Wendy's $50M cyberattack settlement signals growing threat to QSRs

The chain's latest lawsuit reveals how costly cyberattacks can be for restaurants, which are facing hacks to POS systems and loyalty programs.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 19, 2019

Are mobile units a new growth opportunity for QSRs?

Food carts like MOVE System's solar-powered, battery-rechargeable units offer brands the opportunity to test different markets, attract single-unit franchisees and build brand awareness. 

By Kevin Whiteley • Feb. 15, 2019

AI technology is coming to drive-thrus

This innovation can collect restaurant operational data and reduce the labor burden for QSRs by processing drive-thru orders quickly and accurately. 

By Julie Littman • Feb. 14, 2019

Why is Pizza Hut testing delivery with Grubhub?

The surprising move marks the first partnership between a major pizza brand and a third-party delivery service, and it's unclear how it will benefit the chain — especially since it's shaved down delivery times.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 13, 2019

Burger King's 'Whopper Detour' generated 1.5M app downloads

Trolling McDonald's helped catapult Burger King's app to the top of Apple’s App Store rankings, Restaurant Brands' CEO said during a conference call with analysts this week.

By Robert Williams • Feb. 12, 2019

Yum Brands hunts for global leader to build digital, tech strategy

Technology is "increasingly at the forefront of our strategic planning efforts" and stands as one of the four "growth drivers" for the parent company of Pizza Hut and KFC, said CEO Greg Creed.

By Samantha Schwartz • Feb. 8, 2019

Nima creates data map of restaurants that serve allergen-free menu items

The company, known for its pocket-sized allergen testers, analyzed dishes from the top 100 chains to create a platform of over 250,000 eateries and more than 3 million Nima-tested dishes. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Feb. 7, 2019

Chipotle rolls out 'Chipotlane' drive-thrus for digital orders

The windows allow diners to collect their orders from the chain, which saw more than 40% growth in digital sales last year, without leaving their cars.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 7, 2019

Digital restaurant ordering expected to triple by 2020

Restaurant apps or websites lead the trend by processing 70% of orders while the other 30% were completed through third-party apps or other types of apps/websites.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 5, 2019

Super Bowl QSR ads don't always lead to meaningful traffic gains

Many fast food brands turned to promotions instead, and location data can help understand the full impact of these marketing efforts. 

By Julie Littman • Feb. 4, 2019

Take-out app Ritual to triple restaurant partnerships in 2019

By the end of the year, the app — which helps local businesses ramp up their digital offerings — will be available in 50 cities globally and will partner with 15,000 restaurants. 

By Julie Littman • Jan. 31, 2019

Robot delivery market to triple by 2024

Demand will continue to drive the expansion of this emerging tech, which is expected to hit $34 million in five years and to make small orders more viable for restaurants and third-party logistics providers.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 30, 2019

Why restaurants should switch to EMV chip card tech

Businesses that still rely on magnetic stripe payment systems are at risk of fraud and increased chargeback payments, according to Tidal Commerce CEO Drew Sementa. 

By Drew Sementa • Jan. 29, 2019

Why 'ghost' restaurants are changing the delivery game

Delivery-only concepts are using data to fill gaps in the market and experiment with their menus faster than traditional formats can. But without a storefront, can they make meaningful connections with their customers?

By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 24, 2019

Food delivery robots, pizza ATM feed college students' demand for convenience

Starship Technologies has launched a fleet of 25 robots on wheels at George Mason University, while Ohio State University's pizza vending machine sold 400 hot pies in its first week. 

By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 23, 2019

Report: Loyalty rewards, coupons bring QSR customers back

But as fast food competition intensifies, chains should also leverage their mobile apps to capture repeat diners and boost profits.   

By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 22, 2019

Will dine for travel: OpenTable lets loyalty members redeem points at Kayak

With Kayak's CEO at the helm of both brands, the combination lets customers decide whether to save on certain restaurant meals or their hotel stays.

By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 18, 2019

McDonald's Israel adopts sensor-powered tech to assist blind customers

RightHear technology helps blind customers navigate the restaurant through voice instructions announced through their phone.

By Kristine Sherred • Jan. 17, 2019

AmEx acquires Japanese restaurant reservation startup

The purchase of Pocket Concierge is the latest example of a credit card company leveraging diner preferences toward personalized experiences. 

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 16, 2019

Subway expands mobile marketing abroad after 10X ROI in US test

The sandwich chain is extending its personalized marketing efforts to Canada, Ireland and the United Kingdom to boost loyalty.

By Robert Williams • Jan. 15, 2019

Putting pizza delivery apps to the test

Restaurant Dive reviewed ordering technology from Domino's, Pizza Hut and Papa John's to see if they are worth the investment or just a marketing gimmick.

By Emma Liem Beckett , Julie Littman • Jan. 14, 2019

From wearables to AI: How a startup looks to change the restaurant industry

Presto, which provides tabletop tablets to Applebee's and Red Lobster, developed smartwatch-like devices for serving staff and an artificial intelligence platform to improve operations. 

By Julie Littman • Jan. 14, 2019

Eatsa launches smart pickup shelves

The chain's digital pickup system, which links order management platforms to automated "spots" displaying customer names, is designed to reduce third-party delivery and to-go order errors.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 14, 2019

BJ's Restaurants tests order-ahead, dine-in service

The company's partnership with Allset enables consumers to make reservations, order meals and pay the bill before arriving at the restaurant. 

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 13, 2019

6 restaurant trends that could turn tables in 2019

A volatile labor market, growing consumer demand for delivery and a surge in casual dining occasions are among the movements to watch this year, according to industry analysts.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 7, 2019