Waffle House workers strike over safety at South Carolina store

Meal deductions are also at the root of a strike at a Columbia, South Carolina, unit. The demonstration is backed by the Union of Southern Service Workers. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 10, 2023

How restaurants can leverage ghost kitchens

Discover 10 ways ghost kitchens can drive efficiency and boost revenue for restaurant operators.

July 10, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

Back-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

Golden Corral appoints 7-Eleven vet as CIO

Dawn Gillis, who also worked at Freebirds and Torchy’s Tacos, will oversee the buffet chain’s digital growth strategy and modernize its tech stack.

By Julie Littman • July 7, 2023

Friday Feedback: How are you approaching menu pricing?

This new series seeks reader input on pressing topics in the restaurant industry.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 7, 2023

Can opt-in rules help restaurants, diners stick to sustainable packaging?

Consumer interest in biodegradable and reusable restaurant packaging is still growing, and a push to ditch single-use cutlery and condiments may spark bigger behavior changes.

By Kristine Sherred • July 6, 2023

Subway spent $80M on deli slicers for latest menu revamp

To support its Deli Heroes menu update — Subway’s third since 2021 — the chain revamped its supply chain and installed meat slicers in 20,000 units.

By Julie Littman • July 5, 2023

The biggest restaurant IPO news of H1 2023

Cava defied analyst expectations with its $318 million IPO in June, followed by Gen Restaurant Group’s $43 million public debut. Now, H2 could see Panera Brands and Pinstripes go public.

By Julie Littman • July 5, 2023

TGI Fridays is just getting started with menu development

The Grilled & Sauced menu, which launched in June, is part of a larger strategy to modernize the chain’s product offerings.

By Julie Littman • June 30, 2023

NRA: Only 24% of adult diners added alcohol to their off-premise orders in last 6 months

A gap between diner interest in off-premise alcohol and actual ordering behavior suggests to-go alcohol sales could further expand, according to a report by the National Restaurant Association. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 29, 2023

Gen Restaurant Group raises over $43M with IPO

The casual chain began trading Wednesday with its initial public offering priced at $12 per share, almost two weeks after Cava Group’s successful IPO.

By Julie Littman • June 29, 2023

Smokey Bones names Hal Lawlor to joint role of president, COO

Lawlor, who has served as the chain’s COO since 2019, takes on the added role following CEO James O’Reilly’s departure earlier this month.

By Julie Littman • June 29, 2023

Starbucks extends cold beverage line with addition of 3 Refreshers

Refreshers, which are typically available during the summer, were the fastest growing beverage at corporate-owned U.S. Starbucks as of 2021 and will now be offered year-round. 

By Julie Littman • June 28, 2023

DoorDash enhances merchant platform with store rewards

The latest additions for merchants also include personalized growth recommendation and and enhanced Storefront features. 

By Julie Littman • June 28, 2023

Jeremiah’s Italian Ice hires CEO, other top executives

Founder Jeremy Litwack changes roles at the company, paving the way for Michael Keller to become CEO and president.

By Julie Littman • June 28, 2023

Chick-fil-A beefs up loyalty incentive with ‘Code Moo’ digital game

The game, which is centered around sabotaging the chain’s fictitious “burger-slinging nemesis,” will dish out 2.5 million food rewards on a weekly basis.

By Jessica Deyo • June 28, 2023

Everytable raises $25M to support expansion

The company will use its latest funding round to grow its stores, which provide affordable meals to underserved communities in California and New York City. 

By Julie Littman • June 27, 2023

Casey’s introduces thin-crust pizza

The popular new selection is the latest update in what’s become the Iowa-based chain’s signature foodservice category.

By Jeff Wells • June 26, 2023

Raising Cane’s enters NYC with Time Square flagship

The QSR chain plans to open 25 units in the New York City area during the next three years as it works toward becoming a top 10 chain in the country. 

By Julie Littman • June 26, 2023

How Stinker Stores is remodeling its stores to compete with QSRs

Nearly two years after debuting its fresh food program, the Idaho-based retailer is revamping many of its locations — and building new ones — to position the meal stop front and center.

By Brett Dworski • June 23, 2023

Zaxby’s opens first franchise-owned, off-premise-only unit

Chicken Scratch Holdings debuted the drive-thru and takeout-only unit in Hoover, Alabama, earlier this year as the chain pursues national expansion. 

By Julie Littman • June 22, 2023

SPB Hospitality appoints Josh Kern as CEO

Kern, who has served as interim CEO since August, oversaw the company’s merger with Krystal earlier this year. 

By Julie Littman • June 22, 2023

Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux appoints CEO

Chris Dawson, who was previously president at Driven Brands, will support the 78-unit casual chain’s growth as it works toward becoming a 500-unit brand. 

By Julie Littman • June 21, 2023

After first day of trading, Cava plots path to profitability

As a public company, Cava will further strengthen its balance sheet and expand into new markets, CFO Tricia Tolivar said.

By Julie Littman • June 20, 2023

Why Fat Brands’ Andy Wiederhorn wants Twin Peaks to go public

Two years after Fat bought the full-service brand for $300 million, it is also considering spinning off the company or selling it for cash.

By Julie Littman • June 20, 2023

Dutch Bros hires CKE exec as CMO

Tana Davila will oversee brand and product marketing, creative and the company’s rewards program in her new role.

By Julie Littman • June 20, 2023