Casual Dining

Coffee chains brew up promotions for National Coffee Day

By Reyna Estrada on Sep. 28, 2023

Marketing Bites: Dairy Queen drops new merch, the Spongmonkeys debut their first single and a variety of food-centric holidays are around the corner.

Technology

Why Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza ditched its AI phone system

By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 22, 2023

The bot, nicknamed Becky, was alienating customers and staff. “Everyone said, ‘Becky’s gotta go,’” said CEO Carl Bachmann.

Leadership

Red Lobster promotes General Counsel Horace Dawson to CEO

By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 22, 2023

The struggling chain has not had a permanent CEO since last April. Dawson has led its legal department since 2014.

Operations

Olive Garden owner says customers are 'resilient' but 'more selective'

By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 21, 2023

Some are opting for less-expensive wines and entrees, executives said during a wide-ranging earnings call that also touched on student loans, California’s wage bill and Ozempic.

Workforce

Dine Brands' new parental leave policy was employees' idea

By Joe Guszkowski on Sep. 21, 2023

The perk for new parents came from Women at Dine, one of the company’s staff resource groups. “The idea made great sense,” said new Chief People Officer Sarah Cannon-Foster.

Financing