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In the fast-casual sector, Chipotle laps Panera Bread

The Bottom Line: The two fast-casual restaurant pioneers have diverged over the past five years, as the burrito chain has thrived while Panera hit a wall. Here's why.

Leadership

Restaurants bring the industry's concerns to Congress

Nearly 600 operators made their case to lawmakers as part of the National Restaurant Association’s Public Affairs Conference.

A Deeper Dive: What is the future of digital-only concepts? Earl discusses their work to ensure quality and why focusing on restaurant delivery works.

Chick-fil-A was a No Antibiotics Ever brand, but now its standards are more in line with KFC and others. Will consumers understand the nuanced difference?

The $220 million all-stock deal would get Fridays’ owner TriArtisan out of its decade-long investment and give the struggling chain a like-minded partner in franchisee Hostmore, experts say.

The Bottom Line: Consumers have shifted dining toward convenience or occasions, and that has created havoc for full-service restaurant chains. How can these companies get customers back?

The Bottom Line: With word that the chain’s unit volumes took a nosedive last year, its future, and that of its operators, depends on what the brand does next.

His hands-on, down-to-earth style, forged when he bought the chain at just 17, has persisted through five decades. It’s a success formula that has earned him the selection as this year’s Restaurant Leader of the Year.

The Bottom Line: Diners are paying high prices to eat out at all kinds of restaurants these days. And they’re picking winners and losers.

We tried a bunch of loyalty programs—and talked to a few experts—to find out what works and what doesn’t in the growing field of loyalty.

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