Operations: Page 30

  • Graphic image of drive-thru system
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    Permission granted by Presto Automation Inc.
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    Presto lays off 17% of global workforce

    The staff reduction, which may impact around two dozen employees, is part of the technology company’s strategy to reduce costs, boost profitability and streamline operations.

    By • Nov. 17, 2023
  • A photograph of chefs in a kitchen.
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    sam edwards via Getty Images
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    ‘Stop the bleeding’: Why experts say retention is key to restaurant labor profitability

    By identifying in-house talent early and scaling employee support, restaurants can reduce churn at lower costs than they would incur hiring new workers, panelists said at the Restaurant Finance & Development Conference. 

    By • Nov. 17, 2023
  • A man and a woman dressed as a chef look at a tablet. Explore the Trendline➔
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    Wavebreakmedia via Getty Images
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    Trendline

    Back-of-house Technology

    From AI-enhanced POS 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
  • New York City waiter prepares dining room
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    Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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    The public dislikes tip pools, Pew finds

    Tip pools have proved a controversial wage-and-hour topic, especially when back- and front-of-house staff are both included.

    By Ryan Golden • Nov. 17, 2023
  • A photograph of IHOP's Eggs Benedicts
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    Courtesy of IHOP
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    IHOP, Applebee’s lean into menu development to drive sales

    IHOP rolled out its biggest menu update in its history this year, which led to an uptick in sales, and Applebee’s is testing 200 items as part of its own update.

    By • Nov. 16, 2023
  • An image of various dishes from Modern Market's menu.
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    Permission granted by Modern Market Eatery
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    Modern Market Eatery opens first drive-thru restaurant

    The Colorado Springs, Colorado, location uses a double-sided production line to ensure quick service for drive-thru guests.  

    By • Nov. 16, 2023
  • An image of Jeff Shepherd, Subway CFO, in front of a green and white Subway logo
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    Courtesy of Subway
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    Subway names CFO

    Jeff Shepherd brings nearly 30 years of financial experience to his position at Subway and succeeds Ben Wells, who joined the chain in December 2019. 

    By • Nov. 15, 2023
  • Business people, meeting and corporate discussion against a blurred background at the office. Group of employees in team planning, presentation or training staff for collaboration.
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    Jacob Wackerhausen/Getty via Getty Images
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    What keeps 4 restaurant CEOs up at night

    Employee welfare and threats to franchising’s “American dream” are two of the existential fears the heads of Cava, Chicken Salad Chick, Golden Corral and Caribou Coffee discussed at the Restaurant Finance & Development Conference.

    By • Nov. 15, 2023
  • A view of a Wendy's restaurant on May 12, 2021 in Pinole, California.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Wendy’s franchisee files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

    Starboard Group, which operates 72 units, said inflation, falling customer count and expensive remodels contributed to its financial woes.

    By • Nov. 15, 2023
  • An image of a small brick restaurant with Biggby signage
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    Permission granted by Biggby
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    How Biggby plans to grow from over 350 units to 1K by 2028

    By offering flexible store models, like kiosks and modular units, the chain is rapidly signing new locations and plans to have 66 new units open this year.

    By • Nov. 14, 2023
  • An evening photo of Uncle Julio's restaurant with dim lighting
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    Courtesy of Uncle Julio's
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    Uncle Julio’s hires CEO, COO

    Scott Lawton adds the CEO role at Uncle Julio's to his resume, while RJ Thomas, former CEO of King's Seafood Company, becomes president and COO.

    By • Nov. 13, 2023
  • A man holds a picket sign that reads "CONTRACT NOW."
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    Courtesy of Culinary Workers Union Local 226
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    MGM Resorts reaches tentative agreement with Culinary Union

    With the deal, the resort operator avoids strikes at eight Vegas properties.

    By Noelle Mateer • Nov. 10, 2023
  • An image of a Noodles & Company restaurant with outdoor seating
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    Courtesy of Noodles & Company
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    Noodles & Company CEO departs

    Dave Boennighausen, who held the CEO post for six years, is out following the board’s decision to transition leadership. Board member Drew Madsen was named interim chief. 

