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 16, 2020

TGI Fridays will revamp bar to ignite alcohol sales

The chain will change its beverage program as well as music, seating and lighting to encourage more socializing in the hopes to boost its alcohol sales, which make up 30% of its $2.1 billion sales. 

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 14, 2020

Grubhub is still charging phone call fees, NYC restaurant claims

Expat claims that only three of the 54 phone Grubhub calls it received between Jan. 4 and April 20 resulted in orders, but the platform charged it $380 in commission fees. Grubhub is conducting an audit of the charges.

By Julie Littman • Updated April 24, 2020

Grubhub says it's not for sale

Contradicting The Wall Street Journal's report, the company said,"there is unequivocally no process in place to sell the company," but that it's exploring acquisition opportunities.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Jan. 10, 2020

Burger King steps up with free food for New Yorkers near 'Joker' stairs

While poking fun at rival McDonald's, the QSR is offering Uber Eats delivery to Bronx residents annoyed by a rush of tourists.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 7, 2020

DoorDash teams with Chase to offer cardmembers free DashPash subscriptions

The deal could help the delivery platform differentiate from rivals as off-premise competition grows, and reflects credit card companies' growing investment in the restaurant space. 

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 7, 2020

5 restaurant trends that will define 2020

Analysts predict that ghost restaurants and lifestyle brand campaigns will continue to evolve and shape the market, but Gen Z's influence and interest in micro chains could disrupt the ecosystem.

By Julie Littman , Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 6, 2020

Little Caesars partners with DoorDash for delivery

Diners can place delivery orders through the pizza chain's app and website, and DoorDash will provide last-mile delivery for "at least $5 less" than top competitors, Little Caesars claims.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 6, 2020

Judge denies Uber, Postmates injunction in AB-5 case

U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee said the law doesn't target app-based businesses, as the two companies argued, and doesn't violate the 14th Amendment's equal protection clause. 

By Jennifer Carsen , Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Feb. 11, 2020

Applebee's enters the fast casual game

The casual dining chain opened its first Applebee’s Express in Alabama last month, joining IHOP, The Cheesecake Factory and Famous Dave's in testing to-go friendly concepts. 

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 3, 2020

Chipotle offers to pay delivery fees on anything

The QSR celebrates college football's bowl season with a Twitter contest.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 19, 2019

Shake Shack tests takeout, delivery-focused restaurant in NYC

The 2,600-square-foot store, which is expected to open Dec. 26, is part of the fast casual burger chain's strategy to grow to 450 units in the U.S. 

By Julie Littman • Dec. 18, 2019

Lunch Break: Fogo de Chao's CEO on balancing tech and the fine dining experience

Disruption in the restaurant industry has spurred experimentation at the Brazilian steakhouse, from catered delivery to plant-based meats, says Barry McGowan.

By Thai Phi Le • Dec. 17, 2019

7 of the most dramatic restaurant redesigns of 2019

The growth in digital, off-premise business is a key reason Krispy Kreme, Firehouse Subs, Jamba and Potbelly are transforming their stores. 

By Julie Littman • Dec. 16, 2019

Delivery Hero to pay $4B for Korean food delivery provider

The acquisition will give Delivery Hero a stronghold in South Korea, where the service is competitive, but still has a lot of room for growth. 

By Julie Littman • Dec. 13, 2019

IHOP flips into fast casual segment with new concept

The restaurant chain will open Flip'd by IHOP in Atlanta in April, with locations in New York City, Washington D.C., Denver and San Francisco under consideration for next year.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 11, 2019

Lunch Break: Corner Bakery's off-premise lead talks third-party challenges

Steep delivery fees and erosion of brand control are major obstacles, but these partnerships are still key to growth, says Ed Keller, Corner Bakery's director of off-premise business development.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 10, 2019