Corporate Operations: Page 34
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How Sonic Drive-In swapped its iconic pitchmen for a 'pandemic-proof' campaign
Chief marketing officer Lori Abou Habib explains how the QSR shifted its focus from its long-running "Two Guys" to real families — right before COVID-19 upended the year.
By Chris Kelly • Dec. 23, 2020 -
McDonald’s USA president wants to improve transparency with operators
Joe Erlinger's message comes as tensions over 2021 franchising fees reach a boiling point, with operators agreeing to cut off nonessential communication with corporate and pushing for the formation of a tech co-op.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 23, 2020 -
Chipotle won't mandate employees to get the coronavirus vaccine
CEO Brian Niccol also told CNBC the company will pay for costs associated with the vaccine and will strongly encourage employees to get it.
By Julie Littman • Dec. 23, 2020 -
Punch Bowl Social declares bankruptcy after nightmare year for eatertainment
As of Dec. 8, the company was only operating three out of its 14 units with limited capacity. The open venues were losing money on a daily basis and the company has since closed them.
By Julie Littman • Dec. 22, 2020 -
McDonald’s franchisees calls for tech co-op amid new fees, Restaurant Business reports
The National Owners Association's latest push follows news of a $423-per-month technology investment cost added to operators' plates to cover a $70 million "lag" from the old payment structure.
By Alicia Kelso • Dec. 22, 2020 -
Burger King sends customers $1 via Venmo to push new value menu
The $1 Your Way menu features a lineup of Burger King items all priced at $1, including the brand's take on the bacon cheeseburger and its Chicken Jr. sandwich.
By Peter Adams • Dec. 22, 2020 -
Papa John's to give employees $2.5M in end-of-year bonuses
The additional pay will be awarded to 14,000 team members across the company’s corporate restaurants and supply chain.
By Emma Liem Beckett , Julie Littman • Dec. 22, 2020 -
Jack in the Box latest restaurant chain to name new CFO
Timothy Mullany will be filling the role after a six-month search, following a string of CFO departures at Cracker Barrel, Taco Bell and Papa John's.
By Jane Thier • Dec. 21, 2020 -
Emerging from bankruptcy, California Pizza Kitchen hires new CFO
Judd Tirnauer will lead CPK's financial restructuring strategy, focus on growth opportunities, and oversee the accounting and finance teams.
By Jane Thier • Dec. 17, 2020 -
Luby's sells 13 Fuddruckers locations to franchisee
The agreement with Black Titan Holdings is part of Luby's plan to sell its assets and liquidate and dissolve Luby's, Inc.
By Julie Littman • Dec. 17, 2020 -
Luckin Coffee hit with $180M SEC fine
The company misstated earnings and revenue to suggest it was achieving rapid growth and increased profitability when it wasn't, the Securities and Exchange Commission says in its settlement agreement.
By Robert Freedman , Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 17, 2020 -
Sweetgreen will open its first drive-thru in 2021
The test location will feature dedicated parking spots where diners can order from intercoms. Customers who want to eat on-premise can dine in their cars or at an outdoor patio area.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 17, 2020 -
McDonald’s USA president calls for end of corporate communication freeze, Restaurant Business reports
Joe Erlinger called on franchisees in a video Thursday to end a six-week halt in nonessential communication with corporate, which was incited by frustration over new fees and the end of a Happy Meal subsidy.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Jan. 22, 2021 -
Cracker Barrel CFO to retire
The casual chain has appointed Doug Couvillion, its senior vice president of sourcing and supply chain, as Interim CFO effective upon Jill Golder's Dec. 31 retirement.
By Jane Thier , Julie Littman • Dec. 15, 2020 -
Postmates joins Uber, DoorDash in bankrolling driver benefits in CA with price hikes
The aggregators are rolling out customer fees to help pay for healthcare subsidies, mileage reimbursement and occupational insurance they promised in winning ballot measure Proposition 22.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Jan. 20, 2021 -
Domino's to offer over $9.6M in bonuses to 11,500 employees
During December, company-owned restaurant and supply chain workers will receive up to $1,200 in extra compensation.
By Julie Littman • Dec. 14, 2020 -
Panera, Pepsi bite into virtual pizza party trend
Starring comedian King Bach, the push spoofs pandemic-spurred trends like virtual parties and cocktail hours on videoconferencing services such as Zoom.
By Robert Williams • Dec. 14, 2020 -
Starbucks expects to have 55K locations within 10 years
During an investor event this week, Starbucks said it plans to add about 22,000 new units by 2030, with China identified as its priority growth market.
By Alicia Kelso • Dec. 11, 2020 -
Fat Brands to merge with Fog Cutter Capital Group
The Johnny Rockets owner says the agreement to combine with its controlling stockholder will provide the company with more financial flexibility and simplify its corporate structure.
By Julie Littman • Updated Dec. 11, 2020 -
All US Starbucks employees to make at least $15 an hour in 3 years
The company's latest commitment follows an announcement to begin increasing pay by at least 10% starting Dec. 14.
By Julie Littman • Dec. 10, 2020 -
Taco Bell CFO moves to Qdoba after 6 months
Leviathan Winn, who spent the bulk of his career in investment banking before stepping in as Taco Bell's global CFO in May, was named Qdoba's finance chief Monday.
By Jane Thier • Dec. 9, 2020 -
DoorDash valued at $39B after IPO
By selling 33 million shares at $102 a piece, the food delivery company would raise nearly $3.4 million and become the second largest IPO of the year.
By Julie Littman • Dec. 9, 2020 -
Dive Awards
Executive of the Year: Rob Lynch, Papa John's
Lynch vaulted the pizza chain from a culture crisis left by founder John Schnatter to a path to growth marked by menu innovation, a marketing reset and deep franchisee support.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 9, 2020 -
Dive Awards
Company of the Year: Chipotle
While its digital platform has become a major driver of sales during the pandemic, the company's shifting menu innovation and marketing strategies continue to help boost brand awareness and sales.
By Julie Littman • Dec. 9, 2020 -
Dive Awards
The Restaurant Dive Awards for 2020
From Chipotle to DoorDash, these are the companies and executives that led restaurant industry innovation in a time of crisis.
By Restaurant Dive Team • Dec. 9, 2020