Introducing 7shifts Academy: Free online restaurant management courses

More than 50% of hospitality professionals want more training and professional development opportunities in order to stay engaged – take advantage of these free online courses.

Nov. 29, 2021

Starbucks, Amazon Go open cashierless store concept in NYC

The two plan to open additional stores in 2022, as more retailers experiment with grab-and-go technology. 

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Nov. 19, 2021

Kitchen United helped pioneer ghost kitchens. Here's what's next.

The innovative operator is entering new markets, expanding its warehouse-like network and adding partnerships with retailers, all based on low-capital outlay for brands. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 17, 2021

C3 founder leads $20M funding round to establish robotic kitchen startup

The investment includes a partnership with C3, which will initially test Nommi's automated cooking system for "Iron Chef" Masaharu Morimoto's Sa'Moto restaurant brand.

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 17, 2021

Toast's new restaurant products suite aims to alleviate labor pressure

Based on customer feedback, the POS platform developed features that will help operators manage operations and pay, Co-founder and President Aman Narang said.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Nov. 16, 2021

Burgerville and IWW ratify a contract in fast food first

The contract, which covers Burgerville's five unionized shops and expires in May 2023, secures wage raises and tipping, along with new benefits. 

By Alicia Kelso • Updated Dec. 20, 2021

Make your business an escape from holiday stress with custom entertainment

As the holiday season ramps up, so do customers' stress levels — here’s how businesses can be more mindful.

Nov. 15, 2021

Why C3 is betting on virtual brands inspired by online influencers

The food tech platform has created an innovation hub to develop delivery-only brands with digital content creators and reach lucrative younger audiences.

By Julie Littman • Nov. 11, 2021

Inspire Brands opens its first ghost kitchen

Alliance Kitchen offers menu items for delivery and takeout from Arby's, Sonic, Jimmy John's, Buffalo Wild Wings and Rusty Taco. 

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 10, 2021

DoorDash enters Goldbelly's turf, offers nationwide restaurant shipping

The platform's new offering allows diners to order from restaurants and retailers from around the country without a delivery fee. 

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 8, 2021

Lack of capital, legislative restrictions may impede franchisees in 2022

Despite these hurdles, there is still runway left for expansion, experts say, and competition for high-quality operators.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Nov. 8, 2021

Dickey's accelerates expansion with 100 more units through Ghost Kitchen Brands

The barbecue chain continues to partner with ghost kitchen companies to expand its presence in North America. The latest collaboration brings it into Walmart. 

By Alicia Kelso • Nov. 5, 2021

Shake Shack plans largest expansion to date with up to 50 units in 2022

The company will focus primarily on suburban markets where units can be built in freestanding locations or within shopping centers, executives said Thursday. 

By Julie Littman • Nov. 5, 2021

McDonald's expects commodity inflation up to 4%

The world's biggest restaurant chain also has faced difficulties procuring kitchen equipment and delays opening some new restaurants.

By Colin Campbell • Nov. 5, 2021

5 ways QSRs are embracing technology

From drone delivery to artificial intelligence, fast food chains around the country are testing new ways to reach customers and fill the labor gap.

By Julie Littman • Nov. 3, 2021

Why franchisors are targeting Texas and Florida

A friendly business environment, strong population growth and lax COVID-19 restrictions have made the two states popular for franchise expansion.

By Julie Littman • Nov. 1, 2021

Emerging technologies call for robust data network

Data-driven decisions will expand beyond sales and staffing applications to guest services, supply-chain logistics and menu development, allowing restaurants to adapt what to sell in real-time as demand dictates.

Nov. 1, 2021

How McAlister's plans to become a $1B brand by 2024

Chief Brand Officer Mike Freeman discusses how franchisees are supporting the deli chain's growth goal to reach over 650 units.

By Julie Littman • Oct. 28, 2021

McDonald's will sell McD Tech Labs to IBM

The sale of the platform reflects the chain's evolving approach to insourcing versus outsourcing technology, CEO Chris Kempczinski said.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Oct. 27, 2021

Cracker Barrel debuts Los Angeles ghost kitchen

Cracker Barrel Kitchen will deliver the chain's menu through DoorDash, Uber Eats and Grubhub, and marks the casual chain's entry in the City of Angels. 

By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 26, 2021

C3 is opening first brick-and-mortar market in Manhattan

The digital restaurant platform's 40,000-square-foot food hall, dubbed Citizens New York, will allow diners to eat on-premise or order for takeout and delivery.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Oct. 26, 2021

Sweetgreen expects to double its footprint as a public company

The fast casual chain, which had 140 locations as of the end of September, expects to diversify its real estate with drive-thru and pickup only locations. 

By Julie Littman • Oct. 26, 2021

Labor shortage squeezes Popeyes' late night business

Staffing challenges led to about an hour reduction in operating times, particularly during evening hours when checks tend to be higher due to more family business, the company said on an earnings call Monday.

By Julie Littman • Oct. 25, 2021

Franchisees are flocking to fast casuals to grow. Here’s why.

As the segment shows greater resiliency compared to casual dining, restaurant operators are making deals for expansion, taking advantage of a real estate surplus and rebounding traffic.

By Julie Littman • Oct. 25, 2021

TGI Fridays snags sales lift from C3 virtual brand, plans to expand it

The chain began testing Krispy Rice in Orange County, California, and Maryland restaurants, with sales at these units nearly doubling from the first week.

By Alicia Kelso • Oct. 22, 2021