Continue to Site >>>

operations

Operations

Minnesota State Fair vendors cash in during a 12-day food frenzy

 By Jonathan Maze on Aug. 21, 2025

The Minnesota State Fair can bring in 2 million visitors over a 12-day period. For the food vendors, it can be big business, where a cookie stand can make as much as an In-N-Out restaurant does in a year.

Operations

Every day, a car slams into a restaurant somewhere. Operators need to take action

 By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 21, 2025

Around the country, vehicles crash into buildings an average of 100 times a day, and often it's a restaurant. Experts say there are steps operators can take to prevent death, injury, damage and liability that can result.

Emerging Brands

PopStroke tees up ambitious growth despite restaurant sales slowdown

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 18, 2025

This Tiger Woods-owned mini golf concept is ramping up growth at a time when consumers are cutting back and experiential dining appears to be losing steam.

Technology

Cava joins forces with Chipotle in automation arms race

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 12, 2025

Two fast-casual competitors are investing in robotic makeline developer Hyphen to speed the technology, which both brands say will make life easier for their workers.

Operations

Sweetgreen's plan for survival could include soft serve

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 08, 2025

The weak second quarter wasn't just about consumers cutting back. CEO Jonathan Neman says Sweetgreen has some operational work to do. Will bringing back the Sweetflow dessert help?

Financing

Sweetgreen is cutting 10% of its support center workforce as sales and traffic plunge

By Lisa Jennings on Aug. 07, 2025

The fast-casual salad chain is increasing portion sizes and getting rid of Ripple Fries after same-store sales fell 7.6% last quarter, sending its shares down more than 20%.

Technology

Restaurant delivery robots are ready for their close-up

By Joe Guszkowski on Aug. 01, 2025

Thanks to a flood of financing and a leap in technology, automated sidewalk couriers are starting to scale up. They have the potential to reshape the delivery market, but there are still some speed bumps ahead.

Operations

Technology Allows Restaurants to do More in Less Space

Sponsored content from our partner RATIONAL on Jul. 22, 2025

When Bango, an up-and-coming fast-casual chain decided to expand and diversify the menu to satisfy more of his customers, one of the most valuable pieces of technology they used was RATIONAL’s iCombi Pro oven.

Financing

Red Robin kicks off new chapter with a $9.99 value meal

By Joe Guszkowski on Jul. 15, 2025

The Big Yummm meal is part of the casual-dining chain’s new First Choice plan, which will aim to drive traffic and improve the chain’s finances. It includes refranchising some locations.

Operations

Panera resolves litigation tied to energy drinks

By Lisa Jennings on Jul. 10, 2025

Multiple lawsuits alleged the brand's caffeinated Charged Lemonades killed or harmed guests. The fast-casual chain phased out the drinks last year and denied wrongdoing.

  • Page 3