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.

Two industry vets partner to grow Mandola’s Italian Kitchen

Paul Avery, former president and COO of Outback Steakhouse, and Damian Mandola, co-founder of Carrabba’s, have big plans for the fast-casual concept.

Financing

Papa John’s same-store sales rose 24% last quarter

The pizza chain’s same-store sales rose 18% in September, the sixth straight month the key figure was in the double digits.

Financing

Calls grow for tighter franchise regulations

As stories of problems at franchise brands mount, advocates and some regulators call for more enforcement at the federal level.

RB editors summarize the day’s most important stories.

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Chuck E. Cheese creditors say the company is moving too quickly on a sale

Postmates more than doubles revenue in Q2 ahead of Uber Eats deal

Papa John’s same-store sales rose 24% last quarter

Fazoli’s is adding chicken wings at all of its restaurants

From idea to launch, how Culver’s new Harvest Veggie Burger came to be

States start to reopen dining rooms

After a nearly nationwide shutdown to curb COVID-19, states are beginning to lift restrictions on restaurants. RB will update this map with the latest information.

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

Restaurants put coffee, tacos and plants in the spotlight

Taste Tracker: National days celebrating coffee, tacos and vegetarian dishes are driving menu promotions, along with more meal deals.

Operations

How Shake Shack went from zero to 60 on curbside pickup

Pre-pandemic, curbside pickup wasn’t even on the burger chain’s radar. Now, it’s one of many ways the brand is reimagining itself.

Financing

Pie Five’s parent continues to struggle

Rave Restaurant Group’s latest financial update paints a bleak picture for Pie Five and sister brand Pizza Inn.

America's Favorite Chains

Future 50 (2020)

Top 500 Chains

50 Great Ideas

Power 20

Top 100 Independents 2019

Leadership

Golden Chick names Howard Terry chief marketing officer

The industry veteran received the promotion after five years with the company.

Financing

These restaurant companies filed for bankruptcy during the pandemic

From small chains to big concepts, a number of restaurant chains have filed for Chapter 11, or Chapter 7, since the start of the pandemic. Here’s a list.

Operations

Chicago lifts restaurant capacity cap, okays indoor bar service

The measures will take effect on Thursday, with certain qualifications.

Operations

NJ lawmakers ban polystyrene containers, plastic bags

Single-use plastic straws would also be prohibited under the measure, which has yet to be signed into law by Gov. Murphy.

Food

Add more beef to the menu to boost check averages

Americans love to eat beef—according to Technomic’s 2019 Center of the Plate: Beef and Pork Consumer Trend Report, 69% of consumers eat beef at home or at a foodservice location at least once a week.

Food