Operations: Page 3
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Simon Cowell judges Domino’s Pizza alongside new quality captains
The TV personality dons the cap of quality captain, a new staff role that ensures all aspects of an order are correct down to topping portions.
By Peter Adams • Aug. 19, 2024 -
BurgerFi might go bankrupt
Net losses are expected to be $18.4 million for the second quarter, and cash flow is only $4.4 million, marking a stark financial picture for the chain.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 19, 2024 -
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 -
Will Brian Niccol’s customer experience success as CEO of Chipotle translate to Starbucks?
The executive spearheaded mobile ordering upgrades and better order fulfillment at Chipotle. Experts say the same lessons could improve customer experience at Starbucks.
By Bryan Wassel • Aug. 19, 2024 -
Opinion
‘Tipflation’ narrative is harmful to the restaurant industry
Saying that tips have spun "out of control" is inaccurate, as data shows a minimal decline in tip percent averages, writes Kevin Bryla, CMO of SpotOn.
By Kevin Bryla • Aug. 16, 2024 -
Chili’s sees sales, traffic surge
By emphasizing price competitiveness with fast food, Brinker International’s flagship brand avoided the downturn that has plagued other full-service chains.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 15, 2024 -
How restaurant loyalty programs can drive more traffic and improve experiences
Restaurant brands that tie their loyalty programs into payment and ordering systems can increase convenience and personalization for customers.
By Bryan Wassel • Aug. 15, 2024 -
Chipotle appoints Scott Boatwright as interim CEO
Following Brian Niccol’s move to Starbucks, the chain’s long-tenured COO will lead it as the board of directors seeks a permanent CEO.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 13, 2024 -
Starbucks names Brian Niccol as its CEO
Brian Niccol, who has been CEO at Chipotle since 2018, joins the chain as it continues to face declines in traffic and comparable sales.
By Julie Littman • Updated Aug. 13, 2024 -
Sweetgreen automated kitchen concept improves retention, margins
The first establishment with the chain’s Infinite Kitchen technology has seen restaurant level margins of 31% and a 45% lower turnover rate than a traditional location.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 12, 2024 -
Potbelly boosts value scores with $7.99 Skinny Combo
The deal hits a sweet spot for consumers who feel like they’re getting a filling meal without having to break the bank, CEO Robert Wright said.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 12, 2024 -
Deep Dive
Dessert concepts are seeing record growth. But are they just a fad?
To stay relevant, chains like The Original Rainbow Cone and Dirty Dough are expanding their menus beyond their core offerings.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 12, 2024 -
Sponsored by Bel Group
Meet a new pizza trend customers will eat up
How restaurants can capitalize on consumers’ growing appetite for upscale pies that boost the bottom line in an economical way.
Aug. 12, 2024 -
Burger King remodels driving double-digit sales lifts
The chain is on track to renovate 400 stores in 2024, with revamps partly offsetting sectoral sales troubles.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 9, 2024 -
Consumers’ curtailed fast food consumption in Q2 hit packaging earnings
From McDonald’s to KFC, quick-service restaurants’ Q2 results generally haven’t been finger lickin’ good. Their packaging suppliers hope promotions will lure back inflation-weary consumers.
By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 9, 2024 -
Walmart adds hoagies to in-store restaurant roster
The retailer plans to open 14 in-store Knuckies Hoagies locations across six states just weeks after announcing partnerships with Crave’s Hot Dogs and Mr. Gatti’s Pizza.
By Catherine Douglas Moran • Aug. 8, 2024 -
Restaurant industry to grow 0.5% in 2024, IFMA says
The International Foodservice Manufacturers Association forecasts continued demand for eating out from high-income cohorts, despite a drop off in low-income consumers.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 8, 2024 -
Papa Johns wants to improve its value perception
After posting a comparable sales decline of 3.6% in North America, the chain is working to highlight its value offerings instead of just its premium products.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 8, 2024 -
Portillo’s pilots ordering kiosks
Facing traffic pressure as a result of QSR discounting, Portillo’s is testing in-store kiosks, a tech proponents say can boost average check size, in Illinois.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 7, 2024 -
How Outback is planning to turn around same-store sales declines
The chain is implementing technological investments and will simplify its menu to create more value.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 7, 2024 -
Q&A // Meet the exec
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop’s first CEO has big plans for the brand
With his extensive experience with franchised models, Jeff Galletly plans to refine the model for the chain, allowing it to expand into new markets with local operators.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 6, 2024 -
Church’s Texas Chicken rolls out loyalty program
The launch of Real Rewards is part of the company’s buildout of its digital ecosystem, which also includes a revamped app and website.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 6, 2024 -
Wendy’s is ‘confident’ experience improvements will drive loyalty — and growth
A $15 million investment in its app and loyalty program is starting to pay off, CEO Kirk Tanner said.
By Kristen Doerer • Aug. 6, 2024 -
Buca di Beppo files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, facilitates sale
The chain closed 13 units last week after shuttering numerous locations across the country over the past several months.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 5, 2024 -
Walmart grows roster of fast-casual, in-store dining partners
The retailer is entering a tie-up with Crave Hot Dogs & BBQ to house the restaurant’s Express Model in select locations.
By Peyton Bigora • Aug. 5, 2024 -
Chili’s deploys Ziosk pay-at-table tech
The tabletop tablets, which Chili’s previously used up until four years ago, are expected to increase guest engagement and loyalty enrollment.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 5, 2024