A former Chipotle HR exec shares lessons learned — and what's next

In our latest "Exit Interview," Mike Ferguson discusses why he prioritizes development, draws on the employee experience and values the ridiculous.

By Kathryn Moody • Nov. 19, 2018

Survey: Restaurant remodels still cost less than building from the ground up

Median costs for a brand-new restaurant land around $650,000 versus $425,000 to retrofit a space for foodservice, yet profits end up equal, according to a survey of 580 operators.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 16, 2018

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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

Famous Dave's explores virtual kitchen models

The company is scouting locations in California and Minneapolis that would be dedicated solely to catering and delivery. 

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 16, 2018

What risks restaurants should consider before deploying AI, robotics and automation

Establishments need to balance the benefits of new technologies with the legal challenges and resistance from both the public and staff, write Matt Scherer, Jennifer Robinson and Daniella Adler of Littler Mendelson.  

By Matt Scherer, Jennifer Robinson and Daniella Adler • Nov. 16, 2018

Starbucks is laying off 5% of corporate employees

Jobs in marketing, creative, product, technology and store development will be eliminated or shuffled.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 14, 2018

Survey: 70% of chains say operational consistency is a primary challenge

Only one in 10 respondents reported more than 95% of their stores are in compliance with core operating procedures, according to Zenput research.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 14, 2018

Checkmate's delivery-POS integration software scores $3M in funding

The innovator's technology funnels orders from third-party delivery platforms directly to restaurant ordering systems, eliminating the need for multiple tablets to stay on top of digital orders.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 13, 2018

Restaurant traffic lags but sales rise on higher menu prices

October marked the fifth-straight month of same-store sales growth for restaurants, but store visits fell more than 2% due to oversaturation, according to research from TDn2K. 

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 13, 2018

Frustrated Papa John's franchisees hire lawyer as sales slip

The chain's restaurant owners' association, which claims operators have been "left to fend for themselves," has hired industry attorney Robert Zarco for representation in talks with the company and former chairman John Schnatter. 

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 12, 2018

Moe's invests in store remodels, street-style menu items

After years of steady growth, the chain is turning to its Southwestern roots for menu inspiration and a more sophisticated in-store experience.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 12, 2018

Honeygrow to shutter all Chicago stores

Despite recent investments, the salad and stir-fry chain has struggled to keep up with high rent and employee training, especially in the dense cities of Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 9, 2018

Waffle House serves up emergency preparedness with a side of social responsibility

The chain's restaurants so rarely cease operations that FEMA even has a Waffle House test. But how does it care for employees — and communities — when the worst happens?

By Jennifer Carsen • Nov. 7, 2018

What's the secret sauce behind Mariano's store experience?

The Chicagoland chain, along with Eataly, Lowe's Foods and China's Hema market, offered tips on how to turn locations into destinations.

By Jeff Wells • Nov. 6, 2018

Move over, teens: Seniors are entering the restaurant workforce

As the labor market shrinks, more quick-service restaurants are hiring older workers looking to cushion retirement funds or battle boredom. 

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 6, 2018

Are off-premise channels a silver bullet for the casual dining segment?

Restaurants have experienced declining sales for the past decade, but delivery, catering and carryout are yielding positive results for major chains.

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 5, 2018

Upstart SeatNinja raises capital to compete with fellow disruptors

The company, which counts Buffalo Wild Wings and Outback Steakhouse as clients, hopes $600,000 will help it take a slice of the growing reservation marketplace.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 5, 2018

Yelp launches Nowait kiosks to trim restaurant wait times

The kiosks allow diners to add themselves to a restaurant’s queue on arrival and receive status updates through their phones. 

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 2, 2018

Uber Eats' new platform frees work lunches from expense reports

With Eats for Business, employees can pay for delivery on company credit cards and employers can control when and where workers can order food.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 2, 2018

McDonald's focuses on poultry with made-to-order meals

The addition of two new customizable products at more than 160 Washington restaurants comes as the chain looks to become a go-to chicken destination. 

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 2, 2018

Panera to reach $2B in digital sales by end of year

In 2012, Panera founder and then-CEO Ron Shaich hatched a plan to transform his humble sandwich chain for the future, and it's paying off two years ahead of schedule. 

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 1, 2018

McDonald's employees to shadow influencers in their favorite industries

The chain's mentorship track lets workers learn from people like Empire actor Bryshere Gray, YouTube star Tyler Oakley and dermatologist Meena Singh.

By Kristine Sherred • Nov. 1, 2018

Pret A Manger to shell out nearly $1M to underpaid New York workers

After settling a similar case in 2014 and amid two simultaneous labeling lawsuits, the U.K. sandwich chain will pay the hefty fine for alleged overtime and hourly wage violations.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 31, 2018

Shake Shack pilots online ordering at 10 locations

While chains like Wendy's and McDonald's unveil third-party delivery partnerships, the burger joint seems to be staking its digital sales goals on perfecting the system before expanding.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 30, 2018

After public stumbles, Chipotle changes tactics to address food safety

The burrito chain's varied reactions to its string of foodborne outbreaks can serve as lessons to other restaurants in how to respond when disaster — and bacteria — strikes.

By Jacqueline Renfrow • Oct. 29, 2018

Chipotle's digital sales, higher menu prices boost performance

The chain's digital sales jumped nearly 50% following a $135 million investment that helped speed up mobile and online orders, close struggling stores and launch its "For Real" marketing campaign.

By Kristine Sherred • Oct. 26, 2018