McDonald's employees to shadow influencers in their favorite industries

The chain's mentorship track lets workers learn from people like Empire actor Bryshere Gray, YouTube star Tyler Oakley and dermatologist Meena Singh.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 1, 2018

Applebee's pays $100K to settle transgender hostess' bias suit

EEOC guidance on transgender discrimination has been challenged in court, but the agency continues to enforce its position, suing employers that don't comply with its directive.

By Lisa Burden • Nov. 1, 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

Denny's stock surges on news of aggressive refranchising plan

The chain's move to sell nearly all of its company-owned stores comes under the shadow of McDonald's and Jack in the Box's power struggles with their heavily franchised systems. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Nov. 1, 2018

Jack in the Box franchisees ask for board seat, marketing audit

Less than a month after the fast food chain's franchisee association called on CEO Lenny Comma to step down, the group is now pushing for a "solutions-focused meeting" to rein in declining transactions.

By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 31, 2018

On-demand delivery startup Deliv secures $40M in funding

The new round raised the company's valuation to several hundred million dollars and offers further evidence of investors' growing interest in the food delivery scene. 

By Jessica Dumont • Oct. 31, 2018

Sweetgreen raises $200M, joins the unicorn club

Fidelity Investments led the funding round in the Los Angeles-based salad concept, which is now valued at $1 billion and plans to use the cash to improve its delivery and supply chain.

By Alicia Kelso • Updated Nov. 13, 2018

Parent company of Cinnabon, Jamba Juice considers IPO

Fresh off its Jamba Juice acquisition news, Roark Capital is considering a $1 billion valuation next year for its quick-service restaurant portfolio Focus Brands, which will soon operate 6,000 locations around the world.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 30, 2018

Walmart plans supercenter transformation with new 'town centers'

Restaurants like Shake Shack and Caribou Coffee are potential partners as the retailer pushes for more shoppers and greater efficiency. 

By Jeff Wells • Oct. 29, 2018

After public stumbles, Chipotle changes tactics to address food safety

The burrito chain's varied reactions to its string of foodborne outbreaks can serve as lessons to other restaurants in how to respond when disaster — and bacteria — strikes.

By Jacqueline Renfrow • Oct. 29, 2018

Joe & the Juice eyes IPO as the Danish chain expands in US

The coffee and juice company has about 300 stores in 14 countries and hopes its freeform ethos will appeal to young, urban U.S. consumers seeking nutritious food on the go.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 29, 2018

Chipotle's digital sales, higher menu prices boost performance

The chain's digital sales jumped nearly 50% following a $135 million investment that helped speed up mobile and online orders, close struggling stores and launch its "For Real" marketing campaign.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 26, 2018

Cava offers employees paid leave to cast a ballot

Workers will get two hours to vote on Nov. 6 — the latest benefit tossed into the ring as chains like Starbucks and Noodles & Company fight to retain talent.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 26, 2018

Will McDonald's new sandwich help breakfast sales rise and shine?

The fast food giant, which CEO Steve Easterbrook admitted is losing share in the morning daypart, will roll out Triple Breakfast Stacks next month  — its first new breakfast item in five years.

By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 25, 2018

GrubHub's COO quits while company lowers profit forecast

Despite a strong increase in users and a record Q3, the food delivery business faces surging competition from Postmates and Uber Eats.

By Robert Williams • Oct. 25, 2018

Burger King preps for tech-filled future to boost slow sales

The chain plans to revamp amenities, including double drive-thrus and kiosks, but needs to stand out from rivals like McDonald's with similar initiatives.

By Kristine Sherred and Robert Williams • Oct. 25, 2018

Phoenix IHOP serves beer, Bloody Marys and wine on tap

After taking over a former Lone Star Steakhouse, the franchise owner left the bar intact, making it the first standalone IHOP to offer an alcoholic drink menu.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 23, 2018

VeganBurg to bring plant-based comfort foods to 300 California locations

While chains like Panera and White Castle have added meatless options, the company hopes its 100% vegan burger menu will give it a meaningful slice of the market.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 23, 2018

McDonald's revenue and same-store sales are lovin' it

The fast food giant's Q3 results marked its 13th consecutive quarter of positive same-store sales growth, but the company's problem of disgruntled franchisees still looms large. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Oct. 23, 2018

Bloomin' Brands comes under activist investor pressure

Barington Capital Group is calling for the company to shed its smaller restaurant companies so that Outback Steakhouse can operate independently. 

By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 23, 2018

How Chick-fil-A is perfecting its recipe for service and support

Technology is as crucial as those two pickles on every chicken sandwich. 

By Samantha Schwartz • Oct. 23, 2018

Lessons from Taylor Gourmet: How to go national without going under

The hoagie chain's sudden closure in September is the latest example of how expensive real estate, stiff competition and a too-fast expansion rate can take down a restaurant. 

By Jacqueline Renfrow • Oct. 22, 2018

All but 2 burger chains fail antibiotics report card

Only Shake Shack and BurgerFi earned As on Chain Reaction's fourth annual antibiotic report, followed by Wendy's with a whopping D-.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 18, 2018

Burger King concocts Halloween sandwich that's 'clinically proven' to create nightmares

The brand conducted a sleep study to prove the Nightmare King stirs up bad dreams, and captured the research in found footage-style video. 

By Erica Sweeney • Oct. 18, 2018

Del Taco bets delivery, fresh-focused menu will drive sales

The chain's Q3 revenue was dragged down by food cost inflation and minimum wage hikes, but it hopes nationwide delivery through Grubhub, Postmates and DoorDash will get it back on track. 

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 17, 2018

Shake Shack to open 30 restaurants in Mexico

The trendy burger chain continues to buck traditional fast food strategy with its focus on international growth before domestic expansion. 

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 17, 2018