Panera tests Miso Robotics coffee monitoring system

CookRight Coffee, a new AI-enabled coffee monitoring system, combines time, temperature and volume data with predictive analytics to alert employees when to brew a new batch.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 12, 2022

Study: One-third of diners don't want to see robots preparing their food

While consumers understand the benefits of automation, 32% would prefer not to see the technology in action, new research from Big Red Rooster finds.

By Alicia Kelso • April 11, 2022

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

Kroger launches restaurant supply business

The grocer now offers next-day delivery in the greater Dallas area aimed at small and independent establishments.

By Jeff Wells • April 6, 2022

Surging inflation compelling small businesses to raise prices

Inflation is broad based — flaring in every sector — and will probably persist longer than initially expected, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce said.

By Jim Tyson • April 1, 2022

Chipotle tests RFID technology to improve food traceability

The tech will trace meat, dairy and avocados from five of the company's suppliers at about 200 Chicago-area restaurants.

By Julie Littman • March 31, 2022

Sodexo will use robotic delivery to offer virtual brands on college campuses

The foodservice giant will offer brands from Virtual Dining Concepts, which includes brands like MrBeast Burger, to its Bite mobile app.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 29, 2022

4 casual, fast casual drive-thru innovations in Q1

With digital sales booming during the pandemic, chains like Smokey Bones, Jimmy John's, Sweetgreen and Famous Dave's are eyeing drive-thru formats.

By Julie Littman • March 29, 2022

BTIG: Nationwide McPlant rollout highly unlikely this year

A recent check-in with franchisees revealed sales of McDonald’s plant-based burger in its California and Texas test markets are coming in at or below low-end sales projections.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Updated June 16, 2022

Sweetgreen to open first drive-thru in Chicago suburb

The fast casual's first drive-thru for digital pickup orders, dubbed "Sweetlane," is part of its strategy to test new store concepts and bolster online sales.

By Julie Littman • Updated Nov. 14, 2022

WOWorks creates new CIO role as it updates its tech stack

Kyle Mark will lead the company's tech operations across its four brands as it makes upgrades, including a new POS system and loyalty program.

By Alicia Kelso • March 18, 2022

Uber Eats customers must pay fuel surcharges starting tomorrow

An additional $0.35 to $0.45 will be added on delivery orders in nearly every national market through May to help couriers manage spiking gas prices.

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 15, 2022

Sweetgreen's digital sales made up 67% of Q4 2021 revenue

By capturing the majority of its online orders through proprietary platforms, the salad chain has been able to collect valuable consumer data that informs digital-exclusive offerings. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 7, 2022

Saladworks to offer delivery from 20 host kitchens through Combo Kitchen deal

The partnership allows Saladworks to experiment with its menu and offerings in a large market without significant investment in labor, capital or real estate.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 4, 2022

IHOP tests 2 virtual brands in 50 stores

Parent company Dine Brands has expanded Thrilled Cheese and Super Mega Dilla from nine restaurants last quarter to 50.

By Alicia Kelso • March 3, 2022

Wendy's CFO: Ghost kitchens, nontraditional units will make up half of 2022 store growth

The burger chain, which has opened 30 kitchens with Reef so far, plans to open up to 200 more units with the ghost kitchen platform this year.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 2, 2022

Yelp: About 18K restaurants added outdoor dining since pandemic's start

Consumer searches for places that offer meals al fresco have risen 292% in the second year of COVID-19 compared to before the crisis.

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 28, 2022

Wendy’s creates development fund, new store formats to grow franchise diversity

The burger chain's "Own Your Opportunity" recruitment initiative is designed to increase restaurant ownership among women and people of color.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 28, 2022

Target to test Starbucks orders, returns with curbside pickup

The retailer will debut the features this fall in select cities as its same-day services continue to expand.

By Kaarin Vembar • Feb. 23, 2022

White Castle brings cooking robot to 100 more restaurants

The burger chain will soon use Miso Robotics' Flippy 2 robot, which can perform the work of a whole fry station, at nearly one-third of its units. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 15, 2022

Slower McDonald's units may see higher DoorDash fees

The delivery company lowered standard commissions on orders to 11.6% as part of a November deal, but that charge jumps to 17.6% if a driver has to wait over seven minutes.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 14, 2022

Fat Brands' CEO on developing supply chain, labor strategies for the Super Bowl

Andy Wiederhorn talks how shortages and price hikes of the past few years have informed contingency plans ahead of the big game. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Feb. 10, 2022

C3 takes over in-room dining at The Westin Las Vegas Hotel & Spa

This marks the ghost kitchen company's latest hotel deal as it works to diversify its offerings through partnerships and its own brick-and-mortar concepts. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 9, 2022

How to prepare your restaurant for Valentine's Day crowds amid COVID-19

Personalization, limited menus and social media engagement can be a recipe for success despite labor struggles on this high-traffic day, writes Jennifer Simmons, director of marketing at Restaurant365.

By Jennifer Simmons • Feb. 9, 2022

Brinker plans more off-premise-only kitchens, virtual brand expansion

The chain opened an off-premise kitchen in Manhattan last month and plans to open similar units near universities in Dallas and Columbus, Ohio, CEO Wyman Roberts said during the company's Q2 earnings call. 

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 4, 2022

Jimmy John's opens its first drive-thru-only restaurant

The chain's new format includes a dual-sided drive-thru with a designated pickup lane for mobile and online orders, as well as carryout lockers.

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 3, 2022