Coffee, tea QSRs report traffic bump from return to office

Category operators opened 3,500 new units as of March 2023 compared to March 2022 following a spike in consumer demand, according to Circana data.

FTC reportedly investigating Roark’s Subway purchase

The agency began an investigation this month, Politico reports. The FTC is concerned the deal could create a monopoly in the sandwich segment, as Roark Capital also owns Arby’s, Jimmy John’s and related chains. 

Starbucks introduces oversight committee to improve governance

The coffee chain said the Environmental, Partner and Community Impact committee will help improve its supply chain operations and employee relationships.

Labor federation nominates 3 Starbucks board candidates

The Strategic Organizing Center’s nominations, which include a former chair of the National Labor Relations Board, mark a new front in Starbucks’ union saga.

Why ghost kitchen pioneers want to say goodbye to the name

Omnichannel business, a focus on operations and reasonable growth timetables set the stage for ghost kitchens’ second act.

Popeyes adds wings lineup to core menu

The menu expansion follows the chain's successful Ghost Pepper Wings LTO, which contributed to a 5.6% increase in same-store sales during Q3.

Sprouts expands partnership with Phoenix coffee chain

Following a successful pilot, the grocer has opened a Press Coffee bar in a store in Scottsdale, Arizona, and plans to bring the concept to three more locations in the city during the coming weeks.

Digital payments have increased restaurant tips. But is it backfiring?

Some diners feel pressured by tipping digitally in front of employees, which can hurt restaurant traffic, but experts say there are best practices that can ease customer trepidation.  

Beyond Meat makes another push into restaurants with Pizza Hut pepperoni in the UK

The LTO topping will be available starting in January. The plant-based pioneer has struggled to gain traction with similar partnerships in the U.S. 

Are celebrity-backed virtual brands worth the risks?

A string of messy and high-profile lawsuits over MrBeast Burger have put the category’s challenges under a spotlight, but experts say there may be opportunity in an omnichannel second act for virtual brands.

Presto lays off 17% of global workforce

The staff reduction, which may impact around two dozen employees, is part of the technology company’s strategy to reduce costs, boost profitability and streamline operations.

‘Stop the bleeding’: Why experts say retention is key to restaurant labor profitability

By identifying in-house talent early and scaling employee support, restaurants can reduce churn at lower costs than they would incur hiring new workers, panelists said at the Restaurant Finance & Development Conference. 

NLRB delays effective date of joint employer rule to February

In a reprieve for franchisors, the National Labor Relations Board pushed back the date its joint employer rule would take effect to early next year.

Updated Nov. 20, 2023

Bar Louie offers 50% franchise fee discount for first-time operators

The casual chain also developed a contemporary, flexible design as part of its strategy to accelerate franchise growth. 

Checkers and Rally’s names CFO, CMO

Michael Blair, previously at Miller’s Ale House, joins the chain as CFO, while Scott Johnson, previously at Jollibee, takes the CMO role.

IHOP, Applebee’s lean into menu development to drive sales

IHOP rolled out its biggest menu update in its history this year, which led to an uptick in sales, and Applebee’s is testing 200 items as part of its own update.

The public dislikes tip pools, Pew finds

Tip pools have proved a controversial wage-and-hour topic, especially when back- and front-of-house staff are both included.

Wendy’s franchisee files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Starboard Group, which operates 72 units, said inflation, falling customer count and expensive remodels contributed to its financial woes.

Starbucks Workers United stages second ‘Red Cup Rebellion’ strike

In its second annual demonstration against one of Starbucks’ key holiday promotions, the union seeks to increase customer involvement.

What keeps 4 restaurant CEOs up at night

Employee welfare and threats to franchising’s “American dream” are two of the existential fears the heads of Cava, Chicken Salad Chick, Golden Corral and Caribou Coffee discussed at the Restaurant Finance & Development Conference.

Modern Market Eatery opens first drive-thru restaurant

The Colorado Springs, Colorado, location uses a double-sided production line to ensure quick service for drive-thru guests.  

Campaign Trail: Postmates animates food-fueled fever dreams

Created by Mother in LA, “This Is Your Brain on Food” uses different illustrators to visualize the emotions created by BBQ, boba tea and beyond.

Subway names CFO

Jeff Shepherd brings nearly 30 years of financial experience to his position at Subway and succeeds Ben Wells, who joined the chain in December 2019. 

Patrick Doyle: RBI’s key product is its franchise model, not brand menus

“People use the term owner-operator interchangeably with franchisee, and I think where people have gotten in trouble is when they are just owners. You have to be both,” Doyle, RBI’s executive chairman, said at the Restaurant Finance & Development Conference.

Chili’s remixes Baby Back Ribs jingle with Boyz II Men

The nostalgia-led play leans into a misconception that the group was behind the tune when it first blew up in the ‘90s.