Emerging technologies call for robust data network

Data-driven decisions will expand beyond sales and staffing applications to guest services, supply-chain logistics and menu development, allowing restaurants to adapt what to sell in real-time as demand dictates.

Nov. 1, 2021

KFC scores new CMO with Nintendo's Nick Chavez

With more than 11 years at Nintendo of America, the executive has deep industry knowledge that reflects the growing importance of gaming and digital to consumer-facing brands.

By Chantal Tode • Oct. 29, 2021

McDonald's workers strike in protest of alleged sexual harassment

The fast food chain has been embroiled in controversy regarding its culture for some time.

By Kathryn Moody • Oct. 28, 2021

Starbucks will raise hourly wage floor to $15 a year ahead of schedule

The coffee chain's U.S. workers will be paid $15 to $23 an hour next summer, with an average of nearly $17. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Oct. 28, 2021

How McAlister's plans to become a $1B brand by 2024

Chief Brand Officer Mike Freeman discusses how franchisees are supporting the deli chain's growth goal to reach over 650 units.

By Julie Littman • Oct. 28, 2021

Dig raises $65M to fuel expansion, employee benefits

The vegetable-centric restaurant plans to use the funding to reopen units closed during the pandemic and add locations in new markets, growing from 30 to 60 units in the next three years. 

By Julie Littman • Oct. 27, 2021

Zaxby's taps former El Pollo Loco chief as CEO

Bernard Acoca will take the helm of the chicken chain in January, and co-founder and current CEO Zach McLeroy will transition to chairman.

By Julie Littman • Oct. 26, 2021

Sweetgreen expects to double its footprint as a public company

The fast casual chain, which had 140 locations as of the end of September, expects to diversify its real estate with drive-thru and pickup only locations. 

By Julie Littman • Oct. 26, 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.

By Julie Littman • Oct. 25, 2021

Portillo's eyes 600 units following its $405M IPO

CEO Michael Osanloo said the Chicago-based chain's new capital structure allows it to pay off significant debt, and it expects to open locations in nearby Midwestern states and the Sunbelt.

By Julie Littman • Oct. 22, 2021

Panera aims to be carbon negative by 2050

The chain also unveiled a slate of sustainability goals for 2025, including more reusable packaging and renewable energy.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 20, 2021

McDonald's US corporate stores reach gender pay parity

The burger giant currently pays women globally 99.85 cents on the dollar for similar work completed by men, but expects to hit pay parity worldwide in 2022.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Oct. 19, 2021

Restaurants are plotting aggressive franchise expansion. Here’s where — and why.

Surging diner demand, strong franchising sales and second-generation real estate left by shuttered eateries have created a market primed for expansion, with chains targeting Southern states with lax COVID-19 rules.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Oct. 18, 2021

El Pollo Loco CEO resigns

Bernard Acoca leaves his position after three and a half years, during which time he oversaw a rebrand, two restaurant redesigns and a push into digital platforms and innovations.

By Julie Littman • Oct. 15, 2021

Chick-fil-A customers sue chain over 'deceitful' delivery costs

The proposed class action lawsuit claims that though the QSR promised a flat, low-price delivery fee of $2.99 to $3.99, it charged 25% to 30% more for food ordered online for delivery than food ordered in-store or for pickup. 

By Julie Littman • Oct. 13, 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.

By Chris Kelly • Oct. 12, 2021

Chipotle agrees to $8M settlement in manager trainee classification suit

If approved by a court, the agreement — the latest in a string of labor-related settlements at the chain — will end nine years of litigation.

By Kate Tornone • Oct. 7, 2021

Half of Raising Cane's corporate staff will work in restaurants to fight labor shortage

Office workers will also help with store-level recruitment as the chicken chain aims to hire 10,000 hourly employees in the next 50 days.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Oct. 6, 2021

McDonald's targets net zero emissions by 2050

The burger giant noted it would take serious effort to decarbonize everything from its supply chain to franchisees as part of the United Nations Race to Zero campaign.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 5, 2021

Burger King's NFT strategy matures beyond stunts toward real engagement

As part of the celeb-backed Keep It Real Meals, customers can scan QR codes and receive collectible game pieces that go toward other rewards.

By Chris Kelly • Sept. 23, 2021

KFC names new CEO

Sabir Sami will become the chicken chain's CEO on Jan. 1. He will replace Tony Lowings, a 27-year veteran of Yum Brands and KFC, who will retire in early 2022.

By Julie Littman , Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Sept. 22, 2021

Toast raises $870M on first day of IPO

Soon after trading began, co-founder Steve Fredette spoke to Restaurant Dive about investor interest during the company's roadshow and how it regained momentum after a battering from the pandemic.

By Julie Littman • Sept. 22, 2021

Dave & Buster's CEO to retire

During his tenure, Brian Jenkins helped the company bounce back from an 87% decline in same-store sales in Q2 2020 to an increase of 3.6% compared to the same period in 2019.

By Julie Littman • Sept. 21, 2021

McDonald's to remove virgin plastic from Happy Meal toys by 2025

The QSR will source its toys from renewable, recycled or certified materials, which is expected to reduce fossil fuel-based plastic in the products by 90%. 

By Julie Littman • Sept. 21, 2021

Chick-fil-A names new CEO

Andrew Truett Cathy will succeed his father Dan T. Cathy on Nov. 1 and become the third member of the Cathy family to lead the chain in its 54-year history.

By Julie Littman • Sept. 17, 2021