Operations: Page 17
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Justin Sullivan / Staff via Getty Images
McDonald’s invests aggressively in technology
The fast food giant’s three-pronged plan aims to digitally transform customer experience, franchise operations and core systems, President and CEO Chris Kempczinski said Monday.
By Matt Ashare • Feb. 6, 2024 -
Courtesy of KFC
KFC US launches points-based digital rewards program
Members earn 10 points for every eligible dollar spent online. Points are redeemable for free food in KFC’s Secret Recipe Vault, which rotates rewards.
By Julie Littman • Feb. 6, 2024 -
Explore the Trendlineâž”
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 -
Permission granted by Sweetgreen
Sweetgreen hires former Starbucks exec Rossann Williams as COO
Williams, who left Starbucks in 2022 following a corporate reshuffle, will oversee operations, real estate and development and supply chain.
By Julie Littman • Feb. 5, 2024 -
Courtesy of Gopuff
Gopuff introduces Starbucks delivery
Trained baristas prepare food and drink orders from the instant delivery company’s micro-fulfillment centers for delivery in about 30 minutes.
By Peyton Bigora • Updated Feb. 5, 2024 -
Permission granted by Maintenance Cooperation Trust Fund
Cheesecake Factory, contractors agree to $1M settlement for underpaying 589 janitorial workers
The resolution includes $750,000 from the restaurant chain and $250,000 from the janitorial contractors accused of wage theft, the California Labor Commissioner’s Office says.
By Nish Amarnath • Feb. 1, 2024 -
Courtesy of Portillo's
How Portillo’s develops its managers to sustain $10M unit volumes
CEO Michael Osanloo said the chain’s labor model and high unit volumes enable a “virtuous cycle” where sales drive wages and benefits, which in turn drive retention and efficiency.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 1, 2024 -
lechatnoir via Getty Images
Restaurant trend outlook for 2024
Slow traffic, growing interest in afternoon snacking and trends toward value menus, digital and in-store personalization will shape the restaurant landscape.
By Restaurant Dive staff • Jan. 31, 2024 -
Jessica Loder/C-Store Dive/Restaurant Dive
ColumnFueling Up: To truly compete with restaurants, c-stores need to ‘break boundaries’
Narrowing the gap with restaurants is top of mind for many c-store retailers. Achieving it requires stepping outside of convenience retail’s comfort zone, one expert says.
By Brett Dworski • Jan. 31, 2024 -
Michael Thomas via Getty Images
Deep DiveCost pressures may drive restaurant franchisee bankruptcies in 2024
Issues with margins or cash flow due to supply shocks, labor shortages and other disruptions can push operators into covenant default over their debts, experts said.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 30, 2024 -
Permission granted by Wings & Rings
Deep DiveReturn-to-office traffic is fueling a catering boom in 2024
Chains like Cracker Barrel, BJs and Wings & Rings will continue to lean into the profitable channel this year after seeing double-digit growth in 2023.
By Julie Littman • Jan. 29, 2024 -
Permission granted by MODLOGIQ
Wawa to open first modular construction drive-thru stores
The first of the prefabricated drive-thru stores is slated to open on Feb. 8, with several others to follow as the c-store chain tests out a building method that’s become favored by restaurants.
By Jessica Loder • Jan. 29, 2024 -
Kate Tornone/Restaurant Dive
Boston Market’s fee-free growth push raises questions
The beleaguered chicken chain, which has faced hundreds of closures and numerous lawsuits, wants to expand into non-traditional locations with no buy-in requirements for operators.
By Julie Littman • Jan. 26, 2024 -
Panda Express to deploy GridPoint smart building tech at nearly 2,500 locations
The nationwide deployment, expected to result in a reportable emissions offset, follows a 200-store pilot which measured energy cost and CO2 emissions reductions.
By Joe Burns • Jan. 26, 2024 -
Courtesy of Jersey Mike's
Jersey Mike’s to use SoundHound’s phone AI in at least 50 restaurants
The AI tech now answers “100% of calls” at participating stores and recognizes natural language, meaning diners can order a #55 or “Big Kahuna” and the system understands these terms describe the same sub.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 25, 2024 -
Catherine Douglas Moran/Restaurant Dive
Inside the store: Wegmans’ foodservice paradise in Manhattan
The grocer’s first Manhattan location devotes nearly an entire floor to “restaurant foods selections” including fresh sushi, pizza and poke bowls.
By Catherine Douglas Moran • Jan. 24, 2024 -
Andrew Burton via Getty Images
Potbelly expands loyalty redemption options
The sandwich chain added dessert and side items to its redemption options and implemented spend-based tiers in its rewards platform.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 23, 2024 -
Permission granted by Puttshack
How Puttshack and Pinstripes sustain AUVs over $8M
At the ICR Conference in Orlando, Florida, company executives discussed how post-pandemic consumer trends are driving traffic in the eatertainment space.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 22, 2024 -
AleksandarNakic via Getty Images
Sponsored by TockUnique dining experiences are the secret sauce to your restaurant’s success
Reconsider dining ‘experiences' as a unique value-add that’s different from everyday service.
Jan. 22, 2024 -
Courtesy of Taco Bell
Restaurants are cranking up value in 2024 — but traffic may not follow
Chains from Taco Bell to Popeyes are pushing more promotions for low-priced items, but analysts said they expect few improvements to traffic and margins.
By Julie Littman • Jan. 18, 2024 -
Permission granted by Weigel's
4 tech upgrades that can drive foodservice sales
AI-powered ordering, back-office training programs and more can help improve operations and boost revenue for c-stores’ growing meals businesses.
By Amanda Baltazar • Jan. 17, 2024 -
Courtesy of Mr. Gatti's Pizza
Mr. Gatti’s Pizza develops c-store franchise model
The pizza chain will initially focus on expanding in Texas and the Southeast, with plans to eventually target the Southwest and Midwest, as well.
By Jessica Loder • Jan. 16, 2024 -
Courtesy of QDOBA
How Qdoba is plotting growth in Chipotle’s shadow
Chipotle’s company-owned business model has left a franchised-shape hole in the Mexican fast casual sector. Qdoba wants to fill it.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 11, 2024 -
Retrieved from 7-Eleven press release.
Back to Basics: How to build a successful delivery program
Delivery customers tend to have larger baskets and give retailers several chances to upsell, but it’s important to curate the menu, experts say.
By Amanda Baltazar • Jan. 8, 2024 -
Permission granted by Dutch Bros
Dutch Bros brings on 3 C-suite execs
Joshua Guenser, previously of Mod Pizza, becomes CFO while Sumitro Ghosh, previously from Nike, will take the president of operations post and Jess Elmquist, previously of Phenom People, becomes chief people officer.
By Julie Littman • Jan. 8, 2024 -
Bruce Bennett via Getty Images
TGI Fridays to close 36 underperforming restaurants
The casual chain also sold eight units in the Northeast to former CEO Ray Blanchette following a year of C-suite upheaval.
By Julie Littman • Jan. 4, 2024
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