Dave & Buster’s dials back some of its ‘confusing’ experience changes

The restaurant company is reversing course on proposed changes, like flexible game pricing, with an eye toward simplification, according to CEO Kevin Sheehan.

By Bryan Wassel • June 13, 2025

Fuzzy’s to open first full-service restaurant

Fuzzy’s Tacos and Margs will offer tableside service, a taco-focused menu and a new slate of beverages in Sugar Land, Texas, next week.

By Julie Littman • Updated 9 hours ago

Explore the Trendline➔

Back-of-house Technology

From AI-enhanced POS systems and analytics to robot-powered kitchen equipment, restaurants are investing in technology solutions to optimize kitchen operations and reduce employee turnover. 

By Restaurant Dive staff

Restaurants develop a taste for AI as economic outlook sours

BJ’s Restaurants, Cracker Barrel and Bloomin’ Brands pursue efficiency and productivity gains with AI initiatives.

By Lindsey Wilkinson • June 12, 2025

7 Brew hires first supply chain chief

Christopher Held, who worked at Inspire Brands for six years, will help scale operations, optimize supply chain and ensure product consistency at the fast-growing coffee chain.

By Julie Littman • June 12, 2025

Starbucks cafes are getting more managers

The cafe chain is launching a full-time assistant manager program, which will be systemwide in 2026, to fill a critical gap in store-level leadership.

By Julie Littman • June 11, 2025

Starbucks deploys virtual assistant to improve workflows

Green Dot Assist will help staff look up various ingredients for drinks, troubleshoot equipment and help managers staff last-minute callouts.

By Julie Littman • June 11, 2025

California Pizza Kitchen adds 3 salads to permanent menu

The offerings come months after it partnered with Man Vs Fries to add a virtual menu.

By Julie Littman • June 10, 2025

Culver’s revamps chicken sandwiches

The chain will update three chicken sandwiches on June 16, just as rivals Popeyes and McDonald’s launch new items in the popular category.

By Julie Littman • June 10, 2025

Caribou Coffee opens first standalone Texas unit

The chain, which opened four locations in North Carolina last year, is expanding further into the Southeast and beyond its Midwest roots.

By Julie Littman • Updated June 10, 2025

Taco John’s hires GoTo Foods vet as COO

Jackie Secor, who has over 25 years of restaurant experience, joins the 350-unit chain as it expands into new and existing markets.

By Julie Littman • June 9, 2025

Auntie Anne’s unveils refreshed store design

A bolder color palette and new logo are meant to attract Gen Z and millennials, while other elements will improve operations and support long-term growth.

By Julie Littman • June 9, 2025

BJ’s Restaurants appoints CEO

Lyle D. Tick, current president and chief concept officer, was promoted to the top executive post after being with the company since September. 

By Julie Littman • Updated June 6, 2025

Starbucks revives COO position

Mike Grams has become the chain's first chief operating officer since the role was removed from the corporate structure in 2022.

By Julie Littman • June 5, 2025

Hooters of America closes dozens more restaurants

The closures, which occurred a few months after the chain filed for bankruptcy, won’t impact the sale of 100 company restaurants to two existing franchisees. 

By Julie Littman • June 5, 2025

The many faces of automation at the NRA Show

This year artificial intelligence appeared in forms ranging from a cat-eared delivery robot to a generated analytics dashboard.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • June 5, 2025

Blaze Pizza appoints Starbucks vet as COO

Jaime Denney, who has over 25 years of restaurant experience, will oversee company and franchise operations and work to boost speed, profitability and hospitality.

By Julie Littman • June 5, 2025

Nusr-Et Steakhouse closes all but 2 US restaurants

The fine dining chain owned by celebrity chef Salt-Bae has shifted focus to international growth.

By Julie Littman • June 4, 2025

DC city council pauses tipped wage hike

In a possible prelude to repealing Initiative 82, a plan to eliminate the tipped minimum wage, the council voted Tuesday to delay a $2 wage increase scheduled for July 1.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Updated June 4, 2025

Saladworks to expand in North Carolina with 10-unit deal

The chain, which once leaned on alternative growth vehicles like ghost kitchens and automated saladbots, will open the first of these traditional units in 2026.

By Julie Littman • June 3, 2025

Zaxbys’ latest LTO emphasizes late-night dining

The fried chicken chain joins brands like Pizza Hut, Wendy’s and Portillo’s in making late-night occasions a strategic priority.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • June 3, 2025

No taxes on tips may happen soon. Here’s what it could look like for hospitality workers.

Congress could pass legislation that includes eliminating taxes on tips as soon as this month. But what the legislation will look like — and its effects — are still up for debate.

By Noelle Mateer • June 3, 2025

Walmart to bring Wienerschnitzel restaurants to 6 stores

The retailer has partnered with the hot dog chain, marking its latest move to grow its roster of in-store quick-service restaurant partners.

By Peyton Bigora • June 3, 2025

How tariffs could impact 11 major restaurant companies

While a bulk of chains, including Sweetgreen and Chipotle, expect minimal impact to food costs because of domestic supply chains, the cost of new equipment could rise.

By Julie Littman • May 30, 2025

Red Robin ‘far from claiming victory’ despite comps growth

The casual chain’s turnaround efforts are paying off in terms of comparable sales and profits, but executives say a repeat performance is unlikely in Q2.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 30, 2025

Chicken Salad Chick hits 300 restaurants

As fast casual restaurants outperform the rest of the industry, the chain signed a record number of franchising agreements in Q1 and its AUV is growing.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 28, 2025