Operations

Black McDonald's franchisees amend lawsuit, cite profitability discrepancies

The suit argues the restaurant intentionally covered up a net income gap of over $400,000 annually between Black and White operators. McDonald's calls the allegations "unfounded."

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 27, 2021

By Chloe becomes Beatnic as part of rebrand

With a new name and owners, the vegan chain, which emerged from bankruptcy earlier this year, plans to expand its concept further into New York City and beyond. 

By Julie Littman • July 27, 2021

Explore the Trendline➔

Trendline

Independent restaurants

In an industry built on in-person interactions and long-term relationships with customers, the COVID-19 crisis was a serious blow to independent operators, but many have pivoted and found new ways to reach diners.

By Restaurant Dive staff

Opinion

The on-premise restaurant experiencing isn't dying — it's evolving

Rather than debating whether virtual channels are overtaking traditional ones, QSRs should focus on how the two avenues can complement each other, writes Shauna Moran, insights analyst at GWI.

By Shauna Moran • July 26, 2021

McDonald's creates team to elevate diner experiences

Golden Arches veteran Manu Steijaert will lead the customer experience division in the new position of EVP and global chief customer officer effective Aug. 1. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 26, 2021

McDonald's to allocate 25% of supply chain spend toward diverse businesses by 2025

The fast food chain is broadening its diversity goals beyond its corporate offices and restaurants, but accusations of inequity and prejudice within the company persist.

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 23, 2021

Chipotle CFO: higher wages preventing staff shortages

The company maintains pricing power, finance chief Jack Hartung says, giving it flexibility to decide when to use that power to either protect margins or make an additional investment in its people. 

By Jane Thier • July 22, 2021

Chipotle's digital sales rose 10.5% during Q2

CEO Brian Niccol said he expects the company's returns to continue to improve as it accelerates its order and pay ahead model, Chipotlanes, which open with 20% higher sales compared to traditional stores.

By Alicia Kelso , Julie Littman • July 21, 2021

Panera expands virtual catering to loyalty members

Following a soft launch earlier this year, Panera Connects, which provides meal vouchers to online event attendees, will be available to the chain's 40 million MyPanera members.

By Julie Littman • July 20, 2021

Jollibee plans to reach 500 stores in North America in 5-7 years

The popular Filipino fast food chain, which has 1,400 units in the Philippines, is already on its way to opening 28 stores in Canada and the U.S. this year.

By Julie Littman • July 20, 2021

Portillo's targets an IPO for 2021

The hot dog chain is aiming for a valuation of $2.5 billion to $3 billion, the Wall Street Journal reported Friday, and would be the fourth U.S. restaurant company to pursue a public debut this year.

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 19, 2021

Opinion

How successful ghost kitchens are built

Restaurant operators need to focus on location, menu development and consumer satisfaction KPIs when developing delivery-only concepts, writes Chris Adams, vice president of strategy at Oracle Food and Beverage.

By Chris Adams • July 16, 2021

Host kitchen and software startup Acelerate secures $14.4M in funding

The company licenses seven proprietary brands to existing restaurants and works with operators to bring their menus to other restaurant partners.

By Alicia Kelso , Emma Liem Beckett • July 15, 2021

Ruby Tuesday to serve virtual barbecue brand in-store

Through September, guests can order Libby's BBQ, which was originally conceived as a delivery-only brand, for dine-in, takeout and delivery. 

By Julie Littman • July 15, 2021

Popeyes to debut chicken nuggets after stockpiling poultry for 6 months

This preparation could help the chain avoid the shortages and long lines that followed its wildly successful chicken sandwich launch.

By Julie Littman • July 13, 2021

McDonald's franchisees boosting pay, rolling out child and elder care benefits

Operators surveyed more than 5,000 employees to determine what new offerings, such as tuition coverage and child care, would be most attractive.

By Emma Liem Beckett • UPDATED: July 13, 2021 at 12:25 p.m.

Bonchon says 72% of stores planned for 2021 will be fast casual

The chain experienced 15.3% same-store sales growth as of the end of June, and the company said the fast casual format has been well received by franchisees. 

By Alicia Kelso • July 12, 2021

Study: Labor shortages, food costs are now restaurants' biggest concerns

New research commissioned by Uber Eats and DoorDash shows concern about these issues eclipses operator worries about third-party delivery fees.

By Alicia Kelso • July 08, 2021

Burger King Americas president steps down

Chris Finazzo's departure comes as the company attempts to reinvent itself in the QSR space, launching a digitally focused rebrand and loyalty program.

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 07, 2021

Subway to launch massive menu revamp

On July 13, the sandwich chain will roll out 20-plus menu updates, including 11 new ingredients and six all-new or returning sandwiches as part of its Eat Fresh Refresh campaign. 

By Julie Littman • July 06, 2021

Domino's lets customers bet on speediness of carside delivery with DraftKings tie-up

The challenge lets DraftKings users predict whether orders will actually show up in under two minutes for a chance to win a share of a $200,000 pot.

By Peter Adams • June 28, 2021

Opinion

The restaurant renaissance is coming. Here's what the industry should expect.

The entire food supply chain is in recovery mode, and restaurants need to diversify their vendors and use back-of-house technology to keep up their supply, writes Chelsea van Hooven, global industry advisor at Choco. 

By Chelsea van Hooven • June 25, 2021

Donatos partners with Reef Kitchens to open a ghost kitchen

The delivery-only collaboration, which will expand the pizza chain's presence in Nashville, Tennessee, comes as the restaurant also grows through its relationship with Red Robin.

By Alicia Kelso • June 25, 2021

39% of restaurants can't afford June rent, report finds

Despite improvements from May, when 49% of restaurants couldn't pay rent, operators continue to struggle with inflation and a labor shortage, which are impacting revenue.  

By Alicia Kelso • June 23, 2021

Red Robin to add 120 Donatos locations this year

The growth plan will bring the partnership that began in 2018 into more than 200 locations. 

By Alicia Kelso • June 21, 2021

Wingstop debuts virtual brand focused on chicken thighs

As wing prices increase, Thighstop will instead provide a menu of bone-in and boneless thighs tossed in 11 different flavors. 

By Julie Littman • June 21, 2021