Operations: Page 51
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California fines Burgerim $4M, orders it to refund franchise fees
The chain sold franchises to 1,550 operators who paid $57.7 million in fees, according to a complaint by the state, but didn't deliver the refunds it promised to many franchisees.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Feb. 24, 2021 -
Steak 'n Shake sued for $8.5M in unpaid fees
Fighting back against the restaurant chain's assertions that it is debt free, Wilmington Trust has filed a claim that it's owed millions in unpaid fees and interest dating back to 2018.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated April 6, 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 -
Yelp adds takeout features, enhanced analytics to Waitlist
The latest updates to the company's restaurant products include guest profiles and POS integration, which give users more data on operational performance, customer preferences and ordering behavior.
By Julie Littman • Feb. 23, 2021 -
Dramatic layoffs 'kindest' approach to pandemic, Lazy Dog CFO says
Innovations like a retro-styled TV dinner helped boost kitchen productivity and gave employees more hours, Robert Linder said.
By Robert Freedman • Feb. 22, 2021 -
Noodles & Company plots multi-unit franchise expansion
The fast casual chain is looking to grow its footprint in Southern and Southwest markets, with a focus on off-premise operations.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Feb. 19, 2021 -
Bloomin’ Brands takes virtual brand Tender Shack national
Carrabba's and Outback Steakhouse restaurants will primarily host the chicken-focused concept, which is available across 725 locations.
By Julie Littman • Feb. 19, 2021 -
NRA, One Fair Wage release dueling studies on minimum wage policy
The reports reflect the sharp divide over whether raising restaurant employee pay and ending the tip credit is necessary to stabilize income and ensure equity or if it will cripple the recovering industry.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Feb. 19, 2021 -
Wingstop surpasses $1B in digital sales in 2020
Delivery is a key driver to the company's growth in online transactions, making up 25% of total sales after its first year as a new channel for the QSR.
By Julie Littman • Feb. 18, 2021 -
Applebee's launches Cheetos-inspired virtual wings brand
Cosmic Wings is available on Uber Eats and is distinct from Neighborhood Wings by Applebee's, the virtual concept the chain tested last year.
By Julie Littman • Feb. 18, 2021 -
92% of NYC restaurants couldn't pay December rent
Indoor dining restarted on Friday at 25% in the city, but it may come too late with restaurants increasingly unable to afford rent during the pandemic.
By Julie Littman • Feb. 16, 2021 -
Taco Bell franchisee to break ground this month on new Defy model
The two-story store with four drive-thru lanes in Minnesota will let mobile order customers use digital check-in screens to scan unique QR codes and then have their order delivered through a proprietary lift system.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Aug. 12, 2021 -
DoorDash offers restaurants discounted COVID-19 tests
More than 1,000 COVID-19 rapid antigen test kits will be available for restaurant partners with three locations or fewer to purchase online. Each kit contains 25 tests and costs $100.
By Julie Littman • Feb. 10, 2021 -
Opinion
NRA: Why we oppose the Raise the Wage Act
It's the wrong proposal at the wrong time for the restaurant industry, EVP of Public Affairs Sean Kennedy writes, arguing hiking labor costs and eliminating the tip credit would further destabilize operators and employees.
By Sean Kennedy • Feb. 9, 2021 -
Opinion
One Fair Wage: Why we support the Raise the Wage Act
Saving restaurants has to include saving our workforce, and envisioning a future where the true cost of food and service is fair and just, Victor Love, co-owner of Josephine's Southern Cooking, writes.
By Victor Love • Feb. 9, 2021 -
Danny Meyer's SPAC seeks $250M in IPO
USHG Acquisition Corp. isn't interested in just restaurant companies, listing businesses from tech to e-commerce and health to retail for potential mergers.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Feb. 8, 2021 -
Nathan's Famous opens 100th ghost kitchen
The hot dog chain has agreements to launch another 45 locations for its namesake restaurant and its Wings of New York virtual brand in the next few months.
By Julie Littman • Feb. 8, 2021 -
Pizza Hut's momentum continues in Q4 with 8% same-store sales growth
The Yum Brands chain reported an 8% increase in same-store sales for Q4, buoyed in part by 18% same-store sales growth for off-premise.
By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 5, 2021 -
Starbucks builds energy-efficient, modular store in 6 days
Designed to reduce energy needs for heating and cooling compared to standard construction, the store was built with insulated panels coated with a proprietary cement alternative.
By Jennifer Goodman • Feb. 4, 2021 -
McDonald's will pay employees to get vaccinated
The chain will give four hours of paid time to corporate employees and workers at its corporate-owned restaurants, but will not make vaccination mandatory.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Feb. 3, 2021 -
Nearly 60% of casual operators have added outdoor dining since March, report says
Outdoor dining has limitations, however, as most diners said the lowest temperature they will tolerate to eat outside, on average, is 60.5 degrees.
By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 2, 2021 -
Brinker integrates with Google for pickup of It's Just Wings
Patrons can now search for the virtual brand using Google Search and Google Maps, place their orders, pay and pick up at Chili's restaurants.
By Alicia Kelso , Julie Littman • Updated March 24, 2021 -
Deep Dive
How restaurants are bringing tech to the table in 2021
Much of the industry's in-store tech investments have gone toward contactless payment solutions or tableside, but operators are also experimenting with cutting-edge air filtration to make diners comfortable.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 28, 2021 -
Starbucks eyes drive-thru-only, smaller footprint stores
The company is working to boost productivity, testing handheld POS devices and renovating 150 drive-thru stores that have fallen behind target metrics.
By Julie Littman • Jan. 28, 2021 -
Chipotle pilots carside pickup
The chain will test the service at 29 California restaurants, building on its growing suite of digital ordering options.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 28, 2021 -
Cicis emerges from bankruptcy, finalizes sale
The pizza chain agreed to sell itself to D&G Investors, a newly formed affiliate of SSCP Management and Gala Capital Partners, as part of its reorganization.
By Julie Littman • Updated March 16, 2021