coronavirus_chains

How chain chefs powered menu R&D forward during the pandemic

By Patricia Cobe on Sep. 17, 2020

Corporate test kitchens may have shut down for a while, but menu development didn’t stop. It just proceeded a little differently.

Operations

Chuck E. Cheese's new bankruptcy woe: What to do with 7 billion paper prize tickets

By Heather Lalley on Sep. 16, 2020

The food-and-games chain’s parent, CEC Entertainment, has asked a bankruptcy court to approve the $2.3 million price tag to destroy tickets that have gone unused due to the pandemic.

Operations

Shake Shack now has curbside pickup at almost 40% of its stores

By Heather Lalley on Sep. 16, 2020

The fast casual, which has been hampered by its urban locations during the pandemic, is looking to add drive-thrus and walk-up windows to boost traffic.

Workforce

Dave & Buster’s plans to lay off more than 1,300 employees

By Heather Lalley on Sep. 16, 2020

The struggling food-and-games chain has recently filed notices of mass layoffs in seven states.

Marketing

White Castle debuts a bigger carryout box for slider fans

By Patricia Cobe on Sep. 14, 2020

The Crave Clutch is designed for family meals and smaller gatherings.

Operations

Outback's parent tries a virtual chicken restaurant

By Peter Romeo on Sep. 08, 2020

Tender Shack features platters and sandwiches for delivery from a dozen Carrabba's units.

Operations

How Main Event is getting back into food and games amid the pandemic

By Heather Lalley on Sep. 03, 2020

The eatertainment chain has reopened 42 of its 44 units but business is different than usual thanks to a focus group of moms.

Operations

Best practices for weathering a second COVID wave

By Peter Romeo on Aug. 28, 2020

The restaurant industry had never faced a situation like the pandemic. What have operators learned that could help them survive the next onslaught? Here’s what we’re hearing.

Financing