Operations: Page 4

  • A sign is posted in front of a McDonald's restaurant on April 28, 2022 in San Leandro, California.
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    Justin Sullivan / Staff via Getty Images
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    McDonald’s invests aggressively in technology

    The fast food giant’s three-pronged plan aims to digitally transform customer experience, franchise operations and core systems, President and CEO Chris Kempczinski said Monday.

    By Matt Ashare • Feb. 6, 2024
  • An image of a hand holding a smart phone with a KFC Rewards logo on the screen
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    Courtesy of KFC
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    KFC US launches points-based digital rewards program

    Members earn 10 points for every eligible dollar spent online. Points are redeemable for free food in KFC’s Secret Recipe Vault, which rotates rewards.

    By • Feb. 6, 2024
  • Homeroom Restaurant in Oakland, California Explore the Trendline➔
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    Permission granted by Homeroom
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    Trendline

    Independent restaurants

    In an industry built on in-person interactions and long-term relationships with customers, the pandemic has dealt a serious blow to independent operators, but many have pivoted and found new ways to reach diners.

    By Restaurant Dive staff
  • Sweetgreen opened a location at World Trade Center Tower 3 in NYC in October 2021.
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    Permission granted by Sweetgreen
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    Sweetgreen hires former Starbucks exec Rossann Williams as COO

    Williams, who left Starbucks in 2022 following a corporate reshuffle, will oversee operations, real estate and development and supply chain.

    By • Feb. 5, 2024
  • Gopuff
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    Courtesy of Gopuff
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    Gopuff introduces Starbucks delivery

    Trained baristas prepare food and drink orders from the instant delivery company’s micro-fulfillment centers for delivery in about 30 minutes.

    By Peyton Bigora • Updated Feb. 5, 2024
  • Individuals posing at a press conference hosted by the Maintenance Cooperation Trust Fund in San Diego on Jan. 23, 2024, celebrating a $1 million settlement against Cheesecake Factory.
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    Permission granted by Maintenance Cooperation Trust Fund
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    Cheesecake Factory, contractors agree to $1M settlement for underpaying 589 janitorial workers

    The resolution includes $750,000 from the restaurant chain and $250,000 from the janitorial contractors accused of wage theft, the California Labor Commissioner’s Office says.

    By Nish Amarnath • Feb. 1, 2024
  • Portillo's team member holds a loud speaker announcing an order is ready
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    Courtesy of Portillo's
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    How Portillo’s develops its managers to sustain $10M unit volumes

    CEO Michael Osanloo said the chain’s labor model and high unit volumes enable a “virtuous cycle” where sales drive wages and benefits, which in turn drive retention and efficiency.

    By • Feb. 1, 2024
  • 5 chefs work in a restaurant kitchens
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    lechatnoir via Getty Images
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    Restaurant trend outlook for 2024

    Slow traffic, growing interest in afternoon snacking and trends toward value menus, digital and in-store personalization will shape the restaurant landscape.

    By Restaurant Dive staff • Jan. 31, 2024
  • A photo of the kitchen area of the new Dash In.
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    Jessica Loder/C-Store Dive/Restaurant Dive
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    Column

    Fueling Up: To truly compete with restaurants, c-stores need to ‘break boundaries’

    Narrowing the gap with restaurants is top of mind for many c-store retailers. Achieving it requires stepping outside of convenience retail’s comfort zone, one expert says.

    By Brett Dworski • Jan. 31, 2024
  • Pick-up zone at Burger King
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    Michael Thomas via Getty Images
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    Deep Dive

    Cost pressures may drive restaurant franchisee bankruptcies in 2024

    Issues with margins or cash flow due to supply shocks, labor shortages and other disruptions can push operators into covenant default over their debts, experts said.

    By • Jan. 30, 2024
  • Wings & Rings catering wing box
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    Permission granted by Wings & Rings
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    Deep Dive

    Return-to-office traffic is fueling a catering boom in 2024

    Chains like Cracker Barrel, BJs and Wings & Rings will continue to lean into the profitable channel this year after seeing double-digit growth in 2023.

    By • Jan. 29, 2024
  • A photo of a prefabricated Wawa drive-thru being assembled on site.
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    Permission granted by MODLOGIQ
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    Wawa to open first modular construction drive-thru stores

    The first of the prefabricated drive-thru stores is slated to open on Feb. 8, with several others to follow as the c-store chain tests out a building method that’s become favored by restaurants.

    By Jessica Loder • Jan. 29, 2024
  • A Boston Market sign is shown.
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    Kate Tornone/Restaurant Dive
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    Boston Market’s fee-free growth push raises questions

    The beleaguered chicken chain, which has faced hundreds of closures and numerous lawsuits, wants to expand into non-traditional locations with no buy-in requirements for operators. 

