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RB Daily

By Restaurant Business Online

Your quick morning dose of the restaurant news you need, every weekday, from the editors of Restaurant Business.
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Wisconsin, Dave & Buster’s and a Potato in Chief

RB Daily Oct 15, 2020

00:00
04:37
Swipe fees, Benihana, insider trading

Swipe fees, Benihana, insider trading

Credit card swipe fees are going down, so why are restaurants so unhappy? Benihana is sold for $365 million. And a group of baseball players are accused of illegally trading Del Taco stock.



Mar 28, 202404:08
McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme, Danny Meyer, marketing fails

McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme, Danny Meyer, marketing fails

McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme are expanding their partnership. Danny Meyer is offering his hospitality expertise to non-restaurant businesses. And a look at some of the biggest marketing flops in restaurant history.



Mar 27, 202403:06
Panera outage, D.C. tip credit, pizza problems

Panera outage, D.C. tip credit, pizza problems

Panera Bread is dealing with a digital outage. Full-service restaurants in D.C. are slashing jobs. And the pizza business has fallen on hard times.



Mar 26, 202403:17
Sluggish sales, Red Lobster, Rob Lynch

Sluggish sales, Red Lobster, Rob Lynch

Restaurant sales are slowing. Red Lobster has a new CEO. And how Shake Shack lured Rob Lynch away from Papa Johns.



Mar 25, 202403:13
Olive Garden, California wages, Shake Shack CEO

Olive Garden, California wages, Shake Shack CEO

Lower-income diners aren’t going to Olive Garden as often as they used to. California’s fast-food wage-setting process seems to be getting more and more complicated. And Shake Shack just named the second CEO in its history.



Mar 22, 202403:14
Chipotle’s stock split, Subway’s big switch, AI bread

Chipotle’s stock split, Subway’s big switch, AI bread

Chipotle makes New York Stock Exchange history. Why Subway’s switch to Pepsi is such a big deal. And can AI make artisanal bread?



Mar 21, 202402:59
McDonald’s chairman, Subway’s soda switch, Wonder

McDonald’s chairman, Subway’s soda switch, Wonder

McDonald’s CEO is adding a new title to his job description. Subway is switching soda suppliers. And Wonder lands another nine-figure funding round.



Mar 20, 202403:51
Panera Bread, unified commerce, Virtual Dining Concepts

Panera Bread, unified commerce, Virtual Dining Concepts

It looks like Panera Bread is not, in fact, exempt from California’s fast-food wage hike. Get to know unified commerce, the latest tech buzzword. And Virtual Dining Concepts continues to collect concepts.



Mar 19, 202404:50
Corner Bakery’s comeback, Subway, Boston Market

Corner Bakery’s comeback, Subway, Boston Market

Corner Bakery is bouncing back from bankruptcy. Subway franchisees just hired a high-powered attorney. And former employees of the struggling Boston Market say they’re having problems filing their taxes.



Mar 18, 202403:59
Kernel, C3 acquisition, &Pizza CEO

Kernel, C3 acquisition, &Pizza CEO

The new concept from Chipotle’s founder is looking to reimagine fast-casual dining. Digital restaurant group C3 has made another acquisition. And &Pizza has a new-ish CEO.



Mar 15, 202403:11
McDonald's, Five Iron Gold, Pizza Hut

McDonald's, Five Iron Gold, Pizza Hut

Get ready for bigger burgers at McDonald’s (again). Five Iron Golf gets a high-profile endorsement. And Pizza Hut tries the bagel business.

Mar 14, 202403:10
Menu prices, fast-casual delivery, Keith Lee Effect

Menu prices, fast-casual delivery, Keith Lee Effect

Restaurant menu prices are easing. There’s a new partnership between two delivery-focused fast casuals. And what is the Keith Lee effect?



Mar 13, 202402:38
Boston Market, restaurant trends, union salters

Boston Market, restaurant trends, union salters

Boston Market appears to be down to just a couple dozen locations. Is the supermarket the next restaurant bastion? And here’s how to tell if restaurant employees are looking to unionize.



Mar 12, 202403:36
Starbucks, Noodles, Potbelly 

Starbucks, Noodles, Potbelly 

Starbucks passes Subway on the list of biggest restaurant chains. Noodles has a new CEO and a new menu strategy. And Potbelly is seeing good results from a revamped loyalty program.



Mar 11, 202404:42
Bojangles marketing, Panera IPO, Florida delivery

Bojangles marketing, Panera IPO, Florida delivery

Bojangles franchisees are taking their franchisor to court over marketing. Will Panera Bread ever go public? And Florida lawmakers are changing the way restaurants can communicate with delivery customers.



Mar 08, 202404:04
Charter Foods lawsuit, loyalty programs, Ken Pendery

Charter Foods lawsuit, loyalty programs, Ken Pendery

A Taco Bell operator is facing sexual harassment claims. Many restaurants want more from their loyalty programs. And First Watch co-founder Ken Pendery dies at 70.



Mar 07, 202404:45
Starbucks’ board, First Watch earnings, DoorDash-NYC

Starbucks’ board, First Watch earnings, DoorDash-NYC

The activists lobbying for seats on Starbucks board have withdrawn their nominations. First Watch opened a significant number of new stores during its fourth quarter. And DoorDash said New York City’s wage boost for couriers is hurting its sales.



Mar 06, 202405:16
California wages, Neon Greens, Whole Foods

California wages, Neon Greens, Whole Foods

The members of California’s Fast Food Council have been named. Whole Foods has a scaled-down new store design. And a look at a salad concept that grows all of its lettuce on site.



