Papa John's 'Voices' campaign helps shift brand perception

Following efforts to use storytelling to put a more relatable face on the company, consumer sentiment moved from negative to neutral or positive.

By Erica Sweeney • Nov. 8, 2018

Carl's Jr. catches 'Famous Stars' for multichannel influencer campaign

The fast food brand is teaming up with Australian comedian and Instagram star Celeste Barber on the new "Famous Stars, Eating Famous Stars" spots.

By Erica Sweeney • Nov. 5, 2018

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

El Pollo Loco's rebrand will focus on Hispanic consumers, delivery

The California-based Mexican quick-service chain wants to build on a new logo and store design, focusing on its made-in-house ingredients and family dinners.   

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 5, 2018

Private equity suitors reportedly wooing Papa John's

Anonymous sources told Reuters that binding offers for the world's third-largest pizza chain are expected in the next few weeks. 

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 1, 2018

Jack in the Box franchisees ask for board seat, marketing audit

Less than a month after the fast food chain's franchisee association called on CEO Lenny Comma to step down, the group is now pushing for a "solutions-focused meeting" to rein in declining transactions.

By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 31, 2018

BrewDog Airlines offers group travel experience for craft brewer's fans

The trip from London includes BrewDog-inspired dining, Cicerone-trained cabin staff, canned cocktails from its spirits arm LoneWolf and a visit to its new brewery in Columbus, Ohio. 

By Erica Sweeney • Oct. 31, 2018

Pizza Hut unveils robotic delivery truck that bakes pizzas en route

The chain partnered with Toyota to create the PIE Pro prototype, which cooks pies in seven minutes and could help trim delivery times and broaden its footprint in the competitive space.  

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 31, 2018

IHOP gets in the holiday spirit with Grinch-inspired menu, ads

The pancake chain's limited-time offerings include green pancakes, green whipped cream-topped hot chocolate and a "roast beast" omelet.  

By Erica Sweeney • Oct. 30, 2018

More than 80% of diners choose restaurants that respond to online reviews

Three out of four consumers believe those responses should be personalized, pressuring businesses to hone their brand voice and be vigilant about managing internet reputations.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 29, 2018

Starbucks can't quit its specialty Frappuccinos, despite sliding sales

The coffee chain rolled out a Halloween-themed blended drink for the fourth year in a row, though sales for the category were down 3% in May.

By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 26, 2018

Dunkin' launches revamped espresso to check premium rivals

The chain is betting upscale machinery, trained staff and its recent branding change will lure younger consumers away from Starbucks and other higher-priced competitors.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 25, 2018

First US sign language Starbucks opens in DC

The coffee giant brings the Signing Store to Washington during a time when the restaurant industry is publicly trying to change its diversity practices. 

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 24, 2018

Popeyes' drive-thru asks fans to drive 12 hours for free chicken

Customers can place an order at a roadside menu board in Fort Stockton, Texas, and pick up their food in New Orleans, a drive that takes 12 hours to complete, the same length of time their chicken will marinate. 

By Erica Sweeney • Oct. 24, 2018

Phoenix IHOP serves beer, Bloody Marys and wine on tap

After taking over a former Lone Star Steakhouse, the franchise owner left the bar intact, making it the first standalone IHOP to offer an alcoholic drink menu.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 23, 2018

Google adds reviews to Maps, putting pressure on restaurants

The search engine surpassed other review sites when mobile internet overtook desktop searches last year. 

By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 22, 2018

Chipotle promises year of free 'booritos' in Instagram costume contest

Fans can vote for the "Boorito Champion" through the chain's Instagram Story on Nov. 1.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 22, 2018

OpenTable's CEO departs as Kayak chief assumes lead

The executive shakeup comes as competition in restaurant reservations heats up, and could signal a global push to connect travelers with lodging, transportation and dining all in one place.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 19, 2018

Subway drafts NBA players for trivia challenge on Instagram

Los Angeles Clippers' Boban Marjanović and Tobias Harris hosted the first weekly match that aims to boost the sandwich chain's loyalty program.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 19, 2018

Denny's taps CRM platform Punchh to boost customer engagement

The cloud-based marketing solution will allow the restaurant to collect behavioral analytics to develop personalized relationships with its diners.

By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 18, 2018

Inside Starbucks' secretive, ad-free Facebook community for fall enthusiasts

The Leaf Rakers Society, now at over 26,000 members, has become a powerful tool for peer-to-peer recommendations around seasonal products like the Pumpkin Spice Latte.

By Peter Adams • Oct. 17, 2018

Comic Dive: Dunkin' Goes Nuts

After dropping "Donuts" from its branding, the coffee chain is embracing craft beer, dry shampoo, tiny homes and more to forge a fresh identity.

By John Hazard and Lisa Burdige • Oct. 16, 2018

Domino's US same-store sales slip, but earnings top expectations

The chain continues to look abroad for growth, announcing international same-store sales gains of 3.3% and opening 173 new restaurants during the period. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Oct. 16, 2018

Burger King partners with DoorDash for Twitch takeover

The chain's king mascot will battle popular gaming personalities in Activision's latest 'Call of Duty' game.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 15, 2018

From fast to fancy: QSRs go upscale to compete with fast casual

McDonald's, Chick-fil-A, Taco Bell and other major chains are trying to win customers with table service, butler bells and new store design. But will these changes alienate their core customers?

By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 15, 2018

Wendy's CMO on striking the right amount of social media sass

At Advertising Week, the exec talked about the brand's reputation for dishing out direct, cheeky jabs at competitors and how this drives results. 

By Natalie Black (Koltun) • Oct. 5, 2018