Operations: Page 20
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What’s behind Del Taco’s franchising surge
The Mexican QSR chain signed over 138 franchise commitments in fiscal 2023 and plans to be over 90% franchised by 2026, said Van Ingram, Del Taco’s VP of franchise development.
By Julie Littman • Feb. 9, 2024 -
4 ways Yum accelerated tech deployment in 2023
From kiosks to automation, the company debuted proprietary systems across thousands of locations to improve operations and grow sales.
By Julie Littman • Feb. 8, 2024 -
How Chipotle plans to reach $4M AUVs
After surpassing $3 million average unit volumes in 2023, the fast casual chain continues to push strategies to bolster margins, operations and throughput.
By Julie Littman • Feb. 8, 2024 -
McDonald’s sets sights on $45B in loyalty sales
A larger loyalty member pool will provide more customer data for the fast-food chain to improve personalization.
By Bryan Wassel • Feb. 7, 2024 -
Chipotle could surpass 1K Chipotlanes in 2024
The fast casual chain currently has 811 restaurants with mobile pickup lanes, and its guidance suggests another 200 expected this year.
By Julie Littman • Feb. 7, 2024 -
McDonald’s invests aggressively in technology
The fast food giant’s three-pronged plan aims to digitally transform customer experience, franchise operations and core systems, President and CEO Chris Kempczinski said Monday.
By Matt Ashare • Feb. 6, 2024 -
KFC US launches points-based digital rewards program
Members earn 10 points for every eligible dollar spent online. Points are redeemable for free food in KFC’s Secret Recipe Vault, which rotates rewards.
By Julie Littman • Feb. 6, 2024 -
Sweetgreen hires former Starbucks exec Rossann Williams as COO
Williams, who left Starbucks in 2022 following a corporate reshuffle, will oversee operations, real estate and development and supply chain.
By Julie Littman • Feb. 5, 2024 -
Gopuff introduces Starbucks delivery
Trained baristas prepare food and drink orders from the instant delivery company’s micro-fulfillment centers for delivery in about 30 minutes.
By Peyton Bigora • Updated Feb. 5, 2024 -
Cheesecake Factory, contractors agree to $1M settlement for underpaying 589 janitorial workers
The resolution includes $750,000 from the restaurant chain and $250,000 from the janitorial contractors accused of wage theft, the California Labor Commissioner’s Office says.
By Nish Amarnath • Feb. 1, 2024 -
How Portillo’s develops its managers to sustain $10M unit volumes
CEO Michael Osanloo said the chain’s labor model and high unit volumes enable a “virtuous cycle” where sales drive wages and benefits, which in turn drive retention and efficiency.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 1, 2024 -
Restaurant trend outlook for 2024
Slow traffic, growing interest in afternoon snacking and trends toward value menus, digital and in-store personalization will shape the restaurant landscape.
By Restaurant Dive staff • Jan. 31, 2024 -
Column
Fueling Up: To truly compete with restaurants, c-stores need to ‘break boundaries’
Narrowing the gap with restaurants is top of mind for many c-store retailers. Achieving it requires stepping outside of convenience retail’s comfort zone, one expert says.
By Brett Dworski • Jan. 31, 2024 -
Deep Dive
Cost pressures may drive restaurant franchisee bankruptcies in 2024
Issues with margins or cash flow due to supply shocks, labor shortages and other disruptions can push operators into covenant default over their debts, experts said.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 30, 2024 -
Deep Dive
Return-to-office traffic is fueling a catering boom in 2024
Chains like Cracker Barrel, BJs and Wings & Rings will continue to lean into the profitable channel this year after seeing double-digit growth in 2023.
By Julie Littman • Jan. 29, 2024 -
Wawa to open first modular construction drive-thru stores
The first of the prefabricated drive-thru stores is slated to open on Feb. 8, with several others to follow as the c-store chain tests out a building method that’s become favored by restaurants.
By Jessica Loder • Jan. 29, 2024 -
Boston Market’s fee-free growth push raises questions
The beleaguered chicken chain, which has faced hundreds of closures and numerous lawsuits, wants to expand into non-traditional locations with no buy-in requirements for operators.
By Julie Littman • Jan. 26, 2024 -
Panda Express to deploy GridPoint smart building tech at nearly 2,500 locations
The nationwide deployment, expected to result in a reportable emissions offset, follows a 200-store pilot which measured energy cost and CO2 emissions reductions.
By Joe Burns • Jan. 26, 2024 -
Jersey Mike’s to use SoundHound’s phone AI in at least 50 restaurants
The AI tech now answers “100% of calls” at participating stores and recognizes natural language, meaning diners can order a #55 or “Big Kahuna” and the system understands these terms describe the same sub.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 25, 2024 -
Inside the store: Wegmans’ foodservice paradise in Manhattan
The grocer’s first Manhattan location devotes nearly an entire floor to “restaurant foods selections” including fresh sushi, pizza and poke bowls.
By Catherine Douglas Moran • Jan. 24, 2024 -
Potbelly expands loyalty redemption options
The sandwich chain added dessert and side items to its redemption options and implemented spend-based tiers in its rewards platform.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 23, 2024 -
How Puttshack and Pinstripes sustain AUVs over $8M
At the ICR Conference in Orlando, Florida, company executives discussed how post-pandemic consumer trends are driving traffic in the eatertainment space.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 22, 2024 -
Sponsored by Tock
Unique dining experiences are the secret sauce to your restaurant’s success
Reconsider dining ‘experiences' as a unique value-add that’s different from everyday service.
Jan. 22, 2024 -
Restaurants are cranking up value in 2024 — but traffic may not follow
Chains from Taco Bell to Popeyes are pushing more promotions for low-priced items, but analysts said they expect few improvements to traffic and margins.
By Julie Littman • Jan. 18, 2024 -
4 tech upgrades that can drive foodservice sales
AI-powered ordering, back-office training programs and more can help improve operations and boost revenue for c-stores’ growing meals businesses.
By Amanda Baltazar • Jan. 17, 2024