Valuing a restaurant's 'vibe' protects its IP for sale or franchise

It's critical for eateries to not only maximize proceeds in a transaction, but also to protect its brand uniqueness and potentially even monetize it.

By Brian Buss and Doug Bania • June 10, 2019

Shift Change: Ruby Tuesday hires CMO, IHOP gets new president

This week's Shift Change also highlights executive changes at Shake Shack, Postmates and more. 

By Julie Littman • June 7, 2019

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

Blockchain, 5G could transform restaurants. Are they ready?

These solutions will dramatically impact the industry’s ability to trace and monitor products and automate processes, but many operators are behind in current tech adoption.

By Julie Littman • June 6, 2019

OpenTable partners with Upserve to enhance service

The partnership will enable servers to have diner information and preferences in real-time to help staff personalize service during meal time. 

By Alicia Kelso • June 6, 2019

Why restaurants should implement the Internet of Things

Connected sensors can monitor, detect and alert restaurant operators to potential kitchen disasters, says Dan Jamieson, the general manager of Particle.

By Dan Jamieson • June 5, 2019

Red Robin deploys 'poison pill'

This move, which comes a day after Vintage Capital increased its stake in the chain, will protect the restaurant from any takeover efforts as it searches for a new CEO and executes its strategic plan. 

By Julie Littman • June 5, 2019

Food or technology? Restaurants struggle with 'split brain'

Start-ups eatsa and Yumpingo shifted their food-first missions as restaurants wrangle with how to evolve with new technologies.

By Thai Phi Le • June 4, 2019

Tacos and turnover: How one Philly restaurant bolsters retention

From 401(k) matches to creatively challenging assignments, Mission Taqueria is defying the restaurant industry's "churn and burn" mentality.

By Kate Tornone • June 3, 2019

Mexico tariffs could cost Chipotle $15M

CFO Jack Hartung told CNBC that if tariffs, which could be as high as 25%, become permanent, the chain would have to consider increasing menu prices. 

By Julie Littman • Updated June 4, 2019

Google Maps' latest update highlights popular menu items

The navigation app is becoming a one-stop-shop for users with restaurant reviews, menus and delivery now integrated into search functionality. 

By Alicia Kelso • May 31, 2019

Shift Change: Jack in the Box adds 2 board members, Subway bolsters brand and innovation team

This week's Shift Change highlights executive changes at Smoothie King, Red Robin, Subway, Jack in the Box, Tijuana Flats and Golden Chick. 

By Julie Littman • May 31, 2019

KFC wants to add plant-based poultry to its menu

Chick-fil-A is also exploring vegan options, but with neither Beyond Meat nor Impossible Foods offering alternative poultry products yet, it could be a while before chicken chains go plant-based. 

By Lauren Manning • May 31, 2019

6 questions you need to ask about AI for restaurants

Restaurants need to know how they can gather data, if its clean and if an AI platform is the right model for their brand to reap significant rewards, says Sastry Penumarthy, co-founder of Punchh.

By Sastry Penumarthy • May 30, 2019

Baskin-Robbins teams with Netflix for 'Stranger Things'-inspired ice cream truck

Inspired by the show's Scoops Ahoy Ice Cream parlor, the activation is the latest brand partnership to bring the hit show to life.

By Dianna Christe • May 30, 2019

5 high-tech innovations at the NRA Show

The future is here. From robotic food runners to kiosks that let you pay with your face, the annual event was a parade of gadgets, gizmos and tech-heavy products that could streamline operations. 

By Emma Liem Beckett , Thai Phi Le , Julie Littman • May 29, 2019

Applebee's largest franchisee tests dropping delivery

After removing delivery from three markets, Flynn Restaurant Group reported faster growth of its dine-in and carside-to-go segments.

By Alicia Kelso • May 29, 2019

Data is important, but insights drive restaurant growth

To remain competitive in a digital market, operators must walk the tightrope of processing as much diner data as possible without ceding control to third parties or alienating customers. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 29, 2019

Chick-fil-A taps AI to identify food safety issues

The chicken chain is using a customized artificial intelligence system to analyze social media posts for potential health risks across its system.

By Alicia Kelso • May 28, 2019

Stop & Shop kicks off a food truck tour

The grocer joins a handful of restaurants, such as Red Robin and Auntie Anne's, using food trucks to market products to customers.

By Jennifer Sweeney • May 28, 2019

Shift Change: Sizzler has a new CEO; MOD Pizza adds 2 board members

This week's Shift Change highlights executive changes at MOD Pizza, Sizzler and the parent company of Papa Gino's and D'Angelo's.

By Julie Littman • May 24, 2019

ChowNow, delivery.com partner with Google for online orders

Local restaurants will be able to accept orders via Google's Maps, Assistant and Search, creating a competitive advantage for small delivery providers.

By Lauren Manning • May 24, 2019

Chipotle exec: Soft skills, harassment training key to healthy workplace

Director of field training Michele Lange said that quarterly conversations about company culture, zero-tolerance harassment policies and regular trainings are key to success.

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 23, 2019

Eatertainment preferred over casual dining for group occasions, Technomic says

Consumer interest in concepts like Punch Bowl Social, Topgolf and Dave & Buster's for social events is growing, driving the development of new and smaller units to keep up with demand.

By Julie Littman • May 22, 2019

Sweetgreen raises the bar with 5-month paid parental leave policy

"This move is rare for our industry and we hope this creates a conversation for other companies to join," the salad chain said Tuesday.

By Katie Clarey • May 22, 2019

Uber Eats reportedly adding monthly subscription

The third-party delivery provider will join DoorDash and Postmates with an option that waives order delivery fees in lieu of a monthly fee, which analysts say will be the future of the segment. 

By Julie Littman • May 22, 2019