McDonald's meets Happy Meal nutrition benchmark ahead of deadline

The QSR boosted the number of its iconic meals served with water, milk or juice by 15% between 2013 and 2018, and the majority of its 20 major markets have hit all five of its health commitments two years early.

By Julie Littman • May 15, 2019

Impossible shortage burning restaurants that put it on the map

Independents are accusing the company of overpromising production capacity and hanging them out to dry following major corporate partnerships. Will $300 million in new funding be enough to restore both supply and its reputation?

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 13, 2019

Uber Eats still cheapest delivery service, MarketWatch reports

Despite recent changes to its fee structure and its IPO, a hamburger and fries on Uber Eats costs less than Grubhub, DoorDash and Postmates. 

By Julie Littman • May 13, 2019

Chick-fil-A is researching plant-based chicken substitutes

While there are several meatless burger options, the company could be the first major fast food chain to offer a plant-based chicken item in the U.S.

By Lauren Manning • May 13, 2019

Famous Dave's enters fast casual space

The barbecue restaurant will nearly halve the size of its typical location as it joins brands like The Cheesecake Factory, Hooters and Outback looking to expand off-premise capabilities. 

By Julie Littman • May 10, 2019

Postmates teams up with Square, Bringg

The partnership with Square opens the door for delivery for smaller businesses while its integration with Bringg will help restaurants manage in-house and external delivery fleets.

By Alicia Kelso • May 10, 2019

Shift Change: McDonald's taps new CMO, Wendy's creates new exec roles

This week's Shift Change highlights executive changes at McDonald's, Wendy's, Dave & Buster's, Marco's Pizza and Mooyah. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 9, 2019

Eataly to enter Texas with new Dallas location

The beloved Italian marketplace, which includes both a restaurant and grocery store, will open its seventh location inside one of the country's most popular malls in 2020.

By Jennifer Sweeney • May 9, 2019

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

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