More franchisee trouble for Subway as it's accused of arbitrary infractions

The schism between the franchisor and some franchisees is a warning sign for the health of the brand, which closed more than 1,000 units last year. 

By Alicia Kelso • May 7, 2019

Schnatter sells $157.5M worth of Papa John's stock

Recently stripped of his contractual rights as founder and with no formal role, Schnatter unloaded an additional 3.4 million shares on Tuesday, reducing his stake in the pizza chain to 19%. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated May 23, 2019

Impossible Burgers run short as manufacturer 'spares no expense' to double supply

Statements from the company confirm its production capacity and increased demand, not trouble sourcing ingredients, has caused the shortage.

By Emma Cosgrove • May 7, 2019

Starbucks taps Microsoft ML for weather, inventory-based order suggestions

The developments with Microsoft are part of a five-year strategy, which includes investigating disruptive technology and creating proprietary solutions. 

By Samantha Schwartz • May 7, 2019

How activist investors led Panera founder to sell

Short-term thinking from shareholders is hurting long-term profits at public restaurants, says Panera founder Rob Shaich.

By Julie Littman • May 6, 2019

Shake Shack, Tender Greens focus on female diversity

In separate announcements, the burger company awarded 60% of its 2018 promotions to women, while the health-focused fast casual said it would fill half of its leadership positions with women by 2020.

By Lauren Manning • May 6, 2019

Booking Holdings acquires guest management platform Venga

The move lets OpenTable's restaurant clients create comprehensive diner profiles that include eating preferences and spend and order history. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 6, 2019

DoorDash enters hospitality with Wyndham Hotels deal

Guests will enjoy expanded offerings through the new partnership at select Wyndham banners including La Quinta, Super 8 and Days Inn.

By Lauren Manning • May 3, 2019

Shift Change: REGO Restaurant Group hires culinary director, eatsa gain new CEO

This week's Shift Change highlights executive changes at CKE Restaurants, eatsa, Brinker International and REGO Restaurant Group.

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 3, 2019

Denny's promotes brand revamp in multicultural push

In addition to its tech-focused overhaul geared towards millennials, a new multimedia campaign will target African-American and Hispanic diners. 

By Lauren Manning • May 2, 2019

Why Chick-fil-A is opening a company-owned distribution center

A pilot facility set to open in Georgia this summer will be a testing ground while the full-scale location is expected in 2020 and will serve up to 300 restaurants. 

By Alicia Kelso • May 1, 2019

Catering grew 50% faster than entire restaurant industry in 2018

As off-premise business grows, restaurants are honing in on business customers for repeat transactions and higher check size, according to a report from Technomic and ezCater. 

By Julie Littman • May 1, 2019

Business catering averages $275 per check, says ezCater

Top industries ordering catering include healthcare, IT/technology and finance, but each of these segments have unique off-premise demands.

By Julie Littman • May 1, 2019

Sirved launches visual menu database app

The app makes photos one of its main search features for over 400,000 restaurants and aggregates reviews from multiple sources, including Yelp, Google and Facebook.

By Lauren Manning • April 30, 2019

Wegmans partners with DoorDash for meal delivery

After piloting Wegmans Meals 2GO in New York, the premium grocer plans to offer delivery through the third-party platform in 40 cities by year's end. 

By Jessica Dumont • April 30, 2019

Starbucks boosts loyalty membership by 13% following switch to spend-based program

Rewards members made up 41% of U.S. sales last quarter, pointing to how the coffee chain's mobile strategy helps to solidify relationships with key customers and drive repeat sales.

By Robert Williams • April 29, 2019

Ad Age: Taco Bell sponsors Bleacher Report's NBA-focused Instagram account

The fast food chain is the first to sponsor House of Highlights on a weekly basis.

By Robert Williams • April 29, 2019

Domino's tests GPS delivery tracking in Phoenix

The technology lets customers follow drivers on a map via app or online and receive real-time mobile notifications, and helps managers increase store operation efficiencies. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 29, 2019

McDonald's Germany adds 1st vegan burger

While the fast food chain has been rolling out vegan options in international markets, it has yet to do so in the U.S., despite plant-based initiatives by rivals Burger King, Carl's Jr. and White Castle.

By Lauren Manning • April 26, 2019

Panera appoints Krispy Kreme exec as CEO

Niren Chaudhary, who also worked for 20 years at Yum Brands, will replace Blaine Hurst in May and help the company's next stage of growth in the U.S. and abroad. 

By Julie Littman • April 26, 2019

KFC drops sexy Mother's Day video

Dessert biscuits from Cinnabon and a video starring a Colonel Sanders-inspired Chippendales dancer ripping off his shirt are part of the push for one of the chain's busiest days of the year.

By Dianna Christe • April 26, 2019

Whole Foods adds new in-store eateries in Florida and California

American rotisserie Bird in the Hand and Nekter Juice Bar will help the grocer offer unique dining experiences for shoppers as part of its Friends of Whole Foods program. 

By Jennifer Sweeney • April 26, 2019

McDonald's, AARP partner on jobs for older workers

The partnership comes as the restaurant and its franchisees gear up to hire 250,000 workers for the summer.

By Emma Liem Beckett , Valerie Bolden-Barrett • April 25, 2019

Papa John's opens 2,000th overseas store as competition intensifies

The chain is growing international units in the double-digits as it struggles domestically, but Pizza Hut and Domino's also are eyeing global markets.

By Alicia Kelso • April 24, 2019

How McDonald's super sizes its data for an optimized supply chain

The restaurant giant will use artificial intelligence to change its drive-thru menus, enabling new capabilities behind the scenes in demand planning.

By Craig Guillot • April 23, 2019