Fat Brands continues expansion tear with purchase of Johnny Rockets for $25M

The deal, which is expected to close in September, will bring the Fatburger parent's store network to about 700 and raise its annual sales to over $700 million. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 13, 2020

Drive-thru usage up 43% since April, study finds

But added volume can decrease speed of service, and 81% of consumers believe that waiting more than 10 minutes is too long, according to a Bluedot and SeeLevel HX survey.

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 12, 2020

Explore the 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

From full-service to grocery hybrid: Why 1 restaurant chose to renovate during the pandemic

Cotton Blues Kitchen & Marketplace used the business slowdown to recreate the dining experience with a grocery market, grab-and-go and ready-to-heat items and a smaller dine-in menu.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 12, 2020

75% of independent restaurants took out over $50K in debt in May, survey says

Twelve percent of operators said they added $500,000 in debt to their balance sheets in May, according to data from the James Beard Foundation. 

By Julie Littman • Aug. 11, 2020

McDonald's sues former CEO after probe uncovers 3 more relationships with employees

The chain's investigation revealed that Steve Easterbrook allegedly tried to destroy information, including nude photos of employees sent from his corporate email.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 10, 2020

Food distributors, restaurants reinvent business models in a scramble to survive

From wine bar to mini grocery store, from restaurant distribution to direct to consumer — food sector firms are pivoting operations to keep business flowing.

By Gary Wollenhaupt • Aug. 10, 2020

Seattle study finds race discrimination in restaurant hiring

Restaurant Opportunities Centers United and the Seattle Office for Civil Rights found that people of color are more likely to have low-wage, back-of-house jobs.

By Sheryl Estrada • Aug. 6, 2020

Popeyes chicken sandwich continues to boost sales during pandemic

Same-store sales increased to 28.5% in the U.S. during the second quarter while average sales per restaurant reached $1.7 million with help from the menu item. 

By Julie Littman • Aug. 6, 2020

DoorDash launches new online convenience store DashMart

The company's venture, which marks its first foray into managing its own inventory, will offer around 2,000 grocery and restaurant items and delivery in as little as 30 minutes. 

By Jessica Dumont • Aug. 6, 2020

83% of New York City restaurant owners couldn't pay full rent in July, report shows

The NYC Hospitality Alliance survey also found that 71% of landlords would not waive portions of rent because of COVID-19. 

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 5, 2020

Wendy's digital sales momentum grows with delivery expansion during Q2

While a majority of the mix was from delivery orders, the chain expects its newly launched loyalty program to boost mobile ordering.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 5, 2020

Wendy's breakfast makes up 8% of US Q2 sales

Despite being the most challenged daypart during the pandemic, the chain reported strong margins and sales growth, and plans to invest $15 million to advertise the menu during the last half of 2020.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 5, 2020

NRA: 55% of restaurants can't access second PPP loan under Senate plan

The association is urging Congress to lower the proposed Heals Act revenue loss threshold, which determines a business' eligibility for a second loan, from 50% to 20%. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Aug. 4, 2020

Wawa to open first freestanding drive-thru by year-end

As it prepares for a post-COVID-19 world, the convenience store known for its sub sandwiches expects to start selling combos and value meals at the new Pennsylvania location.

By Alicia Kelso • Aug. 3, 2020

Texas bars could reopen as restaurants under modified licensure rules

Establishments could qualify as restaurants if alcoholic beverages made up less than 51% of their sales since April 1, per the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. 

By Julie Littman • Aug. 3, 2020

12 North Carolina McDonald's restaurants fined for alleged child labor law violations

It’s not uncommon for fast food chains to face allegations of such missteps, and others like Qdoba, Chipotle and Wendy's have paid similar fines in the past year.

By Katie Clarey • July 31, 2020

Pret A Manger shutters 17 stores in Boston and Chicago

With more Americans working remotely, the chain, which dropped sales by 87% YTD, has shifted its focus to offering group meals for pickup and delivery and plans to launch order ahead. 

By Julie Littman • July 31, 2020

47% of operators say moving to online ordering is their biggest challenge

This is particularly true for the majority of fine dining and upscale restaurants that didn't offer online ordering prior to the novel coronavirus outbreak, according to an Upserve survey. 

By Alicia Kelso • July 30, 2020

California Pizza Kitchen files for bankruptcy

The company, which expects to emerge from Chapter 11 proceedings in less than three months, filed for bankruptcy as part of its agreement with lenders that will help it equitize a vast majority of its debt. 

By Julie Littman • July 30, 2020

Dunkin' may shutter 800 US stores by year's end

More than 50% of these closures are in Speedway c-stores that were previously announced in February, but the chain says all places on the chopping block are in "low-volume sales locations."

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 30, 2020

McDonald's to exit more than 100 Walmart stores

The fast food giant plans to close 200 under-performing outlets, more than half of which are located inside Walmart locations.

By Jessica Dumont • July 29, 2020

Wingstop reports best quarter since IPO in 2015

The company's digital strategy, which included free delivery promotions and opening ghost kitchens, helped the chain boost its digital transactions to nearly 64% of sales during Q2. 

By Julie Littman • July 29, 2020

Breakfast continues to drag McDonald's sales

Much like other QSRs, a lack of commuters significantly impacted McDonald's morning daypart, but the chain plans to invest in the growing segment coming out of the pandemic. 

By Julie Littman • July 29, 2020

McDonald's drive-thrus allowed its US restaurants to largely stay open

Drive-thru business made up 90% of McDonald's U.S. sales during Q2 2020, which is helping those markets recover more quickly. 

By Julie Littman • July 28, 2020

DoorDash partners with fintech BlueVine to process PPP applications for merchants

Nearly 200 restaurant owners have collectively received more than $6 million in PPP loans through the collaboration since late April. Most recipients are independent restaurants.

By Emma Liem Beckett • July 28, 2020