Operations: Page 47
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Opinion
How a more financially stable workforce can fuel restaurant industry recovery
Forty-eight percent of restaurant workers said they'd be willing to leave their job for one that gives them their tips immediately at the end of their shift, writes Andrew Garner of Netspend.
By Andrew Garner • May 21, 2021 -
Panera unveils double drive-thru store design
Going forward, all Panera builds and remodels will feature this design, and most locations will be in suburban markets to accommodate the drive-thrus.
By Emma Liem Beckett • May 20, 2021 -
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 -
IHOP will open first fast casual unit in NYC after 1-year delay
The casual dining chain was forced to pause the launch of its Flip'd concept during the pandemic, but now expects to open four fast casual locations this year as part of an initial pilot.
By Julie Littman • May 20, 2021 -
Goldbelly snags $100M after seeing 300% growth in 2020
The novelty food delivery service will put this capital infusion toward scaling its technology and operations and accelerating the onboarding of new chefs and restaurants.
By Emma Liem Beckett • May 19, 2021 -
Quiznos, Taco Del Mar to open 100 ghost kitchen units
The Rego Restaurant Group brands join a growing network of chains, including Saladworks and Wow Bao, that have partnered with Ghost Kitchen Brands.
By Julie Littman • May 19, 2021 -
Deep Dive
Retention is key to solving the restaurant industry's labor crisis
As many restaurants struggle to bring on employees, others have had success with keeping their workers by creating a positive company culture, boosting benefits and offering clear paths for career growth.
By Julie Littman • May 18, 2021 -
Auntie Anne's debuts first drive-thru in Texas
The 1,200-square-foot franchised location near Dallas is co-branded with Jamba.
By Emma Liem Beckett • May 17, 2021 -
Wendy's pursues ghost kitchens, says 30% of new units will be nontraditional
The chain's U.S. digital business grew to roughly 7.5% of sales in Q1 2021 thanks to increases in mobile ordering and delivery, inspiring store designs with delivery drivers in mind, Chief Development Officer Abigail Pringle said.
By Emma Liem Beckett • May 14, 2021 -
McDonald's raises pay at US corporate stores ahead of planned worker strike
McDonald's is raising hourly wages by an average of 10% at its U.S. company-owned restaurants, impacting more than 36,500 employees. Ninety-five percent of the chain's U.S. footprint will not be affected, however.
By Emma Liem Beckett • May 13, 2021 -
Following first quarter rebound, Applebee's, IHOP parent hires new CFO
On June 14, Vance Chang will replace Dine Brand's corporate controller and interim CFO Allison Hall, who is moving into the chief accounting officer role.
By Jane Thier • May 13, 2021 -
Chick-fil-A will launch a virtual brand in Nashville
While the chain has tested ghost kitchens, this appears to be its first virtual brand. The concept, called Little Blue Menu, will serve Chick-fil-A's classic menu alongside roasted chicken and wings.
By Julie Littman • May 13, 2021 -
Sweetgreen files for IPO
The news comes on the heels of a $156 million cash infusion led by Lone Pine Capital in January, as well as the chain's plans to pilot a drive-thru this year and invest in suburban expansion.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated June 21, 2021 -
Subway goes on a hiring spree for 40K workers
Despite a history of sluggish unit and sales growth, the chain looks to fill roles ranging from entry-level to management after closing 10% of its units last year.
By Alicia Kelso • May 11, 2021 -
Deep Dive
Help wanted: How chains are adjusting hiring tactics to boost staffing
Amid an ongoing labor shortage, major restaurant brands are experimenting with mass hiring events, bonuses, pay raises and streamlined application processes to attract much-needed employees.
By Julie Littman • May 11, 2021 -
Deep Dive
How the labor shortage is shifting restaurant strategy
Diners are returning in droves as COVID-19 dining room restrictions ease, but staff are hard to come by, creating a difficult balancing act for operators trying to recoup lost revenue.
May 11, 2021 -
Deep Dive
Up from the ashes: Restaurant CFOs prepare for boom
Profit-hungry restaurant CFOs blindsided by the pandemic get ready for robust economic growth, offering lessons for leaders in less-stressed industries.
By Jim Tyson • May 10, 2021 -
Chipotle to boost average hourly earnings to $15 by end of June
The chain also plans to hire 20,000 employees in the U.S. and is offering referral bonuses for crew members, apprentices and general managers.
By Julie Littman • May 10, 2021 -
Opinion
Why restaurants need to be digital now
To thrive in an increasingly online marketplace, restaurants need to invest in technologies that help manage the customer relationship and manage delivery automation, says Hypertrack founder and CEO Kashyap Deorah.
By Kashyap Deorah • May 7, 2021 -
Report: 76% of restaurant workers plan to leave jobs over low wages, tips
If these workers had a full, stable living wage, 78% said they would stay in their positions, according to a One Fair Wage report.
By Julie Littman • May 6, 2021 -
Five Guys franchisee opens the chain's first US ghost kitchen
Encore Restaurants, the largest Five Guys franchisee, opened a delivery-only location in Garland, Texas, on May 1, joining a growing list of chains using this channel for expansion.
By Alicia Kelso • May 5, 2021 -
Uber and Gopuff link up on 'everyday essentials' e-shop
The deal marks the first time Uber has partnered with a vertically integrated delivery business, reflecting the company's push to diversify its delivery arm in a bid to reach profitability.
By Jeff Wells • May 5, 2021 -
Krispy Kreme files for $100M IPO
The company shared in a Form S-1 document Tuesday that it will use the money to pay off outstanding debt.
By Julie Littman • Updated June 1, 2021 -
Deep Dive
Now hiring: How the labor shortage is squeezing full-service restaurants
Foodservice workers burnt out by the segment's recent instability are leaving for other industries or living on high unemployment benefits, sparking a staffing crisis as dining rooms open.
By Julie Littman • May 4, 2021 -
Saladworks sees path to 'hundreds' more locations inside grocery stores
After capitalizing on shuttered salad bars nationwide, the restaurant chain plans to accelerate its rollout of full-service and ghost kitchen sites.
By Jeff Wells • May 4, 2021 -
Starbucks says it will help distribution partners struggling with labor shortages
Delayed or disrupted fulfillment from distribution centers to stores are possible if Starbucks delivery partners can't find the labor they need to move goods.
By A.B. Brown • May 3, 2021