A&W lowers fees for franchisees as it looks to expand

As rising minimum wages, a tight labor market and the delivery boom pressure chains, many companies see franchising as the safest path to growth.

By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 24, 2019

Burger King parent taps new CEO, shuffles executives

While other brands shift their C-suites amid ongoing struggles, Restaurant Brands International's latest promotions could better prepare the company for ongoing global expansion.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 23, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

Independent restaurants

Dining room refreshes, menu innovation and other unique offerings can help independents stand out from competitors, win new customers and keep existing ones coming back. 

By Restaurant Dive staff

Strong M&A restaurant activity expected this year

Brands like Jack in the Box, which have struggled to grow same-store sales in recent quarters, will be among the acquisition targets in 2019.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 22, 2019

Subway's struggles marked by another executive exit

James Walker, vice president of the chain's North America division, leaves just after the CMO resigned in December and months after the CEO stepped down. 

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 22, 2019

Domino's aims for $25B in retail sales by 2025

The pizza chain's aggressive plans to add about 10,000 units in six years relies heavily on fortressing, which adds units within a franchisee's existing territory, but can lead to a dip in comparable sales. 

By Julie Littman • Jan. 18, 2019

FAT Brands expands co-branded Fatburger/Buffalo's Express units

With dual-brand concepts often resulting in efficiency, flexibility and increased profit margins, the company plans to add another 10 units in the U.S. 

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 17, 2019

Shake Shack to test food trucks in Atlanta and New Jersey

The burger joint joins other chains like Johnny Rockets and Auntie Anne's to use food trucks, with plans to launch in the two locations in February. 

By Julie Littman • Jan. 17, 2019

Restaurant prices post highest increase in 7 years

Diners paid 0.5% more at full-service restaurants and 0.4% more at limited service eateries in December, according to a U.S. Labor Department report.

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 14, 2019

From wearables to AI: How a startup looks to change the restaurant industry

Presto, which provides tabletop tablets to Applebee's and Red Lobster, developed smartwatch-like devices for serving staff and an artificial intelligence platform to improve operations. 

By Julie Littman • Jan. 14, 2019

Eatsa launches smart pickup shelves

The chain's digital pickup system, which links order management platforms to automated "spots" displaying customer names, is designed to reduce third-party delivery and to-go order errors.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 14, 2019

Government shutdown throws a wrench into restaurant hiring

The fast-food industry has been hit especially hard by the labor shortage in an employee-driven job market, and the shutdown has only exacerbated issues.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • Jan. 11, 2019

McDonald's operators shouldn't begin any new remodels, association says

The National Owners Association has told its members not to start any new renovations until changes have been made to the chain's remodeling process.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 9, 2019

Report: Expect fewer restaurant discounts this year

Rising wage inflation will have restaurants rethinking discounts and promotions in 2019, BTIG predicts. 

By Julie Littman • Jan. 7, 2019

Red Robin taps new CFO to help with turnaround

Lynn Schweinfurth previously served as CFO, SVP and treasurer of Fiesta Restaurant Group, where she's worked since 2012.

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 4, 2019

New app rates restaurant cleanliness

HDScores offers a subscription-based platform with health ratings for over 1 million businesses, including restaurants, coffee shops and drive-thrus.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 4, 2019

What will become of Taylor Gourmet in trademark bidding war?

Three entities have filed bids for the hoagie chain's trademark and email list, including the company's co-founder Casey Patten and competitor Cosi. 

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 2, 2019

The Hummus & Pita Co. dips into West Coast with 100-unit franchise partnership

Jersey Mike's franchisee Dan Markel signed an agreement with the Mediterranean fast casual chain to launch stores throughout California. 

By Julie Littman • Jan. 2, 2019

Coca-Cola leads $10M funding round in POS platform Omnivore

The soda giant's funding of the system, which enables POS platforms to integrate with third-party technologies, reflects growing demand for frictionless digital experiences. 

By Alicia Kelso • Dec. 21, 2018

Our 7 best stories of 2018

As we begin the new year, Restaurant Dive is taking a look back at our top stories since our launch on Oct. 1.

By Restaurant Dive staff • Dec. 21, 2018

Despite struggling same-store sales, Darden execs confident of Cheddar's turnaround

Sales for the casual chain declined yet again by 1.4% in Q2 of fiscal year 2019, but improving guest satisfaction scores and newly implemented strategies are expected to boost sales.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 21, 2018

Taco Bell brings 3 Cantinas to the Big Apple

Yum Brands' most successful chain will offer alcohol, new menu items and different ways to order at its newest Manhattan locations.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 20, 2018

Subway franchise pays $80K to settle claims that manager offered teens work for sex

In light of the #MeToo movement — and EEOC's related enforcement — many employers are reviewing their sexual harassment prevention efforts.

By Lisa Burden • Dec. 20, 2018

Macaroni Grill considers more acquisitions after turnaround

Just a few months after the once-troubled Italian chain bought Sullivan's Steakhouse, it's now on the hunt for another brand it can add to its portfolio. 

By Alicia Kelso • Dec. 19, 2018

Faster, better, smarter: Why restaurants need AI now

Absolutdata co-founder and CEO Anil Kaul discusses why now is the best time to integrate machine learning into restaurant operations and how it will benefit profit margins. 

By Anil Kaul • Dec. 19, 2018

Olive Garden has no plans to expand delivery test

Darden's largest chain will instead focus on boosting customer satisfaction for takeaway and catering, which drove 10.3% in off-premise sales during its second quarter.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 19, 2018