Alcohol, food sales jump at restaurants on Thanksgiving Eve

The night before, known as "Drinksgiving," is becoming one of the most popular drinking holidays of the year with guest count and sales increasing 23%.

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 25, 2019

Blaze Pizza uses digital, drive-thrus to slice up market competition, says CEO Mandy Shaw

The brand's new leader believes its franchise model and focus on multiple off-premise touch points threaten fast casuals and legacy pizza chains slow to engage with third-party delivery.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Nov. 25, 2019

Shift Change: CPK's new EVP to oversee international expansion

This week's Shift Change also highlights executive news from Wingstop, Your Pizza, RAVE Restaurant Group and Kura Sushi. 

By Julie Littman • Nov. 22, 2019

Wingstop lets Twitch users order food while watching livestreams

Viewers interact directly with a streamer who provides menu suggestions and then can place an order for DoorDash delivery.

By Robert Williams • Nov. 22, 2019

Workers sue McDonald's over workplace violence

The lawsuit alleges that the company's new design fails to minimize the threat of violence and that the chain doesn't adequately train staff to handle conflicts.

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 22, 2019

From food halls to ghost kitchens, collaboration is on the menu for grocers and restaurants

While both can siphon dollars from the other, the right partnerships could boost operational efficiencies, drive brand awareness and elevate food offerings.

By Jeff Wells • Nov. 21, 2019

Chipotle rolls out Alexa voice ordering

The feature is part of the chain's larger digital sales platform, which is nearing $1 billion, and will allow customers to reorder their favorite meals within seconds. 

By Julie Littman • Nov. 21, 2019

Mariano's to open new BBQ concept to replace Pork & Mindy's

Following the Chicago-based restaurant's bankruptcy filing, the grocer says it will open a new brand called Mariano's Smokehouse. 

By Krishna Thakker • Nov. 20, 2019

Delivery from aisle 5: How grocers are threatening restaurants' off-premise business

Grocery and convenience stores are delivering meals via third-party platforms, but may not have the right expertise and menus in place to compete with restaurants — yet.

By Julie Littman • Nov. 19, 2019

Starbucks loses traffic to open bathroom policy

A new study found that visits to Starbucks dropped 6.8% following the company's adoption of the new store rule in May 2018.

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 18, 2019

Chopt opens delivery/pickup-only store to meet digital demand

The chain opened the off-premise concept in New York City to address digitally generated orders, which account for 40% of all the restaurant's orders.

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 18, 2019

Chick-fil-A will no longer donate to anti-LGBTQ nonprofits

The fast food chain's charitable arm will highlight organizations that focus on education, homelessness and hunger.

By Julie Littman • Nov. 18, 2019

Chipotle's digital business is closing in on $1B sales. Here's how it got there

The chain is eyeing artificial intelligence and new ordering techniques like text messaging as part of its growing digital strategy, which includes pickup shelves and a digital makeline.

By Julie Littman • Nov. 18, 2019

Chick-fil-A now delivers out of DoorDash Kitchens

The chain's virtual kitchen in Redwood City, California, began delivery in early November, but can reach seven additional markets in the Bay Area. 

By Julie Littman • Nov. 14, 2019

The ins and outs of simpler brand identities

Dunkin', Starbucks and KFC have streamlined their logos, but delivering a short and simple brand identity isn't without risks.

By Dianna Christe • Nov. 14, 2019

Maine inmates can complete a culinary apprenticeship while they serve time

The news represents a convergence of major employment trends: a talent shortage, a resurgence of apprenticeships and a new interest in second-chance hiring.

By Kate Tornone • Nov. 13, 2019

McDonald's kiosks don't accept cash, may need replacement

The new kiosks, which are part of the chain's Experience of the Future remodels, exclude 40% to 60% of the chain's diners. And if the tech is modified or replaced, the costs could fall to franchise operators.

By Julie Littman • Nov. 13, 2019

4 challenges McDonald's new CEO must overcome

Chris Kempczinski inherits a tense relationship with franchisees and employee frustration over sexual harassment and minimum wage — issues he must deescalate to keep the world’s largest fast food chain on top.

By Julie Littman • Nov. 12, 2019

Subway enforcing 20-year lease agreements to stem store closures, NY Post reports

Franchisees told the publication those who don't renew their five-year leases must complete a corporate questionnaire to try and find replacement operators.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Nov. 11, 2019

Reduce restaurant theft with better onboarding and reporting practices

Businesses need to review training materials and offer a clear way to address issues swiftly to prevent serial theft, says Ethics Suite president and co-founder Juliette Gust. 

By Juliette Gust • Nov. 8, 2019

Shift Change: McDonald's CEO, chief people officer out; Papa John's restructures senior management

This week's Shift Change also has executive news from Ike's Love & Sandwiches and Guy Fieri's new Chicken Guy concept. 

By Julie Littman • Nov. 8, 2019

Wendy's offers franchisees chance to opt-out of breakfast

As the fast food chain prepares for its 2020 breakfast launch, it is considering a fail-safe in case operators find the daypart unprofitable after a year.

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 7, 2019

Subway pilots employee career development program

The partnership with Penn Foster will offer 331 employees in Central Florida an online career readiness boot camp and high school program, part of an ongoing QSR trend to offer educational perks for employees. 

By Lauren Manning • Nov. 7, 2019

A chaotic wait for the Popeyes sandwich spotlights Chick-fil-A's operational edge

Restaurant Dive stood in line and found that while Popeyes' sandwich may win the taste battle, its store experience could lose it the chicken sandwich wars.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Nov. 6, 2019

Food service hiring leads jobs growth ahead of the holiday season

The restaurant industry grew 48,000 jobs in October leading all job categories, despite an ongoing labor shortage, and competition from more attractive segments like retailers.   

By Ryan Golden , Julie Littman • Nov. 5, 2019