Operations
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Jack in the Box deploys kiosks at 1,500 restaurants
The chain, which posted negative same-store sales for the quarter, boasted a 18% digital sales mix, just shy of its 20% goal.
By Julie Littman • May 16, 2025 -
How Cava beat traffic gravity in Q1
The brand’s 10.8% comparable sales growth outperformed rival fast casuals, with Chipotle and Sweetgreen posting flat-to-negative sales.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 16, 2025 -
Uber Eats, OpenTable reservation integration will launch this fall
Users will be able to book a reservation from the Uber Eats app through a “Dine Out” tab, which will feature various local dine-in restaurants.
By Julie Littman • May 15, 2025 -
Starbucks union workers strike over dress code changes
Baristas at more than 50 cafes have walked off the job over new clothing policies, which they say deviate from agreements made at the bargaining table.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 14, 2025 -
Tariffs, immigration policy put US restaurants at ‘significant risk’: Fitch
High consumer price sensitivity leaves brands with little room to offset the costs of tariffs and labor market disruptions.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 14, 2025 -
Brinker promotes Aaron White to COO
White will maintain her role as chief people officer in addition to overseeing operational improvements that bolster the employee and guest experience.
By Julie Littman • May 13, 2025 -
Applebee’s perks up its loyalty program with an emphasis on exclusivity
Dine Brands wants to use memorable loyalty opportunities and speedy service to help Applebee’s and IHOP grow.
By Bryan Wassel • May 13, 2025 -
Why Mountain Mike’s doesn’t want to be like every other pizza chain
Unlike rival brands that are shrinking footprints to focus on off-premise service, the California-based chain leans on its dining rooms, salad bar and arcade games to stay competitive.
By Julie Littman • May 13, 2025 -
Retrieved from NACS.
Arko begins building food-focused stores, will debut new foodservice program
The convenience retailer is investing between $700,000 and $1.1 million into each new location and intends to finish all seven pilot sites by the end of 2025.
By Brett Dworski • May 12, 2025 -
How Potbelly harnessed transformational growth
After undertaking a turnaround strategy, the company has grown comparable sales, accelerated franchise development and added popular menu items.
By Julie Littman • May 12, 2025 -
Sweetgreen’s same-store sales slip for first time as public company
The salad brand attributed its sales shortfall to consumer pullback, and is looking to loyalty and LTOs to offset the trouble.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 9, 2025 -
How restaurants can tap into the beverage craze
Young, health-conscious consumers are seeking out innovative non-alcoholic drinks, and well-positioned restaurants can capture that new demand.
By Danielle McLean • May 9, 2025 -
How Noodles & Company beat Chipotle’s Q1 comparable sales
The chain posted a 4.4% increase in comp sales in Q1 2025 even though larger chains like Chipotle and Wingstop posted anemic comps.
By Julie Littman • May 8, 2025 -
Why Dine Brands is going all in on dual-branded restaurants
Franchisees are increasingly buying into dual-branded units since they lead to higher sales compared to a standalone restaurant.
By Julie Littman • May 8, 2025 -
Chipotle hires Taco Bell exec as COO
Jason Kidd succeeds Scott Boatwright, who was promoted to CEO earlier this year, and will oversee operations across the chain’s nearly 3,800 units.
By Julie Littman • May 7, 2025 -
DoorDash to buy SevenRooms for $1.2B
The deal comes on the heels of DoorDash’s $3.9 billion Deliveroo acquisition and will add tools like reservations, waitlist and table management to its merchant products.
By Julie Littman • May 6, 2025 -
Retrieved from Google.
Circle K adding Burrito Express QSRs in Phoenix
The retailer, which has over 150 c-stores in the city, is expected to open six Burrito Express Fast and Fresh restaurants as it strengthens its foodservice capabilities.
By Brett Dworski • May 6, 2025 -
El Pollo Loco will open 500th restaurant this year
The chain will open at least 10 units this year, most of which will be outside of California, as the chain works toward regaining unit growth momentum.
By Julie Littman • May 5, 2025 -
Shake Shack rolls out digital menu boards, combos to speed up drive-thru
The drive-thru efforts build on five consecutive quarters of improvements to speed of service and order accuracy.
By Bryan Wassel • May 5, 2025 -
Wendy’s to deploy drive-thru AI to over 500 restaurants this year
The chain has installed Fresh AI at over 160 units as part of its larger strategy to improve the customer experience.
By Julie Littman • May 2, 2025 -
McDonald’s to test expanded beverage menu this year
Adding more items to its menu, including energy drinks and coffee, will help the chain compete with sector rivals and boost profitability.
By Julie Littman • May 1, 2025 -
McDonald’s US traffic slides due to economic uncertainty
Low- and middle-income guests pulled back spending in Q1, but the chain expects improved performance from promotions and the launch of chicken strips.
By Julie Littman • May 1, 2025 -
Chili’s notches 21% traffic surge
The casual chain’s focus on value is driving success where rivals are lagging, with many competitors reporting sliding same-store sales.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 29, 2025 -
Independent restaurants could use pandemic-era strategies against tariffs
Navigating supply chain challenges under Trump’s fluctuating trade policy will require both flexibility and conservative cost measures, experts and restaurateurs say.
By Danielle McLean • April 28, 2025 -
Retrieved from Tri Star Energy.
How c-stores can pull loyalty from QSRs
Strong value, including meal deals and quality food, could help c-stores make inroads against fast food, says restaurant technology company Tillster.
By Jessica Loder • April 25, 2025