TGI Fridays could permanently close 20% of US locations

To try to drive sales, the chain is testing party tents that let diners eat in restaurant parking lots in New Hampshire, with plans to roll out the pilot to Connecticut. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 27, 2020

NYC mayor signs COVID-19 relief bill providing help for restaurants

The package includes caps on third-party delivery fees, prohibition on charges for calls that don't result in an order and a suspension of sidewalk cafe fees through Feb. 28.

By Julie Littman • May 27, 2020

5 chains at risk of defaulting within a year

Dave & Buster's, Bloomin' Brands, The Cheesecake Factory, Denny's and Brinker International have the highest probability, according to S&P Global data, which could further complicate recovery plans.

By Julie Littman , Emma Liem Beckett • May 26, 2020

CDC outlines restaurant reopening guidelines

The agency recommends a three-phase reopening plan to slowly resume operations in bars and dining rooms. 

By Ryan Golden • May 22, 2020

Starbucks could close up to 400 stores in next 18 months

The closures are part of Starbucks' repositioning plan, in which the chain will develop more pickup-only locations and move units out of low-traffic malls and into sites where there could be a drive-thru. 

By Alicia Kelso • Updated June 10, 2020

DoorDash adds customer tracking for pickup orders

Restaurants will now know when a customer is arriving at the restaurant, which is expected to reduce wait times.

By Julie Littman • May 21, 2020

Subway lays off 150 more employees

The job cuts mark the struggling sandwich chain's second major workforce reduction in just three months. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 20, 2020

Family meals serve up new opportunities for chains

As restaurants struggle to grow sales during the novel coronavirus pandemic, many have transformed their catering menus into family meals to appeal to more people staying at home.

By Julie Littman • May 19, 2020

Golden Corral revamps dining room formats as Garden Fresh goes under

Social distancing mandates that close self-service food and drink stations are hitting buffet chains hard, but some are adapting with new services.

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 19, 2020

McDonald’s reopening requirements saddle operators with more costs

The chain's 59-page reopening guide for its U.S. restaurants includes purchasing recommendations for a $718 touchless sink and $310 automatic towel dispenser, The Wall Street Journal reports. 

By Alicia Kelso • May 15, 2020

Starbucks seeks rent relief for a full year

In a letter written by Starbucks COO Roz Brewer and obtained by Restaurant Business, the company asked its landlords for 12 months of rent breaks for its corporate-owned units beginning in June.  

By Alicia Kelso • May 14, 2020

IRS allows employers to claim tax credit for paying furloughed employees' health premiums

The employee retention credit is one of a few financial options available to employers during the pandemic, and could benefit chains like The Cheesecake Factory, Shake Shack and Chuy's.

By Ryan Golden • May 14, 2020

Washington no longer requires dine-in customers to provide contact information

Gov. Jay Inslee revised his earlier requirement on Friday for restaurants to collect dine-in customer information, saying it would be voluntary for patrons.

By Alicia Kelso • Updated May 19, 2020

Potbelly could permanently close up to 100 stores

About 90% of the shops under consideration for closure were impaired before the pandemic and are even more challenged today, CFO Steve Cirulis said on an earnings call. 

By Julie Littman • May 13, 2020

Buffalo Wild Wings unveils its first 'GO' store in Atlanta

The new concept, which will open Wednesday, features heated pickup lockers to service guests who order ahead via the brand's mobile app.

By Lauren Manning • May 12, 2020

Illinois restaurants allowed to reopen with outdoor seating

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Wednesday that restaurants can open with outdoor seating only during Phase 3, which could start as soon as the end of May, and will be welcome news for restaurants that pushed to reopen sooner. 

By Julie Littman • Updated May 21, 2020

Burger King will test reservations in Italy

The chain expects to begin the pilot June 1 at three Milan restaurants. If successful, the app could be used in other countries. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 7, 2020

Chick-fil-A to reopen some restaurants in coming weeks

The chicken chain will install plexiglass at the front counters and add floor decals every six feet both inside and outside as it begins offering carryout. 

By Julie Littman • May 7, 2020

Shake Shack will add drive-thrus, pickup windows to restaurants

The new "Shack Track" store remodels are designed with social distancing in mind, but CEO Randy Garutti didn't disclose how many locations will be overhauled. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 6, 2020

Restaurants call on insurers to pay business interruption claims

Lawmakers and lawyers are getting involved as insurers say COVID-19 isn't covered, while Main Street businesses say they're counting on the proceeds to keep them afloat.  

By Robert Freedman • May 5, 2020

18% of Wendy's restaurants aren't serving hamburgers, report finds

Wendy's CEO Todd Penegor said on an earnings call Wednesday that the chain's beef supply is likely to experience a "couple of weeks of challenging tightness." 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated May 7, 2020

Dave & Buster's raises $100M from stock sale

The sale to Jeffries will bolster its balance sheet as the chain struggles, recently closing all of its 137 locations and furloughing 15,000 hourly workers. 

By Julie Littman • May 5, 2020

Whataburger to settle allegations that manager was told to hire only white applicants

Employers cannot rely on customer or client preferences that are discriminatory as the basis for negative employment actions, the EEOC has said.

By Lisa Burden • May 4, 2020

Nearly 50% of Texas restaurants don't want to reopen yet, study shows

Governor Greg Abbot allowed restaurants to reopen at 25% capacity on Friday, but a Texas Restaurant Association poll found that concerns about rehiring and restocking inventory are keeping operators on the sidelines. 

By Lauren Manning • May 4, 2020

BJ's receives $70M investment from Ron Shaich's firm

The funds from Act III Holdings will help the casual dining chain, which laid off 16,000 hourly employees in April, bring back its staff and reopen dining rooms. 

By Julie Littman • May 4, 2020