HMSHost to lay off at least 3,000 airport restaurant workers

Employees furloughed in March face permanent job cuts if not recalled by Oct. 15. "There is no short-term end in sight to the economic crisis," a company spokesperson said. 

By Rosie Bradbury • Aug. 19, 2020

Pizza Hut's largest franchisee zeroes in on Red Roof dine-in format in its store closures

NPC International, which filed for bankruptcy in July, said it will close up to 300 locations and will reallocate employee resources to "thriving locations." 

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 18, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Back-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

Domino's announces 20,000-employee hiring spree

The pizza giant's labor plans are a show of strength in a space where its delivery-optimized model has fared relatively well in recent months compared to QSRs geared toward dine-in traffic. 

By Rosie Bradbury • Aug. 18, 2020

Potbelly reverses course and snags $10M in last-minute PPP funding

Despite its decision to return a Paycheck Protection Program loan in April, the sandwich chain has now opted for a small business loan at the risk of attracting renewed criticism.

By Rosie Bradbury • Updated Aug. 17, 2020

Exit interview: Punch Bowl Social founder plans to launch social club, 'urban Waffle House' for millennials

Robert Thompson is leaving the eatertainment concept he founded in 2012 to pursue hospitality and restaurant concepts that cater to post-pandemic diner behavior.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 14, 2020

QSRs made staffing gains in June while casual dining slipped

Even though the industry is officially down 2.6 million jobs as of July, Black Box Intelligence CEO Kelli Valade says it could be much worse once furloughs and unemployment claim data is fully calculated.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 13, 2020

Fat Brands continues expansion tear with purchase of Johnny Rockets for $25M

The deal, which is expected to close in September, will bring the Fatburger parent's store network to about 700 and raise its annual sales to over $700 million. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 13, 2020

Drive-thru usage up 43% since April, study finds

But added volume can decrease speed of service, and 81% of consumers believe that waiting more than 10 minutes is too long, according to a Bluedot and SeeLevel HX survey.

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 12, 2020

From full-service to grocery hybrid: Why 1 restaurant chose to renovate during the pandemic

Cotton Blues Kitchen & Marketplace used the business slowdown to recreate the dining experience with a grocery market, grab-and-go and ready-to-heat items and a smaller dine-in menu.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 12, 2020

75% of independent restaurants took out over $50K in debt in May, survey says

Twelve percent of operators said they added $500,000 in debt to their balance sheets in May, according to data from the James Beard Foundation. 

By Julie Littman • Aug. 11, 2020

McDonald's sues former CEO after probe uncovers 3 more relationships with employees

The chain's investigation revealed that Steve Easterbrook allegedly tried to destroy information, including nude photos of employees sent from his corporate email.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 10, 2020

Food distributors, restaurants reinvent business models in a scramble to survive

From wine bar to mini grocery store, from restaurant distribution to direct to consumer — food sector firms are pivoting operations to keep business flowing.

By Gary Wollenhaupt • Aug. 10, 2020

Seattle study finds race discrimination in restaurant hiring

Restaurant Opportunities Centers United and the Seattle Office for Civil Rights found that people of color are more likely to have low-wage, back-of-house jobs.

By Sheryl Estrada • Aug. 6, 2020

Popeyes chicken sandwich continues to boost sales during pandemic

Same-store sales increased to 28.5% in the U.S. during the second quarter while average sales per restaurant reached $1.7 million with help from the menu item. 

By Julie Littman • Aug. 6, 2020

DoorDash launches new online convenience store DashMart

The company's venture, which marks its first foray into managing its own inventory, will offer around 2,000 grocery and restaurant items and delivery in as little as 30 minutes. 

By Jessica Dumont • Aug. 6, 2020

83% of New York City restaurant owners couldn't pay full rent in July, report shows

The NYC Hospitality Alliance survey also found that 71% of landlords would not waive portions of rent because of COVID-19. 

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 5, 2020

Wendy's digital sales momentum grows with delivery expansion during Q2

While a majority of the mix was from delivery orders, the chain expects its newly launched loyalty program to boost mobile ordering.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 5, 2020

Wendy's breakfast makes up 8% of US Q2 sales

Despite being the most challenged daypart during the pandemic, the chain reported strong margins and sales growth, and plans to invest $15 million to advertise the menu during the last half of 2020.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 5, 2020

NRA: 55% of restaurants can't access second PPP loan under Senate plan

The association is urging Congress to lower the proposed Heals Act revenue loss threshold, which determines a business' eligibility for a second loan, from 50% to 20%. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 4, 2020

Wawa to open first freestanding drive-thru by year-end

As it prepares for a post-COVID-19 world, the convenience store known for its sub sandwiches expects to start selling combos and value meals at the new Pennsylvania location.

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 3, 2020

Texas bars could reopen as restaurants under modified licensure rules

Establishments could qualify as restaurants if alcoholic beverages made up less than 51% of their sales since April 1, per the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. 

By Julie Littman • Aug. 3, 2020

12 North Carolina McDonald's restaurants fined for alleged child labor law violations

It’s not uncommon for fast food chains to face allegations of such missteps, and others like Qdoba, Chipotle and Wendy's have paid similar fines in the past year.

By Katie Clarey • July 31, 2020

Pret A Manger shutters 17 stores in Boston and Chicago

With more Americans working remotely, the chain, which dropped sales by 87% YTD, has shifted its focus to offering group meals for pickup and delivery and plans to launch order ahead. 

By Julie Littman • July 31, 2020

47% of operators say moving to online ordering is their biggest challenge

This is particularly true for the majority of fine dining and upscale restaurants that didn't offer online ordering prior to the novel coronavirus outbreak, according to an Upserve survey. 

By Alicia Kelso • July 30, 2020

California Pizza Kitchen files for bankruptcy

The company, which expects to emerge from Chapter 11 proceedings in less than three months, filed for bankruptcy as part of its agreement with lenders that will help it equitize a vast majority of its debt. 

By Julie Littman • July 30, 2020