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

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

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

Dunkin' leverages Grubhub's geofencing to optimize NYC delivery

The test is the first phase of a nationwide delivery rollout through the platform, which will integrate directly into the coffee chain's point-of-sale system to monitor traffic and delivery times. 

By Alicia Kelso • June 18, 2019

Kroger tests 30-minute delivery as restaurant competition grows

As the threat of services like Grubhub and Uber Eats looms, the grocer is offering delivery of fresh produce, beverages and heat-and-eat meals through its Kroger Rush program.

By Jeff Wells • June 18, 2019

86% of delivery app users stop engaging within 2 weeks

A constant stream of new apps and the hunt for the cheapest and quickest service are making user loyalty hard to achieve, according to research from marketing platform CleverTap.

By Lauren Manning • June 17, 2019

Domino's begins driverless delivery test with Nuro in Houston

The pilot will allow the pizza chain to learn how diners interact with the robot and how these deliveries affect store operations. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated April 12, 2021

Why B.GOOD's foray into ghost kitchens is just a taste of its digital strategy

CEO Chris Fuqua shares how the restaurant is transforming its technology to include a loyalty program and app to help drive off-premise and dine-in sales. 

By Julie Littman • June 17, 2019

Shift Change: Inspire Brands adds 2 to C-suite, McAlister's Deli hires CMO

This week's Shift Change highlights executive changes at Inspire Brands, sweetgreen, McAlister's Deli, Wahlburgers and more. 

By Julie Littman • June 14, 2019

Dems urge McDonald's to enforce franchise sexual harassment policies

Lawmakers called the chain's working conditions "unsafe and intolerable" and said its alleged pervasive pattern of harassment must end.

By Valerie Bolden-Barrett • June 13, 2019

Burger King flips Whoppers 'upside down' for 'Stranger Things' tie-in

In advance of the third season of the hit Netflix series, Burger King is partnering with Coca-Cola and DoorDash for giveaways and exclusive content.

By Barry Levine • June 13, 2019