Operations: Page 44

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    Deep Dive

    While chains seek multi-unit franchisees, small operators have room to grow in 2023

    Franchisees will continue to push franchisors to boost store-level profitability as many brace for high development and operating costs.

    By • Jan. 30, 2023
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    Q&A

    Earnings instability has led to fewer restaurant lenders

    Despite institutions pulling back from offering loans to restaurants, CapitalSpring’s Erik Herrmann says there are other options.

    By • Jan. 30, 2023
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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
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    adobe.stock/Kittiphan

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    Sponsored by SpotOn

    How to use online reviews to increase efficiency

    The increasing popularity of online review sites like Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Google, makes it feel like everybody’s a critic. When everyone makes their opinions public, conflicting perspectives are inevitable and sorting through the mass of information can seem like a daunting task. However...

    Jan. 30, 2023
  • Chick-fil-A piloted a virtual restaurant brand via Little Blue Menu in fall 2021.
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    Retrieved from Chick-fil-A on September 15, 2021
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    Chick-fil-A to open second Little Blue Menu location

    The chain’s original Nashville, Tennessee, prototype offers items from virtual concepts Outfox Wings and Because, Burger in addition to Chick-fil-A’s menu. 

    By • Updated Jan. 30, 2023
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    Mod tries expanding beyond pizza with wings test

    If the pilot is successful, Mod could add wings to its permanent menu, revising its offerings alongside brands like Pizza Hut, Papa Johns and Pie Five.

    By • Jan. 26, 2023
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    Sprinkles bakes up plan to sign 100 franchised units

    The cupcake chain opened its first franchised unit at the end of 2022 and is eying extensive domestic and international growth.

    By • Jan. 24, 2023
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    Report: QSR traffic down 4.2% in Q4

    Net sales were up 6.1% during the quarter due to an uptick in average check, according to a report from Revenue Management Solutions.

    By • Jan. 23, 2023
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    Sponsored by Remy Robotics

    The solution to the labor shortage is not automation. It’s autonomy.

    Remy Robotics CEO Yegor Traiman proposes a comprehensive solution to the restaurant industry’s labor problem.

    Jan. 23, 2023
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    Courtesy of Taco Bell
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    Ransomware attack against Yum Brands follows several incidents targeting restaurant industry

    Criminals see restaurants and mobile ordering apps as ripe targets for credential stuffing and financial fraud.

    By David Jones • Jan. 20, 2023
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    Permission granted by Chili's
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    Chili’s closes off-premise test unit 2 months after opening

    Brinker International said it closed the store to focus on improving Chili’s core business and innovation, including its Kitchen of the Future 3 program.

    By • Jan. 19, 2023
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    How Bartaco eliminated wait staff roles to boost wages

    Retooling employee responsibilities and adding tip pooling allows the chain to pay average hourly wages of $23, higher than the $17 industry average.

    By • Jan. 18, 2023
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    Permission granted by Teriyaki Madness
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    Franchise spotlight: Teriyaki Madness to double openings in 2023

    The Asian chain is signing leases faster than ever and is on a trajectory to reach 500 units within the next few years.

    By • Jan. 18, 2023
  • An image of a Jollibee double drive-thru in Orlando.
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    Courtesy of Jollibee
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    Jollibee debuts double drive-thru in US

    The restaurant is the company’s 87th in North America, and it continues to push toward its goal of operating 500 restaurants in the region.

    By • Jan. 17, 2023
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    Courtesy of Wienerschnitzel
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    Wienerschnitzel launches franchisee incentive program

    The QSR is reducing royalties and offering marketing funding to entice new operators to grow the chain in markets including the South and Midwest.

    By • Jan. 17, 2023
  • Wendy's Global Next Gen store design features a pick-up window for delivery orders and in-store shelving for digital pick-up orders.
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    Courtesy of Wendy's
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    Wendy’s eliminates chief commercial officer role as part of corporate restructure

    The company will shift its focus to more traditional store development and remains committed to building its breakfast daypart, accelerating its digital business and growing its overall footprint.

    By • Jan. 13, 2023
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    Franchise spotlight: Toppers Pizza expects to surpass 100 units in 3 years

    A tenured executive team, long-term franchisees and a strong support system are helping the 70-unit pizza chain expand in the U.S.

    By • Jan. 12, 2023
  • An image of two employees of Portillo's at the drive-thru.
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    Courtesy of Portillo's
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    Portillo’s drive-thrus go cashless to avoid robberies

    The company aims to improve the safety of its staff, who take drive-thru orders and payments outside, CEO Michael Oslanoo said at ICR.

    By • Jan. 11, 2023
  • Shake Shack opened its first drive-thru location in Maple Grove, Minnesota Dec. 6, 2021.
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    Shake Shack expects to open up to 70 units in 2023

    Of these units, 40 will open in the U.S., including a mix of traditional, drive-thru and non-traditional locations, such as travel centers. 

    By • Jan. 11, 2023
  • An exterior shot of a Red Robin restaurant, which is lit from inside, at night
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    The image by Cbraccialini is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
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    Red Robin unveils comeback plan for sales, brand positioning

    The restaurant chain will focus on improving its basic operations, including labor practices and food quality, that have floundered in recent years.

    By • Jan. 10, 2023
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    Permission granted by Presto Automation Inc.
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    Del Taco expands Presto partnership, bringing voice AI to drive-thrus

    The chain will roll out the technology across its system after three months of testing and concurrent demand from franchisees, Presto founder Rajat Suri said at ICR on Tuesday. 

    By • Jan. 10, 2023
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    Photo: Obtained by Industry Dive

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    UKG lost, destroyed employee data, P.F. Chang’s alleges in lawsuit

    Emails viewed by HR Dive portray a combative back-and-forth between attorneys for the two companies.

    By Ryan Golden • Jan. 10, 2023
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    Drew Angerer via Getty Images
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    Survey: 10% of small businesses that use TikTok go viral

    TikTok may help small and mid-sized brands compete with major companies on the strength of authentic brand engagement, a Capterra survey shows.

    By • Jan. 9, 2023
  • An image of a red building with Peter Piper Pizzeria branding
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    Permission granted by CEC Entertainment
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    Why CEC Entertainment is extending Peter Piper brand with fast casual concept

    A year after opening its first off-premise-only Express units, the company is opening a fast casual version of the brand in Kansas City, Kansas.

    By • Jan. 9, 2023
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    Sponsored by Square

    6 ways restaurateurs can fight “Lunchflation” as costs rise

    With consumers changing their spending habits, what are some ways restaurateurs can fight inflation?

    By Deborah Findling and Kaitlin Keefer • Jan. 9, 2023
  • An image of Panera's three toasted baguette sandwiches.
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    Permission granted by Panera Bread
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    Panera expands sandwich line with toasted baguettes

    The fast casual chain’s latest menu addition builds on its “warm and hearty” offerings, which include flatbread pizzas and grain bowls. 

    By • Jan. 6, 2023