McDonald’s USA president wants to improve transparency with operators

Joe Erlinger's message comes as tensions over 2021 franchising fees reach a boiling point, with operators agreeing to cut off nonessential communication with corporate and pushing for the formation of a tech co-op. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 23, 2020

Punch Bowl Social declares bankruptcy after nightmare year for eatertainment

As of Dec. 8, the company was only operating three out of its 14 units with limited capacity. The open venues were losing money on a daily basis and the company has since closed them. 

By Julie Littman • Dec. 22, 2020

Explore the 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

Papa John's to give employees $2.5M in end-of-year bonuses

The additional pay will be awarded to 14,000 team members across the company’s corporate restaurants and supply chain.

By Emma Liem Beckett , Julie Littman • Dec. 22, 2020

Top 10 employment lawsuits that impacted restaurants in 2020

Pandemic disruption hasn't stopped employment-related lawsuits from showcasing ongoing labor issues, from sexual harassment to gender and race discrimination, that still plague the industry. 

Dec. 21, 2020

Burger King teams up with Google to add online ordering

This integration, which begins Monday at 5,000 restaurants, will allow customers to search for the nearest location, order and pay.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 18, 2020

DC approves rehiring bill for hospitality workers

Restaurants, with some exceptions, will be required to send job offers to employees they laid off during the pandemic when their jobs become available again, per a bill passed by the city council. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 18, 2020

Emerging from bankruptcy, California Pizza Kitchen hires new CFO

Judd Tirnauer will lead CPK's financial restructuring strategy, focus on growth opportunities, and oversee the accounting and finance teams.

By Jane Thier • Dec. 17, 2020

Luckin Coffee hit with $180M SEC fine

The company misstated earnings and revenue to suggest it was achieving rapid growth and increased profitability when it wasn't, the Securities and Exchange Commission says in its settlement agreement. 

By Robert Freedman , Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 17, 2020

Sweetgreen will open its first drive-thru in 2021

The test location will feature dedicated parking spots where diners can order from intercoms. Customers who want to eat on-premise can dine in their cars or at an outdoor patio area. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 17, 2020

McDonald’s USA president calls for end of corporate communication freeze, Restaurant Business reports

Joe Erlinger called on franchisees in a video Thursday to end a six-week halt in nonessential communication with corporate, which was incited by frustration over new fees and the end of a Happy Meal subsidy. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Jan. 22, 2021

Postmates joins Uber, DoorDash in bankrolling driver benefits in CA with price hikes

The aggregators are rolling out customer fees to help pay for healthcare subsidies, mileage reimbursement and occupational insurance they promised in winning ballot measure Proposition 22. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Jan. 20, 2021

Bankruptcy court approves By Chloe's plan to sell company

Co-founder and chef Chloe Coscarelli is reportedly exploring a bid for the company, which she left after a dispute with a shareholder.

By Julie Littman • Updated Jan. 8, 2021

Domino's to offer over $9.6M in bonuses to 11,500 employees

During December, company-owned restaurant and supply chain workers will receive up to $1,200 in extra compensation.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 14, 2020

As winter looms, NYC restaurants shutter indoor dining once again

The NYC Hospitality Alliance said in an email the ban "is at odds with the State's own data that’s been presented as driving these decisions, and it will be the last straw for countless more restaurants and jobs." 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 14, 2020

Should you close, sell or declare bankruptcy? What restaurants need to know.

Edward Webb, advisory partner at consultancy BPM, discusses what operators struggling to meet their financial obligations should consider in their next steps.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 14, 2020

All US Starbucks employees to make at least $15 an hour in 3 years

The company's latest commitment follows an announcement to begin increasing pay by at least 10% starting Dec. 14.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 10, 2020

Taco Bell CFO moves to Qdoba after 6 months

Leviathan Winn, who spent the bulk of his career in investment banking before stepping in as Taco Bell's global CFO in May, was named Qdoba's finance chief Monday. 

By Jane Thier • Dec. 9, 2020

Executive of the Year: Rob Lynch, Papa John's

Lynch vaulted the pizza chain from a culture crisis left by founder John Schnatter to a path to growth marked by menu innovation, a marketing reset and deep franchisee support.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 9, 2020

Company of the Year: Chipotle

While its digital platform has become a major driver of sales during the pandemic, the company's shifting menu innovation and marketing strategies continue to help boost brand awareness and sales.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 9, 2020

The Restaurant Dive Awards for 2020

From Chipotle to DoorDash, these are the companies and executives that led restaurant industry innovation in a time of crisis.

By Restaurant Dive Team • Dec. 9, 2020

Papa John's cooks up a supplier diversity program from scratch

A top-down mandate and good data are essential ingredients in a successful effort to diversify suppliers, said the pizzamaker's director of diversity, equity and inclusion.

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 8, 2020

Hooters to expand its fast casual chain through franchising

Parent company HOA Brands wants to take the seven-unit wings concept to more than 100 units by 2022.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 8, 2020

McDonald's the latest restaurant chain to accuse Tyson, Pilgrim's Pride of price fixing

The fast-food giant joins other restaurants, CPG companies, grocery chains and distributors who have levied similar changes against the chicken processors.

By Lillianna Byington • Updated April 8, 2021

Restaurants reported a net loss of jobs for the first time since April

A new study from the National Restaurant Association also reveals job losses could get worse, with only 5% of operators expecting to increase staffing levels in the next three months. 

By Julie Littman • Dec. 7, 2020

McDonald’s US franchisees to shoulder more costs, Bloomberg reports

The fast food chain is ending a $300-per-month subsidy it pays each franchisee and is shifting operators to a "pay as you go" model for tech investment, and operators told Restaurant Businesses these changes caught them by surprise. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 4, 2020