Operations: Page 8

  • People work at a restaurant at Chelsea Market in Manhattan on February 02, 2024 in New York City.
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    Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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    4 restaurant industry forecasts from the NRA Show

    Gen Z’s demand for photogenic beverages and frustration over financing struggles loomed large over the event as operators strategized how to solve consumer pullback.

    By • May 23, 2024
  • A headshot of Abigail Pringle
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    Permission granted by The Wendy's Co.
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    Wendy’s appoints presidents for US, international

    Abigail Pringle has been named to the new role of president, U.S, while E.J. Wunsch, its chief legal officer, becomes international president.

    By • May 23, 2024
  • A man and a woman dressed as a chef look at a tablet. Explore the Trendline➔
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    Wavebreakmedia via Getty Images
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    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
  • An image of a woman's hand holding a smart phone with an app loaded from Red Robin.
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    Courtesy of Red Robin
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    Red Robin rolls out points-based loyalty program

    Members receive $10 for every 100 points earned, a shift from the old program, in which a free entree was granted after nine entrees were purchased.

    By • May 23, 2024
  • Three fast food beverages stand in line.
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    Aneurin Canham-Clyne/Restaurant Dive
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    Inside CosMc’s: Slow drive-thru service may undercut customization’s perks

    McDonald’s spinoff brand, which targets Gen Z with highly caffeinated drinks and snacks, is a “learning lab” that needs work to compete with legacy QSRs.

    By • May 22, 2024
  • Two women putting an order for food through a kiosk
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    Don Wu via Getty Images
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    Grubbrr CEO: Automation could make restaurants a high-wage, high-productivity business

    Kiosks may not be a silver bullet for labor troubles — they seem better suited to boost check sizes — but they may be part of a gradual transformation of restaurant work, Sam Zietz said. 

    By • May 21, 2024
  • An image of Red Loster sign on the outside of a restaurant
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    It’s more than shrimp: What led to Red Lobster’s bankruptcy

    A cash shortage, traffic declines and pressure from equity sponsor Thai Union to become its sole shrimp supplier led to high costs — compounding losses induced by the ill-fated Ultimate Endless Shrimp promo. 

    By • May 21, 2024
  • A photo of a man wearing a blue suit in front of a beige backround.
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    Courtesy of CEC Entertainment
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    CEC Entertainment appoints CFO

    Scott Drake is now the company’s top financial executive, and CEC also promoted three execs to various positions in operations and legal.

    By • May 21, 2024
  • An image of a small restaurant with people gathered around. Thereis 7 Brew signage.
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    Permission granted by 7 Brew
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    Top 500 restaurant chains grew 2023 sales 7.5% despite traffic declines

    Emerging concept 7 Brew was the fastest-growing chain, increasing its unit count over 373% last year, according to a Datassential report.

    By • May 20, 2024
  • A sign with a lobster on it that says "This location is closed."
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Red Lobster declares bankruptcy

    The chain’s bankruptcy is the culmination of months of financial woes, which included significant losses, trouble paying its bills on time and a planned divestment by its minority owner. 

    By • May 20, 2024
  • A photo of a pizza with shredded pork, bacon, onions and pickles against a white background. A hand is pulling one slice away from the pizza.
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    Courtesy of Casey's General Store
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    3 major c-store chains make foodservice updates

    GPM Investments is adding a famous hot dog brand to more than 450 stores, while Casey’s and 7-Eleven both updated their pizza lineups.

    By Jessica Loder • May 20, 2024
  • An image of a woman preparing bags for takeout in a restaurant
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    Dejan_Dundjerski via Getty Images
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    Q&A

    Ask an expert: What structural problems killed the ghost kitchen?

    Despite failed pioneers and industry consolidation, the ghost kitchen model could rise again as shifting real estate market conditions make them more attractive, says Alon Lagstein, counsel at Carlton Fields.

    By • May 17, 2024
  • A man stands in front of a red wall with "Sbarro" branding
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    Courtesy of Sbarro
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    Sbarro names RBI exec as North America president

    Mario Bojorquez will support company restaurants and franchisee expansion, operational execution and brand growth. 

