Operations: Page 57
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McDonald's expands youth skills training program
The company's youth initiative efforts come as the restaurant chain aims to improve workplace culture.
By Sheryl Estrada • Sept. 29, 2020 -
NYC makes outdoor dining program permanent
The city's Open Restaurants program, which includes over 10,000 participating eateries, will provide guidelines on heaters and how to offer this channel during the coming colder months.
By Julie Littman • Sept. 28, 2020 -
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 -
Domino's promotes CTO, restructures tech unit as CIO retires
Kelly Garcia will replace EVP and CIO Kevin Vasconi, who is retiring Oct. 2, the company announced Monday.
By Roberto Torres • Sept. 23, 2020 -
DC launches $4M grant program to help restaurants winterize their outdoor dining spaces
Funds will be dispersed starting Oct. 1 and can be put toward expenses including tents, heaters, propane, furniture, advertising and operational costs.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Sept. 23, 2020 -
Resy, AmEx will bring a fine dining 'drive-thru' experience to Los Angeles
Diners can enter the Hollywood Palladium via car Oct. 15 and Oct. 16, where they will be assigned a designated waiter who will guide them from "restaurant" to "restaurant" to serve guests a 10-course meal through their car windows.
By Alicia Kelso • Sept. 23, 2020 -
Deep Dive
How chains are automating the curbside experience
Customers calling in for their food upon arrival have created logistical headaches for many chains new to curbside, and they are turning to geofencing and integrated alert systems to create a better experience.
By Julie Littman • Sept. 23, 2020 -
87% of New York City hospitality owners couldn't pay full August rent, report says
While there was a slight uptick in landlords renegotiating leases between June and August, 60% of landlords have not waived rent in relation to COVID-19, according to a NYC Hospitality Alliance survey.
By Alicia Kelso • Sept. 22, 2020 -
Sizzler USA is the latest casual chain to declare bankruptcy
The family dining restaurant plans to complete the process within 120 days, which it says will not impact its franchisees.
By Julie Littman • Sept. 22, 2020 -
Dunkin' CFO: Company's westward expansion 'key' to future development
Dunkin's decision to remain open as competitors closed and to open new branches in the South and West have positioned it well for the future, its CFO said Tuesday.
By Jane Thier • Sept. 18, 2020 -
Denny's supplier diversity a 'pillar' in its DEI efforts
"We're proud of the strides we've taken over the past 25 years to reshape our entire corporate culture and business operations, but we know that we're not done with this work," a Denny's exec said.
By Sheryl Estrada • Sept. 18, 2020 -
McDonald's joint employer victory could be marred by potential conflict of interest
An NLRB board member participated in a ruling, despite ties to McDonald's, that said the fast food chain would not be liable for violations committed by franchisees.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Sept. 17, 2020 -
Taco Bell announces 'womxn-focused' employee resource group
Some employers have prioritized employee resource groups as a way to support diversity and inclusion work in recent months.
By Ryan Golden • Sept. 17, 2020 -
Starbucks will bring curbside to 2K US restaurants in coming months
Curbside is expected to be particularly helpful at drive-thru locations to prevent customers from driving away if lines are too long, CFO Pat Grismer said during a JPMorgan conference.
By Julie Littman • Sept. 17, 2020 -
Dave & Buster's lays off over 1,300 employees across 7 states
The WARN notices follow an 87% decline in same-store sales for Q2 and CEO Brian Jenkins' previous statements of moving forward with a leaner labor model.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Sept. 16, 2020 -
Opinion
Reopening lessons the US can learn from Europe
Restaurants and governments need to formulate recovery strategies based on new consumer preferences, traffic patterns and revenue channels, says Chelsea van Hooven, global industry advisor at Choco.
By Chelsea van Hooven • Sept. 14, 2020 -
McDonald's selects TerraCycle's Loop for reusable cup pilot across UK locations
The new partnership is the latest sign of major brands taking greater interest in circular solutions. It also marks an expansion beyond grocery for the ambitious reuse platform.
By Karine Vann • Sept. 11, 2020 -
California Restaurant Association says the state's small business support isn't enough
CRA President and CEO Jot Condie criticized the bills signed into law last week, saying they failed to target aid directly for restaurants in the state.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Sept. 14, 2020 -
Papa John's signs largest North America franchisee deal in over 20 years
The deal with HB Restaurant Group will lead to 49 new stores in Philadelphia and New Jersey between 2021 and 2028, and represents the pizza chain's shift into growth mode.
By Julie Littman • Sept. 11, 2020 -
NYC to allow 25% indoor dining capacity as bar compliance improves
While compliance currently sits at 99.2%, the city will provide 400 inspectors to ensure restaurants continue following safety protocols.
By Julie Littman • Sept. 10, 2020 -
Luby's shareholders approve liquidation plan
If the company receives an offer for a corporate transaction that would result in superior value to stockholders, the dissolution plan could be abandoned.
By Julie Littman • Updated Nov. 18, 2020 -
Chuck E. Cheese parent emerges from bankruptcy protection
The company reduced debt obligations by roughly $705 million, and has more than $100 million of liquidity to fund operations and growth plans.
By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated Jan. 4, 2021 -
Buffalo Wild Wings sells season passes to feed and entertain NFL fans
The chain returns to experiential marketing with an effort to appeal to customers who are eager to return to normal activities and those who are sticking close to home.
By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Sept. 4, 2020 -
Hurricane Isaias' impact on restaurant sales hint at what to expect this winter
During the storm, which hit the East Coast during the first week of August, regional restaurant sales dropped by 11%. Connecticut, New Jersey and New York were the most impacted states.
By Alicia Kelso • Sept. 4, 2020 -
El Pollo Loco's GPS-enabled curbside pickup expands digital channels
Beginning Sept. 28, customers can order curbside pickup online or through a revamped Loco Rewards app, building on the chicken chain's long-term e-commerce strategy.
By Julie Littman • Sept. 4, 2020 -
Restaurant owners growing restless with disparate state opening plans
California and New Jersey just released new reopening plans, while New York City Mayor Bill De Blasio promises to have an answer within the next few weeks.
By Alicia Kelso • Sept. 3, 2020