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

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

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

Chipotle, Panera, Starbucks have fastest in-store pickup times, survey finds

Dedicated pickup systems and an emphasis on mobile ordering capability helped the three QSRs outpace the seven other fast food chains analyzed by Rakuten Ready.

By Lauren Manning • Nov. 5, 2019

Restaurants need flexible scheduling to secure holiday workers, study says

Restaurants will have to rely better hours to win out over retailers in the labor battle during the holidays, according to a Bluecrew study. 

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 4, 2019

Fast food chains are losing $178M at the drive-thru annually

Complicated menu boards that impact the back-of-house can cause slower service times and inaccurate orders.

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 4, 2019

P.F. Chang's targets Miami party crowd with late-night concept

Chang's After Dark will include live entertainment and craft cocktails, and reflects a growing trend among casual restaurants to provide more in-store experiences to differentiate.

By Lauren Manning • Nov. 1, 2019

IHOP to open 94 units in its largest franchise deal ever

The casual brand partnered with TravelCenters of America to open restaurants at TA and Petro Shopping Centers, a strategy that is in line with IHOP's push to open in more alternative locations. 

By Julie Littman • Oct. 30, 2019

How TGI Fridays uses machine learning to scale personalization

"We're not Google," said the chain's Chief Experience Officer Sherif Mityas, but leveraging the tech has been key to tripling the restaurant's off-premise revenue.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Oct. 29, 2019

Taco Bell franchisee pays $225K for allegedly requesting too much info from green card holders

It's important to remember that employers cannot impose different or more stringent employment requirements on the basis of citizenship status or national origin.

By Jennifer Carsen • Oct. 28, 2019