Do we need to shut down again? What to do when employees get COVID-19

Restaurants need to establish systems to inform staff and guests if a worker contracts the virus and ensure health screening compliance to avoid outbreaks, attorney Arif Virji writes.

By Arif Virji • July 16, 2020

Chipotle to hire 10K more employees to support digital growth

The hiring blitz follows approximately 8,000 new hires at the chain since May, an uptick that coincides with an over 80% increase in online sales during Q1.

By Alicia Kelso • July 15, 2020

Why Chipotle is 'pivoting the entire portfolio' to Chipotlanes

Two years after opening its drive-thrus for online orders, which helped the company surpass $1 billion in digital sales, the fast casual chain expects this concept to make up 60% of its new restaurants.

By Julie Littman • July 15, 2020

Pinstripes to reopen all US locations on Friday

The bowling and bocce eatertainment chain temporarily closed its 13 locations in nine states on March 16, but its long-term expansion plans remain intact, with at least two locations slated to open next year. 

By Julie Littman • July 14, 2020

BurgerFi's president talks going public, 'massive expansion' amid pandemic

Restaurant closures are creating opportunities for the fast casual chain to grow nationwide, says Charles Guzzetta.

By Julie Littman • July 14, 2020

Ghost kitchens could be a $1T global market by 2030, says Euromonitor

Restaurant closures, in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic, could accelerate the growth of this market, Euromonitor's Michael Schaefer said in a webinar.

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 10, 2020

DoorDash partners with Kiva to provide funding to Black-owned restaurants

The company will seed a revolving loan fund starting at $150,000 and also offer $0 delivery fees for Black-owned restaurants through the end of the year. 

By Julie Littman • July 8, 2020

53% of restaurants closed amid coronavirus have shuttered permanently, Yelp data shows

In early June, the number of diners seated across Waitlist and Yelp Reservations was down 57% compared to pre-pandemic levels. 

By Alicia Kelso • July 6, 2020

Wegmans is permanently closing its Pub restaurants

The retailer announced it will close all 12 locations across three states to focus on adding new quick-service meal options.

By Jeff Wells • July 2, 2020

Denny's plans to hire 10K employees by year's end

Company- and franchisee-owned locations are hiring restaurant managers, cooks, servers and hosts, among other positions as dining rooms reopen.

By Julie Littman • July 2, 2020

Pizza Hut’s largest franchisee declares bankruptcy

NPC has come to an agreement with its lenders on a restructuring plan to reduce the company's significant debt, which includes plans to sell its 385 Wendy's restaurants.

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 1, 2020

Chipotle launches virtual farmers market for suppliers

The fast casual chain partnered with Shopify to help farmers in its supply chain sell meat, dairy and grain products directly to consumers online. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 30, 2020

States stall reopening plans as COVID-19 cases surge

As the U.S. hits record-high coronavirus cases, states like Texas have reduced dine-in capacity and re-closed bars after opening earlier this month.

By Alicia Kelso • June 30, 2020

Red Robin to settle claims over 'just say yes' break policy for $8.5M

The restaurant argued the policy demonstrated its "proactive commitment to providing Team Members with breaks anytime they want one."

By Katie Clarey • June 29, 2020

Domino's expands contactless services with carside delivery

Customers who select this carryout option online can choose where they would like their food placed, including the passenger side, trunk or back seat. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 29, 2020

Punch Bowl Social to reopen 5 locations in coming weeks

The eatertainment chain will enter its Phase One of reopening with its Denver restaurant resuming operations on July 1. 

By Julie Littman • June 26, 2020

Starbucks offers mental health training for store managers

The training includes 30-minute modules focused on effective listening, providing encouragement and reassurance, offering informational resources and the importance of self-care. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 26, 2020

Google partners with AI-powered answering service to enhance Business Messages

The partnership with Numa lets restaurants and other businesses to receive calls or texts through Google Maps and Google Search.  

By Lauren Manning • June 26, 2020

IHOP, Applebee's parent taps acting CIO into permanent role

Justin Skelton comes to the role with the upper hand of having previous tenure at Dine Brands, and serving as the CIO in an acting capacity. 

By Roberto Torres • June 26, 2020

Chuck E. Cheese parent to close 45 locations

After its Ch. 11 bankruptcy filing, the company is asking to abandon 45 leases at underperforming locations, or which 11 were already permanently closed. 

By Julie Littman • Updated June 26, 2020

Recent PPP changes offer restaurants hope, but calls for industry aid continue

The Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act and streamlined loan forgiveness applications make the federal safety net easier for operators to use without penalty, but critics argue that key needs are still unaddressed. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 24, 2020

Prioritizing the 'simple' tasks when returning to work

Restaurants are going to have to be creative as they reopen, while maintaining the proper precautions in accordance with the Center for Disease Control (CDC). 

By John Orr, SVP of Retail, Ceridian • June 22, 2020

McDonald's to hire 260K US restaurant workers this summer

The restaurant said the new staff will join as it reopens dining rooms across the country.

By Katie Clarey • June 19, 2020

Subway plans to add 50K employees, joining QSR hiring spree

The sandwich chain will fill a range of positions from entry-level to management roles this summer, just as McDonald's, Taco Bell and Dunkin' plan to boost restaurant employment.

By Alicia Kelso • June 19, 2020

Chipotle adds group ordering, Facebook Messenger bot to digital assets

The features build on the chain's $1 billion online ordering platform, which includes second make lines, Chipotlanes and a rewards program. 

By Alicia Kelso • June 18, 2020