Deep Dive: Page 2
Industry insights from our journalists
-
What’s at stake in the next battle over the FAST Recovery Act
A look at what California’s fast food council might mean for the restaurant industry if it survives the referendum process.
Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Dec. 19, 2022 -
9 campaigns that boosted the mood in 2022
Amid economic woes, an ongoing war and a series of controversies, efforts by McDonald’s, Domino’s and Chipotle found a way to cut through the noise.
Peter Adams, Jessica Deyo and Sara Karlovitch • Dec. 14, 2022 -
DoorDash’s expansion beyond the US will come with challenges
As DoorDash grows globally, it could face headwinds entering new markets, including competitive pressures and shifting consumer behavior.
Julie Littman • Dec. 1, 2022 -
How new verticals boost DoorDash’s momentum
The delivery giant’s expansion into convenience, grocery and other retail has helped it reach new customers and increase loyalty on its platforms.
Julie Littman • Nov. 30, 2022 -
How DoorDash became the dominant US food delivery company
By focusing on communication with restaurant merchants, the aggregator has built products and features based on operator needs.
Julie Littman • Nov. 29, 2022 -
As chains expand drive-thrus, speed of service becomes paramount
Drive-thru ordering remains in high demand long after dining room lockdowns, and chains are making sure their design and layouts help maximize efficiency.
Julie Littman • Nov. 16, 2022 -
Drive-thru drag: Construction delays, rising costs slow development
Inflation and labor disruption are forcing restaurants to get creative with site selection to obtain prime drive-thrus and mobile pickup window real estate.
Julie Littman • Nov. 15, 2022 -
Union proposals at odds with Starbucks’ contract goals
The union’s demand for a seat at the decision table would restrict Starbucks' power, experts say, so the company may use its deep pockets to drag out the bargaining process and protect its interests.
Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 9, 2022 -
The Starbucks union’s contract fight is a race against time
Organizers face slowing new election rates, accusations of bad-faith bargaining and an impending loss of decertification protection.
Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 8, 2022 -
How Reef helps shape city ghost kitchen regulations to accommodate its model
The ghost kitchen company has devised two paths into new markets: one through city hall, and one through back doors of hotel kitchens.
Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 8, 2022 -
6 restaurant tech solutions to combat 2022's challenges
From QR codes to advanced mobile apps and robots, restaurants are planning to adopt more technology within their operations in the year ahead.
Julie Littman • April 20, 2022 -
How QSR marketers are riding the plant-based food wave
Marketing plant-based foods, whether made in-house or with industry partners, comes with its own challenges as chains stay true to their brands.
Chris Kelly • March 8, 2022 -
Delivery firms are offering more flexibility to retain partners. Will it work?
Major aggregators are rolling out white labels, subscription programs and new data tools to keep partner restaurants and delivery customers as more diners order from operators directly.
Julie Littman • Jan. 19, 2022 -
Can restaurant marketers get digital right while facing panoply of pressures?
Amid labor, supply chain and inflationary issues, 2022 will be a year of increased pressure to deliver on fronts that span media, ordering and loyalty.
Chris Kelly • Jan. 18, 2022 -
Sustained delivery profitability may hinge on business beyond restaurants
While eateries remain their core businesses, third-party aggregators are adding new verticals, like retail and grocery, and services to diversify.
Julie Littman • Jan. 12, 2022 -
7 restaurant trends that will define 2022
Restaurants will trim their menus, phase out cumbersome curbside pickup channels and invest in automation as operators balance labor pressure with off-premise demand, analysts say.
Emma Liem Beckett, Julie Littman and Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 4, 2022 -
Behind the scenes of Starbucks workers' first successful union drive
A Buffalo Starbucks store secured a majority union vote on Dec. 9 after two years of organizing. But union experts don't think the win will be "a wildfire sweeping the American labor market."
Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Dec. 16, 2021 -
Reef's ghost kitchen expansion mired in permit, health inspection infractions
In the Sunshine State alone, more than one-third of active Reef mobile kitchen licenses had high-level health and safety infractions, Restaurant Dive found.
Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Dec. 2, 2021 -
How brands are turning inclusive holiday campaigns into more than 'inspiration porn'
Starbucks and Target lead the way for marketers trying to authentically embrace diversity and inclusion during a busy yet reflective season.
Chris Kelly • Nov. 24, 2021 -
Lack of capital, legislative restrictions may impede franchisees in 2022
Despite these hurdles, there is still runway left for expansion, experts say, and competition for high-quality operators.
Emma Liem Beckett • Nov. 8, 2021 -
Why franchisors are targeting Texas and Florida
A friendly business environment, strong population growth and lax COVID-19 restrictions have made the two states popular for franchise expansion.
Julie Littman • Nov. 1, 2021 -
Franchisees are flocking to fast casuals to grow. Here’s why.
As the segment shows greater resiliency compared to casual dining, restaurant operators are making deals for expansion, taking advantage of a real estate surplus and rebounding traffic.
Julie Littman • Oct. 25, 2021 -
Can QSRs meet marketing's new imperatives without alienating franchisees?
National brand building is often in conflict with the needs of local operators — a dichotomy that has only become more apparent in the past 18 months.
Chris Kelly • Oct. 12, 2021 -
How host kitchens are propelling virtual brands forward
Despite the rapid expansion, many experts question whether delivery-only concepts have long-term sustainability.
Julie Littman • Oct. 11, 2021 -
Want to expand through host kitchens? Here's what you need to know.
Brands should keep in mind how they plan to maintain consistency in food quality and the customer experience.
Julie Littman • Oct. 7, 2021