WOWorks pursues acquisitions, ghost kitchens to drive growth

Kelly Roddy, the holding company's CEO, says it plans to buy two to three more brands by the end of the year, as well as increase units via delivery-only locations and franchising.

By Julie Littman • April 12, 2021

Consumer advocacy groups urge FDA to require menu labeling on delivery apps

The FDA said that these companies likely do not meet the definition of covered establishments under the current requirements. 

By Alicia Kelso • April 5, 2021

New deal looks to bring ghost kitchens to apartment communities

C3 is partnering with Akara Living to integrate ghost kitchens into one of its residential properties, offering dining options like Umami Burger and Krispy Rice.

By Alicia Kelso • April 1, 2021

Saladworks to open 90 ghost kitchen locations in US and Canada in 2021

Through a deal with Ghost Kitchen Brand, the company will open 60 units in the U.S. and 30 in Canada, with most located inside Walmart stores.

By Julie Littman • March 30, 2021

48% of diners think it's cheaper to order directly through a restaurant, study finds

Nearly a third of diners say a personalized promotion, such as a discount code or complimentary item, would incentivize them to order takeout directly from a restaurant, according to a SevenRooms report. 

By Alicia Kelso • March 22, 2021

For restaurant chains, marketing virtual brands poses equal challenge and opportunity

Third-party apps, where most virtual brands live, offer marketers access to consumer data they don't otherwise have — an increasing priority as the data privacy landscape tightens.

By Chris Kelly • March 19, 2021

Waitr buys Florida-based Delivery Dudes for $23M

Th acquisition expands Waitr's footprint, especially in South Florida, and comes on the heels of its plans to diversify into more verticals including alcohol and cannabis delivery. 

By Alicia Kelso • March 10, 2021

Red Robin diversifies with 3 delivery-only brands

CEO Paul Murphy confirmed the casual dining chain is rolling out Chicken Sammy's, The Wing Dept. and Fresh Set nationally. 

By Julie Littman • March 10, 2021

Uber Eats' head of product poached by Instacart

Daniel Danker is now the grocery delivery aggregator's VP of shopper and fulfillment, marking the second major leadership exit in the past week for Uber Eats.

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 9, 2021

DoorDash delivers 'In the Zone' to boost women-owned restaurants

Looking to maintain its recent momentum as delivery services have grown, DoorDash and its Caviar unit have added in-app carousels of women-owned businesses in select markets to help customers find them.

By Robert Williams • March 9, 2021

5 steps to plan for a better off-premise future for your restaurant

Create the best off-premise dining experience with high-performance takeout and delivery fries.

March 8, 2021

Panda Express opens first ghost kitchen in San Francisco

The delivery-only location is Panda's initial step in offering faster dining solutions for off-premise guests, with plans to test more concepts this year. 

By Julie Littman • March 5, 2021

Applebee's launches ghost kitchen pilot in 3 cities

The ghost kitchens cropping up in Los Angeles, Philadelphia and Miami are expected to help online delivery demand where the casual chain doesn't have a strong presence. 

By Alicia Kelso • March 4, 2021

Domino's, Papa John's sales soar on pandemic delivery demand, but complications loom

Both chains reported double-digit same-store sales growth last year, but delivery aggregators' growing market share could complicate strategies when pizza sales return to normal levels.

By Julie Littman • March 4, 2021

Postmates' robotics division splits off, becomes Serve Robotics

Serve Robotics closed its first funding round and will continue to develop and operate autonomous delivery robots in urban markets as it pursues new partnerships. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 3, 2021

CFO of still-unprofitable DoorDash shares growth plans, investments

The takeout and delivery app with a 48% market monopoly is investing in food preparation robots, its subscription program and partnerships with commercial retailers, Prabir Adarkar said, after its first earnings report as a public company.

By Jane Thier • March 2, 2021

Packaging manufacturers compete for raw materials as takeout shakes up foodservice

There has been "an increased use of tamper-evident and tamper-resistant packaging, designed to protect food and beverage when it’s on the go," said Natha Dempsey, president of the Foodservice Packaging Institute.

By Jen A. Miller • Feb. 26, 2021

As restaurants recover, their success formula will change

Off-premise innovations like ghost kitchens will characterize the industry going forward, a Duff & Phelps analysis says.

By Robert Freedman • Feb. 24, 2021

Cracker Barrel to test virtual chicken and biscuits brand as off-premise grows 78%

The company has been operating its ghost kitchen facility in Indianapolis since the fall and plans to launch the concept from the location this week. 

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 24, 2021

White Castle ghost kitchen to stay closed until late spring

The fast food chain originally planned to resume its operations in Orlando, Florida, for online pickup orders on Thursday, but now says its current location is too small to sustain demand.

By Julie Littman • Updated Feb. 26, 2021

Dramatic layoffs 'kindest' approach to pandemic, Lazy Dog CFO says

Innovations like a retro-styled TV dinner helped boost kitchen productivity and gave employees more hours, Robert Linder said.

By Robert Freedman • Feb. 22, 2021

Bloomin’ Brands takes virtual brand Tender Shack national

Carrabba's and Outback Steakhouse restaurants will primarily host the chicken-focused concept, which is available across 725 locations.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 19, 2021

Wingstop surpasses $1B in digital sales in 2020

Delivery is a key driver to the company's growth in online transactions, making up 25% of total sales after its first year as a new channel for the QSR.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 18, 2021

Applebee's launches Cheetos-inspired virtual wings brand

Cosmic Wings is available on Uber Eats and is distinct from Neighborhood Wings by Applebee's, the virtual concept the chain tested last year.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 18, 2021

DoorDash offers restaurants discounted COVID-19 tests

More than 1,000 COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits will be available for restaurant partners with three locations or fewer to purchase online. Each kit contains 25 tests and costs $100.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 10, 2021