Grocers step up to hire restaurant workers sidelined by coronavirus

The two industries are forming creative partnerships as grocers' hiring needs accelerate and restaurants close down their dining rooms.

By Sam Silverstein • March 24, 2020

Breakfast wars boost QSR traffic 4% in first week of March

Despite the novel coronavirus outbreak, QSR breakfast traffic was up 4% during the week ending March 8, marking the highest gain for the segment in four weeks, according to data from The NPD Group. 

By Alicia Kelso • March 16, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Restaurant Dive

Check out a selection of articles about some of the biggest trends — from the rise of dessert concepts to a cohort of Mexican chains trying to overtake Chipotle  — shaping the restaurant industry in 2024.

By Restaurant Dive staff

Taco Bell fires latest shot in breakfast wars with new burrito menu

The QSR has rapidly launched several items this year, with these burritos becoming a permanent addition complementing LTOs like its Triplelupa and Nacho Fries. 

By Julie Littman • March 12, 2020

Philz Coffee adds mobile-order-only location

The San Francisco-based coffee chain opened the 1,000-square-foot pilot location in the bustling Salesforce Transit Center, which gives it access to a flow of 45 million travelers each year.  

By Alicia Kelso • March 12, 2020

Wingstop pays fans to be walking billboards

The fast-food joint is transferring its OOH budget to loyal fans, giving Instagrammers who wear the special branded merchandise $10 via Venmo.

By Dianna Christie • March 10, 2020

2020 is the year of the breakfast wars

Chains like Wendy's, McDonald's, Dunkin', Starbucks and Panera have expanded menu offerings for breakfast to capture growing demand for the daypart.

By Julie Littman • March 9, 2020

7-Eleven opens more meal-focused test stores

Following a successful kickoff in Dallas, the chain's Evolution Store concept has opened in Washington, D.C., and will expand to San Diego and other locations in the coming months.

By Jessica Dumont • Feb. 27, 2020

Taco Bell CEO says chain will 'definitely' add plant-based protein

Mark King told Nation's Restaurant News he's met with Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods and the restaurant could launch new products by year's end.

By Lauren Manning • Feb. 25, 2020

Wingstop bolsters digital growth with pickup lockers, ghost kitchen

CEO Charlie Morrison said on an earnings call that Wingstop's digital mix topped 40% in January and its off-premise business drives about 80% of sales. 

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 20, 2020

NextGen Cup Challenge, driven by McDonald's and Starbucks, rolls out reusable cup pilot in California

The programs — set to debut at independent coffee shops around San Francisco and Palo Alto — could pave the way for major chains to make the switch as they seek to meet environmental goals. 

By E.A. Crunden • Feb. 20, 2020

Sweetgreen taps celeb chef David Chang to promote new sustainable salad

The Momofuku founder stars in a humorous video series alongside fish puppets to discuss the new environmentally friendly kelp offering.

By Dianna Christie • Feb. 18, 2020

TripAdvisor's newest tool aggregates reviews for restaurants

The company's Review Hub allows owners and operators to view consumer comments across multiple platforms and respond from one dashboard.

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 5, 2020

Chicago Starbucks Roastery generating strong traffic counts

Placer.ai’s data shows that about 50% of the Roastery’s customers come from outside the Chicago area, traveling more than 30 miles to visit the store. 

By Alicia Kelso • Feb. 3, 2020

Yum Brands adds KFC's Beyond Fried Chicken to 2 new markets

This marks the second time this week the holding company announced a test of plant-based protein, with Habit Burger putting the Impossible Burger on menus.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 29, 2020

Plant-based burger craze will plateau, but no expiration date in sight

Tim Hortons rolled back select Beyond Meat products and Burger King's Impossible Whopper sales are sliding, but analysts predict that meat analogues have long-term staying power. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 27, 2020

Topgolf opens upscale bar and restaurant concept

Lounge by Topgolf, which will feature virtual gaming and open in Kirkland, Washington, is part of the brand's strategy to diversify with smaller locations. 

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 23, 2020

Dunkin' turns Snoop Dogg stunt into TV spot for Beyond sandwich

The Beyond Meat ambassador is featured in a new TV spot as part of a campaign that includes an online pop-up shop.

By Dianna Christie • Jan. 14, 2020

Panera hires Phyllis from 'The Office' to address angry tweets

Actress Phyllis Smith read comments made by disgruntled customers after the chain pulled onion soup from its menu to highlight the return of the item. 

By Robert Williams • Jan. 9, 2020

Impossible Foods CEO says McDonald's deal is still on the table

Patrick Brown walked back his statement to Reuters Wednesday that it would be "stupid" to pursue the Golden Arches because of inadequate supply, telling Business Insider Impossible "would never blow off or disrespect a potential customer."

By Lauren Manning • Updated Jan. 9, 2020

5 restaurant trends that will define 2020

Analysts predict that ghost restaurants and lifestyle brand campaigns will continue to evolve and shape the market, but Gen Z's influence and interest in micro chains could disrupt the ecosystem.

By Julie Littman , Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 6, 2020

Olympics, election will hurt restaurant traffic, analysts predict

These two events will lead to more people staying in versus going out to eat, which could impact traffic by 100 to 150 basis points and bolster pizza delivery, says BTIG.

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 6, 2020

Chick-fil-A cuts 6 items in streamlined menu test

Locations in Arizona and Charlotte will cut Original Chick-n-Strips, Grilled Cool Wraps and more from their offerings to make way for new items, such as a spicy menu that will also be tested in Charlotte, North Carolina.  

By Lauren Manning • Jan. 3, 2020

Applebee's enters the fast casual game

The casual dining chain opened its first Applebee’s Express in Alabama last month, joining IHOP, The Cheesecake Factory and Famous Dave's in testing to-go friendly concepts. 

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 3, 2020

Restaurant Dive's Top Trends of 2019

Delivery innovation, the race for consumer data and the fight against the labor shortage were major storylines.

Jan. 2, 2020

How QSRs are leading the way on personalized, omnichannel experiences

Lessons learned by McDonald's, Starbucks and others could help marketers across the industry in 2020 and beyond.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 2, 2020