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

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

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

Waffle House serves up emergency preparedness with a side of social responsibility

The chain's restaurants so rarely cease operations that FEMA even has a Waffle House test. But how does it care for employees — and communities — when the worst happens?

By Jennifer Carsen • Nov. 7, 2018

Papa Gino's parent company files for bankruptcy

PGHC, which owns the New England favorite as well as D'Angelo Grilled Sandwiches, abruptly closed 95 stores and laid off 1,100 employees.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 6, 2018

Chicken chain Bojangles' to go private for $594M

The move could give the Charlotte-based company the leverage it needs to better compete with rivals like Chick-fil-A, KFC and Popeyes, and develop long-term growth initiatives.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Nov. 6, 2018

El Pollo Loco's rebrand will focus on Hispanic consumers, delivery

The California-based Mexican quick-service chain wants to build on a new logo and store design, focusing on its made-in-house ingredients and family dinners.   

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 5, 2018

Starbucks' renewed focus on coffee, 'happy hour' deals pays off

The coffee giant reported record consumer spending for its fourth quarter, breaking the company out of its U.S. sales slump and growing revenue 10% to $6.3 billion.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Nov. 2, 2018

McDonald's focuses on poultry with made-to-order meals

The addition of two new customizable products at more than 160 Washington restaurants comes as the chain looks to become a go-to chicken destination. 

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 2, 2018

Private equity suitors reportedly wooing Papa John's

Anonymous sources told Reuters that binding offers for the world's third-largest pizza chain are expected in the next few weeks. 

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 1, 2018