Operations: Page 6

  • A photograph of a man wearing a white dress shirt looking to the right.
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    Courtesy of Fortress Investment Group
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    Red Lobster gets another CEO

    The chain’s pending owner has hired Damola Adamolekun to head up the reorganized company, which is planning to close 23 stores at the end of August.

    By • Aug. 26, 2024
  • An exterior shot of a Red Robin restaurant, which is lit from inside, at night
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    The image by Cbraccialini is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
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    Red Robin reports highest guest satisfaction in nearly a decade

    Improvements to its labor model, increased focus on food quality and decreased wait times have all boosted the guest experience, the chain said.

    By • Aug. 23, 2024
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    Wavebreakmedia via Getty Images
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    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
  • An image of a white building with red stripes and KFC branding.
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    Moses Robinson via Getty Images
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    KFC franchisee closes around 25 restaurants in the Midwest: reports

    EYM previously closed Pizza Hut and Burger King restaurants, and its pizza division filed for Chapter 11 earlier this summer.

    By • Aug. 23, 2024
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    Permission granted by BurgerFi
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    BurgerFi hires chief restructuring officer

    The move comes just days after the chain expressed “substantial doubt” over its ability to continue operating given its current financial situation.

    By • Aug. 23, 2024
  • The exterior of a Cava in Chicago
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    Permission granted by Cava
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    Cava’s traffic surges in Q2

    Customers are switching to the fast casual chain from across the restaurant industry thanks to its moderate approach to menu pricing.

    By • Aug. 22, 2024
  • An image of a Tony Roma's with red neon backlighting
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    The image by Dirk Ingo Franke is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
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    Tony Roma’s names permanent CEO

    Mohaimina Haque’s appointment marks a “new chapter” at the chain as it seeks to reduce costs and grow internationally.

    By • Aug. 22, 2024
  • Taco Bell breakfast burritos
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    Permission granted by Taco Bell
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    Taco Bell will let franchisees stop breakfast

    Ditching the morning meal gives franchisees the flexibility to focus on other dayparts, the brand said.

    By • Aug. 22, 2024
  • An image of a man wearing a Burger King crown and holding a Whopper. He is about to eat a Whopper and has his mouth open wide.
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    Courtesy of Walmart/Burger King
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    Burger King offers 25% off food orders to Walmart+ members

    The collaboration could help boost traffic and same-store sales at the QSR chain, which reported relatively flat sales last quarter.

    By • Aug. 22, 2024
  • A drive-thru Chick-fil-A consisting of a kitchen suspended over four drive-thru lanes.
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    Courtesy of Chick-fil-A
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    Chick-fil-A’s long-awaited elevated drive-thru opens

    The prototype has four drive-thru lanes, including mobile pickup areas, and can handle more cars than a traditional Chick-fil-A.

    By • Aug. 21, 2024
  • An image of a black building with a red sign that says "Newk's."
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    Permission granted by Newk's
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    How Newk’s will help FSC Franchise Co. become a billion-dollar platform

    After acquiring Newk’s, the platform owned by Capital Spring aims to add another brand to its portfolio as it tries to double its business.

    By • Aug. 21, 2024
  • A person wearing a white shirt holds a bat while a green ball floats in the air. There is a projection screen on the right with a baseball field.
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    Permission granted by Home Run Dugout/Courtesy of Alex Montoya
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    Home Run Dugout secures $22.5M, plans expansion

    The baseball-centric entertainment concept already plans to open a location in San Antonio, Texas, and Scottsdale, Arizona.

    By • Aug. 20, 2024
  • A empty kitchen inside a Portillo's restaurant that includes a makeline and some signage.
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    Permission granted by Portillo's
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    Why Engaged Capital seeks changes at Portillo’s

    Portillo’s is shrinking its new builds, but the investment firm wants even smaller stores.

    By • Aug. 20, 2024
  • TV personality Simon Cowell, wearing a black T-shirt, sits behind a metal kitchen counter with Domino's branding
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    Permission granted by Domino's Pizza
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    Simon Cowell judges Domino’s Pizza alongside new quality captains

    The TV personality dons the cap of quality captain, a new staff role that ensures all aspects of an order are correct down to topping portions.

