Shift Change: Papa John's taps new chief restaurant operations officer

This week's Shift Change also highlights executives at &pizza, Bonchon, REGO Restaurant Group and CraftWorks Holdings. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 12, 2019

Subway to remodel 10,500 stores by 2020

With the help of the sandwich chain's $100 million grant program, 40% of its franchised restaurants will be upgraded by the end of next year.

By Lauren Manning • July 12, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

Back-of-house Technology

From AI-enhanced inventory management systems and analytics to robot-powered kitchen equipment, restaurants are investing in technology solutions to optimize kitchen operations and reduce employee turnover. 

By Restaurant Dive staff

Waitr's new fee structure faces swift backlash from restaurant partners

A week after announcing changes to its terms that include performance-based commission, at least 20 restaurants plan to boycott the delivery company. 

By Alicia Kelso • July 12, 2019

Grubhub 'cybersquatting' outcry signals changing delivery landscape

Accusations of hidden fees and buying domains without permission highlight a need for clearer communication between third-party providers and restaurants.

By Julie Littman • July 11, 2019

Eat Mor Chikin? McDonald's franchisees aim to compete with Chick-fil-A

With the chicken chain growing rapidly, especially in the southeast, the National Owners Association told franchisees in an email Tuesday that the burger giant needs to perfect a premium chicken sandwich.

By Julie Littman • July 10, 2019

Fast casuals rev up drive-thru, mobile pickup plans

Chains like Chipotle, Cava and Blaze Pizza are testing drive-up windows but may soon find it more difficult to find ideal locations.

By Julie Littman • July 10, 2019

Crate & Barrel to add restaurant concept to up to 15 stores

Table at Crate opened in Chicago in July and did so well that CEO Neela Montgomery wants to expand its partnership with Cornerstone Restaurant Group.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Sept. 17, 2019

Waitr to add alcohol delivery

The company will start delivering alcohol for the first time after the Louisiana governor signed two bills into law allowing for the service with proper permits. 

By Alicia Kelso • July 9, 2019

The year of 'woke-washing': How tone-deaf activism risks eroding brands

Experts warn an uptick in socially and politically aware advertising can read more as chasing headlines than meeting real consumer demands, and it could degrade trust in the industry.

By Peter Adams • July 8, 2019

Welcome to the drive-thru, AI will take your order

McDonald's and Sonic Drive-In are among the fast food chains testing out voice-automation and AI as part of an industrywide push to modernize.

By Julie Littman • July 8, 2019

Taco Bell resolves tortilla shortage

A sudden shortage from a supplier had left restaurants without 10-inch tortillas and scrambling to offer menu alternatives. 

By Julie Littman • Updated July 12, 2019

Shift Change: Pret A Manger CEO retires

This week's Shift Change highlights new executives at Pret A Manger, Roy Rogers and the National Restaurant Association. 

By Julie Littman • July 3, 2019

KFC suits up Cheetos mascot as new Colonel Sanders

Chester Cheetah is hawking sandwiches as the QSR taps a different brand icon for the first time.

By Dianna Christe • July 1, 2019

Franchisees accuse Subway of rigging inspections to shutter stores

The chain's operators claim that it forced them out of business following infractions as minor as a hand print on a window, only to have their stores taken over by competing franchisees.

By Alicia Kelso • July 1, 2019

Why restaurants are getting inventory wrong

Managing inventory is key to running a profitable restaurant. Most operators are getting it wrong.

July 1, 2019

FAT Brands to expand via ghost kitchens, CEO says

The strategy could help grow Fatburger's delivery footprint and boost sales for its franchisees by cooking burgers at sister brand locations, CEO Andy Wiederhorn said.

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 1, 2019

Shift Change: Yum Brands appoints new CFO, Famous Dave's hires director of marketing

This week's Shift Change highlights new executives at Yum Brands, Famous Dave's, Umami Burger and more. 

By Julie Littman • June 28, 2019

DoorDash wants to make driver payment policies more transparent

The company is offering explanations for pay, reducing long-distance deliveries and adding accident insurance to improve the driver experience, but critics say it has yet to address concerns about driver tips.   

By Julie Littman • June 28, 2019

Waitr lays off over 20 employees at headquarters

Following its Bite Squad acquisition, the delivery company has made cuts to its office staff to create more efficiencies, says CEO Chris Meaux. 

By Julie Littman • June 28, 2019

Meal kits could offer untapped revenue stream for restaurants

This off-premise segment could help restaurants offer a new option to diners alongside delivery and takeout, but very few operators have jumped into the ready-to-cook segment.

By Julie Littman • June 27, 2019

Long John Silver's 'Fishmas in July' makes splash with GIF coupons

A Spotify collection of songs about seafood and swag giveaways to fans on social media​ round out the chain's effort.

By Robert Williams • June 26, 2019

Chuck E. Cheese to deliver party packs with DoorDash

These 12-person $125 kit, which include three large pizzas, a cake and decorations, is part of the eatertainment brand's delivery expansion. 

By Julie Littman • June 26, 2019

3 takeaways from a former Starbucks exec's leadership philosophy

"The people that you hire are going to change your organization," Howard Behar said at #SHRM19 — so companies might as well enable them to do so.

By Kathryn Moody • June 25, 2019

Maintaining mouthfeel: The challenge of preserving food texture on the shelf and during delivery

Manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, restaurants and packaging designers are all working together to make sure the consumer gets items that feel freshly made — wherever they are.

By Alicia Kelso • June 25, 2019

Chipotle's new bonus program includes an extra month of pay

The chain's employee retention play also includes tuition reimbursement, free meals and English as a second language classes once certain goals are met.

By Julie Littman • June 25, 2019