Dunkin' CFO: Company's westward expansion 'key' to future development

Dunkin's decision to remain open as competitors closed and to open new branches in the South and West have positioned it well for the future, its CFO said Tuesday.

By Jane Thier • Sept. 18, 2020

Denny's supplier diversity a 'pillar' in its DEI efforts

"We're proud of the strides we've taken over the past 25 years to reshape our entire corporate culture and business operations, but we know that we're not done with this work," a Denny's exec said.

By Sheryl Estrada • Sept. 18, 2020

McDonald's joint employer victory could be marred by potential conflict of interest

An NLRB board member participated in a ruling, despite ties to McDonald's, that said the fast food chain would not be liable for violations committed by franchisees.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Sept. 17, 2020

Taco Bell announces 'womxn-focused' employee resource group

Some employers have prioritized employee resource groups as a way to support diversity and inclusion work in recent months.

By Ryan Golden • Sept. 17, 2020

Starbucks will bring curbside to 2K US restaurants in coming months

Curbside is expected to be particularly helpful at drive-thru locations to prevent customers from driving away if lines are too long, CFO Pat Grismer said during a JPMorgan conference. 

By Julie Littman • Sept. 17, 2020

Dave & Buster's lays off over 1,300 employees across 7 states

The WARN notices follow an 87% decline in same-store sales for Q2 and CEO Brian Jenkins' previous statements of moving forward with a leaner labor model.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Sept. 16, 2020

Reopening lessons the US can learn from Europe

Restaurants and governments need to formulate recovery strategies based on new consumer preferences, traffic patterns and revenue channels, says Chelsea van Hooven, global industry advisor at Choco.

By Chelsea van Hooven • Sept. 14, 2020

McDonald's selects TerraCycle's Loop for reusable cup pilot across UK locations

The new partnership is the latest sign of major brands taking greater interest in circular solutions. It also marks an expansion beyond grocery for the ambitious reuse platform.

By Karine Vann • Sept. 11, 2020

California Restaurant Association says the state's small business support isn't enough

CRA President and CEO Jot Condie criticized the bills signed into law last week, saying they failed to target aid directly for restaurants in the state.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Sept. 14, 2020

Papa John's signs largest North America franchisee deal in over 20 years

The deal with HB Restaurant Group will lead to 49 new stores in Philadelphia and New Jersey between 2021 and 2028, and represents the pizza chain's shift into growth mode.

By Julie Littman • Sept. 11, 2020

NYC to allow 25% indoor dining capacity as bar compliance improves

While compliance currently sits at 99.2%, the city will provide 400 inspectors to ensure restaurants continue following safety protocols. 

By Julie Littman • Sept. 10, 2020

Luby's shareholders approve liquidation plan

If the company receives an offer for a corporate transaction that would result in superior value to stockholders, the dissolution plan could be abandoned.

By Julie Littman • Updated Nov. 18, 2020

Chuck E. Cheese parent emerges from bankruptcy protection

The company reduced debt obligations by roughly $705 million, and has more than $100 million of liquidity to fund operations and growth plans.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Jan. 4, 2021

Buffalo Wild Wings sells season passes to feed and entertain NFL fans

The chain returns to experiential marketing with an effort to appeal to customers who are eager to return to normal activities and those who are sticking close to home.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Sept. 4, 2020

Hurricane Isaias' impact on restaurant sales hint at what to expect this winter

During the storm, which hit the East Coast during the first week of August, regional restaurant sales dropped by 11%. Connecticut, New Jersey and New York were the most impacted states. 

By Alicia Kelso • Sept. 4, 2020

El Pollo Loco's GPS-enabled curbside pickup expands digital channels

Beginning Sept. 28, customers can order curbside pickup online or through a revamped Loco Rewards app, building on the chicken chain's long-term e-commerce strategy. 

By Julie Littman • Sept. 4, 2020

Restaurant owners growing restless with disparate state opening plans

California and New Jersey just released new reopening plans, while New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio promises to have an answer within the next few weeks. 

By Alicia Kelso • Sept. 3, 2020

Burger King to build mobile-focused restaurant model in 2021

The fast food chain's designs feature a drive-in, curbside pickup, mobile takeout lockers and a suspended kitchen that can deliver food to drive-thru customers using a conveyor belt. 

By Julie Littman • Sept. 3, 2020

Drive-thru traffic increased 26% during dining room closures, report says

Drive-thru visits represented 42% of all restaurant visits from April to June and increased 13% even after dining rooms began to open in July, according to data from The NPD Group. 

By Alicia Kelso • Sept. 2, 2020

Potbelly taps Checkers veteran for COO

Adam Noyes joins the sandwich chain during a tough year in which revenues decreased nearly 50% and same-store sales declined in the double-digits.

By Rosie Bradbury • Sept. 2, 2020

After 'sucker punch' from coronavirus, breakfast concept First Watch leans into off-premise

The pandemic halted the fast-growing brand's momentum, but CEO Chris Tomasso said quick pivots into online ordering and creating hospitable, socially distant dining rooms helped it recover.

By Julie Littman • Sept. 2, 2020

27 Black former franchisees join racial discrimination case against McDonald's

The amended complaint now contains 77 named plaintiffs and includes nearly 300 stores with compensatory damages averaging between $4 million to $5 million per location. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Nov. 18, 2020

Mastercard expands AI drive-thru testing to White Castle

Building on its pilot at Sonic Drive-In, the credit card company's latest AI Powered Drive Through platform will enable QSRs to use vehicle recognition and voice ordering. 

By Julie Littman • Sept. 1, 2020

Golden Gate Capital sells remaining stake in Red Lobster

The sale could help the chain recoup some capital as it looks to improve its balance sheet and pay a looming $180 million loan that is due July 2021.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 31, 2020

How 13 casual chains fared during dining room closures

Casual dining restaurants leaned heavily on technology, off-premise and cleanliness standards to try and bring customers back as restrictions eased across the country.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 31, 2020