    By Peter Adams • Aug. 19, 2024
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    Permission granted by BurgerFi
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    BurgerFi might go bankrupt

    Net losses are expected to be $18.4 million for the second quarter, and cash flow is only $4.4 million, marking a stark financial picture for the chain.

    By • Aug. 19, 2024
  • Shot of Starbucks store in Seattle on July 3 2024
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    David Ryder via Getty Images
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    Will Brian Niccol’s customer experience success as CEO of Chipotle translate to Starbucks?

    The executive spearheaded mobile ordering upgrades and better order fulfillment at Chipotle. Experts say the same lessons could improve customer experience at Starbucks.

    By Bryan Wassel • Aug. 19, 2024
  • An image of a tip jar in the foreground with a customer paying by credit card in the background
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    Nikola Stojadinovic via Getty Images
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    Opinion

    ‘Tipflation’ narrative is harmful to the restaurant industry

    Saying that tips have spun "out of control" is inaccurate, as data shows a minimal decline in tip percent averages, writes Kevin Bryla, CMO of SpotOn.

    By Kevin Bryla • Aug. 16, 2024
  • A Chili's Burger framed by fries and a drink.
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    Courtesy of Brinker
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    Chili’s sees sales, traffic surge

    By emphasizing price competitiveness with fast food, Brinker International’s flagship brand avoided the downturn that has plagued other full-service chains.

    By • Aug. 15, 2024
  • A man orders food on his phone
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    FG Trade via Getty Images
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    How restaurant loyalty programs can drive more traffic and improve experiences

    Restaurant brands that tie their loyalty programs into payment and ordering systems can increase convenience and personalization for customers.

    By Bryan Wassel • Aug. 15, 2024
  • An image of a a white building with Chipotle signage at night.
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    Permission granted by Chipotle
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    Chipotle appoints Scott Boatwright as interim CEO

    Following Brian Niccol’s move to Starbucks, the chain’s long-tenured COO will lead it as the board of directors seeks a permanent CEO.

    By • Aug. 13, 2024
  • An image of a man standing in front of a gray background.
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    Courtesy of Chipotle
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    Starbucks names Brian Niccol as its CEO

    Brian Niccol, who has been CEO at Chipotle since 2018, joins the chain as it continues to face declines in traffic and comparable sales.

    By • Aug. 13, 2024
  • An image of sweetgreen's automated kitchen in Naperville, Illinois
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    Courtesy of Sweetgreen
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    Sweetgreen automated kitchen concept improves retention, margins

    The first establishment with the chain’s Infinite Kitchen technology has seen restaurant level margins of 31% and a 45% lower turnover rate than a traditional location.

    By • Aug. 12, 2024
  • A photograph of a Potbelly sandwich shop sign.
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    Andrew Burton via Getty Images
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    Potbelly boosts value scores with $7.99 Skinny Combo

    The deal hits a sweet spot for consumers who feel like they’re getting a filling meal without having to break the bank, CEO Robert Wright said. 

    By • Aug. 12, 2024
  • A photograph of a pink building with white polka dots with a sign that says "The Original Rainbow Cone."
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    Permission granted by The Original Rainbow Cone
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    Deep Dive

    Dessert concepts are seeing record growth. But are they just a fad?

    To stay relevant, chains like The Original Rainbow Cone and Dirty Dough are expanding their menus beyond their core offerings.

    By • Aug. 12, 2024
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    Paul Strabbing

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    Sponsored by Bel Group

    Meet a new pizza trend customers will eat up

    How restaurants can capitalize on consumers’ growing appetite for upscale pies that boost the bottom line in an economical way.

    Aug. 12, 2024
  • An image of Burger King's Sizzle remodeled restaurant
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    Courtesy of Burger King
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    Burger King remodels driving double-digit sales lifts

    The chain is on track to renovate 400 stores in 2024, with revamps partly offsetting sectoral sales troubles.

    By • Aug. 9, 2024