Applebee's largest franchisee tests dropping delivery

After removing delivery from three markets, Flynn Restaurant Group reported faster growth of its dine-in and carside-to-go segments.

By Alicia Kelso • May 29, 2019

Data is important, but insights drive restaurant growth

To remain competitive in a digital market, operators must walk the tightrope of processing as much diner data as possible without ceding control to third parties or alienating customers. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 29, 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

Chick-fil-A taps AI to identify food safety issues

The chicken chain is using a customized artificial intelligence system to analyze social media posts for potential health risks across its system.

By Alicia Kelso • May 28, 2019

Stop & Shop kicks off a food truck tour

The grocer joins a handful of restaurants, such as Red Robin and Auntie Anne's, using food trucks to market products to customers.

By Jennifer Sweeney • May 28, 2019

Shift Change: Sizzler has a new CEO; MOD Pizza adds 2 board members

This week's Shift Change highlights executive changes at MOD Pizza, Sizzler and the parent company of Papa Gino's and D'Angelo's.

By Julie Littman • May 24, 2019

ChowNow, delivery.com partner with Google for online orders

Local restaurants will be able to accept orders via Google's Maps, Assistant and Search, creating a competitive advantage for small delivery providers.

By Lauren Manning • May 24, 2019

Chipotle exec: Soft skills, harassment training key to healthy workplace

Director of field training Michele Lange said that quarterly conversations about company culture, zero-tolerance harassment policies and regular trainings are key to success.

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 23, 2019

Eatertainment preferred over casual dining for group occasions, Technomic says

Consumer interest in concepts like Punch Bowl Social, Topgolf and Dave & Buster's for social events is growing, driving the development of new and smaller units to keep up with demand.

By Julie Littman • May 22, 2019

Sweetgreen raises the bar with 5-month paid parental leave policy

"This move is rare for our industry and we hope this creates a conversation for other companies to join," the salad chain said Tuesday.

By Katie Clarey • May 22, 2019

Uber Eats reportedly adding monthly subscription

The third-party delivery provider will join DoorDash and Postmates with an option that waives order delivery fees in lieu of a monthly fee, which analysts say will be the future of the segment. 

By Julie Littman • May 22, 2019

MOD Pizza eyes 1K locations within next 5 years

With an infusion of $160 million in new capital, the fast casual pizza chain will also invest in tech-focused initiatives like digital ordering, its loyalty rewards program, off-premise programs and personalized marketing. 

By Lauren Manning • May 22, 2019

Convenience stores transforming into 'restaurants-to-go'

What's the future of dining? At the NRA Show, many people — from analysts to Wawa's CEO — saw c-stores as a clear player in the segment, siphoning dollars from traditional eateries.

By Thai Phi Le • May 22, 2019

National Restaurant Association takes on employee retention

The ServSuccess program launched during the NRA show aims to tackle the industry's large turnover problem by offering targeted skills-based online courses and certifications.

By Thai Phi Le • May 21, 2019

78% of restaurants say off-premise is a strategic priority

While the growing segment brings in sales and new customers, it introduces challenges to both the front and back of house, from unpredictable production to confusing traffic flow, according to Technomic. 

By Julie Littman • May 21, 2019

QSRs cash in on same-day pay to compete for labor

Some employees from chains including Pizza Hut and Checkers can get paychecks within hours or the next day as restaurants navigate the tightest labor market in 49 years. 

By Alicia Kelso • May 20, 2019

Del Frisco's to cut up to 15% of administrative workforce

Following its acquisition of Barteca Restaurant Group, the company has been looking for ways to remove redundancies and improve cost savings. 

By Julie Littman • May 17, 2019

Shift Change: KFC US hires new COO; Focus Brands adds first global CMO

This week's Shift Change highlights executive changes at KFC, Focus Brands, Wahlburgers, Nathan's Famous and more.

By Julie Littman • May 17, 2019

Judge doubles Steak 'n Shake's misclassification bill to $7.7M

The restaurant owes overtime back pay and liquidated damages under the Fair Labor Standards Act and Missouri law for allegedly misclassifying managers.

By Katie Clarey • May 16, 2019

Potbelly aims to more than double franchisee footprint

The sandwich chain, which currently has 50 franchised locations out of its 480 stores, doesn't plan to refranchise to meet its 2024 goal. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 16, 2019

Jack in the Box is no longer exploring sale

The company is instead planning to implement a new capital structure that is expected to drive shareholder value. 

By Julie Littman • May 16, 2019

Foodservice accounts for 23% of convenience store sales, report finds

Over half of Americans order a meal at least once a month at gas station stores, revealing that diners often choose ready-to-eat items over QSRs.

By Lauren Manning • May 16, 2019

Chick-fil-A tests restaurant-run delivery

While the fast food chain plans to maintain its relationship with DoorDash, this pilot could make it one of the first major QSRs to shift from third-party delivery to a proprietary program. 

By Alicia Kelso • May 16, 2019

Deliveroo offers free skills training to its drivers

The company's Deliveroo Academy provides access to 300 online professional development courses, from learning a new language to web design. 

By Alicia Kelso • May 15, 2019

Burger King parent aims for more than 40K stores by 2029

This would expand Restaurant Business International's global portfolio beyond McDonald's current store footprint, but the company didn't disclose how the locations would be spread across Burger King, Tim Hortons and Popeyes. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 15, 2019

Resy acquired by American Express

The credit card company's acquisition is part of an ongoing strategy to expand its digital-first benefits and services to its more than 100 million card members, and could help Resy better compete with OpenTable. 

By Julie Littman • May 15, 2019