    By • Jan. 26, 2024
  • The Panda Express storefront in Hell's Kitchen, New York City.
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    "Hells Kitchen, NYC" by Ajay Suresh is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    Panda Express to deploy GridPoint smart building tech at nearly 2,500 locations

    The nationwide deployment, expected to result in a reportable emissions offset, follows a 200-store pilot which measured energy cost and CO2 emissions reductions. 

    By Joe Burns • Jan. 26, 2024
  • A photo of several Jersey Mike's sandwiches with lots of meat
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    Courtesy of Jersey Mike's
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    Jersey Mike’s to use SoundHound’s phone AI in at least 50 restaurants

    The AI tech now answers “100% of calls” at participating stores and recognizes natural language, meaning diners can order a #55 or “Big Kahuna” and the system understands these terms describe the same sub.

    By • Jan. 25, 2024
  • Interior of a grocery store
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    Catherine Douglas Moran/Restaurant Dive
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    Inside the store: Wegmans’ foodservice paradise in Manhattan

    The grocer’s first Manhattan location devotes nearly an entire floor to “restaurant foods selections” including fresh sushi, pizza and poke bowls.

    By Catherine Douglas Moran • Jan. 24, 2024
  • A photograph of a Potbelly sandwich shop sign.
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    Andrew Burton via Getty Images
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    Potbelly expands loyalty redemption options

    The sandwich chain added dessert and side items to its redemption options and implemented spend-based tiers in its rewards platform. 

    By • Jan. 23, 2024
  • An image of an indoor mini golf course with neon lighting
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    Permission granted by Puttshack
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    How Puttshack and Pinstripes sustain AUVs over $8M

    At the ICR Conference in Orlando, Florida, company executives discussed how post-pandemic consumer trends are driving traffic in the eatertainment space.

    By • Jan. 22, 2024
  • Photo of a young woman in a kitchen during a cooking class, preparing bruschetta
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    AleksandarNakic via Getty Images
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    Sponsored by Tock

    Unique dining experiences are the secret sauce to your restaurant’s success

    Reconsider dining ‘experiences' as a unique value-add that’s different from everyday service.

    Jan. 22, 2024
  • An image of serveral food items from Taco Bell's Craving's Value Menu
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    Courtesy of Taco Bell
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    Restaurants are cranking up value in 2024 — but traffic may not follow

    Chains from Taco Bell to Popeyes are pushing more promotions for low-priced items, but analysts said they expect few improvements to traffic and margins.

    By • Jan. 18, 2024
  • A photo of a hamburger from Weigel's
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    Permission granted by Weigel's
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    4 tech upgrades that can drive foodservice sales

    AI-powered ordering, back-office training programs and more can help improve operations and boost revenue for c-stores’ growing meals businesses.

    By Amanda Baltazar • Jan. 17, 2024
  • A rendering of a Mr. Gatti's pizza franchise with a c-store.
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    Courtesy of Mr. Gatti's Pizza
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    Mr. Gatti’s Pizza develops c-store franchise model

    The pizza chain will initially focus on expanding in Texas and the Southeast, with plans to eventually target the Southwest and Midwest, as well.

    By Jessica Loder • Jan. 16, 2024
  • QDOBA Burrito
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    Courtesy of QDOBA
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    How Qdoba is plotting growth in Chipotle’s shadow

    Chipotle’s company-owned business model has left a franchised-shape hole in the Mexican fast casual sector. Qdoba wants to fill it.

    By • Jan. 11, 2024
  • 7-Eleven
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    Retrieved from 7-Eleven press release.
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    Back to Basics: How to build a successful delivery program

    Delivery customers tend to have larger baskets and give retailers several chances to upsell, but it’s important to curate the menu, experts say.

    By Amanda Baltazar • Jan. 8, 2024
  • Dutch Bros Coffee's president, Christine Barone will replace Joth Ricci as CEO. Pictured is a Dutch Bros unit.
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    Permission granted by Dutch Bros
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    Dutch Bros brings on 3 C-suite execs

    Joshua Guenser, previously of Mod Pizza, becomes CFO while Sumitro Ghosh, previously from Nike, will take the president of operations post and Jess Elmquist, previously of Phenom People, becomes chief people officer. 

    By • Jan. 8, 2024
  • An image of TGI Fridays signage with red and white stripes
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    Bruce Bennett via Getty Images
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    TGI Fridays to close 36 underperforming restaurants

    The casual chain also sold eight units in the Northeast to former CEO Ray Blanchette following a year of C-suite upheaval.

    By • Jan. 4, 2024