Why quality may trump price in 2025’s restaurant value battle

The mixed success of recently launched value menus highlights the importance of focusing on more than just affordability, experts said.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 17, 2025

P.F. Chang’s drops lawsuit claiming UKG lost, destroyed employee data

The restaurant chain sued in 2022 claiming that the HR vendor had provided “false hope” that it could recover some of the chain’s deleted information.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 17, 2025

Explore the Trendline➔

Back-of-house Technology

From voice AI at the drive-thru to robot-powered makelines, restaurants are investing in technology solutions to optimize kitchen operations and reduce employee turnover. 

By Restaurant Dive staff

Twin Hospitality Group expects to go public on Jan. 30

Fat Brands’ spinoff of its highest-performing brands will help it deleverage its balance sheet, which includes $1.2 billion in debt.

By Julie Littman • Updated Jan. 17, 2025

Shake Shack’s CFO talks 1,500-unit goal, drive-thru and restaurant optimization

Katie Fogertey is confident that the burger chain, once only in New York City, can reach its next big target through labor model updates, drive-thru optimization and profitability improvements.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 17, 2025

Fat Brands will grow a new tri-branded snack concept

The company combined Great American Cookies, Marble Slab Creamery and Pretzelmaker at a unit in Texas, with plans to open more.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 16, 2025

QSR traffic turns positive in Q4, report shows

A push toward more restaurant value offerings appears to be paying off, with spikes in traffic seen in October and November, according to Revenue Management Solutions data.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 16, 2025

Chipotle invests in firm that makes plant-based meat from duckweed

The restaurant chain’s venture fund is also backing efforts reduce cow-based methane emissions.  

By Sarah Zimmerman • Jan. 15, 2025

Starbucks reverses open-door policy as it pursues coffeehouse environment

Under the new policy, customers will have to make a purchase if they want to hang out in Starbucks coffee shops or use its bathrooms.

By Kristen Doerer • Jan. 14, 2025

Portillo’s tests computer vision to boost drive-thru times

Managers will see a screen flashing red if a car has sat for four minutes, allowing them to redeploy labor and move guests faster through the drive-thru.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 14, 2025

3 Big Numbers: C-stores zero in on coffee consumers

Wawa, Casey’s and 7-Eleven all are either updating their coffee programs or employing promotions to draw in more caffeine aficionados.

By Jessica Loder • Jan. 14, 2025

How Shake Shack plans to triple its unit count

The chain is targeting 1,500 company-owned units by enhancing leadership, boosting operations and entering new markets, executives said at ICR. 

By Julie Littman • Jan. 14, 2025

Just Salad joins the drive-thru game

A New Jersey outpost is the first of multiple drive-thru units the fast casual chain plans to open in 2025.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 13, 2025

McDonald’s to shutter 3 CosMc’s, open 2 more

The chain said its beverage-centric concept works better in smaller locations and will close larger restaurants that were converted from McDonald’s units.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 10, 2025

CPK adds virtual brand to menu

The pizza chain plans to fulfill digital orders for Man Vs Fries at 118 locations, with a secret menu for dine-in guests.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 9, 2025

Starbucks hands Anomaly US creative duties in blow to WPP: report

WPP, which only won the account in October, established a bespoke Team Starbucks unit to support the coffee chain’s turnaround plan.

By Peter Adams • Jan. 9, 2025

Krispy Kreme promotes 4 executives as part of expansion push

The appointments include a new chief operating officer, chief growth officer, president of international and chief product officer.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 9, 2025

Bloomin’ appoints EVP, president of Outback Steakhouse

Pat Hafner, president of Carrabba’s, has worked at Bloomin’ Brands in various capacities for nearly 30 years.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 9, 2025

How Paris Baguette is bringing back the neighborhood bakery

The chain, which offers fresh-baked goodies, drinks and cakes, signed over 160 franchise deals in 2024 and aims to sign another 200 this year.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 8, 2025

McDonald’s cools on DEI, shifts to ‘global inclusion’

The shift in strategy comes as a result of work done last year, McDonald’s said, including a “comprehensive Civil Rights Audit.”

By Caroline Colvin • Jan. 7, 2025

White Castle names president

Anthony Joseph, current chief administrative officer, takes over the role from Lisa Ingram, who will maintain her other roles of board chair and CEO.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 7, 2025

8 restaurant trends to watch in 2025

Analysts forecast a slightly rosier year, predicting that consumer demand will rise, bankruptcies will slow and increased valuations will spark M&A.

By Julie Littman , Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 7, 2025

Consumers want deals, convenience from personalization, survey finds

Simple acts of recognition, with or without a human touch, can build long-term customer relationships, Boston Consulting Group’s Mark Abraham said.

By Bryan Wassel • Jan. 6, 2025

Starbucks’ turnaround plan will be ‘no quick fix,’ analysts say

The chain wants to improve customer experience by making its stores more welcoming and speeding up service. But will the changes come fast enough?

By Michael Brady • Jan. 6, 2025

Noodles & Company warned of Nasdaq delisting

After third-quarter earnings disappointed and its stock price fell under $1, the company has yet to recover.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 2, 2025

World of Beer emerges from bankruptcy

The company restructured its debt and plans to open upward of 20 units within the next five years. 

By Julie Littman • Jan. 2, 2025