SoundHound AI, Square launch tool to automate phone ordering

SoundHound for Restaurants' voice assistant answers phone calls, take orders, accept modifications and send confirmations to complete payments.

By Alicia Kelso • May 19, 2022

Study: Consumers tip more for dine-in than delivery or takeout

As diners return to restaurants, guests tip 20% on average for dine-in service versus 15% for off-premise transactions, a Toast report finds. 

By Alicia Kelso • May 18, 2022

Explore the Trendline➔

Menu development

Restaurants big and small are experimenting with their menus to align with the preferences of on-the-go diners and mitigate the impact of rising food costs, supply chain disruption and shrinking consumer discretionary funds. 

By Restaurant Dive staff

Study: Independent restaurants show signs of recovery despite inflation

The NPD Group found the number of independent restaurant units grew 1% by the end of 2021, compared to a 5% decline in 2020. 

By Alicia Kelso • May 12, 2022

Study: Inaccurate delivery order can erode diner loyalty

Sixty-three percent of consumers have experienced at least one incorrect delivery order in the past year, per eduMe research, and a majority of diners pin the blame on restaurants.

By Alicia Kelso • May 9, 2022

Papa Johns adds ESG incentives to compensation

The chain will tie corporate bonuses to workforce diversity, clean ingredients and environmental impact metrics following similar announcements from Wendy's, McDonald's, Starbucks and Chipotle.

By Alicia Kelso • May 5, 2022

McDonald’s hikes menu prices 8% as visits fall 1%

CEO Chris Kempczinski told investors the chain is closely monitoring lower income consumers, who he predicts will have "increased value sensitivity" as gas costs and rent rates surge.

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 29, 2022

Report: High gas prices are affecting restaurant foot traffic

Placer.ai data shows a significant rise in the share of Sonic visitors driving less than five miles to restaurants, while the share of visitors traveling 10 miles or more dropped.

By Alicia Kelso • April 28, 2022

McDonald's spotlights Latino film talent to boost industry representation

In partnership with "Encanto" star Stephanie Beatriz, the chain will give the winner of a short film contest a chance to work on initiatives and campaigns.

By Chris Kelly • April 28, 2022

Study: 43% of diners will pay more for sustainable restaurant takeout

Most consumers believe sustainable eating is more expensive, but nearly 50% would consider changing what they order to be more sustainable. 

By Alicia Kelso • April 20, 2022

Panera expands beverage subscription to include all self-serve drinks

For $10.99 per month, customers can access free self-serve drinks. To help inaugurate the program, the company is debuting caffeinated lemonades.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 19, 2022

Yelp adds eco-friendly business search filter

Searchable attributes like "provides reusable tableware" or "bring your own container allowed" will make it easier for consumers to find businesses that have adopted sustainable practices, the company said.

By Alicia Kelso • April 13, 2022

Study: One-third of diners don't want to see robots preparing their food

While consumers understand the benefits of automation, 32% would prefer not to see the technology in action, new research from Big Red Rooster finds.

By Alicia Kelso • April 11, 2022

The importance of embracing today's always-connected diner

Restaurants should reconsider their investments to ensure a great, connected experience for their customers, writes Anthony Cross, Yelp's vice president of restaurant products.

By Anthony Cross • April 4, 2022

Study: Two-thirds of restaurants hurt by rising gas prices

Restaurant owners say steep prices at the pump have affected their delivery sales, according to Alignable research. 

By Alicia Kelso • March 30, 2022

4 ways data is helping restaurants reinvent themselves in 2022

The value of building long-term relationships with diners can be the difference between meaningful growth or a struggling business, writes Dan Silver, SVP of marketing at GroundTruth.

By Dan Silver • March 28, 2022

Dos Toros faces class action suit over 'humanely raised' meat claims

The complaint alleges Dos Toros' pork and chicken suppliers raise animals in facilities without outdoor access, despite the chain's claims to the contrary.

By Alicia Kelso • March 28, 2022

BTIG: Nationwide McPlant rollout highly unlikely this year

A recent check-in with franchisees revealed sales of McDonald’s plant-based burger in its California and Texas test markets are coming in at or below low-end sales projections.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Updated June 16, 2022

McDonald's brings back Szechuan Sauce as mobile app exclusive

Promotions behind the cult-favorite condiment focus on mobile, including via SMS conversations with "the person who runs the McDonald's account."

By Peter Adams • March 21, 2022

How podcasts are helping brands meet DEI commitments

Multicultural podcast agency Pod Digital Media recently inked an eight-figure deal with McDonald's as the brand invests in diverse media.

By Chris Kelly • March 21, 2022

How US restaurant chains are responding in Russia

McDonald's, Starbucks and Yum Brands are just a few legacy restaurants ceasing store operations, development and more as the Ukraine war escalates.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated March 17, 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.

By Chris Kelly • March 8, 2022

Over 50% of diners would switch delivery providers if fees rose, study shows

On average, consumers said they would stop using a delivery app if delivery fees reached $9, Coupon Follow data finds. 

By Alicia Kelso • March 4, 2022

Yelp: About 18K restaurants added outdoor dining since pandemic's start

Consumer searches for places that offer meals al fresco have risen 292% in the second year of COVID-19 compared to before the crisis.

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 28, 2022

Toast: Full-service sales grew 55% in Q4 2021 versus Q4 2020

The recovery of on-premise dining was strongest in Q4 2021, when sales were up 70% compared to the same period in 2020, despite the omicron outbreak. 

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 25, 2022

Square's Future of Restaurants Report: 2022 edition

Uncover the top trends that are shaping 2022 for innovative restaurant owners and their customers.

Feb. 22, 2022