Pizza robot truck startup Stellar snags $16.5M from Jay-Z

The funding from Jay-Z’s Marcy Venture Partners was reported by multiple outlets, and follows an earlier $9 million round led by other investors.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 4, 2022

Report: Beef prices to rise 15% in 2023, poultry costs will fall

Poultry prices are expected to ease substantially next year, benefiting chicken-heavy brands like Wingstop and Chipotle, according to a BTIG report.

By Alicia Kelso • Sept. 22, 2022

True Food Kitchen will use $100M funding to grow, launch smaller units

The investment round, led by HumanCo and Manna Tree, is the 43-unit wellness chain’s largest cash infusion since its founding in 2008. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Sept. 21, 2022

RBI announces $400M marketing and remodel overhaul for Burger King

The company’s programs, Fuel the Flame and Royal Reset, aim to modernize the brand and remodel 800 restaurants by the end of 2025.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 12, 2022

Freddy’s names COO, VP of finance as it continues to expand

Brian Wise, who previously served as SVP of operations, was promoted to chief operating officer, while Jerry Kunz joined the company from First Watch.

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 30, 2022

Danny Meyer’s investment arm injects $10M into voice AI tech firm

ConverseNow, which partners with 1,200 restaurants across 40 states, plans to use this cash better meet demand.

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 24, 2022

Jack in the Box offers multi-unit franchisees discounted royalty rates

The incentive program, which is available to operators who develop at least three stores, could save franchisees $180,000 per unit, the chain claims.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 17, 2022

7-Eleven reportedly acquires delivery startup, intends to compete with DoorDash

The c-store giant bought Skipcart, which provides same-day and on-demand delivery, according to The Information. 

By Brett Dworski • Aug. 8, 2022

McDonald's digital sales top $6B across top 6 markets

Digital channels account for about a quarter of the chain’s sales in the U.S.

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 27, 2022

Kitchen United secures $100M

The firm plans to grow from 15 locations to over 500 using malls, shopping centers and supermarkets operated by new investors, Business Insider reports.

By Julie Littman • July 25, 2022

Denny's completes $82.5M acquisition of Keke's Breakfast Cafe

The breakfast chain, which has 52 locations in Florida, is expected to provide expansion opportunities as a complementary concept for Denny’s.

By Julie Littman • July 21, 2022

Chipotle invests in kitchen automation platform Hyphen

The tech firm and mushroom-based protein company Meati are the first recipients of Chipotle’s venture fund Cultivate Next.

By Julie Littman • July 21, 2022

ChowNow CEO: More restaurant tech industry layoffs are coming

The company had one of its best sales months in June, but rising interest rates and more expensive capital has Chris Webb preparing for a financial hurricane.

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 19, 2022

C3 lands more capital to expand further into hotels, stadiums

The virtual restaurant company, which secured $80 million in funding last summer and $10 million in October, said the capital will also allow it to grow into new cities and suburbs.

By Alicia Kelso • July 13, 2022

Ghost Financial injects $100M into food truck manufacturer Cruising Kitchens

The funding supports CK Ghost Kitchens, a new Cruising Kitchens division focused on developing ghost kitchen and food truck licensing agreements with celebrities, influencers and athletes. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 11, 2022

Latent loyalty: How restaurants can improve customer retention and profits through a digital-first loyalty program

Restaurants need the right partners to help them identify customers offering them promotions that lead to increased loyalty.

July 11, 2022

Toast buys Sling to enhance employee scheduling, communications

The purchase will enhance Toast’s Team Management offerings by helping operators pay workers faster and better manage labor costs, Toast said.

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 7, 2022

BurgerFi and Gopuff expand delivery nationwide

Following a 90-day trial in Florida, the companies are bringing BurgerFi’s products to more than 30 Gopuff food halls throughout the U.S.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 7, 2022

Panera terminates agreement with Danny Meyer's SPAC

Due to unfavorable capital market conditions, Panera Brands and USHG Acquisition Corp. ended their relationship Friday. Panera said it will continue to explore a public listing if conditions improve.

By Julie Littman • July 1, 2022

Food benefits platform Sharebite raises $39M

The technology, which enables restaurants to deliver food to corporate clients, will use the funding to grow and launch new products.

By Alicia Kelso • June 29, 2022

Reef pursues ownership stake in pizza concept

Reef's EVP for Kitchens and Brands, Kenneth Rourke, will join the board of 800 Degrees Go, a joint venture between 800 Degrees and robotics company Piestro.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 29, 2022

Gov. Pritzker signs budget deal with $50M for Illinois restaurants

Restaurants and taverns with 50 employees or fewer can snag grants of up to $50,000 if they haven't received RRF grants or other state or local financial aid.

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 26, 2022

Activist investor: JET's Grubhub purchase is a 'capital allocation mistake'

Cat Rock Capital Management, which owns 6.9% of shares in Just Eat Takeaway, urged investors to vote against JET's CFO and supervisory board.  

By Julie Littman • April 25, 2022

Most asked questions about sales tax

Sales tax can be a hassle. These are the questions we get asked the most about managing sales tax.

April 25, 2022

Chipotle launches $50M venture fund to access emerging tech

Cultivate Next, which will be funded solely by the chain, will focus on Series B stage companies that can help accelerate Chipotle's strategic priorities.

By Julie Littman • April 19, 2022