All Special Reports

Desperate to draw and retain workers, operators are providing perks that were once unimaginable, like giving weekends off or offering access to babysitters.

On April 1, California's fast-food chain restaurants will be overseen by a new council and will be required to pay workers at least $20 per hour—a 25% boost from the current minimum. The landmark change could have wide-reaching effects that go beyond the state's restaurants. Here, Restaurant Business takes an in-depth look at the new fast-food wage law and its potential impacts.

RB's coverage and analysis of the latest results from publicly traded restaurant chains.

Unlike a couple of years ago, restaurants are now likely to be fully staffed. But that workforce is getting increasingly expensive and complex. Restaurant Business examined how the current labor situation is impacting all segments of the industry.

Burger King franchisees struggled coming out of the pandemic, so much so that the company is pumping $400 million into marketing and remodels. That effort has yielded fruit, as sales and profitability for franchisees increase. Yet three major franchisees filed for bankruptcy this year and hundreds of stores have closed as the chain works through some of its issues. Here is a look at a crucial year for Burger King.

With the pandemic distantly in the rear-view mirror, independent restaurants saw a return to normalcy in 2022, even as they battled commodity inflation and higher labor costs. Many embraced the changing landscape and proved their resiliency as customers came out to dine. This year's Restaurant Business Top 100 ranking shows considerable sales growth among the top operators. They served 30.2 million meals and recorded $1.95 billion in sales. And there were some notable newcomers. Here's a look at the top independent restaurants across the country and how they grew year over year.

Entrepreneurs are creating and growing concepts around almost any kind of sport, game or entertainment option, from puzzles to golf to cricket to pickleball. They believe that consumers are looking for experiences and they’re finding new ways to give it to them. And investors are jumping on board.

Growth chains aren't all fast-food restaurants. While limited-service concepts still make up a majority of the growth brands on the Future 50 ranking of up-and-coming concepts, the full-service sectors were well represented, including several family-dining brands. Take a look into the next generation of chains with the Restaurant Business Future 50.

Growth chains aren't all fast-food restaurants. While limited-service concepts still make up a majority of the growth brands on the Future 50 ranking of up-and-coming concepts, the full-service sectors were well represented, including several family-dining brands. Take a look into the next generation of chains with the Restaurant Business Future 50.