Joe Guszkowski

Senior Editor

Articles by
Joe Guszkowski

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Financing

The big problem with Red Lobster

The Week in Restaurants: This week’s episode of the weekly restaurant news discussion podcast looks at the seafood chain, McDonald’s and Sysco. Technomic also talks about Sweetgreen.

Financing

Red Lobster's comeback has yet to materialize

Sales at the seafood chain declined last year, data shows, and it’s dealing with some of the same challenges that led to its bankruptcy. Ownership says it's still committed to the turnaround effort.

The eatertainment chain will add games tied to IP such as Stranger Things and John Wick this year as it looks to end a lengthy same-store sales slump.

The company is partnering with Also, a maker of electric bikes, to develop autonomous delivery technology over the next several years.

Tech Check: Almost 25 years ago, a McDonald’s in Cheyenne, Wyoming, served more than 400 cars in a single hour, thanks to a singular obsession and some innovative technology.

The chain is testing Dabba in four locations with plans to expand it systemwide. It would be one of the few U.S. restaurants to offer Indian food on a large scale.

The Week in Restaurants: This episode of the weekly restaurant news discussion podcast looks at the sale of Nothing Bundt Cakes, Dutch Bros, Noodles & Company and a big Applebee’s franchisee bankruptcy.

Couriers for apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats may become more selective or take a break from driving entirely, though restaurants shouldn’t notice a difference in the short-term.

Atlanta-based Neighborhood Restaurant Partners took the step after it was unable to find a buyer for its 53 locations. Applebee’s is now in line to acquire them.

The pizza chain’s online customers will be able to see more details about their order and get more accurate order-ready times as they wait for their pizza.

The company says the move is necessary to protect booking data from “bad actors.” But operators say it limits their flexibility. “It’s extremely disappointing.”

A majority of limited-service chains are now using AI or plan to soon, but few have seen a major impact yet, according to a new report from tech supplier Qu.

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