Global food delivery companies struggle to reach profitability

Shares of Chinese delivery giant Meituan Dianping have dropped more than 20% since September, as the company drives sales in exchange for profit. 

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 26, 2018

Q&A: Panda Express carries the Chinese-American torch, 35 years later

Culinary director Jimmy Wang shares how the restaurant has evolved since its launch in 1983 and how iconic menu items like orange chicken acclimated U.S. consumers to Chinese food.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 26, 2018

Food waste reduction is a high priority for U.S. diners, study shows

Seventy-two percent of American consumers care about how businesses handle food waste, and nearly half would pay more for restaurants with food recovery plans. 

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 26, 2018

Beyond Meat's future has ties to a successful tea maker

Seth Goldman founded organic tea maker Honest two decades ago. Today, he has an executive role at the maker of plant-based products and notes the many similarities between the two companies.

By Christopher Doering • Nov. 26, 2018

Yum Brands names Target CEO as non-executive board chairman

The appointment of Brian Cornell, a veteran of PepsiCo Americas Food as well as Sam's Club and Safeway, could signal a continued focus on international expansion. 

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 21, 2018

Jack in the Box franchisees dispute lease restructuring to new property company

The franchisee association alleges the burger chain's proposed strategy to move leases under a new property company could leave owners high and dry.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 20, 2018

Jollibee expansion to bring more Filipino fried chicken to US, Canada

The company calls the move to open 250 locations between the two countries just its first steps in becoming a top five quick-service restaurant. 

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 19, 2018

Panera intensifies breakfast competition by adding delivery

The fast casual giant, which began delivery in 2014, announced it will add breakfast delivery to 381 cafes for orders of $5 or more. 

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 19, 2018

Survey: Restaurant remodels still cost less than building from the ground up

Median costs for a brand-new restaurant land around $650,000 versus $425,000 to retrofit a space for foodservice, yet profits end up equal, according to a survey of 580 operators.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 16, 2018

Free mug-share program wants to replace paper coffee cups

Eco-friendly startup Vessel has partnered with four Colorado cafes, where customers can use an app to grab a reusable stainless steel mug that can be returned at other shops or kiosks near transit stations.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 16, 2018

Will Uber's rewards program be enough to create delivery loyalty?

The company is rolling out a tiered loyalty system, which is applicable to both its ride-hailing and food delivery services, to nine U.S. cities.

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 15, 2018

Punch Bowl Social hires executive culinary director

The Denver-based eatertainment concept's focus on its food offerings, which drive 89% of company sales, could make it a competitive rival for both barcades and traditional eateries.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 15, 2018

Brazil's leading delivery app iFood snags $500M

Processing nearly 400,000 orders per day, the app and its parent company Movile try to differentiate themselves from competitors by offering analytics, an online marketplace and financial services products.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 15, 2018

KFC steps into streetwear with collection from famed Japanese designer Nigo

Gear for the "fashionable, finger lickin' hypebeasts of the world" will be available at a New York pop-up on Nov. 16.

By Erica Sweeney • Nov. 15, 2018

Chick-fil-A launches nationwide delivery with DoorDash

The chain began testing the service in select markets in 2017, and is also experimenting with locations specifically designed for delivery fulfillment only. 

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 14, 2018

Starbucks is laying off 5% of corporate employees

Jobs in marketing, creative, product, technology and store development will be eliminated or shuffled.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 14, 2018

Another activist investor takes a stake in Jack in the Box

Blue Harbour Group disclosed a 6.8% stake in the chain with a goal of holding management talks about capital structure and strategic alternatives. 

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 13, 2018

Frustrated Papa John's franchisees hire lawyer as sales slip

The chain's restaurant owners' association, which claims operators have been "left to fend for themselves," has hired industry attorney Robert Zarco for representation in talks with the company and former chairman John Schnatter. 

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 12, 2018

Moe's invests in store remodels, street-style menu items

After years of steady growth, the chain is turning to its Southwestern roots for menu inspiration and a more sophisticated in-store experience.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 12, 2018

Can a sale drive a Papa Murphy's turnaround?

Following its third-quarter earnings report, Papa Murphy's hired North Point Advisors to "evaluate strategic alternatives," including a possible sale.  

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 9, 2018

Honeygrow to shutter all Chicago stores

Despite recent investments, the salad and stir-fry chain has struggled to keep up with high rent and employee training, especially in the dense cities of Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 9, 2018

Impossible Burger will be sold in grocery stores next year

The move into retail will add to the approximately 5,000 restaurants in all 50 states where the plant-based burger is now available — a huge jump from about 50 restaurants a year ago.

By Cathy Siegner • Nov. 9, 2018

Sonic president will lead the chain after Inspire deal closes

Claudia San Pedro, a 12-year-veteran of the drive-in restaurant company, will join Inspire Brands' executive team when longtime Sonic CEO Cliff Hudson retires at the end of the year.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 8, 2018

Papa John's 'Voices' campaign helps shift brand perception

Following efforts to use storytelling to put a more relatable face on the company, consumer sentiment moved from negative to neutral or positive.

By Erica Sweeney • Nov. 8, 2018

El Pollo Loco ordered to fix franchisee contracts to open new stores

More than half of the chain's locations are franchised, and operators aren't happy with the company's decision to open corporate-owned stores in close proximity to their longstanding restaurants.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 7, 2018