NYC makes outdoor dining program permanent

The city's Open Restaurants program, which includes over 10,000 participating eateries, will provide guidelines on heaters and how to offer this channel during the coming colder months. 

By Julie Littman • Sept. 28, 2020

Domino's promotes CTO, restructures tech unit as CIO retires

Kelly Garcia will replace EVP and CIO Kevin Vasconi, who is retiring Oct. 2, the company announced Monday.

By Roberto Torres • Sept. 23, 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

DC launches $4M grant program to help restaurants winterize their outdoor dining spaces

Funds will be dispersed starting Oct. 1 and can be put toward expenses including tents, heaters, propane, furniture, advertising and operational costs.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Sept. 23, 2020

Resy, AmEx will bring a fine dining 'drive-thru' experience to Los Angeles

Diners can enter the Hollywood Palladium via car Oct. 15 and Oct. 16, where they will be assigned a designated waiter who will guide them from "restaurant" to "restaurant" to serve guests a 10-course meal through their car windows.

By Alicia Kelso • Sept. 23, 2020

How chains are automating the curbside experience

Customers calling in for their food upon arrival have created logistical headaches for many chains new to curbside, and they are turning to geofencing and integrated alert systems to create a better experience.

By Julie Littman • Sept. 23, 2020

87% of New York City hospitality owners couldn't pay full August rent, report says

While there was a slight uptick in landlords renegotiating leases between June and August, 60% of landlords have not waived rent in relation to COVID-19, according to a NYC Hospitality Alliance survey. 

By Alicia Kelso • Sept. 22, 2020

Sizzler USA is the latest casual chain to declare bankruptcy

The family dining restaurant plans to complete the process within 120 days, which it says will not impact its franchisees. 

By Julie Littman • Sept. 22, 2020

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