Operations: Page 83
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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 -
Explore the Trendline➔
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TrendlineBack-of-house Technology
From AI-enhanced inventory management 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 -
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 -
Courtesy of Buffalo Wild Wings
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 -
Courtesy of El Pollo Loco
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 -
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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 -
Courtesy of Burger King
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 -
Drive-thru traffic increased 26% during dining room closures, report says
Drive-thru visits represented 42% of all restaurant visits from April to June and increased 13% even after dining rooms began to open in July, according to data from The NPD Group.
By Alicia Kelso • Sept. 2, 2020 -
Potbelly taps Checkers veteran for COO
Adam Noyes joins the sandwich chain during a tough year in which revenues decreased nearly 50% and same-store sales declined in the double-digits.
By Rosie Bradbury • Sept. 2, 2020 -
Permission granted by First Watch
Q&AAfter 'sucker punch' from coronavirus, breakfast concept First Watch leans into off-premise
The pandemic halted the fast-growing brand's momentum, but CEO Chris Tomasso said quick pivots into online ordering and creating hospitable, socially distant dining rooms helped it recover.
By Julie Littman • Sept. 2, 2020 -
27 Black former franchisees join racial discrimination case against McDonald's
The amended complaint now contains 77 named plaintiffs and includes nearly 300 stores with compensatory damages averaging between $4 million to $5 million per location.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Nov. 18, 2020 -
satingirlz3. (2011). "The image" [Photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
Mastercard expands AI drive-thru testing to White Castle
Building on its pilot at Sonic Drive-In, the credit card company's latest AI Powered Drive Through platform will enable QSRs to use vehicle recognition and voice ordering.
By Julie Littman • Sept. 1, 2020 -
Golden Gate Capital sells remaining stake in Red Lobster
The sale could help the chain recoup some capital as it looks to improve its balance sheet and pay a looming $180 million loan that is due July 2021.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 31, 2020 -
How 13 casual chains fared during dining room closures
Casual dining restaurants leaned heavily on technology, off-premise and cleanliness standards to try and bring customers back as restrictions eased across the country.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 31, 2020 -
Eden, Janine and Jim. (2020). "Miss Lily's Jerk Shack" [Photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
Chicago outdoor dining challenge to help restaurants survive winter
The city is crowdsourcing design ideas for outdoor seating to help restaurants as winter approaches and the pandemic stretches on.
By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 31, 2020 -
Courtesy of H-E-B
H-E-B's food hall at Austin, Texas, store to offer takeout and delivery
The space will feature a full-service bar and five restaurants with limited capacity dine-in.
By Jessica Dumont • Aug. 28, 2020 -
Courtesy of Chowbotics
Saladworks to expand footprint with Chowbotics' robot
The $35,000 salad-making robot will help the chain save on labor and expand into nontraditional spaces like hospitals, universities and grocery stores.
By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 27, 2020 -
Courtesy of El Pollo Loco
How El Pollo Loco tripled digital sales in 2020 by modernizing its marketing
CEO Bernard Acoca explained how the restaurant brand revitalized its marketing after spending 98% of its media budget on TV and print just a few years ago.
By Chris Kelly • Aug. 27, 2020 -
Courtesy of McDonald's
CDC: Panic buttons, safe areas can protect employees from customer violence over COVID-19 policies
The agency's updated guidance also suggests employers should provide training on workplace violence response and install security systems.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 26, 2020 -
Alabama Extension. (2020). "The Image" [Photograph]. Retrieved from Flickr.
Judge OKs lawsuit by businesses seeking COVID-19-related insurance claims
In a first, restaurants and other businesses hit by pandemic shutdowns can move forward on legal efforts to get insurers to pay on business interruption policies.
By Robert Freedman • Aug. 25, 2020 -
Panera adds online ordering through Google
Guests can browse for and order curbside pickup or delivery through Google Search, Maps and Assistant. It's also offering contactless payment methods.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 25, 2020 -
US Foods joins growing list of ghost kitchen services to help with off-premise push
The foodservice distributor and ShiftPixy both recently launched resources for restaurants to streamline operations and market toward delivery.
By Rosie Bradbury • Aug. 21, 2020 -
Retrieved from Taco Bell on August 20, 2020
Taco Bell is launching a mobile-focused, double drive-thru model in 2021
The QSR's new concept will feature a smaller footprint, a priority pickup lane for diners who order via its app and "bellhops" that will offer tablet ordering at the drive-thru and curbside pickup areas.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 20, 2020
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