Cheesecake Factory temporarily closes locations during racial justice protests

The closures contributed to a 63% drop in same-store sales for the fiscal second quarter ended May 31.

By Alicia Kelso • June 4, 2020

Luby's seeks sale of all assets to clear debt

The operator is open to being acquired in its entirety but would sell its holdings, including Luby's, Fuddruckers and a contract management company called Culinary Contract Services, separately if needed. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 4, 2020

McDonald's names victims of police brutality, racist violence in new ad

The chain shows solidarity with Black Lives Matters in the clip and pledges to donate to the National Urban League and the NAACP.

By Dianna Christie • June 4, 2020

Panera franchisee to pay $4.6M in overtime lawsuit

The settlement, which received judicial approval last week, stems from a 2018 class action lawsuit filed by assistant managers against Covelli Enterprises, Panera's largest franchisee.

By Alicia Kelso • June 3, 2020

Starbucks reopens with reduced hours, provides extended unpaid leave to employees

The chain's COVID-19 Leave of Absence allows employees to take unpaid leave through Sept. 30 while also maintaining health insurance and other benefits. 

By Julie Littman • June 3, 2020

In-N-Out sues insurer for business interruption coverage

The chain claims Zurich American Insurance wrongly denied coverage of its losses from the coronavirus and is in breach of contract.

By Alicia Kelso • June 2, 2020

Nearly two-thirds of public restaurants face bankruptcy risk

Aaron Allen & Associates analyzed risk scores for 46 companies and found that 65%, representing about 73,000 U.S. restaurant locations, fall in a "distress zone."

By Alicia Kelso • June 1, 2020

DoorDash immerses Snapchat users in AR restaurants

Users can place themselves in virtual interiors from Baskin Robbins, Buffalo Wild Wings, Cheesecake Factory, Chili's and Outback Steakhouse.

By Robert Williams • June 1, 2020

Popeyes refreshes brand identity, pilots store redesign

Restaurant Brands International is doubling down on the chain's growth over the past year and is expanding around the globe with a new look.

By Dianna Christie • June 1, 2020

EEOC asks court to enforce subpoenas against Bloomin' in pay discrimination investigation

The commission claims that the casual dining chain's "failure to comply" with subpoenas served in 2019 has "hampered the investigation" into sex-based discrimination allegations against an Outback Steakhouse.

By Alicia Kelso • Updated May 29, 2020

Shift Change: Dine Brands begins CEO search, Panera hires brand officer

Wahlburgers and Naf Naf Grill also tapped new CEOs this week and Waitr promoted its director of financial planning to CFO and chief accounting officer.

By Julie Littman • May 29, 2020

Denny’s, IHOP franchisees close restaurants

Feast American Diners shuttered 15 Denny's in New York due to the impact of COVID-19, just weeks after an IHOP franchisee filed for bankruptcy and closed 49 units.

By Alicia Kelso • May 28, 2020

Need and eligibility keys to avoiding PPP loan liability risk

Document what goes into your decision to apply for a loan to protect yourself and your company if you're hit with an audit or lawsuit, an attorney says. 

By Robert Freedman • May 27, 2020

Le Pain Quotidien's US arm files for bankruptcy, sold for $3M

The cafe chain, which already temporarily closed its 98 units and fired 2,000 employees due to COVID-19, said it would have faced liquidation if not for the sale to Aurify Brands. 

By Julie Littman • May 27, 2020

TGI Fridays could permanently close 20% of US locations

To try to drive sales, the chain is testing party tents that let diners eat in restaurant parking lots in New Hampshire, with plans to roll out the pilot to Connecticut. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 27, 2020

French insurer ordered to pay restaurant's coronavirus disruption claim

The ruling requires insurance company AXA to pay two months' worth a restaurant company's revenue losses due to the COVID-19 outbreak, results that could have implications for the U.S. market as well. 

By Alicia Kelso • May 27, 2020

5 chains at risk of defaulting within a year

Dave & Buster's, Bloomin' Brands, The Cheesecake Factory, Denny's and Brinker International have the highest probability, according to S&P Global data, which could further complicate recovery plans.

By Julie Littman , Emma Liem Beckett • May 26, 2020

PepsiCo Foodservice CMO on linking restaurant relief to culture amid a pandemic

Scott Finlow spoke to Marketing Dive about how the food and beverage giant's purposeful efforts have tapped into what's popular now, including John Krasinski's "Some Good News."

By Peter Adams • May 26, 2020

Starbucks could close up to 400 stores in next 18 months

The closures are part of Starbucks' repositioning plan, in which the chain will develop more pickup-only locations and move units out of low-traffic malls and into sites where there could be a drive-thru. 

By Alicia Kelso • Updated June 10, 2020

McDonald’s warns franchisees of potential retrenchment from coronavirus crisis

McDonald’s U.S. President Joe Erlinger told operators on a call last week that they may have to consider selling locations or downsizing, Bloomberg reports. 

By Alicia Kelso • May 21, 2020

Illinois judge denies McDonald's motion to dismiss workers' coronavirus lawsuit

Two workers testified on Thursday at a preliminary injunction hearing that the fast food chain didn't provide enough safety information and employees often worked close together despite the pandemic. 

By Alicia Kelso • Updated June 5, 2020

Chipotle's TikTok campaign shows off new app features

The chain unveiled a series of "TikTok Hack Menu" videos to show how people can create personalized menu items in its own app.

By Robert Williams • May 20, 2020

Subway lays off 150 more employees

The job cuts mark the struggling sandwich chain's second major workforce reduction in just three months. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 20, 2020

Potbelly's financial woes deepen after saying it may not meet debt obligations

The sandwich chain, which previously reported it could close up to 100 stores, says it could violate debt covenants by June without changes to its agreement. 

By Julie Littman • May 20, 2020

Chick-Fil-A, Papa John's top ranking of app performance

The best-performing brands have apps that load on mobile devices quickly to keep customers engaged in a branded experience.

By Robert Williams • May 20, 2020