The year of 'woke-washing': How tone-deaf activism risks eroding brands

Experts warn an uptick in socially and politically aware advertising can read more as chasing headlines than meeting real consumer demands, and it could degrade trust in the industry.

By Peter Adams • July 8, 2019

Welcome to the drive-thru, AI will take your order

McDonald's and Sonic Drive-In are among the fast food chains testing out voice-automation and AI as part of an industrywide push to modernize.

By Julie Littman • July 8, 2019

Taco Bell resolves tortilla shortage

A sudden shortage from a supplier had left restaurants without 10-inch tortillas and scrambling to offer menu alternatives. 

By Julie Littman • Updated July 12, 2019

Shift Change: Pret A Manger CEO retires

This week's Shift Change highlights new executives at Pret A Manger, Roy Rogers and the National Restaurant Association. 

By Julie Littman • July 3, 2019

KFC suits up Cheetos mascot as new Colonel Sanders

Chester Cheetah is hawking sandwiches as the QSR taps a different brand icon for the first time.

By Dianna Christe • July 1, 2019

Franchisees accuse Subway of rigging inspections to shutter stores

The chain's operators claim that it forced them out of business following infractions as minor as a hand print on a window, only to have their stores taken over by competing franchisees.

By Alicia Kelso • July 1, 2019

Why restaurants are getting inventory wrong

Managing inventory is key to running a profitable restaurant. Most operators are getting it wrong.

July 1, 2019

FAT Brands to expand via ghost kitchens, CEO says

The strategy could help grow Fatburger's delivery footprint and boost sales for its franchisees by cooking burgers at sister brand locations, CEO Andy Wiederhorn said.

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 1, 2019

Shift Change: Yum Brands appoints new CFO, Famous Dave's hires director of marketing

This week's Shift Change highlights new executives at Yum Brands, Famous Dave's, Umami Burger and more. 

By Julie Littman • June 28, 2019

DoorDash wants to make driver payment policies more transparent

The company is offering explanations for pay, reducing long-distance deliveries and adding accident insurance to improve the driver experience, but critics say it has yet to address concerns about driver tips.   

By Julie Littman • June 28, 2019

Waitr lays off over 20 employees at headquarters

Following its Bite Squad acquisition, the delivery company has made cuts to its office staff to create more efficiencies, says CEO Chris Meaux. 

By Julie Littman • June 28, 2019

Meal kits could offer untapped revenue stream for restaurants

This off-premise segment could help restaurants offer a new option to diners alongside delivery and takeout, but very few operators have jumped into the ready-to-cook segment.

By Julie Littman • June 27, 2019

Long John Silver's 'Fishmas in July' makes splash with GIF coupons

A Spotify collection of songs about seafood and swag giveaways to fans on social media​ round out the chain's effort.

By Robert Williams • June 26, 2019

Chuck E. Cheese to deliver party packs with DoorDash

These 12-person $125 kit, which include three large pizzas, a cake and decorations, is part of the eatertainment brand's delivery expansion. 

By Julie Littman • June 26, 2019

3 takeaways from a former Starbucks exec's leadership philosophy

"The people that you hire are going to change your organization," Howard Behar said at #SHRM19 — so companies might as well enable them to do so.

By Kathryn Moody • June 25, 2019

Maintaining mouthfeel: The challenge of preserving food texture on the shelf and during delivery

Manufacturers, ingredient suppliers, restaurants and packaging designers are all working together to make sure the consumer gets items that feel freshly made — wherever they are.

By Alicia Kelso • June 25, 2019

Chipotle's new bonus program includes an extra month of pay

The chain's employee retention play also includes tuition reimbursement, free meals and English as a second language classes once certain goals are met.

By Julie Littman • June 25, 2019

7-Eleven adds location-based delivery option

The convenience store's latest in-app feature, which allows consumers to order hot and fresh food from a public place like a park, makes it more competitive against restaurant delivery.

By Julie Littman • June 24, 2019

Shift Change: Texas Roadhouse president retires, Wendy's hires new CMO

This week's Shift Change highlights leadership changes at Texas Roadhouse, Wendy's and Checkers & Rally's. 

By Julie Littman • June 21, 2019

McDonald's pilots robot fryer in kitchen

The fast food chain is also testing voice-activated drive-thrus and automated beverage systems to decrease wait times and improve customer service and employee satisfaction. 

By Julie Littman • June 21, 2019

Papa John's invests $80M in marketing, franchisee relief

In addition to marketing and brand initiatives, the funding will go toward royalty relief for operators, many of whom have struggled since founder John Schnatter's downfall. 

By Julie Littman • Updated June 21, 2019

FAT Brands acquires Elevation Burger for $10M

With this latest transaction, FAT Brands grows to over 400 restaurants and annual systemwide sales of more than $400 million.

By Julie Littman • June 20, 2019

Off-premise, not delivery, is a growing focus for Olive Garden

The casual dining chain has grown its sales in takeout and catering by 9% in the most recent quarter without the help of third-party delivery. 

By Julie Littman • June 20, 2019

Pizza Hut brings back iconic red roof logo

The logo, which was used between 1967 and 1999, is part of the company's marketing strategy to get back to its roots. 

By Alicia Kelso • June 19, 2019

Panera tests expanded dinner menu

Just months after its breakfast revamp, the fast casual chain is looking for ways to boost sales for the final meal of the day. 

By Julie Littman • June 19, 2019