Operations
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Courtesy of Chipotle
Chipotle’s traffic rose 5% in Q1 despite price hikes
Visits outpaced the fast casual industry during the quarter thanks to the chain’s strongest throughput in four years and Barbacoa and Carne Asada promotions.
By Julie Littman • April 25, 2024 -
Permission granted by Cava
Cava’s Chicago store marks Midwestern debut
The Wicker Park location is part of the chain’s push to add units after reaching profitability in 2023 and completing its Zoës Kitchen conversions.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 25, 2024 -
Explore the Trendline➔
Permission granted by Homeroom
TrendlineIndependent restaurants
In an industry built on in-person interactions and long-term relationships with customers, the pandemic has dealt a serious blow to independent operators, but many have pivoted and found new ways to reach diners.
By Restaurant Dive staff -
Permission granted by Starbucks Workers United
Starbucks unionization effortsStarbucks meets 150 workers at the bargaining table in Atlanta
While the company still plans store-by-store contract ratification, it is discussing issues impacting all employees with a bargaining committee of union members.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 24, 2024 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Study: Chipotle, Starbucks have highest burnout among major restaurants
Chipotle, which recently added new worker benefits to attract hires, had the second-highest burnout rating of any company in the study, surpassed only by Progressive.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 24, 2024 -
Permission granted by Papa Johns
Papa Johns franchisees accelerating growth this year in light of incentives
Operators who open new units in 2024 don’t have to pay a national ad contribution for five years, which could save $330,000 in development costs, per a BTIG report.
By Julie Littman • April 22, 2024 -
Lamb Weston/Dan Dunson
Sponsored by Lamb WestonCultivating a greener future – The Journey of sustainability in restaurants
Sustainability is more than a buzzword. It is a core value that is becoming indispensable to guests.
April 22, 2024 -
Courtesy of Chuck E. Cheese
6 restaurants that plotted international growth during Q1
Chains like Fazoli’s, Marco’s Pizza and Chuck E. Cheese secured deals to enter new countries as part of ongoing global expansion plans.
By Julie Littman • April 19, 2024 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Why Red Lobster could be headed toward bankruptcy
The chain only paid a quarter of its bills on time in February and over half were 61 to 90 days late, according to data from Creditsafe.
By Julie Littman • April 19, 2024 -
Bruce Bennett via Getty Images
4 things to know about TGI Fridays’ acquisition by Hostmore
The chain’s biggest franchisee has been reducing expenses since 2022, which should help the combined company start on stronger financial footing in the U.K.’s public market.
By Julie Littman • April 18, 2024 -
Permission granted by Fat Brands
Fat Brands expands hybrid Fatburger/Round Table Pizza model to NorCal
Fat Brands franchisee California Burger will add the burger concept to 40 pizza restaurants over the next 10 years, with the first to be completed this year.
By Julie Littman • April 17, 2024 -
Thai Phi Le/Restaurant Dive
Why dynamic pricing sours restaurant dining experiences
Nearly two-thirds of consumers had a negative reaction to dynamic pricing, a HungerRush survey found.
By Kristen Doerer • April 17, 2024 -
Permission granted by Steak n Shake
Steak ‘n Shake installs facial recognition at self-ordering kiosks
The chain, which completed its move from full-service to self-service last year, first tested PopID’s technology in October and began deploying it in January.
By Julie Littman • April 16, 2024 -
Halfpoint via Getty Images
Q&AAsk an expert: How can brands protect struggling franchisees from bankruptcy?
A bad franchisee can do “irreparable harm” to its parent chain, but early intervention can help avoid sales shortfalls and covenant defaults, said Chris Desiderio of Nixon Peabody.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 15, 2024 -
Courtesy of Domino's
Domino’s adds New York Style Pizza to menu
As the most popular style of pizza in the country, the new crust option could continue transaction and comp sales momentum noted during Q4.
By Julie Littman • April 15, 2024 -
Courtesy of Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company bets menu innovation will help drive traffic
As part of a five-point overhaul plan, the chain will use digital capabilities, expanded catering and improved operations to reverse sales declines.
By Julie Littman • April 12, 2024 -
Moses Robinson via Getty Images
KFC names new CFO amid push to boost sales
The finance leadership change comes as KFC struggles with dwindling traffic in a dicey economic environment.
By Alexei Alexis • April 11, 2024 -
Courtesy of Inspire Brands
Buffalo Wild Wings opens 100th to-go concept, with 600 more planned
This year, the chain expects to reach 150 Buffalo Wild Wings Go units as it sees ongoing interest from new and existing franchisees.
By Julie Littman • April 11, 2024 -
MartinPrescott via Getty Images
4 ways restaurants can add AI to their operations
The technology can help employees improve customer satisfaction, cook food to a brand’s standards and accurately refill inventory, executives say.
By Danielle McLean • April 11, 2024 -
Permission granted by Dave & Buster's
Dave & Buster’s updates menu with at least 20 items
Management expects food and beverage check to rise in the mid single-digits with the new dishes, which include appetizers, bowls, desserts and sides.
By Julie Littman • Updated April 12, 2024 -
Scott Olson via Getty Images
Fast food is getting faster, data shows
Limited-service chains maintained an edge in traffic growth relative to casual dining, likely due to continued improvements in throughput, Placer.ai reported.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 10, 2024 -
Permission granted by Krispy Krunchy Chicken
Krispy Krunchy Chicken expands beyond c-stores, targets 700 openings in 2024
The concept is entering new markets and enhancing its menu after growing by nearly 500 units last year, including 14 locations inside Walmart stores.
By Julie Littman • April 9, 2024 -
Permission granted by Checkers & Rally's
Checkers & Rally’s CEO resigns
Frances Allen, who has led the chain since 2020, oversaw the deployment of a modern image redesign and voice artificial intelligence at drive-thrus.
By Julie Littman • April 5, 2024 -
Retrieved from Re-Up.
Florida c-store chain to test kitchen robots
Re-Up convenience stores is planning to use AI-driven machines to help fry its food, brew its coffee and squeeze fresh juice.
By Brett Dworski • April 5, 2024 -
Courtesy of Subway
Subway is rolling out a new line of wraps
The addition of lavash flatbreads, just months after the debut of its Sidekick snacks, is the first time in three years the chain has launched a bread option.
By Julie Littman • April 4, 2024 -
Permission granted by Punch Bowl Social
Punch Bowl Social acquires 2 eatertainment concepts
The company is buying Sweet Tooth Hotel and Voicebox Karaoke to diversify its portfolio of concepts and appeal to a wider range of consumers.
By Julie Littman • April 1, 2024
