Operations
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Firehouse Subs CEO retires
After over 13 years leading the sandwich chain, Don Fox handed leadership over to the company’s COO Mike Hancock.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne , Julie Littman • March 31, 2023 -
Burger King franchisee bankruptcies may signal more QSR trouble
The bankruptcy of two major Burger King operators laid bare the problems facing franchisees. But at Burger King, the worst may be over.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 31, 2023 -
Explore the Trendline➔
sam edwards via Getty ImagesTrendlineRestaurant Dive Outlook for 2023
Restaurants across categories are hungry for growth this year, with many embracing franchising. However, confidence in the ghost kitchen model is waning.
By Restaurant Dive staff -
Panera’s latest innovation uses Alexa ordering capabilities
MyPanera rewards members can order pickup or delivery with voice or touch on Echo Show devices.
By Julie Littman • March 29, 2023 -
IHOP to serve biggest menu revision to date
The new items, which will be added on Monday, span across breakfast, lunch and dinner and are part of the company’s ongoing menu innovation strategy.
By Julie Littman • March 29, 2023 -
Jinya Ramen Bar to grow from 52 units to 200-plus in 10 years
The Asian food chain opened eight restaurants last year and aims to add 25 locations annually.
By Julie Littman • March 29, 2023 -
Courtesy of Modern Restaurant Market, True Food Kitchen, The Habit Burger, Starbucks, CKE Restaurants, Restaurant Brands International
Who’s who: Meet the newest CEOs of the restaurant industry
Chains like Starbucks, Restaurant Brands International, CKE Restaurants and True Food Kitchen gained new leadership during Q1.
By Julie Littman • March 29, 2023 -
QSRs expect 51% of tasks will be automated by 2025
Operators said they will invest more in technology to support digital order fulfillment, operational efficiency in the kitchen and faster checkout times, per an Incisiv report.
By Julie Littman • March 29, 2023 -
Fogo de Chão says plant-based fare, cocktail lounges attract young diners
By offering a richer menu than just fire-roasted meats, the Brazilian restaurant has gained strong awareness among younger consumers, which has helped it open new restaurants.
By Julie Littman • March 24, 2023 -
Luckin Coffee’s ‘revenue reckoning’ takeaways
The Beijing-based chain was initially viewed as a kind of David poised to take on the Goliath of the coffee world — Starbucks — in China.
By Maura Webber Sadovi • March 23, 2023 -
How breakfast brands are reinventing morning menus
Restaurants like First Watch, Snooze and Another Broken Egg Cafe have been adding twists to classic menu items as the segment emphasizes affordable brunch options.
By Julie Littman • March 23, 2023 -
True Food Kitchen appoints Lazy Dog exec as CEO
John Williams joins the 43-unit, wellness-focused chain as it looks to grow and open a new fast casual concept to reach new customers.
By Julie Littman • March 23, 2023 -
Breakfast eateries embrace delivery, technology
Chains have adapted front- and back-of-house operations to accommodate more off-premise sales and technology to improve the dine-in experience.
By Julie Littman • March 22, 2023 -
Papa Johns CFO resigns
Ann Gugino, who has been at the pizza chain since 2020, is leaving effective May 31. Papa Johns has begun a search for a permanent CFO.
By Julie Littman • March 22, 2023 -
Retrieved from Pretzelmaker on March 21, 2023
Pretzelmaker opens first drive-thru
The Mason City, Iowa unit will include the chain’s Fresh Twist brand menu, which launched in 2018 to meet demand for breakfast and late-night options.
By Julie Littman • March 21, 2023 -
Survey: 66% of franchisees feel optimistic about business
Changing consumer preferences may push franchisees to invest in store remodels and digital ordering and delivery systems, TD Bank found in a survey.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 21, 2023 -
Deep Dive
Rise and shine: Why breakfast chains are booming
Early bird foot traffic from remote and hybrid workers is boosting same-store sales growth at A.M. eateries, fueling sizable expansion pipelines.
By Julie Littman • March 21, 2023 -
Retrieved from Chick-fil-A on March 17, 2023
Chick-fil-A to roll out updates to rewards program in April
Chick-fil-A One, which has over 50 million members, will offer new items and increased points for redemption on some items starting April 4.
By Julie Littman • March 17, 2023 -
CKE names former Papa Johns COO as CEO
Max Wetzel joins the parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s after working at Papa Johns for over three years in various executive positions.
By Julie Littman • March 17, 2023 -
Steele Brands’ 250-unit pipeline will take it nationwide
After consumer interest in health food boomed following the COVID-19 pandemic, the holding company accelerated franchising of its Crisp & Green concept, which will soon operate in 25 states.
By Julie Littman • March 17, 2023 -
Subway brings back Footlong Pass subscription
The chain, which sold out 10,000 subscriptions in August in under six hours, is now offering 250,000 passes to rewards members for April redemption.
By Julie Littman • March 17, 2023 -
Krispy Kreme exiting CPG snack business, cutting 102 jobs
The sweets maker said the segment underperformed on the market. Instead, the company is focusing on delivering fresh-baked doughnuts to stores.
By Megan Poinski • March 17, 2023 -
Nextbite, IHOP launch TenderFix virtual brand
Nextbite’s chicken-centric brand, which was developed with the help of actor Noah Schnapp, marks the third partnership between the host kitchen and IHOP.
By Julie Littman • March 16, 2023 -
Sweetgreen teams with Zipline for drone delivery
Zipline’s new home delivery platform would use 97% less energy than deliveries fulfilled by car, the company claims.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 16, 2023 -
Denny’s serves up AR experience with new menu overhaul
Guests can take a virtual tour of Denny’s new menu and get exclusive deals, as part of a brand update that includes new kitchen equipment and food offerings.
By Julie Littman • March 15, 2023 -
Hawaiian Bros signs first multi-unit franchise deal for 75 units
The roughly 30-unit fast casual chain will more than double its unit count in a deal with Stine Enterprises to open restaurants in Arizona and North Texas.
By Julie Littman • Updated March 15, 2023