Lunch Break: KFC's development chief talks nontraditional formats and iconic design

The chicken chain is expanding beyond its stand-alone drive-thru stores to add urban units, and continues to roll out its American Showman design updates with franchisee support.  

By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 22, 2020

Pret A Manger co-founder seeks IPO, U.S. expansion for to-go Asian concept

A public offering would help fund Julian Metcalfe's grab-and-go Asian food chain Itsu to add 1,000 units in the U.S. It currently has 75 locations in Europe. 

By Alicia Kelso , Julie Littman • Jan. 22, 2020

Starbucks accelerates expansion in low-income markets

The chain will open or remodel 100 stores in low-income neighborhoods by 2025, expanding upon its Community Store Program Initiative started in 2015. 

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 21, 2020

Shift Change: Jack in the Box, Bojangles' and Paris Baguette promote execs

This week's Shift Change also highlights executive news from Bloomin' Brands, First Watch, Coolgreens, Yum Brands and Marco's Pizza. 

By Julie Littman • Jan. 17, 2020

Punch Bowl Social checks into hotel space

In a bid to become a lifestyle brand, the eatertainment chain wants to enter malls with its Punch Bowl Life concept, which will be more focused on gaming.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 16, 2020

Indiana McDonald's workers can learn on the job via 'crosswalk credits'

Three hundred of the restaurants will partner with Ivy Tech Community College to help employees advance their education.

By Katie Clarey • Jan. 14, 2020

FAT Brands CEO: Chain plans to close an acquisition in Q1, with more in the works

With new funding, the company is poised to buy larger brands as part of its two-pronged strategy to grow organically and through acquisitions, Andy Wiederhorn told Restaurant Dive at the ICR Conference.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 14, 2020

Taco Bell wants compostable, recyclable packaging by 2025

The chain will also remove harmful chemicals like PFAs, Phthalates and BP from its consumer packaging as part of its larger sustainability initiatives.

By Lauren Manning • Jan. 13, 2020

Subway's C-suite carousel turns again

The chain eliminated its chief brand and innovation officer position and has a new chief legal officer, bringing the total number of executives leaving the company since December to five. 

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 10, 2020

Shift Change: Black Bear Diner hires CEO, McDonald's adds chief digital engagement officer

This week's Shift Change also highlights executive news at Subway, Wingstop, Red Robin, Rave Restaurant Group, BBQ Holdings and Farmer Boys. 

By Julie Littman • Jan. 10, 2020

Taco Bell to test $100K salary for general managers

The QSR will implement the new base pay at select company-owned locations later this year. It also added a minimum of 24 hours of paid sick leave for all employees.  

By Julie Littman • Jan. 9, 2020

McDonald's accused of pushing out black leadership, franchisees

Two senior executives filed a lawsuit Tuesday that claims the chain "declared a war against the African American community," adding to the chain's existing cases of sexual harassment and workplace violence.

By Alicia Kelso • Jan. 9, 2020

McDonald's creates new tech executive role, digital engagement team

Lucy Brady, current SVP of corporate strategy and business development, will lead the team as chief digital engagement officer and oversee digital ordering, personalization, payments, loyalty and delivery. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 8, 2020

Zume shutters Zume Pizza, will lay off 53% of employees

The startup will continue to operate its Zume Forward Mobile and Zume R&D divisions, and has opened 100 new positions at Zume Packaging.

By Julie Littman • Updated Jan. 9, 2020

Secret sauce: MUTTS Canine Cantina takes business off-leash with franchising expansion

The emerging bark park and cantina has turned to franchising as a growth strategy, and its unique construction approach could help operators develop more sites faster.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 8, 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

Red Robin terminates COO without cause

Guy Constant exits the chain after serving for over a year and amid continued investor pressure to improve operations and shareholder value. 

By Julie Littman • Jan. 8, 2020

48% of restaurants struggling with rising labor costs, study finds

Restaurants are increasingly turning to technology to alleviate labor woes, but adoption remains low, research from Zenput and Technomic shows.

By Lauren Manning • Jan. 7, 2020

Burger King launches Impossible sausage breakfast sandwich

The Impossible Croissan'wich will be available at participating restaurants in five regions and is part of Burger King's plant-based menu expansion plans.

By Christopher Doering • Jan. 7, 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

Waitr names new CEO

Waitr has tapped Carl Grimstad as CEO and member of the board effective immediately. This is the delivery firm's third CEO hire in less than two years. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 3, 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

Tim Hortons president stepping down

Alex Macedo, who has been president of Tim Hortons since December 2017, will leave his role in March.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 27, 2019

Chipotle accused of firing NYC employee who tried to unionize

The general counsel of the National Labor Relations board filed the complaint on Dec. 12, which also claims that the fast food chain promised promotions to employees who provided information about union organizing. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Dec. 20, 2019

Burgerim's franchise registration is now suspended in Maryland

The chain, which claims to be the fastest growing burger franchise in the U.S., could file for bankruptcy by the end of January, while a number of locations have closed. 

By Alicia Kelso • Updated Jan. 3, 2020