Operations


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    TennesseePhotographer via Getty Images

    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 , March 31, 2023
  • Burger King gets a fresh look
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    Courtesy of Burger King

    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 March 31, 2023
  • A photograph of chefs in a kitchen. Explore the Trendline
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    sam edwards via Getty Images
    Trendline

    Restaurant 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 Bread storefront
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    Permission granted by Panera Bread

    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 March 29, 2023
  • A photograph of IHOP's Eggs Benedicts
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    Courtesy of IHOP

    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 March 29, 2023
  • A photo of the inside of Jinya Ramen Bar
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    Permission granted by Jinya Ramen Bar

    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 March 29, 2023
  • An image of six restaurant CEOs
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    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 March 29, 2023
  • Ordering takeout and delivery convenience food from an online Asian restaurant delivery meal from a smart phone.
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    YinYang via Getty Images

    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 March 29, 2023
  • A photograph of Fogo de Chao's roasted power vegetable bowl
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    Permission granted by Fogo de Chão

    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 March 24, 2023
  • Barista at Luckin Coffee shop.
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    Getty Images via Getty Images

    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
  • An image of Elote Mexican Street Corn Hash at First Watch
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    Permission granted by First Watch

    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 March 23, 2023
  • A photograph of John Williams, CEO at True Food Kitchen.
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    Permission granted by True Food Kitchen

    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 March 23, 2023
  • A photograph of Black Bear Diner
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    Permission granted by Black Bear Diner

    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 March 22, 2023
  • A Papa John's sign.
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    Joe Raedle / Staff via Getty Images

    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 March 22, 2023
  • An image of Pretzel Bites and a lemonade from Pretzelmaker
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    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 March 21, 2023
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    Drew Angerer / Staff via Getty Images

    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 March 21, 2023
  • A photograph of a First Watch restaurant
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    Permission granted by First Watch
    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 March 21, 2023
  • An image of a Chick-fil-A customer scanning her rewards program at the drive-thru
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    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 March 17, 2023
  • An image of CKE Restaurants CEO Max Wetzel
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    Courtesy of CKE Restaurants

    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 March 17, 2023
  • An image of Crisp & Green
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    Courtesy of Crisp & Green

    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 March 17, 2023
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    Permission granted by Subway

    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 March 17, 2023
  • Image of assorted doughnuts in an open Krispy Kreme box.
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    Scott Olson via Getty Images

    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
  • A photograph of chicken sliders from IHOP's virtual brand TenderFix
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    Permission granted by Nextbite

    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 March 16, 2023
  • A computer generated image of a drone delivery station attached to a restaurant
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    Courtesy of Zipline

    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 March 16, 2023
  • A photo of a guest viewing an augmented reality experience on Denny's menu.
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    Courtesy of Denny's

    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 March 15, 2023
  • An image of a building with Hawaiian Bros branding
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    Permission granted by Hawaiian Bros

    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 Updated March 15, 2023