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

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

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

A restaurant's next big financial risk isn't bad reviews — it's data breaches

As hackers find new ways to gather coveted personal information, restaurants are quickly becoming a target for the internet underworld.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 18, 2018

How restaurants are using benefits to win in a tight labor market

The industry is experiencing the fastest quitting rate among U.S. workers in 17 years, driving companies like McDonald's and Starbucks to roll out non-traditional perks to retain talent. 

By Alicia Kelso • Dec. 17, 2018

The power of sustainable sourcing

While McDonald’s move to rid its beef supply chain of non-medically necessary antibiotics may seem like an edict thrown at the procurement staff within the massive company, it’s more a boon than a burden.

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 17, 2018

Report: North American pizza market to grow 10% in next 5 years

Despite some stumbles from the largest pizza chains, the industry remains strong and is worth over $45 billion in the U.S. 

By Julie Littman • Dec. 17, 2018

Applebee's buys 69 units from Apple Gold

Applebee's will no longer be fully franchised with its ownership of these restaurants. 

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 17, 2018

Chipotle rounds out leadership team with 2 new execs

Roger Theodoredis and Tabassum Zalotrawala will take on the roles of chief legal officer and chief development officer, respectively, as the fast casual chain continues its push past high-profile stumbles to become a lifestyle brand. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 14, 2018

Dave & Buster's tests fast casual taco concept

The eatertainment company is offering a taqueria at its Dallas flagship to meet consumer demand for faster eating options.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 13, 2018

How your restaurant can prepare for a crisis

Uproar PR CEO Catriona Harris warns that if brands don't take control of the narrative when things go wrong, the narrative will control them.

By Catriona Harris • Dec. 12, 2018

40% of McDonald's owners could lose leases, association says

Company franchisees learned about potential financial risks tied to store remodels at an October National Owners Association meeting, escalating tensions with corporate.

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 12, 2018

McDonald's to phase out antibiotics in beef

The burger chain plans to reduce usage of antibiotics across 85% of its supply chain as similar commitments catch fire throughout the fast food segment. 

By Julie Littman • Dec. 12, 2018

Restaurant gift card sales expected to rise during holidays

Since diners typically spend $59 more than the value of their gift card, these offerings can boost sales and traffic during slow winter months.  

By Julie Littman • Dec. 10, 2018

Burger King's app hit 1M downloads after trolling McDonald's

The "Whopper Detour" geolocation stunt propelled the app to the top of the App Store this week.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 7, 2018

Flynn Restaurant Group becomes largest franchisee with Arby's buy

With the acquisition of U.S. Beef Corp., Flynn becomes a $2.3 billion company with more than 1,200 restaurants in its portfolio, from Taco Bell to Applebee's. 

By Alicia Kelso • Dec. 6, 2018

From free cheesecake to dollar drinks, casual dining shifts focus to millennials

The Cheesecake Factory gave away 40,000 free slices of cheesecake through DoorDash Wednesday, but it remains to be seen if the promotion will drive growth for the casual chain. 

By Julie Littman • Dec. 6, 2018

Shake Shack owner nixes fast casual model at NYC pizzeria

After 15 months as an upscale fast casual restaurant, Union Square Hospitality Group's Martina will switch to a more traditional table-service model.

By Kristine Sherred • Dec. 5, 2018

Strong Thanksgiving dining spend signals growth through New Year's

Spending was up 4.1% Thanksgiving through Cyber Monday, with quick-service restaurants posting strong market share fueled by mobile offerings. 

By Julie Littman • Dec. 4, 2018