design

By Heather Lalley on Jan. 21, 2022

The better-burger brand is about 75% smaller than it was 15 years ago. But it is looking to get back into the new-restaurant business.

Operations

The year in restaurant design trends

By Heather Lalley on Dec. 21, 2021

The pandemic pushed operators to unveil a flurry of new prototypes in 2021, codifying the changes in consumer behavior brought on by the crisis in updated designs.

Operations

Diners can’t enter this new Chipotle location

By Heather Lalley on Dec. 16, 2021

Later this month, the fast casual plans to open its first Chipotlane Digital Kitchen with an order-ahead drive-thru and walk-up window but no indoor access for customers.

Operations

East Coast Wings tinkers with a fast-casual model

By Heather Lalley on Dec. 06, 2021

The 34-unit casual dining concept is finding solid sales with a smaller restaurant and new service model, giving franchisees another option, according to the founder and CEO.

Operations

Inside the new Starbucks/Amazon Go hybrid in NYC

By Patricia Cobe on Nov. 22, 2021

The store offers a high-tech, contactless experience in what Starbucks bills as a comfortable “third place” environment. But does it deliver on both?

Operations

For Portillo’s, shrinking dining rooms are the way of the future

By Heather Lalley on Nov. 19, 2021

Known for its big, bustling on-premise seating, the newly public Italian beef brand said changing consumer demand is forcing it to consider new store designs.

Operations

Danny Meyer’s Union Square Events unveils its massive new headquarters in Brooklyn’s Industry City

By Patricia Cobe on Nov. 05, 2021

The 70,000-square-foot space houses a huge commissary, R&D kitchen, tasting rooms, a bistro-style dining area for “family meal," offices and more.

Operations

Shake Shack updates its drive-thru plans

By Heather Lalley on Oct. 08, 2021

The fast-casual burger chain said it will open its first drive-thru in Maple Grove, Minn., instead of Orlando, as originally planned. Shake Shack said it intends to have 10 drive-thrus by the end of 2022.

Operations