7 of the most dramatic restaurant redesigns of 2019

The growth in digital, off-premise business is a key reason Krispy Kreme, Firehouse Subs, Jamba and Potbelly are transforming their stores. 

By Julie Littman • Dec. 16, 2019

Shift Change: Jack in the Box CEO to depart; McDonald's names international president

This week's Shift Change also highlights executive news from Black Bear Diner, Potbelly, Dunkin' Brands, Garden Fresh Restaurants, Nathan's Famous, Noodles & Company and Pizza Hut. 

By Julie Littman • Dec. 13, 2019

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

WeWork shutters restaurant coworking startup Spacious

Spacious, which turns high-end restaurants into coworking spaces during off-peak times, will close at the end of the year, making it the latest casualty in WeWork’s failed IPO.

By Alicia Kelso • Dec. 13, 2019

Supply challenges could delay McDonald's chicken sandwich launch, analysts predict

Research firm Stephens reports there are not enough five-pound chicken products, the same size that Chick-fil-A and Popeyes use for their sandwiches, to supply the fast food giant's U.S. system.

By Alicia Kelso • Dec. 12, 2019

Potbelly CFO departs for Planet Fitness

Four-time CFO Tom Fitzgerald is leaving Potbelly Corp. on Dec. 27 after one year as finance chief; the Chicago-based sandwich chain is searching for a replacement. 

By Jane Thier • Dec. 12, 2019

Cava secures $40M in latest funding round

The company has now raised over $459 million in funding and is worth over $578 million.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 12, 2019

IHOP flips into fast casual segment with new concept

The restaurant chain will open Flip'd by IHOP in Atlanta in April, with locations in New York City, Washington D.C., Denver and San Francisco under consideration for next year.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 11, 2019

McDonald's could sell 250M Beyond Meat burgers annually in US, report says

Though the fast food giant is only selling 20 to 30 plant-based burgers per day in its Canadian test, UBS predicts the product would eventually drive strong sales if sold in America.

By Lauren Manning • Dec. 11, 2019

Famous Dave's parent grilling up new concepts

BBQ Holdings is opening a new concept in Oklahoma with pitmaster Travis Clark called Clark Crew BBQ as part of its strategy to become a multi-brand company.

By Alicia Kelso • Dec. 10, 2019

Lunch Break: Corner Bakery's off-premise lead talks third-party challenges

Steep delivery fees and erosion of brand control are major obstacles, but these partnerships are still key to growth, says Ed Keller, Corner Bakery's director of off-premise business development.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 10, 2019

Third-party sales will make up 70% of delivery orders in 2022

Off-premise demand is transforming restaurant real estate to include more ghost kitchens, new interior formats and drive-thru pickup lanes, according to a CBRE report.

By Alicia Kelso • Dec. 9, 2019

Restaurant of the Year: Chick-fil-A

The QSR's customer service and focus on technology have driven meteoric growth, making it the third-largest U.S. restaurant chain despite negative publicity and city bans. 

By Julie Littman • Dec. 9, 2019

Emerging Brand of the Year: MOD Pizza

The top-your-own pizza chain is leveraging savvy tech investments and off-premise optimization to win a hefty — and growing — slice of market share from legacy brands and nimble newcomers. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 9, 2019

Dave & Buster's cashes in on contactless commerce app

The restaurant chain's app uses NFC technology to let customers play games with a phone tap and manage rewards points.

By Robert Williams • Dec. 5, 2019

Uber Eats launches group ordering

The website feature can be used for delivery and pickup, and follows a string of similar rollouts across major third-party aggregators. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 5, 2019

Flynn Restaurant Group adopts instant pay across its 1,200 restaurants

The franchise operator has expanded its partnership with DailyPay to improve employee turnover. 

By Lauren Manning • Dec. 5, 2019

Chipotle enforces sick policy, reports no food safety issues since 2017

Following a norovirus incident in 2017 that sickened several customers, the fast casual chain has enforced its sick policy and new food safety standards, resulting in no incidents within the last two years.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 5, 2019

Postmates lays off dozens, closes Mexico City operations

The delivery provider, which has held off on its IPO, could also be exploring a sale during a time when investor sentiment has soured over the profit-starved industry.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 4, 2019

Potato shortage won't hurt french fry supply, says Idaho Potato Commission

Severe weather plagued this year's potato crop, but the potato industry is reassuring consumers that fries are still on the menu.

By Lauren Manning • Dec. 4, 2019

Surviving the $15 minimum wage: How technology can offset rising labor costs

How will you absorb the growing labor costs without raising menu prices and without decreasing food quality, portion size or service levels?

Dec. 3, 2019

Pizza Hut tests in-store kiosks with Brookshire

As the pizza chain explores more avenues to grow sales, it entered into a partnership with a grocery retailer and could expand it to other stores in Texas, Arkansas and Louisiana. 

By Lauren Manning • Dec. 3, 2019

Restaurant industry will be shaped by AI, autonomous vehicles in 2030

In 10 years, restaurants can expect these technologies to transform day-to-day operations, from dynamic pricing to drive-thrus, according to a National Restaurant Association report.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 3, 2019

Chick-fil-A encourages giving the gift of time with multichannel campaign

Across a TV spot, online store and pop-up shop, the QSR looks to deliver for the 73% of consumers that say they want more time with people they love this holiday season.

By Dianna Christie • Dec. 2, 2019

Subway to start the year with pricing discounts despite previous protests

Under new CEO John Chidsey, the chain eyes price cuts to at least two sandwiches, according to the New York Post, despite complaints from franchisees.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 2, 2019

Group criticizes McDonald's for fired CEO's $42M severance package

Investors and New York City's comptroller told the fast food chain that they were "distressed" by the substantial severance Steve Easterbrook received and urged it to adopt a stronger clawback policy. 

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 27, 2019