coronavirus_chains

The delta variant is interrupting McDonald’s dining-room reopening plans

By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 30, 2021

The burger giant told operators they should consider closing interior seating again as cases surge in many markets.

The year of the drive-thru

By Jonathan Maze on Mar. 17, 2021

When the coronavirus pandemic hit, people didn’t stop going to restaurants; they just went through the drive-thru. The result has been a flurry of innovation and intense competition for real estate.

Operations

Cheesecake sees pent-up demand for its dining rooms

By Heather Lalley on Feb. 18, 2021

As an added bonus, the operator said interest in its off-premise offerings also remains strong.

Operations

Dave & Buster’s sues New York’s governor

By Heather Lalley on Feb. 17, 2021

The struggling food-and-games chain filed a lawsuit against Gov. Andrew Cuomo, calling his mandate to keep arcades closed while similar businesses reopen “arbitrary and unconstitutional.”

Workforce

Noodles & Company to offer PTO for vaccinations

By Heather Lalley on Feb. 10, 2021

The chain said it was “strongly recommending” its workers get shots to protect them from coronavirus.

Emerging Brands

Fast-casual brand Dig tries to dig out of a pandemic-fueled pit

By Heather Lalley on Feb. 04, 2021

The Danny Meyer-backed farm-to-table chain has temporarily closed more than half its stores, laid off 40% of its workforce and has hired a bank to help raise funds.

Workforce