Continue to Site >>>

Exclusive

Proprietary content available exclusively to members.

BECOME A MEMBER NOW
Food

Bread rises to new status on menus

 By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 28, 2022

Innovation comes to the breadbasket, as restaurants upgrade service, variety and quality.

Workforce

Are restaurants sleeping through a new labor crisis?

 By Peter Romeo on Jan. 28, 2022

A big union's penetration of Starbucks after 30 years of failed efforts to organize restaurant chains has largely been shrugged off as one brand's problem, and a minor one at that. That under-appreciation could be a big mistake.

Financing

After years of declines, McDonald’s plans U.S. unit growth this year

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 28, 2022

The Bottom Line: The company has not added locations since 2014. After closing another 239 locations in 2021 it has the smallest number of units in 20 years.

Marketing

How much would you pay to skip the waitlist? One chain bet $600

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 27, 2022

The annual membership at Rib & Chop House offers priority seating as well as discounts and other perks. It’s been a success so far, said CEO Yaron Goldman.

Financing

McDonald’s ditched its Dollar Menu, and franchisee profit took off

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 27, 2022

Operator cash flow is up 50% in the past three years after the company shifted away from its value focus. But higher labor and food costs loom.

Consumer Trends

For many customers, food delivery often a failure

By Joe Guszkowski on Jan. 27, 2022

Nearly six in 10 tend to be underwhelmed by the experience. That’s just one of the surprising findings in a new consumer survey.

Financing

Bigger chains have a larger share of a shrinking full-service market

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 26, 2022

The Bottom Line: Large full-service concepts gained market share since the start of the pandemic and are set up for a stronger future.

Operations

Ingredients for today’s frog soup special

By Peter Romeo on Jan. 26, 2022

Reality Check: Keep an eye on these one-off government developments. They could be an issue in your market tomorrow.

Food

Plants and spice headline the latest menu news

By Patricia Cobe on Jan. 25, 2022

Taste Tracker: Subway and Shake Shack turn up the heat; plants take shape at Pret, Pokeworks and Wienerschnitzel; Taco Bell adds a fruity freeze; and it’s always time for chicken.

Financing

The omicron variant interrupts a healthy restaurant sales recovery

By Jonathan Maze on Jan. 25, 2022

The Bottom Line: Industry sales were surprisingly strong after a second-half surge. But sales slowed in December after the latest spike in infections.

  • Page 87