Why restaurants need big data to succeed

As consumer restaurant spending grows, operators should build loyalty by leveraging key information about diner behavior, location and order preferences, says IgnitionOne COO Christopher Hansen.

By Chris Hansen • May 8, 2019

More franchisee trouble for Subway as it's accused of arbitrary infractions

The schism between the franchisor and some franchisees is a warning sign for the health of the brand, which closed more than 1,000 units last year. 

By Alicia Kelso • May 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

Impossible Burgers run short as manufacturer 'spares no expense' to double supply

Statements from the company confirm its production capacity and increased demand, not trouble sourcing ingredients, has caused the shortage.

By Emma Cosgrove • May 7, 2019

How activist investors led Panera founder to sell

Short-term thinking from shareholders is hurting long-term profits at public restaurants, says Panera founder Rob Shaich.

By Julie Littman • May 6, 2019

Golden Corral pays $31K after firing worker for alleged unwillingness to manage seizure condition

The EEOC said the franchisee cited the employee's seizure disorder as a basis for her termination.

By Lisa Burden • May 3, 2019

Why more chains are turning to virtual kitchens

Restaurants like Dog Haus and Chick-fil-A are launching units minus dining areas to grow off-premise sales without overburdening in-store operations.

By Julie Littman • May 3, 2019

Class action suit claims Waitr's fee hike broke contracts

A Little Rock-based restaurant claims that the third-party delivery company tried to increase its revenue prior to an IPO when it increased fees from 10% to 15%, a move the lawsuit claims broke contracts with thousands of eateries.

By Alicia Kelso • May 3, 2019

Shift Change: REGO Restaurant Group hires culinary director, eatsa gain new CEO

This week's Shift Change highlights executive changes at CKE Restaurants, eatsa, Brinker International and REGO Restaurant Group.

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 3, 2019

Denny's promotes brand revamp in multicultural push

In addition to its tech-focused overhaul geared towards millennials, a new multimedia campaign will target African-American and Hispanic diners. 

By Lauren Manning • May 2, 2019

Why Chick-fil-A is opening a company-owned distribution center

A pilot facility set to open in Georgia this summer will be a testing ground while the full-scale location is expected in 2020 and will serve up to 300 restaurants. 

By Alicia Kelso • May 1, 2019

Catering grew 50% faster than entire restaurant industry in 2018

As off-premise business grows, restaurants are honing in on business customers for repeat transactions and higher check size, according to a report from Technomic and ezCater. 

By Julie Littman • May 1, 2019

Business catering averages $275 per check, says ezCater

Top industries ordering catering include healthcare, IT/technology and finance, but each of these segments have unique off-premise demands.

By Julie Littman • May 1, 2019

Wegmans partners with DoorDash for meal delivery

After piloting Wegmans Meals 2GO in New York, the premium grocer plans to offer delivery through the third-party platform in 40 cities by year's end. 

By Jessica Dumont • April 30, 2019

Food trucks are the new restaurant billboards

Auntie Anne's, Shake Shack and others are going mobile to grow off-premise business while reaping the benefits of a new marketing avenue.

By Julie Littman • April 29, 2019

McDonald's Germany adds 1st vegan burger

While the fast food chain has been rolling out vegan options in international markets, it has yet to do so in the U.S., despite plant-based initiatives by rivals Burger King, Carl's Jr. and White Castle.

By Lauren Manning • April 26, 2019

Sweetgreen reverses cashless-only approach

Following a wave of bans against cashless stores, the salad chain will start accepting cash in Philadelphia in July and chainwide by the end of the year.

By Alicia Kelso • April 26, 2019

Panera appoints Krispy Kreme exec as CEO

Niren Chaudhary, who also worked for 20 years at Yum Brands, will replace Blaine Hurst in May and help the company's next stage of growth in the U.S. and abroad. 

By Julie Littman • April 26, 2019

KFC drops sexy Mother's Day video

Dessert biscuits from Cinnabon and a video starring a Colonel Sanders-inspired Chippendales dancer ripping off his shirt are part of the push for one of the chain's busiest days of the year.

By Dianna Christe • April 26, 2019

Q2 delivery report: Brands extend off-premise initiatives

Delivery is gaining momentum at Red Robin, Cracker Barrel and more as more awareness drives sales.

By Emma Liem Beckett , Julie Littman • Updated June 4, 2019

Whole Foods adds new in-store eateries in Florida and California

American rotisserie Bird in the Hand and Nekter Juice Bar will help the grocer offer unique dining experiences for shoppers as part of its Friends of Whole Foods program. 

By Jennifer Sweeney • April 26, 2019

McDonald's, AARP partner on jobs for older workers

The partnership comes as the restaurant and its franchisees gear up to hire 250,000 workers for the summer.

By Emma Liem Beckett , Valerie Bolden-Barrett • April 25, 2019

Report: McDonald's may end exclusivity with Uber Eats

A memo obtained by Bloomberg revealed the fast food chain is also negotiating lower delivery fees, which would address previous franchisee grievances. 

By Alicia Kelso • April 25, 2019

Chipotle doubles digital sales in Q1

The fast casual chain's sales comps for the period were up nearly 10% thanks to rapid growth from its new loyalty program and ongoing promotions and marketing initiatives. 

By Julie Littman • April 25, 2019

Domino's leaning on fortressing to improve delivery, not third-party aggregators

CEO Ritch Allison admitted in an earnings call that third-party delivery growth has hurt the chain's same-store sales, but believes the threat will soon dissipate since these partnerships eat into restaurant profits. 

By Julie Littman • April 24, 2019

Papa John's opens 2,000th overseas store as competition intensifies

The chain is growing international units in the double-digits as it struggles domestically, but Pizza Hut and Domino's also are eyeing global markets.

By Alicia Kelso • April 24, 2019