NRA calls for PPP reform, estimates 8M restaurant job losses

National Restaurant Association is pushing Congress to create a $240 billion restaurant relief and recovery fund, and to change the PPP's loan period, forgiveness restrictions and repayment terms.

By Lauren Manning • April 21, 2020

Chicago hybrid restaurant offers a side of humor with 'social distance goods'

All Together Now altered its operations to provide a variety of pandemic provisions, including nightly dinners, small bites and its popular wine and cheese pairings for delivery and pickup.

By Julie Littman • April 20, 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

Starbucks will phase out Catastrophe Pay as US stores reopen

The chain said that it will start to open locations May 4 on a community-by-community basis, but will phase out some of its additional benefits in June. 

By Julie Littman • April 17, 2020

Bloomin' Brands will open 1st drive-thru Aussie Grill in May

The new Florida location marks the third U.S. store for the fast casual Outback concept, but the first to feature a drive-thru and indoor seating.

By Lauren Manning • April 17, 2020

Sales at over 77% of restaurants have declined by 50%

Two-thirds of those surveyed say they are uncertain that takeout or delivery will be enough to sustain their businesses until they are able to reopen, according to a James Beard Foundation report.

By Julie Littman • April 17, 2020

Jack in the Box names new CEO

Darin Harris, former CEO of Cici's Pizza, will face an uphill battle at the QSR, which has been battered by poor franchisee relations and must now survive the novel coronavirus crisis. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 17, 2020

Potbelly, MOD Pizza hire CFOs in show of mid-pandemic optimism

The two fast casual companies have their eyes on the future with the naming of new finance chiefs. MOD Pizza's Josh Guenser shares how he's balancing his onboarding with crisis planning.

By Jane Thier • April 16, 2020

Chick-fil-A goes cashless at some store locations

Restaurants in Florida, Indiana, Georgia, Virginia and Maryland are only accepting credit cards to stem the spread of COVID-19.

By Lauren Manning • April 15, 2020

Independent restaurants grapple with layoffs, but fight to survive

Establishments like Beast in Oregon and Agave Uptown in California talk about the devastating decisions to let employees go or furlough staff during coronavirus.

By Julie Littman • April 14, 2020

Nathan's Famous upgrades tech, adds geotargeting and digital ordering

In a one-month pilot, the chain saw increased engagement at a lower cost-per-click since adding AI-enabled ad formats to its marketing mix.

By Dianna Christie • April 13, 2020

Shutdown-impacted businesses taking PPP loans may risk losing CARES Act tax benefits

Until rules are out, it's not clear paying expenses with stimulus loan funds will help your business come tax time.

By Robert Freedman • April 13, 2020

Yelp cuts about 35% of employees

CEO Jeremy Stoppelman wrote in a letter to employees that consumer interest in restaurants, the platform's most popular category, plummeted 64% since March 10, sparking layoffs and furloughs.

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 9, 2020

Bloomin' Brands, Jana Partners end dispute

The casual dining company will add two independent directors to the board, effective July 1, ending a months-long battle with the activist investor. 

By Julie Littman • April 9, 2020

Starbucks to offer $10M relief to global partners

In addition to catastrophe pay, this funding will provide one-time grants to partners around the world facing financial difficulties due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.

By Lauren Manning • April 9, 2020

McDonald's expects April US sales to be down 20%

Even with drive-thru making up 90% of its U.S. sales, the company expects sales to flag as diners only leave their homes when necessary. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated April 30, 2020

Toast lays off half its staff due to coronavirus impact

Despite previous projected growth prior to the pandemic, the POS and technology provider cut about 1,300 employees this week.

By Julie Littman • April 8, 2020

Shaquille O'Neal ads drive engagement for Papa John's

The NBA star's endorsement is helping the pizza chain rebuild its image and lift delivery orders following founder John Schnatter's ouster.

By Dianna Christie • April 7, 2020

Independent Restaurant Coalition asks Congress to extend Paycheck Protection Program

The group says the initiative's eight-week time frame isn't long enough and wants it to be lengthened to three months to help businesses stay open when they reopen.

By Julie Littman • April 7, 2020

States push legislation to protect restaurants with business interruption insurance

Legislators in New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Ohio drafted bills that would force insurers to cover establishments that have shut down due to COVID-19.

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 7, 2020

H-E-B adds restaurant meals to prepared foods sections

The grocer has teamed up with local restaurateurs in San Antonio and Houston to support their operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

By Jessica Dumont • April 6, 2020

Tracking coronavirus restaurant aid by state

This week, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced a $50 million relief fund for small businesses in partnership with San Antonio-based nonprofit LiftFund and the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program.

By Thai Phi Le, Emma Liem Beckett, Julie Littman • Updated April 15, 2020

Shake Shack moves into meal kits as sales sharply decline

The burger chain partnered with Goldbelly, a gourmet food delivery service, to launch a cook-at-home burger kit nationwide. They cost $49 for an eight-pack.   

By Alicia Kelso • April 6, 2020

Restaurants sales could drop 27.1% in worst-case coronavirus scenario, says Technomic

While demand for restaurant meals is still healthy, and the industry can expect a spike when things return to normal, the largest impact will come if there is a second wave of outbreaks in the fall. 

By Julie Littman • April 3, 2020

Dine Brands investor wants to spin off IHOP

Dine Brands' board of directors says that forcing the company into creating a separately traded entity would not be in the best interests of its shareholders.

By Julie Littman • April 3, 2020

Chipotle will give workers nearly $6.5M in discretionary bonuses

The chain also previously raised hourly pay 10% for restaurant employees working between March 16 and April 12. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 3, 2020