    By • Nov. 10, 2023
  • A robotic arm that prepares Better Days food for delivery
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    Permission granted by Remy Robotics
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    Remy Robotics opens bot-run ‘Better Days’ kitchen in NYC

    The concept employs machines that use artificial intelligence to cook hundreds of menu items in kitchens as small as 200 square feet.

    By • Nov. 10, 2023
  • The In-n-Out logo is displayed on the front of an In-n-Out restaurant on October 28, 2021 in Pleasant Hill, California.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    In-N-Out to open first New Mexico restaurant in 2027

    The Albuquerque unit is the latest step in the chain’s expansion into new states, including Idaho and Tennessee. 

    By • Updated Nov. 10, 2023
  • An image of Strawberry French Toast on a plate.
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    Courtesy of Denny's
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    Denny’s adds 9 items to permanent menu

    The chain also simplified its menu layout with fewer customizations and build-your-own categories in favor of highlighting breakfast items and value. 

    By • Updated Nov. 10, 2023
  • An image of a pizza with pepperoni, black olives and red onions from Pieology
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    Courtesy of Pieology
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    Pieology bolsters rewards program with daily perks

    New and existing rewards members will receive a free item with the purchase of a pizza through the end of the year at the fast casual chain. 

    By • Nov. 9, 2023
  • A photo of the outside of a Wingstop.
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    Courtesy of Wingstop
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    Wingstop drops Olo in favor of $50M in-house tech

    The chain, which represents 3% of Olo’s revenue, will roll out a proprietary tech stack in 2024 designed to provide more personalization and drive frequency.

    By • Nov. 8, 2023
  • Brad Reynolds, Shipley Do-Nuts CFO, in front of an orange background
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    Permission granted by Shipley Do-Nuts
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    Shipley Do-Nuts appoints Blaze Pizza exec as CFO

    Brad Reynolds joined the chain as CFO and Chris Smith became VP of operations, as Shipley pursues franchised growth and entry to new markets. 

    By • Nov. 8, 2023
  • A picture of Burger King signs.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    A third Burger King franchisee declares bankruptcy

    Premier Kings, which operates 172 units, struggled with high inflation, increased borrowing rates and the untimely death of its owner in 2022.

    By • Nov. 8, 2023
  • Mark Kupferman, chief insights and marketing officer, at Chuck E. Cheese
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    Courtesy of CEC Entertainment
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    Chuck E. Cheese hires chief insights and marketing officer

    Mark Kupferman, who worked at Ruth’s Chris Steak House, brings over 25 years of marketing experience to his position at the eatertainment chain.

    By • Nov. 7, 2023
  • An image of sweetgreen's automated kitchen in Naperville, Illinois
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    Courtesy of Sweetgreen
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    Sweetgreen accelerates deployment of automated kitchens

    The salad chain opened its first Infinite Kitchen this year and has seen improvements to throughput, order accuracy, portioning and diner experience.  

    By • Nov. 6, 2023
  • El Pollo Loco's first LA Mex restaurants, which emphasize off-premise, opened in 2021.
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    Courtesy of El Pollo Loco
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    El Pollo Loco CEO departs after 10 years with chain

    Maria Hollandsworth, the company’s COO, becomes interim president and CEO following Larry Roberts’ departure from the company. 

    By • Nov. 3, 2023
  • A Panera store.
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    Courtesy of Panera
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    Panera Bread chops 17% of corporate staff ahead of IPO

    Roughly 306 supporting staff positions were reportedly cut to improve operations as the company gears up for Panera Brands’ public debut.

    By • Nov. 2, 2023
  • Side-by-side screenshots show DoorDash's in-app tip reminder screen.
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    Courtesy of DoorDash
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    DoorDash tests in-app tip reminders on customers

    A new prompt, which tells customers that orders without tips are likely to be delivered more slowly, has reduced tipless orders in a multi-market trial.

    By • Nov. 2, 2023
  • An image of Scooter's Coffee CEO Joe Thornton
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    Courtesy of Scooter's Coffee
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    Scooter’s Coffee promotes president to CEO

    Joe Thornton, who has been the chain’s president since 2022, will become CEO on Jan. 1 as the nearly 750-unit chain works toward 1,000 locations. 

    By • Nov. 2, 2023