Restaurants rethink marketing, but Facebook remains king

A Toast report found that 67% of restaurant professionals plan to pay for social media ads this year, with 91% advertising on Facebook and 78% on Instagram.

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 15, 2019

Chick-fil-A tops QSRs in brand intimacy, report says

The chain's focus on customer service and its loyalty program have built a strong fan base despite criticism for its donations to anti-LGBTQ groups.

By Lauren Manning • Aug. 15, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

Menu development

Restaurants big and small are experimenting with their menus to align with the preferences of on-the-go diners and mitigate the impact of rising food costs, supply chain disruption and shrinking consumer discretionary funds. 

By Restaurant Dive staff

Pizza Hut's closure plans could cede foot traffic to Little Caesars

From April to August, Pizza Hut led in share of visits with 36%, followed by Little Caesars at 31%, Domino's at 24% and Papa John's with 10%. 

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 14, 2019

Chipotle is America's favorite Mexican food chain, survey finds

The chain topped rankings for food safety and overall cleanliness, suggesting that its food safety woes may be behind it. 

By Lauren Manning • Aug. 13, 2019

Vinyl gloves used at major QSRs linked to health risks, study says

Gloves used at McDonald's, Burger King and Wendy's contain chemicals that can cause reproductive issues in adults and brain development delays in children, according to the report.

By Lauren Manning • Aug. 12, 2019

McDonald's introduces BOGO for $1 value deal

The promotion comes less than two years after the chain's $1 $2 $3 Dollar Menu and amid franchisee complaints that its value strategy isn't sustainable. 

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 12, 2019

Deliveroo's 'rescue team' will convert struggling restaurants to delivery-only

The initiative, which offers participating stores space in its virtual kitchens and help with menu development, branding and pricing, marks the platform's latest bid to stay competitive in the U.K. market. 

By Rosie Bradbury • Aug. 9, 2019

McDonald's lifts store traffic 23% with Halloween influencer contest

Influencer marketing firm Linqia flipped top-performing organic content into amplified social and display ads.

By Robert Williams • Aug. 8, 2019

Popeyes sells out of chicken sandwiches

Supply was meant to last through September, but sold out in two weeks. The chain directed consumers to its app to receive notifications once it's available. 

By Alicia Kelso • Updated Aug. 27, 2019

21% of diners willing to pay more at eatertainment than traditional night venue

While activities are a top consideration for where consumers choose to go out, quality food also is top of mind, according to a SevenRooms report. 

By Julie Littman • Aug. 5, 2019

Impossible Burgers are coming to grocery shelves in September

The plant-based burger maker announced a large co-packing agreement with OSI Group that will ramp up its production and reach, which could help ease supply shortages for restaurants.

By Emma Liem Beckett , Jessi Devenyns • Aug. 2, 2019

Mastercard recreates world's top restaurant experiences for cardholders

The Priceless concept mirrors the ambiance of a rotating series of international eateries, while emphasizing Mastercard's branding.

By Barry Levine • Aug. 2, 2019

Navigating customer ratings and employment discrimination in restaurants

Businesses that rely on diner feedback to make personnel decisions need to ensure those reviews are not tainted by prejudice, says labor and employment litigator Kyle Winnick. 

By Kyle Winnick • July 31, 2019

Taco Bell Spain debuts vegan meat substitute

The chain has opted for a more robust vegetarian menu in the U.S. as the list of QSRs going plant-based grows.

By Lauren Manning • July 31, 2019

Arby's readies special food truck menu for 'Storm Area 51' event

"We can't confirm if there are aliens at Area 51. But, if they do show up, they deserve the best meats on Earth," CMO Jim Taylor said.

By Dianna Christe • July 29, 2019

Delivery disconnect: Restaurants don't always prioritize what diners want

Data from Toast shows there's a large disparity between consumer and restaurant sentiments, whether it's what third-party apps are used or which delivery qualities are valued most. 

By Alicia Kelso • July 25, 2019

Dunkin' will roll out Beyond Meat breakfast sandwich nationwide

The chain will offer the plant-based product across U.S. stores beginning Nov. 8, and diners can sample the menu item for free for a limited time. 

By Lauren Manning • Updated Oct. 21, 2019

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

Bowled over: Grocers embrace latest foodservice trend

As more Americans enjoy food bowls, retailers are challenging restaurants with their diverse offerings, including delivery, local sourcing and customization. 

By Jessica Dumont • July 16, 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

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

23% of US smartphone users will use a food delivery app by 2023

Consumers will increasingly turn to third-party apps to place food orders as DoorDash, Grubhub and Uber Eats vie for the top spot, according to an eMarketer report. 

By Lauren Manning • July 9, 2019

Burger King Sweden dares customers to order its plant-based menu items

The burger chain’s "50/50 menu" gives customers a random chance to receive regular meat patties or plant-based alternatives.

By Robert Williams • July 8, 2019

Burger prices are climbing amid demand for premium revamps, report finds

The once affordable menu item is becoming pricier as consumers demand more premium options like grass-fed, organic and plant-based.

By Lauren Manning • July 5, 2019