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

Restaurant industry to hire former inmates to ease labor shortage

The National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation received a $4.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to develop model training and job placement programs for young adults who are currently or were recently incarcerated. 

By Alicia Kelso • July 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

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

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

Brinker to acquire 116 franchised Chili's restaurants

The restaurant company plans to buy the stores, which generate $300 million in revenue per year, from Louisville, Kentucky-based ERJ Dining.

By Alicia Kelso • July 11, 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

Oregon governor signs laws banning plastic bags, straws

Legislation signed by Gov. Kate Brown last month is the latest in a series of statewide plastic reduction measures to pass this year.

By Cole Rosengren • 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

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

Starbucks and Amazon partner on soccer documentary

The deal further cements the coffee chain's storytelling ambitions, which has included other productions like "Hingakawa" and "To Be Human."

By Dianna Christe • July 3, 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

Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods: First mover advantage in a rapidly growing market

Since its IPO in May, the price for shares in the company known for its plant-based burgers have taken off. Jeff Robards of Alantra looks at the two giants in the space and their potential future performance.

By Jeff Robards • July 2, 2019

McDonald's dishes out QR-enabled picnic blankets for hot spot delivery

By scanning a code on the blanket, smartphone users in Sweden send their location to their food-delivery service of choice.

By Robert Williams • July 2, 2019

Hooters of America sold to 2 private equity firms

Nord Bay Capital and TriArtisan Capital, which just bought P.F. Chang's, are acquiring the chain as it continues to struggle with brand perception, sales declines and unit reduction. 

By Julie Littman • July 2, 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

MOD Pizza's early cloud start supports rapid expansion

Having the foundation of the cloud, years before the cloud boom, gave MOD a head start when it came time to scale.

By Samantha Schwartz • 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

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

Dunkin' sues franchisees for employment verification violations

The company's move follows terminations of several agreements with franchisees, which collectively operate more than two-dozen units, indicating an increase in oversight related to potential federal labor violations.

By Alicia Kelso • June 27, 2019

McDonald's switch to fresh beef boosted Quarter Pounder sales

Phasing out frozen patties helped drive the chain's first market share gain in five years, and led to a 30% rise in sales of the burger. 

By Lauren Manning • June 25, 2019

Red Robin looks to pizza to drive off-premise sales

The casual chain is testing the addition of Donatos Pizza to its delivery and in-store menu, a move that could brighten its delivery portfolio.

By Alicia Kelso • June 24, 2019

Del Frisco's sold to private equity firm for $650M

Following a strategic review, the restaurant group agreed to an acquisition by L Catterton, which plans to operate Del Frisco's Grille and Del Frisco's Double Eagle Steakhouse separately from bartaco and Barcelona Wine Bar. 

By Julie Littman • June 24, 2019

KFC's new flagship to serve as technology learning lab

The store includes self-serve digital kiosks, an area dedicated to mobile order and delivery pickup, and digital menu boards in-store and at the drive-thru. 

By Alicia Kelso • June 21, 2019