Operations: Page 12
-
Permission granted by 7 Brew
Top 500 restaurant chains grew 2023 sales 7.5% despite traffic declines
Emerging concept 7 Brew was the fastest-growing chain, increasing its unit count over 373% last year, according to a Datassential report.
By Julie Littman • May 20, 2024 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Red Lobster declares bankruptcy
The chain’s bankruptcy is the culmination of months of financial woes, which included significant losses, trouble paying its bills on time and a planned divestment by its minority owner.
By Julie Littman • May 20, 2024 -
Explore the Trendline➔
Wavebreakmedia via Getty Images
TrendlineBack-of-house Technology
From voice AI at the drive-thru to robot-powered makelines, restaurants are investing in technology solutions to optimize kitchen operations and reduce employee turnover.
By Restaurant Dive staff -
Courtesy of Casey's General Store
3 major c-store chains make foodservice updates
GPM Investments is adding a famous hot dog brand to more than 450 stores, while Casey’s and 7-Eleven both updated their pizza lineups.
By Jessica Loder • May 20, 2024 -
Dejan_Dundjerski via Getty Images
Q&AAsk an expert: What structural problems killed the ghost kitchen?
Despite failed pioneers and industry consolidation, the ghost kitchen model could rise again as shifting real estate market conditions make them more attractive, says Alon Lagstein, counsel at Carlton Fields.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 17, 2024 -
Courtesy of Sbarro
Sbarro names RBI exec as North America president
Mario Bojorquez will support company restaurants and franchisee expansion, operational execution and brand growth.
By Julie Littman • May 16, 2024 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
How 6 chains are reacting to California’s minimum wage law
Brands like Jack in the Box, Shake Shack and Chipotle have raised prices to help offset labor costs incurred following the $20 hourly wage.
By Julie Littman • May 16, 2024 -
Permission granted by Chipotle
Deep DiveChipotle leverages RFID technology, increases overall visibility
Executive Carlos Londono spoke about the company’s operations and its efforts to bring the technology to all of its 3,500 restaurants.
By Alejandra Carranza • May 15, 2024 -
Permission granted by Long John Silver's
Long John Silver’s rolls out rewards program
Seacret Society members earn four coins for every dollar spent online that can be redeemed later for items like Hushpuppies and Grilled or Variety Platters.
By Julie Littman • May 15, 2024 -
Permission granted by Cava
Cava’s new $35M factory will support 750 restaurants
The Verona, Virginia, facility manufactures dips, spreads and salad dressings for its restaurants and CPG business.
By Julie Littman • May 15, 2024 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Red Lobster closes 48 locations, auctions off contents
The chain, which has had trouble paying its bills on time, may be considering bankruptcy as its minority owner divests from it.
By Julie Littman • May 14, 2024 -
Permission granted by Fat Brands/Twin Peaks
Fat Brands files for Twin Peaks IPO
Fat plans to use the proceeds of an IPO to deleverage its balance sheet, which includes over $1 billion in debt taken on in a flurry of recent acquisitions.
By Julie Littman • May 14, 2024 -
Catherine Douglas Moran/Restaurant Dive
Harris Teeter takes on fast food chains
The grocer is offering a rotating selection of prepared foods for $5 at a dozen stores in the Washington, D.C., area.
By Sam Silverstein • May 13, 2024 -
Brandon Bell via Getty Images
McDonald’s to focus on digital marketing with new fund
The fund, which will be paid with existing contributions, will allow the chain to market more effectively to customers within its app.
By Julie Littman • May 10, 2024 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Thai Union to fully divest from Red Lobster by the end of year
The minority owner is engaging with potential buyers after determining Red Lobster’s financial requirements no longer align with its capital allocation plans.
By Julie Littman • May 10, 2024 -
Permission granted by Potbelly
Potbelly unveils smaller, digital-centric prototype
The 1,800-square-foot design is 500 square feet smaller than a traditional Potbelly store, which CEO Robert Wright said will help lower construction and lease costs.
By Julie Littman • May 9, 2024 -
Permission granted by ezCater
Operators predict continued catering boom
Return-to-office is increasing demand for business catering as employers use meal plans to draw workers in-person, according to a survey from ezCater.
By Julie Littman • May 9, 2024 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
California bans hidden fees starting July 1
The state will require businesses to include all mandatory fees in listed prices, making it harder for restaurants to impose service charges.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 9, 2024 -
Permission granted by Smoothie King
Smoothie King hires Yum Brands exec as CFO
Gavin Felder, who most recently served as chief strategy officer at Yum Brands, joins the chain as it continues an aggressive growth push with positive same-store sales momentum.
By Julie Littman • May 9, 2024 -
Courtesy of Dutch Bros
Dutch Bros expands mobile order test
After seeing strong results from its initial pilot, the chain has expanded the channel to several more Arizona locations and expects to offer the function at most stores by the end of the year.
By Julie Littman • May 8, 2024 -
Scott Olson via Getty Images
Dine’s sales sour on virtual brand closures, slow traffic
IHOP and Applebee’s promotions and LTOs weren’t enough to offset a dip in consumer spending during Q1.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 8, 2024 -
Courtesy of Portillo's
Portillo’s four-pronged strategy emphasizes drive-thru speed
The chain is working to improve staff deployment and food throughput as part of an overhaul plan, as drive-thru speeds lag 2019 numbers.
By Julie Littman • May 8, 2024 -
Stephen Chernin via Getty Images
Starbucks’ late-night delivery pilot ‘doubled our business,’ CEO says
A third-party partner prepared Starbucks orders for delivery offsite between the hours of 5 p.m. and 5 a.m., and the coffee giant aims to make a $2 billion business out of this model over the next five years.
By Emma Liem Beckett • May 7, 2024 -
Courtesy of Bloomin' Brands
Bloomin’ Brands CEO David Deno to retire
The restaurant industry executive has been CEO at the Outback parent for five years. The board has begun a search for his successor.
By Julie Littman • May 7, 2024 -
Stephen Brashear via Getty Images
Starbucks needs to focus on experience, not transactions, former CEO says
Howard Schultz called on the chain's executives to “spend more time with those who wear the green apron” and to better understand customer needs.
By Bryan Wassel • May 7, 2024 -
Courtesy of Sweetgreen
Sweetgreen targets dinner customers with steak
The salad chain is following up the successful rollout of protein plates last year with steak, which accounted for nearly one-fifth of dinner orders in a pilot.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 7, 2024
Previous
