Starbucks seeks rent relief for a full year

In a letter written by Starbucks COO Roz Brewer and obtained by Restaurant Business, the company asked its landlords for 12 months of rent breaks for its corporate-owned units beginning in June.  

By Alicia Kelso • May 14, 2020

IRS allows employers to claim tax credit for paying furloughed employees' health premiums

The employee retention credit is one of a few financial options available to employers during the pandemic, and could benefit chains like The Cheesecake Factory, Shake Shack and Chuy's.

By Ryan Golden • May 14, 2020

Washington no longer requires dine-in customers to provide contact information

Gov. Jay Inslee revised his earlier requirement on Friday for restaurants to collect dine-in customer information, saying it would be voluntary for patrons.

By Alicia Kelso • Updated May 19, 2020

Potbelly could permanently close up to 100 stores

About 90% of the shops under consideration for closure were impaired before the pandemic and are even more challenged today, CFO Steve Cirulis said on an earnings call. 

By Julie Littman • May 13, 2020

Buffalo Wild Wings unveils its first 'GO' store in Atlanta

The new concept, which will open Wednesday, features heated pickup lockers to service guests who order ahead via the brand's mobile app.

By Lauren Manning • May 12, 2020

Illinois restaurants allowed to reopen with outdoor seating

Gov. J.B. Pritzker said Wednesday that restaurants can open with outdoor seating only during Phase 3, which could start as soon as the end of May, and will be welcome news for restaurants that pushed to reopen sooner. 

By Julie Littman • Updated May 21, 2020

Burger King will test reservations in Italy

The chain expects to begin the pilot June 1 at three Milan restaurants. If successful, the app could be used in other countries. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 7, 2020

Chick-fil-A to reopen some restaurants in coming weeks

The chicken chain will install plexiglass at the front counters and add floor decals every six feet both inside and outside as it begins offering carryout. 

By Julie Littman • May 7, 2020

Shake Shack will add drive-thrus, pickup windows to restaurants

The new "Shack Track" store remodels are designed with social distancing in mind, but CEO Randy Garutti didn't disclose how many locations will be overhauled. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 6, 2020

Restaurants call on insurers to pay business interruption claims

Lawmakers and lawyers are getting involved as insurers say COVID-19 isn't covered, while Main Street businesses say they're counting on the proceeds to keep them afloat.  

By Robert Freedman • May 5, 2020

18% of Wendy's restaurants aren't serving hamburgers, report finds

Wendy's CEO Todd Penegor said on an earnings call Wednesday that the chain's beef supply is likely to experience a "couple of weeks of challenging tightness." 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated May 7, 2020

Dave & Buster's raises $100M from stock sale

The sale to Jeffries will bolster its balance sheet as the chain struggles, recently closing all of its 137 locations and furloughing 15,000 hourly workers. 

By Julie Littman • May 5, 2020

Whataburger to settle allegations that manager was told to hire only white applicants

Employers cannot rely on customer or client preferences that are discriminatory as the basis for negative employment actions, the EEOC has said.

By Lisa Burden • May 4, 2020

Nearly 50% of Texas restaurants don't want to reopen yet, study shows

Governor Greg Abbot allowed restaurants to reopen at 25% capacity on Friday, but a Texas Restaurant Association poll found that concerns about rehiring and restocking inventory are keeping operators on the sidelines. 

By Lauren Manning • May 4, 2020

BJ's receives $70M investment from Ron Shaich's firm

The funds from Act III Holdings will help the casual dining chain, which laid off 16,000 hourly employees in April, bring back its staff and reopen dining rooms. 

By Julie Littman • May 4, 2020

McDonald's primes supply chain for potential meat shortage

The chain is now limiting allocation of its meat supply as the U.S. faces potential shortages due to slaughterhouse closures.

By Alicia Kelso • May 1, 2020

Popeyes chicken sandwich boosts quarter despite coronavirus pressure

Even during the pandemic, the chicken sandwich's popularity didn't wane. Comp sales were up 26.2% globally while traffic grew 40% during Q1 2020.

By Julie Littman • May 1, 2020

Chili's to open 300 dining rooms by this weekend

The company has set up a new strategy that will seat customers two tables apart in states that are easing social distancing restrictions. 

By Julie Littman • April 30, 2020

5 practices restaurants can use to keep customers safe

Operators should maintain social distancing standards, retool their menus and communicate with their guests about what is being done to minimize exposure when dining room closures lift.

By Julie Littman • April 30, 2020

Georgia restaurateurs push back against reopening

Operators of over 120 restaurants in Atlanta and Savannah, Georgia, have pledged to keeping their dining rooms closed despite the governor's go-ahead.

By Julie Littman • April 29, 2020

5 steps restaurants should take before bringing back staff

Before restaurants consider reopening their dining rooms, experts say operators should review payroll practices, rehire based on seniority and develop ways to monitor employee health.

By Julie Littman • April 29, 2020

15 Chick-fil-A employees test positive for coronavirus in Texas

Over 100 employees have been tested in Southeast Texas and remain under quarantine while the two restaurants in question are temporarily closed. 

By Julie Littman • April 29, 2020

California's paid coronavirus sick leave requirement targets big chains

On April 16 Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an executive order requiring food businesses with more than 500 employees nationwide to provide the benefit to essential workers, including delivery personnel. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 28, 2020

States begin easing dine-in restrictions, but are restaurants ready to reopen?

Restaurants are formulating plans to ramp up operations as states like Georgia and Tennessee ease restrictions, but many think it's too soon. 

By Julie Littman • April 27, 2020

Chipotle CFO: 'Our worst days have passed'

By revamping its business around online advertisements and free delivery, Chipotle has weathered the pandemic better than many restaurant chains. But what will its dining experience look like next year?

By Jane Thier • April 24, 2020