Operations
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Deep DiveFrom food halls to ghost kitchens, collaboration is on the menu for grocers and restaurants
While both can siphon dollars from the other, the right partnerships could boost operational efficiencies, drive brand awareness and elevate food offerings.
By Jeff Wells • Nov. 21, 2019 -
Chipotle rolls out Alexa voice ordering
The feature is part of the chain's larger digital sales platform, which is nearing $1 billion, and will allow customers to reorder their favorite meals within seconds.
By Julie Littman • Nov. 21, 2019 -
Mariano's to open new BBQ concept to replace Pork & Mindy's
Following the Chicago-based restaurant's bankruptcy filing, the grocer says it will open a new brand called Mariano's Smokehouse.
By Krishna Thakker • Nov. 20, 2019 -
Deep DiveDelivery from aisle 5: How grocers are threatening restaurants' off-premise business
Grocery and convenience stores are delivering meals via third-party platforms, but may not have the right expertise and menus in place to compete with restaurants — yet.
By Julie Littman • Nov. 19, 2019 -
Starbucks loses traffic to open bathroom policy
A new study found that visits to Starbucks dropped 6.8% following the company's adoption of the new store rule in May 2018.
By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 18, 2019 -
Chopt opens delivery/pickup-only store to meet digital demand
The chain opened the off-premise concept in New York City to address digitally generated orders, which account for 40% of all the restaurant's orders.
By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 18, 2019 -
Chick-fil-A will no longer donate to anti-LGBTQ nonprofits
The fast food chain's charitable arm will highlight organizations that focus on education, homelessness and hunger.
By Julie Littman • Nov. 18, 2019 -
Chipotle's digital business is closing in on $1B sales. Here's how it got there
The chain is eyeing artificial intelligence and new ordering techniques like text messaging as part of its growing digital strategy, which includes pickup shelves and a digital makeline.
By Julie Littman • Nov. 18, 2019 -
Chick-fil-A now delivers out of DoorDash Kitchens
The chain's virtual kitchen in Redwood City, California, began delivery in early November, but can reach seven additional markets in the Bay Area.
By Julie Littman • Nov. 14, 2019 -
Deep DiveThe ins and outs of simpler brand identities
Dunkin', Starbucks and KFC have streamlined their logos, but delivering a short and simple brand identity isn't without risks.
By Dianna Christe • Nov. 14, 2019 -
Maine inmates can complete a culinary apprenticeship while they serve time
The news represents a convergence of major employment trends: a talent shortage, a resurgence of apprenticeships and a new interest in second-chance hiring.
By Kate Tornone • Nov. 13, 2019 -
McDonald's kiosks don't accept cash, may need replacement
The new kiosks, which are part of the chain's Experience of the Future remodels, exclude 40% to 60% of the chain's diners. And if the tech is modified or replaced, the costs could fall to franchise operators.
By Julie Littman • Nov. 13, 2019 -
4 challenges McDonald's new CEO must overcome
Chris Kempczinski inherits a tense relationship with franchisees and employee frustration over sexual harassment and minimum wage — issues he must deescalate to keep the world’s largest fast food chain on top.
By Julie Littman • Nov. 12, 2019 -
Subway enforcing 20-year lease agreements to stem store closures, NY Post reports
Franchisees told the publication those who don't renew their five-year leases must complete a corporate questionnaire to try and find replacement operators.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Nov. 11, 2019 -
OpinionReduce restaurant theft with better onboarding and reporting practices
Businesses need to review training materials and offer a clear way to address issues swiftly to prevent serial theft, says Ethics Suite president and co-founder Juliette Gust.
By Juliette Gust • Nov. 08, 2019 -
ColumnShift Change: McDonald's CEO, chief people officer out; Papa John's restructures senior management
This week's Shift Change also has executive news from Ike's Love & Sandwiches and Guy Fieri's new Chicken Guy concept.
By Julie Littman • Nov. 08, 2019 -
Wendy's offers franchisees chance to opt-out of breakfast
As the fast food chain prepares for its 2020 breakfast launch, it is considering a fail-safe in case operators find the daypart unprofitable after a year.
By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 07, 2019 -
Subway pilots employee career development program
The partnership with Penn Foster will offer 331 employees in Central Florida an online career readiness boot camp and high school program, part of an ongoing QSR trend to offer educational perks for employees.
By Lauren Stine • Nov. 07, 2019 -
A chaotic wait for the Popeyes sandwich spotlights Chick-fil-A's operational edge
Restaurant Dive stood in line and found that while Popeyes' sandwich may win the taste battle, its store experience could lose it the chicken sandwich wars.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Nov. 06, 2019 -
Food service hiring leads jobs growth ahead of the holiday season
The restaurant industry grew 48,000 jobs in October leading all job categories, despite an ongoing labor shortage, and competition from more attractive segments like retailers.
By Ryan Golden , Julie Littman • Nov. 05, 2019 -
Chipotle, Panera, Starbucks have fastest in-store pickup times, survey finds
Dedicated pickup systems and an emphasis on mobile ordering capability helped the three QSRs outpace the seven other fast food chains analyzed by Rakuten Ready.
By Lauren Stine • Nov. 05, 2019 -
Restaurants need flexible scheduling to secure holiday workers, study says
Restaurants will have to rely better hours to win out over retailers in the labor battle during the holidays, according to a Bluecrew study.
By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 04, 2019 -
Fast food chains are losing $178M at the drive-thru annually
Complicated menu boards that impact the back-of-house can cause slower service times and inaccurate orders.
By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 04, 2019 -
P.F. Chang's targets Miami party crowd with late-night concept
Chang's After Dark will include live entertainment and craft cocktails, and reflects a growing trend among casual restaurants to provide more in-store experiences to differentiate.
By Lauren Stine • Nov. 01, 2019 -
IHOP to open 94 units in its largest franchise deal ever
The casual brand partnered with TravelCenters of America to open restaurants at TA and Petro Shopping Centers, a strategy that is in line with IHOP's push to open in more alternative locations.
By Julie Littman • Oct. 30, 2019
