Despite plant-based boom, beef burgers still reign supreme

While consumers ordered 228 million plant-based burgers at QSRs, up 10% from last year, 6.4 billion beef burgers were served in the same time period.

By Lauren Manning • July 18, 2019

McDonald's to test plastic-free toys in British Happy Meals

Following a petition with nearly 400,000 supporters, the fast food chain says it's exploring ways to reduce plastics in the U.K., but has yet to commit to similar goals in the U.S. 

By Julie Littman • July 18, 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

McDonald's inks deal with DoorDash, ending exclusivity with Uber Eats

After two years, the fast food chain added a second delivery partnership, a move that will likely appease some franchisees, but could be a blow to Uber Eats. 

By Alicia Kelso • July 17, 2019

Under pressure, Domino's ups the ante on tech

Squeezed by third-party aggregators, the pizza chain is launching a nationwide e-bike program and adding GPS tracking to improve delivery.  

By Julie Littman • Updated Aug. 13, 2019

Self-service kiosk market to reach $30.8B

A number of QSR players like McDonald's are adopting the technology, but the value proposition remains unclear.

By Lauren Manning • July 17, 2019

Just Eat adds restaurant hygiene ratings to app

The feature is Just Eat's latest push to improve food safety, which has included dropping restaurants with a zero rating and investing over $1 million to help eateries improve scores. 

By Lauren Manning • July 16, 2019

Domino's Australia improves pizza quality scores with AI

The DOM Pizza Checker, which was deployed in Australia and New Zealand in May, increased quality scores by 15% in its first month. 

By Alicia Kelso • July 16, 2019

Starbucks rolls out express store in China

The new stripped-down format, which is focused on delivery and mobile orders, will better position the coffee chain against its growing competitor Luckin.

By Lauren Manning • July 15, 2019

Global fast food market to surpass $690B by 2022

Popularity of fast food in emerging economies, an increased preference for quick, inexpensive food, and growth in sales at the drive-thru are projected to keep the segment growing.

By Julie Littman • July 15, 2019

Shift Change: Papa John's taps new chief restaurant operations officer

This week's Shift Change also highlights executives at &pizza, Bonchon, REGO Restaurant Group and CraftWorks Holdings. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 12, 2019

Subway to remodel 10,500 stores by 2020

With the help of the sandwich chain's $100 million grant program, 40% of its franchised restaurants will be upgraded by the end of next year.

By Lauren Manning • July 12, 2019

Waitr's new fee structure faces swift backlash from restaurant partners

A week after announcing changes to its terms that include performance-based commission, at least 20 restaurants plan to boycott the delivery company. 

By Alicia Kelso • July 12, 2019

Grubhub 'cybersquatting' outcry signals changing delivery landscape

Accusations of hidden fees and buying domains without permission highlight a need for clearer communication between third-party providers and restaurants.

By Julie Littman • July 11, 2019

Eat Mor Chikin? McDonald's franchisees aim to compete with Chick-fil-A

With the chicken chain growing rapidly, especially in the southeast, the National Owners Association told franchisees in an email Tuesday that the burger giant needs to perfect a premium chicken sandwich.

By Julie Littman • July 10, 2019

Fast casuals rev up drive-thru, mobile pickup plans

Chains like Chipotle, Cava and Blaze Pizza are testing drive-up windows but may soon find it more difficult to find ideal locations.

By Julie Littman • July 10, 2019

Crate & Barrel to add restaurant concept to up to 15 stores

Table at Crate opened in Chicago in July and did so well that CEO Neela Montgomery wants to expand its partnership with Cornerstone Restaurant Group.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Sept. 17, 2019

Waitr to add alcohol delivery

The company will start delivering alcohol for the first time after the Louisiana governor signed two bills into law allowing for the service with proper permits. 

By Alicia Kelso • July 9, 2019

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