McDonald's is the most popular fast food chain, survey says

The chain beat out major competitors like Wendy's and Burger King in a UBS survey that found that consumers prefer the company's value and promotions. 

By Lauren Manning • June 13, 2019

Subway giving franchisees $10K remodel grants

The sandwich chain's new grant program will cover about 25% of the cost of its new Fresh Forward design updates for franchisees. 

By Alicia Kelso • June 12, 2019

Explore the Trendline➔

Menu development

Restaurants big and small are experimenting with their menus to align with the preferences of on-the-go diners and mitigate the impact of rising food costs, supply chain disruption and shrinking consumer discretionary funds. 

By Restaurant Dive staff

Starbucks, Dunkin' further sustainable cup initiatives

Starbucks will test a reusable cup program in London's Gatwick Airport while Dunkin' says it's on track to eliminate foam packaging by the end of the year. 

By Lauren Manning • June 11, 2019

KFC's exclusive Mtn Dew flavor aspires to cult success of Baja Blast

The fried chicken purveyor takes a page from Taco Bell's playbook with the debut of the peach and honey-tinged Sweet Lightning.

By Peter Adams • June 11, 2019

Before the Butcher CEO: 'We are one of the next big players out there'

As plant-based meat heats up, it doesn't get hotter than this startup founded by a Beyond Meat alumnus, which announced a large-scale retail launch and its acquisition by the owners of Jensen Meat all in one week.

By Megan Poinski • June 10, 2019

Pret A Manger announces US airport expansion

The fresh food chain will open airport locations in Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Charlotte as rival restaurants and third-party delivery platforms eye opportunities in air travel. 

By Lauren Manning • June 10, 2019

Jamba unveils fresh rebrand, spotlights more than smoothies

New offerings include options with less sugar and more plant-based ingredients, playing to consumers' shifting dietary preferences.

By Lauren Manning • June 7, 2019

Beyond Meat sales to restaurants spike nearly 500% to $20.6M

Comparatively, the plant-based meat manufacturer's retail sales grew 111% to $19.6 million for its first quarter. 

By Christopher Doering • June 7, 2019

Shift Change: Ruby Tuesday hires CMO, IHOP gets new president

This week's Shift Change also highlights executive changes at Shake Shack, Postmates and more. 

By Julie Littman • June 7, 2019

Chipotle celebrates Pride with donations from shoppable Instagram post

The burrito chain will give proceeds from online sales of themed gear to The Trevor Project.

By Robert Williams • June 7, 2019

Taco Bell unwraps fresh song, fake movie trailer for Nacho Fries' return

The chain's original songs and sheet music follow a flurry of recent campaigns around musical branding.

By Barry Levine • June 6, 2019

Starbucks to power 3K stores with renewable energy by 2021

Its partnership with LevelTenEnergy builds on the coffee chain's commitment as the top U.S. retailer to purchase sustainable energy sources. 

By Lauren Manning • June 6, 2019

Pei Wei acquired by private equity firm

Centerbridge Partners sold the Asian fast-casual concept to PWD Acquisition for an undisclosed amount, just a few months after offloading sister brand P.F. Chang's.

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 5, 2019

Red Robin deploys 'poison pill'

This move, which comes a day after Vintage Capital increased its stake in the chain, will protect the restaurant from any takeover efforts as it searches for a new CEO and executes its strategic plan. 

By Julie Littman • June 5, 2019

IHOP resurrects controversial 'IHOb' name change, targets burger promo's haters

The chain becomes the latest marketer to incorporate online negativity into its marketing as opposed to letting customer service handle it. 

By Barry Levine • June 4, 2019

OpenTable showcases LGBTQ+ restaurants for Pride Month

The reservation platform joins a growing mix of restaurant brands including Starbucks, sweetgreen and fresh&co that are showing support for the LGBTQ+ community.

By Alicia Kelso • June 4, 2019

Deliveroo launches restaurant makeover competition

The company will fund renovations at six independent restaurants in the U.K. and will provide help with marketing and in-house and delivery operations.

By Lauren Manning • June 3, 2019

Popeyes seeks growth in hot Spanish market

The brand signed a new agreement with master franchisee Restaurant Brands Iberia, which operates sister chains Burger King and Tim Hortons in the country. 

By Alicia Kelso • June 3, 2019

Chipotle CEO isn't ruling out breakfast

While Brian Niccol told investors that the chain won't add the daypart "anytime soon," the restaurant is looking to enhance its beverage options to perk up afternoon sales. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 31, 2019

Chipotle joins spelling bee to pit its ingredients against competitors'

At this year's Scripps National Spelling Bee, some contestants participated in word challenges involving ingredients like "avocado" and "carrageenan."

By Barry Levine • May 31, 2019

Shift Change: Jack in the Box adds 2 board members, Subway bolsters brand and innovation team

This week's Shift Change highlights executive changes at Smoothie King, Red Robin, Subway, Jack in the Box, Tijuana Flats and Golden Chick. 

By Julie Littman • May 31, 2019

KFC wants to add plant-based poultry to its menu

Chick-fil-A is also exploring vegan options, but with neither Beyond Meat nor Impossible Foods offering alternative poultry products yet, it could be a while before chicken chains go plant-based. 

By Lauren Manning • May 31, 2019

Domino's tests AI quality control technology

An AI-equipped robot will determine whether each pizza meets the company's quality metrics, analyzing pie type, toppings and topping distribution. 

By Lauren Manning • May 30, 2019

Sweetgreen unveils Pride-focused marketing campaign

The chain is also rolling out its first national print and marketing campaign this summer, and plans to donate $1 from every bowl sold on June 2 to a homeless assistance program targeting LGBTQ+ youth.

By Lauren Manning • May 29, 2019

Arby's has no plans to add plant-based meat

The meat-centric chain is bucking the current plant-based trend despite a growing swell of QSRs hopping on board and making sales and traffic gains.

By Lauren Manning • May 28, 2019