NRA urges local leaders to keep restaurants open

In a letter to governors and mayors, the National Restaurant Association writes that "bad actors" do not represent the industry and closing restaurants down again hinders its recovery.

By Julie Littman • July 27, 2020

Dunkin' creates new chief digital officer role as it doubles down on tech, mobile offerings

The position oversees digital marketing and media, consumer insights and IT transformation — areas seeing growing demand under the pandemic.

By Peter Adams • July 24, 2020

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

Coronavirus has already shuttered 16K restaurants, Yelp says

As restaurants grapple with trying to stay in business, Yelp's latest data shows that in states like Florida and Texas, a 50% rise in consumer interest in dining out in May preceded COVID-19 outbreaks in June.

By Alicia Kelso • July 23, 2020

Chipotle surpasses $1B in digital sales despite same-store sale declines

Digital sales skyrocketed 216% to $829.3 million during Q2, revealing a bright spot for the company despite its first drop in same-store sales in several years.

By Julie Littman • July 23, 2020

Wendy's launches loyalty program as part of digital growth

The initiative, which will reward customers no matter how they order, is part of the chain's plans to make digital sales 10% of overall sales by 2024. 

By Julie Littman • July 22, 2020

Strong franchisee relationships key to restaurant chain survival

From hosting daily calls to providing need-to-know information, restaurants are working closely with operators to adapt to market changes as the pandemic progresses.

By Julie Littman • July 22, 2020

Uber Eats adds benchmarking data to Manager app

The delivery company's service will now provide information that allows restaurants to compare their operations to others in the area. 

By Julie Littman • Updated Dec. 21, 2020

96% of restaurants require staff to wear masks

Restaurants are increasingly mandating employee temperature checks, requiring staff to wear gloves and installing plexiglass shields, says Black Box Intelligence, but these features can be costly while sales are down. 

By Alicia Kelso • July 20, 2020

Pandemic helped grow Domino's US same-store sales 16.1%

The pizza chain had its best quarter in the last nine-plus years, driven by an increase in food delivery and digital orders, which made up almost 75% of domestic sales.

By Julie Littman • July 16, 2020

Do we need to shut down again? What to do when employees get COVID-19

Restaurants need to establish systems to inform staff and guests if a worker contracts the virus and ensure health screening compliance to avoid outbreaks, attorney Arif Virji writes.

By Arif Virji • July 16, 2020

Chipotle to hire 10K more employees to support digital growth

The hiring blitz follows approximately 8,000 new hires at the chain since May, an uptick that coincides with an over 80% increase in online sales during Q1.

By Alicia Kelso • July 15, 2020

Why Chipotle is 'pivoting the entire portfolio' to Chipotlanes

Two years after opening its drive-thrus for online orders, which helped the company surpass $1 billion in digital sales, the fast casual chain expects this concept to make up 60% of its new restaurants.

By Julie Littman • July 15, 2020

Pinstripes to reopen all US locations on Friday

The bowling and bocce eatertainment chain temporarily closed its 13 locations in nine states on March 16, but its long-term expansion plans remain intact, with at least two locations slated to open next year. 

By Julie Littman • July 14, 2020

BurgerFi's president talks going public, 'massive expansion' amid pandemic

Restaurant closures are creating opportunities for the fast casual chain to grow nationwide, says Charles Guzzetta.

By Julie Littman • July 14, 2020

Ghost kitchens could be a $1T global market by 2030, says Euromonitor

Restaurant closures, in the wake of the novel coronavirus pandemic, could accelerate the growth of this market, Euromonitor's Michael Schaefer said in a webinar.

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 10, 2020

DoorDash partners with Kiva to provide funding to Black-owned restaurants

The company will seed a revolving loan fund starting at $150,000 and also offer $0 delivery fees for Black-owned restaurants through the end of the year. 

By Julie Littman • July 8, 2020

53% of restaurants closed amid coronavirus have shuttered permanently, Yelp data shows

In early June, the number of diners seated across Waitlist and Yelp Reservations was down 57% compared to pre-pandemic levels. 

By Alicia Kelso • July 6, 2020

Wegmans is permanently closing its Pub restaurants

The retailer announced it will close all 12 locations across three states to focus on adding new quick-service meal options.

By Jeff Wells • July 2, 2020

Denny's plans to hire 10K employees by year's end

Company- and franchisee-owned locations are hiring restaurant managers, cooks, servers and hosts, among other positions as dining rooms reopen.

By Julie Littman • July 2, 2020

Pizza Hut’s largest franchisee declares bankruptcy

NPC has come to an agreement with its lenders on a restructuring plan to reduce the company's significant debt, which includes plans to sell its 385 Wendy's restaurants.

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 1, 2020

Chipotle launches virtual farmers market for suppliers

The fast casual chain partnered with Shopify to help farmers in its supply chain sell meat, dairy and grain products directly to consumers online. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 30, 2020

States stall reopening plans as COVID-19 cases surge

As the U.S. hits record-high coronavirus cases, states like Texas have reduced dine-in capacity and re-closed bars after opening earlier this month.

By Alicia Kelso • June 30, 2020

Red Robin to settle claims over 'just say yes' break policy for $8.5M

The restaurant argued the policy demonstrated its "proactive commitment to providing Team Members with breaks anytime they want one."

By Katie Clarey • June 29, 2020

Domino's expands contactless services with carside delivery

Customers who select this carryout option online can choose where they would like their food placed, including the passenger side, trunk or back seat. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 29, 2020

Punch Bowl Social to reopen 5 locations in coming weeks

The eatertainment chain will enter its Phase One of reopening with its Denver restaurant resuming operations on July 1. 

By Julie Littman • June 26, 2020