Restaurant Daily

What surprising menu item did Burger King once add to its lineup? Krispy Kreme is thinking beyond doughnuts. And Back Yard Burgers is ready for its comeback.

McDonald’s plant-based burger is popping up in more locations. One family dining chain is getting into the fast-casual business. And Dutch Bros has a focus that’s wider than coffee.

Starbucks canceled its plans to require vaccinations. Taco Bell is starting a business school. And customers are beginning to push back against higher menu prices.

More Starbucks unionization is afoot. Temporary closures are hurting restaurants’ bottom lines. And the Pendulum investment group is looking to widen who has access to restaurant capital.

With Biden’s vaccine mandate blocked, the administration is shifting gears. Many independents are facing bankruptcy. And China has become a chain restaurant hot spot.

The federal vaccine mandate is likely no longer in play. Hopdoddy has acquired a similar better burger chain. And Potbelly is celebrating its 45th birthday by making some changes.

Restaurant menu prices keep on rising. Reef is making some changes after a rash of health violations. And Wingstop is bringing breakfast to soccer fans.

Domino’s is re-thinking value. Starbucks unionization continues. And will omicron undo Shake Shack’s comeback?

Restaurant chains are feeling the pressure of omicron. Checkers is adding automation to its drive-thrus. And Arby’s unveils a spicy superlative.

Papa Johns is embarking on a major international expansion. Restaurants are closing the pre-pandemic workforce gap. And The Lost Cajun is once again looking to grow. 

There’s renewed hope for more federal restaurant aid. Taco Bell is offering subscriptions. And the Supreme Court will take a look at Joe Biden’s federal vaccine mandate.

Subway has a craving for larger franchisees. KFC is getting into the plant-based chicken business. And Del Taco is re-thinking value.

The latest COVID surge made it an unhappy holidays for many restaurants. Nearly 7% of hospitality workers quit in November. And Noodles and Company has a new healthy pasta option.

2021. It was a year that should have brought pandemic recovery to the restaurant industry. Instead, it brought still more challenges and tough questions for operators already struggling to recover from the brutal year before. Labor shortages. Supply chain headaches. Inflationary pressures. Those were just some of the big industry issues covered by Restaurant Business in 2021

COVID booster mandates are gaining some traction (and controversy) in the restaurant industry. And the number of McDonald’s franchisees is shrinking.

Independents across the country are closing temporarily as the omicron variant surges. At the same time, more cities are imposing vaccine mandates for diners.

The federal vaccine mandate is getting pushed back. One social media platform is launching a virtual restaurant brand. And investors aren’t so sweet on Krispy Kreme. 

Darden CEO Gene Lee is retiring. Olive Garden hints at an end to its Never-Ending Pasta Bowl. And another food-and-golf concept is teeing off.

McDonald’s is settling lawsuits with a former leader and a franchisee. Chipotle is rolling out a new prototype without a dining room. And Subway’s remodeling plans keep getting way-layed.

The most popular Grubhub order of 2021 is almost impossible to believe. Restaurant sales continued to rise in November. And ezCater is eyeing an IPO.

The push by Starbucks workers to unionize is spreading to a new city. There’s a new (and very big) player in restaurant delivery. And is the McPlant ready for prime time?

Impossible Foods is starting a restaurant. The former owner of Old Country Buffet is in trouble with creditors. And McDonald’s settles a discrimination lawsuit.

Tilman Fertitta is backing out of his go-public deal. Menu prices haven’t been this high since Reagan was president. And one casual dining chain is selling franchises for the first time in its history.

McDonalds is investing millions to make it's franchises more diverse, restaurants recovery from COVID will be uneven, and Freddy's Frozen Custard is recognized for its fast growth. 

Jack in the Box is buying up a taco chain. New York City is expanding its vaccine mandate. And Technomic is out with its 2022 food trends.