72% of casual dining operators report delivery growth

Even though less than 40% of restaurants in this segment offer delivery, the channel drove positive financial performance in 2018 compared to two years prior, according to National Restaurant Association's latest industry report.

By Julie Littman • April 9, 2019

Former Land O'Lakes CIO joins Subway amid leadership shake ups

Mike Marcie is joining Subway as it battles for relevance in a saturated fast food market and undergoes a leadership shuffle.

By Samantha Schwartz • April 9, 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

Chuck E. Cheese plans to go public after merger

The merger between Leo Holdings and Queso could position the chain to purchase other family concepts, CEC Entertainment CEO Tom Leverton hinted during a webcast. 

By Julie Littman • April 8, 2019

Benihana enters sports arenas with AEG partnership

The restaurant is bringing its teppanyaki tables and performing chefs to 400- and 550-square-foot units in Dignity Health Sports Park and Sprint Center as casual chains look to nontraditional channels for growth.

By Kevin Whiteley • April 8, 2019

Restaurant brands bring recognition, familiarity and innovation to Big Food's menu

Restaurants like P.F. Chang's and California Pizza Kitchen have increasingly licensed items in grocery stores to help boost overall revenue, but food delivery could make these products less lucrative.  

By Christopher Doering • April 8, 2019

Why McDonald's is supersizing its tech spending

The QSR giant bought a technology company and invested in a mobile app developer in just a week, signaling an aggressive focus on its drive-thru sales and digital offerings.

By Julie Littman • April 5, 2019

Why restaurants need to prepare for another government shutdown

To avoid staggering traffic declines, major chains with locations in Washington, D.C. should plan to adjust supply chains and test geofenced promotions, says Factual CMO Brian Czarny. 

By Brian Czarny • April 5, 2019

Uber Eats lands first airport partnership

If the pilot, which brings travelers food from airport restaurants to their gate, is successful, it could bring the delivery firm a new path to growth. 

By Kevin Whiteley • April 5, 2019

Taco Bell launches 'hiring parties' to beef up labor force

The Mexican QSR is using a different approach to hire workers in a tight labor market, hosting 600 events where prospective workers can partake in on-the-spot interviews and speak with employees and managers. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 5, 2019

Shift Change: Kona Grill, Red Robin CEOs depart

This week's Shift Change highlights executive changes at Red Robin, Vitality Bowls, Kona Grill, Little Caesars and more. 

By Julie Littman • April 5, 2019

McDonald's cuts down late-night menu

The fast food chain's move is in line with its overall strategy to increase efficiencies and reduce its reliance on labor. 

By Julie Littman • April 5, 2019

Marijuana consumption expected to boost restaurant foot traffic, sales

A Technomic report indicated that 63% of cannabis consumers eat more food after use, presenting an opportunity for restaurants to grow revenue. 

By Alicia Kelso • April 4, 2019

Red Robin's CEO retires amid brand overhaul

Denny Marie Post exits the casual dining chain after eight years of executive leadership, leaving only two other women CEOs in the public restaurant space. 

By Julie Littman • April 4, 2019

Deliveroo to offer London riders electric scooter rentals

The third-party delivery company partnered with electric scooter rental platform Elmovo to launch the program, which comes just days before the city rolls out new Ultra-Low Emission Zone regulations.

By Kevin Whiteley • April 4, 2019

Proposed joint-employer rule could reduce liability for franchised restaurants

The DOL is pushing a four-part test to determine if two entities share liability for labor laws, including overtime pay for individual employees and minimum wage. 

By Ryan Golden • April 3, 2019

Chipotle spurs 5x surge in loyalty app downloads, analyst says

Within a week of the nationwide rollout​, Chipotle Rewards registered its one-millionth member, according to an industry analyst at Barclays Capital.

By Robert Williams • April 3, 2019

EzCater secures $150M in funding, surpasses $1.2B valuation

The catering platform plans to expand into new regions, acquire companies and add features to help support the growing off-premise industry. 

By Julie Littman • April 2, 2019

Protesters call for Wendy's to end use of unnecessary antibiotics in beef supply chain

U.S. PIRG said the chain has a chance to differentiate itself, but Wendy's will likely not be alone in efforts to remove medically unnecessary antibiotics.

By Emma Cosgrove • April 2, 2019

McDonald's invests $3.7M in app developer

The fast food chain's latest move will give it a competitive edge with access to new technology that will enhance the customer experience and drive sales. 

By Julie Littman • April 2, 2019

Major League Baseball quietly resumes Papa John's partnership

Bringing back its "Papa Slam" promotion alongside the MLB season may be what the beleaguered pizza chain needs to help boost declining sales. 

By Alicia Kelso • April 1, 2019

European Parliament approves 2021 single-use plastics ban

The new measure, which includes restrictions on cutlery, straws, cups and foam containers, could increase costs as restaurants switch to plastic alternatives. 

By Katie Pyzyk • April 1, 2019

McDonald's makes millennial black consumers top priority with extensive 'campaign movement'

"Black & Positively Golden" is the chain's most significant effort targeted at African-Americans in 16 years and specifically courts younger consumers.

By Peter Adams • April 1, 2019

Fair-weather diners: How temperature influences consumer cravings

While extreme weather can hurt restaurant foot traffic, operators also should consider the impact it has on menu selection and customer mood.

By Julie Littman • March 29, 2019

Dunkin' and Peeps hit the road for spring-themed campaign

Dunkin's coffee car and the Peepsmobile will journey together through New England to dish out new marshmallow-flavored coffee and Peeps doughnuts.

By Erica Sweeney • March 29, 2019

Shift Change: CKE Restaurants, Inspire Brands, Papa John's add new C-suite execs

This week's Shift Change highlights executive promotions and additions at CKE Restaurants, Inspire Brands, Papa John's, Little Caesars, Dickey's and more.

By Julie Littman • March 29, 2019