Will dine for travel: OpenTable lets loyalty members redeem points at Kayak

With Kayak's CEO at the helm of both brands, the combination lets customers decide whether to save on certain restaurant meals or their hotel stays.

By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 18, 2019

Taco Bell's 'leaked memo' reveals return of Nacho Fries, free giveaway

Starting "Fryday," select "fryologists" in 10 markets will surprise customers by giving out the popular, but limited, menu offering before its official return on Jan. 24. 

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 18, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

Independent restaurants

Dining room refreshes, menu innovation and other unique offerings can help independents stand out from competitors, win new customers and keep existing ones coming back. 

By Restaurant Dive staff

White Castle rolls out the red carpet for Valentine's Day

The burger chain will offer special table-service for the 28th year in a row, but this year fans can order the experience for delivery.

By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 16, 2019

Subway expands mobile marketing abroad after 10X ROI in US test

The sandwich chain is extending its personalized marketing efforts to Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom to boost loyalty.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 15, 2019

DoorDash hits the airwaves with first national ad campaign

Through March 31, DoorDash ads will air on TV, digital and social channels featuring major partners like Wendy's, Chipotle and The Cheesecake Factory.

By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 14, 2019

Taco Bell's new billboard dispenses nacho cheese

Next week's activation in Toronto will promote the launch of the Nacho Cheese Naked Chicken Chalupa.

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 11, 2019

McDonald's reviews local US media business to give franchisees more flexibility, AdAge reports

The news follows last year's formation of the National Owners Association, which gives franchisees more of a voice in the chain's business decisions.

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 11, 2019

Arby's sandwich-inspired subscription box sells out in under an hour

The first month's box is filled with a vintage Arby's sled tray, bacon scarf, winter beanie and a set of temporary tattoos.

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 10, 2019

Resy gives diners 'backstage pass' to their favorite eateries

The reservation platform's new Off Menu Week program features select restaurants that will serve seasonal and experimental dishes.

By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 10, 2019

KFC brings back iconic '90s hairstyle to promote Famous Bowls meal

Fans can get a free "spherical dishware-inspired haircut" on Thursday in Brooklyn and share their new look on Twitter.

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 8, 2019

Dunkin' makes name change official with new packaging, social vignettes

Social media content shows people getting on a first-name basis with the brand by knitting a Dunkin' sweater, getting a Dunkin' hairdo or creating a special handshake.

By Erica Sweeney • Jan. 4, 2019

Chipotle offers lifestyle bowls for mobile, online orders

The chain's latest menu additions cater to specific diets such as paleo, keto and Whole30.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 3, 2019

Make using mobile location data your New Year's marketing resolution

Understanding customer behavior and where they go before and after a visit can better improve a restaurant's marketing, Cuebiq's Brad Piggott says. 

By Brad Piggott • Jan. 2, 2019

Our 7 best stories of 2018

As we begin the new year, Restaurant Dive is taking a look back at our top stories since our launch on Oct. 1.

By Restaurant Dive staff • Dec. 21, 2018

How to achieve true customer loyalty

John Larson & Co. senior partner John Larson says new loyalty programs like Chipotle's should do more for restaurants than just offer customers discounts. 

By John Larson • Dec. 20, 2018

Chipotle kicks off college bowl season with two campaigns

The company will offer free delivery through Jan. 7 and will have its first float in the Tournament of Roses Parade.

By Alicia Kelso • Dec. 19, 2018

Popeyes' 'Emotional Support Chicken' aims to unruffle holiday travelers' feathers

To ease travel stress around the holidays, meals come in a chicken-shaped box at the Philadelphia International Airport.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 19, 2018

Buffalo Wild Wings' redesign delivers high-end sports bar experience

Inspire Brands takes the chain back to its roots with a stadium sports watching experience, an open-air bar and year-round patio, plus lounge areas replete with gaming systems.

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 18, 2018

Taco Bell's new value menu forces competitors to keep pace

The Cravings Value Menu to launch Dec. 27 features food priced from $1 items to $5 boxes. 

By Alicia Kelso • Dec. 17, 2018

Wendy's shares a syrupy holiday tale on Twitter

Illustrated "Twas the Night Before Maple Syrup Day" tweets encourage fans to sample the chain's new Maple Bacon Chicken Sandwich.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 17, 2018

KFC's scented firelog, Busch's sound button continue quirky-holiday-merchandise trend

KFC’s adds a chicken-scented firelog to its line of merchandise, which includes sunscreen and candles.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 13, 2018

Survey: Half of diners rely on friends, family — not Instagram — for recommendations

Only 7% of U.S. consumers have ordered a menu item because they saw an influencer share it on social media, according to a SevenRooms report.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 11, 2018

Papa John's debuts 'crusto-currency' reward program

The embattled pizza chain riffs on the crytocurrency craze with its improved Papa Rewards program.

By Erica Sweeney • Dec. 11, 2018

Burger King's app hit 1M downloads after trolling McDonald's

The "Whopper Detour" geolocation stunt propelled the app to the top of the App Store this week.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 7, 2018

CBD sports water on sale at two Denver chains

In what is likely a first for the restaurant industry, Illegal Burger and El Senor Sol will carry CBD-infused sports water EVERx in Denver. 

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 7, 2018