design

Raising Cane's may not convert landmark Googie site Norms after all

By Lisa Jennings on Dec. 05, 2024

The fast-casual chicken finger specialist withdrew a proposal to take over the iconic 67-year-old Norms location in Los Angeles, saying to the community: We hear your concerns.

Operations

How restaurants are working to kick their energy habit

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 15, 2024

Restaurants use more energy per square foot than any other commercial business. Reversing that trend will be challenging, but there are signs of progress.

Operations

Check out Subway's new prototype

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 12, 2024

The sandwich chain debuted “Fresh Forward 2.0,” a new iteration of its restaurant image designed to improve convenience and ambiance and pave the way for more digital efforts.

Operations

Here's what the industry may have forgotten about Buca di Beppo

By Peter Romeo on Aug. 08, 2024

Restaurant Rewind: The latest bankruptcy filer started off as a rule-breaker that had the business talking.

Premium

Marketing

When the art on the walls becomes as craveable as the food

By Lisa Jennings on Jul. 19, 2024

Bland branding elements inside restaurants are a thing of the past as chains tap the creative visual talent of the contemporary art world. In some cases, that art has increased hugely in value and is attracting collectors.

Operations

Inside Chick-fil-A's first all-digital restaurant

By Patricia Cobe on Jul. 02, 2024

The mobile pickup and delivery unit opened in New York City with no seating and no kiosks—but no lack of hospitality.

Beverage

Coffee chain Blank Street opens 'The Green Room' as innovation cafe

By Patricia Cobe on May 14, 2024

The brand’s newest location in New York City’s Soho neighborhood showcases a rotating menu, beverages in test and an enhanced customer experience.

Operations

Just Salad jumps on the drive-thru bandwagon

By Lisa Jennings on Apr. 30, 2024

Freshly made drive-thru salads are increasingly becoming a thing. This fast-casual chain is ramping up growth in both urban and suburban locations, with car customers in mind.

Food