Dunkin's first digital-only store doesn't reduce labor

The company joins a growing contingent of QSR chains exploring digitally focused store designs with little or no diner seating, including rival Starbucks.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Sept. 15, 2021

Muslim Chipotle worker files EEOC complaint alleging assistant manager yanked hijab

The restaurant chain told the Council on American-Islamic Relations that it fired the leader after an investigation.

By Katie Clarey • Sept. 14, 2021

CFOs debate duration of inflation

"It's not clear yet what inflation will stick and what will be temporary," Chipotle Mexican Grill CFO Jack Hartung said Thursday, reflecting other industry leaders' concerns about planning in a year with unknown parameters.

By Jane Thier • Sept. 13, 2021

Burger King introduces Keep It Real Meals after banning 120 artificial ingredients

Mirroring McDonald's, the chain tapped celebrities to share their custom orders, but asked them to use their real names instead of stage personas.

By Peter Adams • Sept. 9, 2021

First Watch IPO could raise up to $218M

The full-service breakfast concept has begun a roadshow for its proposed initial public offering of over 9 million shares, which are expected to be priced at $17 to $20 per share. 

By Julie Littman • Updated Sept. 22, 2021

Buffalo, New York-area Starbucks employees move to form a union

If successful, the workers would be the first employees of the company's more than 8,000 locations to unionize.

By Emilie Shumway • Sept. 3, 2021

EEOC: Applebee's told Black line cook to 'ignore' co-workers wearing Confederate flag gear

The agency's allegations offer employers several reminders about dealing with discrimination in the workplace.

By Katie Clarey • Sept. 3, 2021

How McDonald's boosts mobile growth with Famous Orders platform

The burger chain's celebrity tie-ups are a key part of driving app downloads and expanding membership in its new mobile-based loyalty program.

By Robert Williams • Sept. 1, 2021

Chipotle gamifies loyalty program with extra perks

The chain's new Extras feature allows members to access additional points and receive free items faster, personalized challenges and achievement badges.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Sept. 1, 2021

Fat Brands to acquire Twin Peaks for $300M

The deal marks Fat's entry into "polished casual dining," a departure from its rosters of QSR, fast causal and casual restaurant brands, and is the company's second major purchase this summer. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Sept. 1, 2021

McDonald's suggests franchisees close dining rooms

The Golden Arches shared guidance with operators last week on how to shutter indoor seating in areas where COVID-19 cases exceed 250 per 100,000 people, according to Reuters.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Aug. 30, 2021

Toast increases IPO to $825M

The point-of-sale company increased its proposed maximum offering price from $100 million on Monday and estimated that its IPO prices per share would range from $30 to $33. 

By Julie Littman • Updated Sept. 13, 2021

45% of consumers say Subway should drop embattled Megan Rapinoe, survey finds

The U.S. soccer star, who appears in the chain's latest ad campaign, is facing backlash after kneeling at the Tokyo Olympics to protest racism.

By Chris Kelly • Aug. 18, 2021

Sweetgreen taps former Starbucks executive as new CTO

Wouleta Ayele comes to the salad chain after 16 years at Starbucks. She will help Sweetgreen scale its supply chain and develop its digital platform.

By Roberto Torres • Aug. 17, 2021

Subway's CMO on why the brand's transformation is just beginning

Carrie Walsh details how the brand experimented with new channels and collaborated with agency partners on a campaign featuring top athletes.

By Chris Kelly • Aug. 13, 2021

Chipotle to settle EEOC charges of sexual harassment, retaliation

The worker whom the behavior targeted was fired three days after she said she planned to elevate the issue to corporate headquarters, EEOC said.

By Katie Clarey • Aug. 13, 2021

McDonald's requiring US corporate employees to get vaccinated

The decision comes as Chipotle mulls a mandate for its office workers, but the Mexican chain's CEO Brian Niccol says the company is waiting for COVID-19 vaccines to receive full FDA approval. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 12, 2021

Rising prices didn't hurt Q2 restaurant traffic, studies show

Diner spending at restaurants jumped 32% during the period as operators hiked their menu prices to cover labor costs and other inflationary pressures, according to The NPD Group.

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 10, 2021

Stockholders sue McDonald's over the handling of Easterbrook firing

This complaint is similar to a suit filed recently against the Golden Arches and Morgan Lewis & Bockius that claims the probe was rushed and the law firm created "an information vacuum" at the company.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 9, 2021

Restaurants have hired 1.3M employees since January

With the addition of 253,000 jobs in July, the industry has now had seven straight months of employment gains. 

By Julie Littman • Aug. 6, 2021

Panera, Caribou, Einstein Bros. Bagels combine under Panera Brands platform

The formation of the group, which will have nearly 4,000 total locations, follows rumors that Panera Bread is considering going public.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 5, 2021

WOWorks hits gas on non-traditional unit growth

The restaurant company plans to open more than 70 locations this year, 61 of which will be nontraditional units like ghost kitchens or restaurants in airports, college campuses and grocery stores.

By Alicia Kelso • July 30, 2021

McDonald's investor sues chain for handling of Easterbrook exit

Phyllis Gianotti's complaint also alleges the restaurant's risk management structure gave the CEO position too much power and not enough oversight, allowing racial discrimination and sexual harassment to proliferate.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated July 30, 2021

Yum Brands accelerates gender parity deadline to 2025 from 2030

The move comes after the number of women in the company's senior leadership reached 47% last year, which is faster than expected.

By Alicia Kelso • July 28, 2021

Popeyes calls truce to chicken sandwich wars with nugget launch campaign

After instigating a frenzy with its chicken sandwich launch, the chain will donate 1 million nuggets — including those from rivals — to promote its new offering.

By Chris Kelly • July 28, 2021