The Latest
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lechatnoir via Getty Images
Restaurant trend outlook for 2024
Slow traffic, growing interest in afternoon snacking and trends toward value menus, digital and in-store personalization will shape the restaurant landscape.
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Permission granted by Freddy's
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers franchisee must pay $119K for child labor violations
The operator of seven Alabama Freddy’s locations employed 149 children under 16 years old to work longer hours than permitted by law.
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Michael M. Santiago / Staff via Getty Images
Chipotle agrees to nearly $3M settlement over alleged paid leave and scheduling violations in Seattle
The settlement is the largest since the Secure Scheduling Ordinance went into effect in July 2017, the Seattle Office of Labor Standards said.
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Courtesy of Little Caesars
Little Caesars signs multi-unit deals in 7 states
The chain returned to net unit growth in 2023 and is looking to build on that momentum this year in markets including California, Tennessee and Texas.
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Permission granted by Fat Brands
Fat Brands expands hybrid Fatburger/Round Table Pizza model to NorCal
Fat Brands franchisee California Burger will add the burger concept to 40 pizza restaurants over the next 10 years, with the first to be completed this year.
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Courtesy of Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme switching to points-based loyalty scheme
Loyalty members will earn 10 points for every dollar spent starting April 23 as the chain shifts away from a consistent 8.3% discount rate on rewards.
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Permission granted by MOD Pizza
Mod Pizza hires Raising Cane’s exec as CMO
Jennifer Anderson brings nearly two decades of marketing and culinary experience to her new position, where she will oversee digital marketing, menu development and consumer insights and engagement.
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Bruce Bennett via Getty Images
TGI Fridays enters $220M agreement to combine with UK franchisee
The deal with Hostmore, worth over $220 million, will lead to TGI Fridays trading on the London Stock Exchange under “TGIF” symbol.
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Thai Phi Le/Restaurant Dive
Why dynamic pricing sours restaurant dining experiences
Nearly two-thirds of consumers had a negative reaction to dynamic pricing, a HungerRush survey found.
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Courtesy of Bojangles
Bojangles to enter Los Angeles market in 2025
California’s recent wage hike hasn’t stopped the chicken chain from committing to open 30 units in the Golden State, continuing its national expansion.
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Permission granted by Steak n Shake
Steak ‘n Shake installs facial recognition at self-ordering kiosks
The chain, which completed its move from full-service to self-service last year, first tested PopID’s technology in October and began deploying it in January.
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Courtesy of Domino's
Domino’s adds New York Style Pizza to menu
As the most popular style of pizza in the country, the new crust option could continue transaction and comp sales momentum noted during Q4.
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Halfpoint via Getty Images
Q&AAsk an expert: How can brands protect struggling franchisees from bankruptcy?
A bad franchisee can do “irreparable harm” to its parent chain, but early intervention can help avoid sales shortfalls and covenant defaults, said Chris Desiderio of Nixon Peabody.
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Courtesy of Team Whistle
Applebee’s taps NFL star as undercover server to promote new burger
To promote the menu item, the chain partnered with Team Whistle on an episode of “Undercover Athlete” that features wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.
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Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
McDonald’s brought back bagels. Are CA wages the cause?
Leadership said the Golden State’s $20 wage law could help the chain take share from competitors. The bagel sandwich’s return may be part of that effort.
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Courtesy of Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company bets menu innovation will help drive traffic
As part of a five-point overhaul plan, the chain will use digital capabilities, expanded catering and improved operations to reverse sales declines.
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MartinPrescott via Getty Images
4 ways restaurants can add AI to their operations
The technology can help employees improve customer satisfaction, cook food to a brand’s standards and accurately refill inventory, executives say.
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Permission granted by Wow Bao
Wow Bao links restaurant rewards to Roblox in platform-first integration
Metaverse hype may have dissipated, but brands remain interested in leveraging games like Roblox to connect with Gen Z and Gen Alpha.
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Permission granted by Dave & Buster's
Dave & Buster’s updates menu with at least 20 items
Management expects food and beverage check to rise in the mid single-digits with the new dishes, which include appetizers, bowls, desserts and sides.
Updated April 12, 2024 -
Alex Wong via Getty Images
Senate kills joint employer rule, setting up veto battle
With a presidential veto likely and federal courts considering the rule, the fate of the National Labor Relations Board’s joint employer standard is tenuous.
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Courtesy of Inspire Brands
Buffalo Wild Wings opens 100th to-go concept, with 600 more planned
This year, the chain expects to reach 150 Buffalo Wild Wings Go units as it sees ongoing interest from new and existing franchisees.
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Moses Robinson via Getty Images
KFC names new CFO amid push to boost sales
The finance leadership change comes as KFC struggles with dwindling traffic in a dicey economic environment.
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Scott Olson via Getty Images
Fast food is getting faster, data shows
Limited-service chains maintained an edge in traffic growth relative to casual dining, likely due to continued improvements in throughput, Placer.ai reported.
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Permission granted by Brooklyn Dumpling Shop
Brooklyn Dumpling Shop hires former RBI exec as CEO
Jeff Galletly will oversee operations, store development, franchise expansion and menu innovation as the chain expands in new markets.
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Patpitchaya via Getty Images
Dynamic pricing firm Juicer snags $5.3M in funding
Restaurant pricing tools may help operators boost sales in lagging dayparts, but consumer sensitivity about these applications is still powerful.
