Report: Diner demand is up at full-service restaurants, but guest sentiment is down

Sit-down operators may be busier than ever since the start of the pandemic, but guest sentiment declined during Q1 because of frustration with service and ambiance, according to Black Box Intelligence data.

By Julie Littman • May 24, 2021

How a more financially stable workforce can fuel restaurant industry recovery

Forty-eight percent of restaurant workers said they'd be willing to leave their job for one that gives them their tips immediately at the end of their shift, writes Andrew Garner of Netspend.

By Andrew Garner • May 21, 2021

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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

Panera unveils double drive-thru store design

Going forward, all Panera builds and remodels will feature this design, and most locations will be in suburban markets to accommodate the drive-thrus.

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 20, 2021

IHOP will open first fast casual unit in NYC after 1-year delay

The casual dining chain was forced to pause the launch of its Flip'd concept during the pandemic, but now expects to open four fast casual locations this year as part of an initial pilot.

By Julie Littman • May 20, 2021

Goldbelly snags $100M after seeing 300% growth in 2020

The novelty food delivery service will put this capital infusion toward scaling its technology and operations and accelerating the onboarding of new chefs and restaurants. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 19, 2021

Quiznos, Taco Del Mar to open 100 ghost kitchen units

The Rego Restaurant Group brands join a growing network of chains, including Saladworks and Wow Bao, that have partnered with Ghost Kitchen Brands. 

By Julie Littman • May 19, 2021

Retention is key to solving the restaurant industry's labor crisis

As many restaurants struggle to bring on employees, others have had success with keeping their workers by creating a positive company culture, boosting benefits and offering clear paths for career growth. 

By Julie Littman • May 18, 2021

Auntie Anne's debuts first drive-thru in Texas

The 1,200-square-foot franchised location near Dallas is co-branded with Jamba.

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 17, 2021

Wendy's pursues ghost kitchens, says 30% of new units will be nontraditional

The chain's U.S. digital business grew to roughly 7.5% of sales in Q1 2021 thanks to increases in mobile ordering and delivery, inspiring store designs with delivery drivers in mind, Chief Development Officer Abigail Pringle said.

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 14, 2021

McDonald's raises pay at US corporate stores ahead of planned worker strike

McDonald's is raising hourly wages by an average of 10% at its U.S. company-owned restaurants, impacting more than 36,500 employees. Ninety-five percent of the chain's U.S. footprint will not be affected, however. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • May 13, 2021

Following first quarter rebound, Applebee's, IHOP parent hires new CFO

On June 14, Vance Chang will replace Dine Brand's corporate controller and interim CFO Allison Hall, who is moving into the chief accounting officer role.

By Jane Thier • May 13, 2021

Chick-fil-A will launch a virtual brand in Nashville

While the chain has tested ghost kitchens, this appears to be its first virtual brand. The concept, called Little Blue Menu, will serve Chick-fil-A's classic menu alongside roasted chicken and wings.

By Julie Littman • May 13, 2021

Sweetgreen files for IPO

The news comes on the heels of a $156 million cash infusion led by Lone Pine Capital in January, as well as the chain's plans to pilot a drive-thru this year and invest in suburban expansion.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated June 21, 2021

Subway goes on a hiring spree for 40K workers

Despite a history of sluggish unit and sales growth, the chain looks to fill roles ranging from entry-level to management after closing 10% of its units last year.

By Alicia Kelso • May 11, 2021

Help wanted: How chains are adjusting hiring tactics to boost staffing

Amid an ongoing labor shortage, major restaurant brands are experimenting with mass hiring events, bonuses, pay raises and streamlined application processes to attract much-needed employees.

By Julie Littman • May 11, 2021

How the labor shortage is shifting restaurant strategy

Diners are returning in droves as COVID-19 dining room restrictions ease, but staff are hard to come by, creating a difficult balancing act for operators trying to recoup lost revenue.

May 11, 2021

Up from the ashes: Restaurant CFOs prepare for boom

Profit-hungry restaurant CFOs blindsided by the pandemic get ready for robust economic growth, offering lessons for leaders in less-stressed industries.

By Jim Tyson • May 10, 2021

Chipotle to boost average hourly earnings to $15 by end of June

The chain also plans to hire 20,000 employees in the U.S. and is offering referral bonuses for crew members, apprentices and general managers. 

By Julie Littman • May 10, 2021

Why restaurants need to be digital now

To thrive in an increasingly online marketplace, restaurants need to invest in technologies that help manage the customer relationship and manage delivery automation, says Hypertrack founder and CEO Kashyap Deorah.

By Kashyap Deorah • May 7, 2021

Report: 76% of restaurant workers plan to leave jobs over low wages, tips

If these workers had a full, stable living wage, 78% said they would stay in their positions, according to a One Fair Wage report. 

By Julie Littman • May 6, 2021

Five Guys franchisee opens the chain's first US ghost kitchen

Encore Restaurants, the largest Five Guys franchisee, opened a delivery-only location in Garland, Texas, on May 1, joining a growing list of chains using this channel for expansion.

By Alicia Kelso • May 5, 2021

Uber and Gopuff link up on 'everyday essentials' e-shop

The deal marks the first time Uber has partnered with a vertically integrated delivery business, reflecting the company's push to diversify its delivery arm in a bid to reach profitability. 

By Jeff Wells • May 5, 2021

Krispy Kreme files for $100M IPO

The company shared in a Form S-1 document Tuesday that it will use the money to pay off outstanding debt. 

By Julie Littman • Updated June 1, 2021

Now hiring: How the labor shortage is squeezing full-service restaurants

Foodservice workers burnt out by the segment's recent instability are leaving for other industries or living on high unemployment benefits, sparking a staffing crisis as dining rooms open.

By Julie Littman • May 4, 2021

Saladworks sees path to 'hundreds' more locations inside grocery stores

After capitalizing on shuttered salad bars nationwide, the restaurant chain plans to accelerate its rollout of full-service and ghost kitchen sites.

By Jeff Wells • May 4, 2021