The Latest
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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Pizza Hut hits drive-thrus to get consumers to ‘cheat’ on their burgers
The chain’s delivery drivers will appear at competitor drive-thrus with a QR code on their back windows to offer the new Cheeseburger Melt.
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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.
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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.
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Foxtrot files for bankruptcy
The decision to file for Chapter 7 was made during a meeting with Outfox’s board of directors, who reviewed the financial condition of the company and each of its subsidiaries.
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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.
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BurgerFi’s sales fell 10% in Q1
The chain attributed some of its difficulties to a consumer pullback, but said weather accounted for its exceptionally poor performance.
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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.
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Uber adds student discount, restaurant lists in latest product rollout
As part of Uber’s Go-Get 2024 event, the company said it will soon allow Uber Eats users to curate and share lists of their favorite restaurants from the app.
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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.
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NLRB judges rule Starbucks participated in unfair labor practices in 2 cases
In one case, an NLRB judge found Starbucks fired a shift supervisor for closing a store early over staffing issues, which is a protected union activity.
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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.
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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.
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Feds indict Andrew Wiederhorn, Fat Brands in $47M loan scheme
Wiederhorn was slapped with a litany of charges including tax evasion, wire fraud and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Dutch Bros expands mobile order test
After seeing strong results from its initial pilot, the chain has expanded the channel to several more Arizona locations and expects to offer the function at most stores by the end of the year.
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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.
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Portillo’s four-pronged strategy emphasizes drive-thru speed
The chain is working to improve staff deployment and food throughput as part of an overhaul plan, as drive-thru speeds lag 2019 numbers.