    By • May 16, 2024
  • An image of a Jack in the Box restaurant.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    How 6 chains are reacting to California’s minimum wage law

    Brands like Jack in the Box, Shake Shack and Chipotle have raised prices to help offset labor costs incurred following the $20 hourly wage.

    By • May 16, 2024
  • A restaurant employee using RFID to scan a box with a barcode.
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    Permission granted by Chipotle
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    Deep Dive

    Chipotle leverages RFID technology, increases overall visibility

    Executive Carlos Londono spoke about the company’s operations and its efforts to bring the technology to all of its 3,500 restaurants.

    By Alejandra Carranza • May 15, 2024
  • A hand holds a smartphone with a screen that says "Seacret Society"
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    Permission granted by Long John Silver's
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    Long John Silver’s rolls out rewards program

    Seacret Society members earn four coins for every dollar spent online that can be redeemed later for items like Hushpuppies and Grilled or Variety Platters. 

    By • May 15, 2024
  • The exterior of a Cava in Chicago
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    Permission granted by Cava
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    Cava’s new $35M factory will support 750 restaurants

    The Verona, Virginia, facility manufactures dips, spreads and salad dressings for its restaurants and CPG business.

    By • May 15, 2024
  • An image of a restaurant with beige paint and a stone facade with "Red Lobster" signage
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Red Lobster closes 48 locations, auctions off contents

    The chain, which has had trouble paying its bills on time, may be considering bankruptcy as its minority owner divests from it. 

    By • May 14, 2024
  • An exterior shot of Twin Peaks restaurant
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    Permission granted by Fat Brands/Twin Peaks
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    Fat Brands files for Twin Peaks IPO

    Fat plans to use the proceeds of an IPO to deleverage its balance sheet, which includes over $1 billion in debt taken on in a flurry of recent acquisitions. 

    By • May 14, 2024
  • Alcohol aisle inside a grocery store.
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    Catherine Douglas Moran/Restaurant Dive
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    Harris Teeter takes on fast food chains

    The grocer is offering a rotating selection of prepared foods for $5 at a dozen stores in the Washington, D.C., area.

    By Sam Silverstein • May 13, 2024
  • A beige building with a yellow "M" and white "McDonald's" sign.
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    Brandon Bell via Getty Images
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    McDonald’s to focus on digital marketing with new fund

    The fund, which will be paid with existing contributions, will allow the chain to market more effectively to customers within its app. 

    By • May 10, 2024
  • An image of Red Loster sign on the outside of a restaurant
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Thai Union to fully divest from Red Lobster by the end of year

    The minority owner is engaging with potential buyers after determining Red Lobster’s financial requirements no longer align with its capital allocation plans.

    By • May 10, 2024
  • A rendering of Potbelly's 1,800 square foot design
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    Permission granted by Potbelly
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    Potbelly unveils smaller, digital-centric prototype

    The 1,800-square-foot design is 500 square feet smaller than a traditional Potbelly store, which CEO Robert Wright said will help lower construction and lease costs.

    By • May 9, 2024
  • A photo of a variety of food on a wooden table on trays and in baskets and bowls.
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    Permission granted by ezCater
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    Operators predict continued catering boom

    Return-to-office is increasing demand for business catering as employers use meal plans to draw workers in-person, according to a survey from ezCater. 

    By • May 9, 2024
  • California's Attorney General Rob Bonta speaks at a press conference.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    California bans hidden fees starting July 1

    The state will require businesses to include all mandatory fees in listed prices, making it harder for restaurants to impose service charges.

    By • May 9, 2024
  • An image of a Smoothie King with a drive-thru
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    Permission granted by Smoothie King
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    Smoothie King hires Yum Brands exec as CFO

    Gavin Felder, who most recently served as chief strategy officer at Yum Brands, joins the chain as it continues an aggressive growth push with positive same-store sales momentum. 

    By • May 9, 2024