Restaurant Business

Restaurant Business is tracking the unprecedented impacts of COVID-19 on the restaurant industry. Please check back often for round-the-clock updates.

5 things to know about: Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises

R.J. Melman, president of the Chicago-based multi-concept operator, talks about navigating the pandemic, creating new restaurants and the particular challenges of launching virtual brands.

Food

McDonald’s is bringing back Spicy Chicken McNuggets

The popular item, which quickly sold out last year, will make another comeback next month.

Financing

Cici’s, hammered by the pandemic and third-party delivery, declares bankruptcy

The pizza chain filed for Chapter 11 and has a deal to be sold to one of its lenders.

RB editors summarize the day’s most important stories.

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Restaurant sales to jump 10.2% in 2021, National Restaurant Association says

New restaurant openings approach pre-pandemic levels

Olive Garden's parent sets a policy on employee vaccinations

McDonald’s is bringing back Spicy Chicken McNuggets

Pizza Hut introduces Detroit-style pizza nationwide

States start closing dining rooms again

With coronavirus spiking throughout the country, several states have started closing dine-in service again.

Register for the all-digital Innovation in Foodservice Summit

Recovery and Rebuild: Getting your restaurant back on track

Join the "Coronavirus in the Food & Beverage Industry" private Facebook group

Food

Operators bid goodbye to January with winter meals and deals

Taste Tracker: Big discounts at Farmer Boys, Luna Grill wraps it to go, Zaxby’s taps Chinese flavors and bagel seasoning inspires Firehouse Subs.

Financing

Cici’s, hammered by the pandemic and third-party delivery, declares bankruptcy

The pizza chain filed for Chapter 11 and has a deal to be sold to one of its lenders.

Operations

5 things to know about: Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises

R.J. Melman, president of the Chicago-based multi-concept operator, talks about navigating the pandemic, creating new restaurants and the particular challenges of launching virtual brands.

Evolving Kitchens

Top 500 Chains

Coronavirus and Restaurant Technology

Future 50 (2020)

50 Great Ideas (2020)

Top 100 Independents 2020

Technology

Corner Bakery sees promise in Google-based ordering

The new channel is generating incremental sales for the bakery-cafe chain.

Technology

DoorDash repositions as all-around delivery service with Super Bowl ad

The new spot features “Sesame Street” characters partaking in the many items the service now delivers.

Marketing

Restaurants get their game on with Super Bowl specials

With large gatherings limited, operators are downsizing catering packages to feed football fans on Feb. 7.

Financing

Godiva is closing its U.S. cafes

The chocolatier, citing shifting sales to digital, will either close or sell all 128 of its North American stores just three years after entering the market.

Operations