Mar 05, 202403:41
Sweetgreen, Starbucks, Papa Johns

Sweetgreen, Starbucks, Papa Johns

Sweetgreen is going all in on its digital kitchens. Starbucks received some key endorsements in its board fight with a union-backed group. And expect to see a lot more from Papa Johns.



Mar 04, 202405:09
Papa Johns, Red Robin, Subway

Papa Johns, Red Robin, Subway

Delivery apps are beating Papa Johns at its own game. Red Robin wants you to know about its free refills. And Subway pressures franchisees on remodels.



Mar 01, 202403:51
Wendy’s dynamic pricing, Panera Bread, Applebee’s and IHOP

Wendy’s dynamic pricing, Panera Bread, Applebee’s and IHOP

Wendy’s isn’t testing dynamic pricing after all. Panera Bread is revamping its menu. And Applebee’s and IHOP could soon co-brand in the U.S.



Feb 29, 202406:13
Wendy’s-dynamic pricing, Golden Corral data breach, Cava

Wendy’s-dynamic pricing, Golden Corral data breach, Cava

Wendy’s recent mention of a surge-pricing test is going viral. A buffet chain is in the midst of a data breach. And Cava had an impressive first year as a public company.



Feb 28, 202404:57
Domino’s Pizza, Smashed Jack burgers, Wonder-Walmart

Domino’s Pizza, Smashed Jack burgers, Wonder-Walmart

Emergency pizza has been a hit for Domino’s. Here’s the inside scoop on the latest Jack in the Box burger. And Walmart has a new delivery-focused food hall.



Feb 27, 202403:44
Bloomin’ Brands closures, Starbucks labor, restaurant success

Bloomin’ Brands closures, Starbucks labor, restaurant success

Bloomin’ Brands is doing some pruning of its older restaurants. Starbucks’ board is getting some attention from labor activists. And reports of the restaurant industry’s demise are, apparently, greatly exaggerated.



Feb 26, 202404:26
Jack in the Box, Cheesecake Factory, Burgerim

Jack in the Box, Cheesecake Factory, Burgerim

Jack in the Box is cooking up a bigger burger. No news is good news at The Cheesecake Factory. And an update on the federal case against the founder of Burgerim.



Feb 23, 202405:57
Wingstop, CosMc’s, energy drinks

Wingstop, CosMc’s, energy drinks

Wingstop is seeing double-digit same-store sales growth, but investors aren’t impressed. Some McDonald’s franchisees want to get in on the CosMc’s action. And yet another QSR is putting energy drinks on the menu.



Feb 22, 202404:30
Focus re-Brands, Andy Wiederhorn, Starbucks

Focus re-Brands, Andy Wiederhorn, Starbucks

Focus Brands is rebranding. Andy Wiederhorn is facing charges from the SEC. And a record number of Starbucks stores filed to form unions.



Feb 21, 202405:06
Toast, BJ’s-weather, Texas Roadhouse

Toast, BJ’s-weather, Texas Roadhouse

Another restaurant tech supplier is in the midst of a major restructuring. Bad weather had a bad effect on the earnings of at least one casual-dining chain. And Texas Roadhouse appears to be grabbing customers from some of its competitors.



Feb 20, 202403:60
Inspire IPO, Wendy’s, 7 Brew

Inspire IPO, Wendy’s, 7 Brew

Inspire Brands is reportedly considering an IPO. Wendy’s is planning big investments in digital and marketing. And 7 Brew coffee has a high-profile new investor.



Feb 16, 202404:27
McDonald’s franchisees, restaurant labor, David Bouley

McDonald’s franchisees, restaurant labor, David Bouley

McDonald’s franchisees are lobbying for the return of a popular snack item. A look inside the current state of restaurant labor. An



Feb 15, 202404:34
Menu prices, BJ’s activist, Burger King

Menu prices, BJ’s activist, Burger King

Restaurant prices keep rising. BJs Restaurants is facing pressure from an activist investor. And Burger King franchisees are having a big year.



Feb 14, 202405:06
Taco Bell’s innovations, Boston Market, Tacos 1986

Taco Bell’s innovations, Boston Market, Tacos 1986

Taco Bell just divulged its marketing plan for the year. Boston Market’s owner is filing for bankruptcy yet again. And there’s an emerging taco chain that’s worth watching.



Feb 13, 202404:33
Flynn Group for sale, fast-food union, California wage hike

Flynn Group for sale, fast-food union, California wage hike

The world’s largest restaurant franchisee might be for sale. California fast-food workers get a union ahead of a big wage hike. And a look at how restaurants in the state plan to handle that 25% raise.



Feb 12, 202403:34
TikTok, Yum Brands, Whataburger

TikTok, Yum Brands, Whataburger

TikTok is wielding an influence on restaurant menus. Yum Brands is making a major growth push. And Whataburger is popping up in some unexpected locations.



Feb 09, 202404:48
Chipotle, Taco Bell, Valentine’s Day

Chipotle, Taco Bell, Valentine’s Day

Chipotle bucks industry traffic trends with a monster quarter. Taco Bell is winning with lower-income guests. And some restaurants are embracing the darker side of Valentine’s Day.



Feb 08, 202404:30
Fast-food spending, McDonald’s eggs, KFC rewards

Fast-food spending, McDonald’s eggs, KFC rewards

Diners appear to be cutting back on fast-food spending. McDonald’s has reached a big sustainability goal. And KFC has a new rewards program.

Feb 07, 202403:58
McDonald’s vs. grocers, Burger King, Reddit

McDonald’s vs. grocers, Burger King, Reddit

Grocery stores are hurting McDonald’s sales. Burger King is letting customers create its next burger. And find out which brand dominated the conversation on Reddit last year.



Feb 06, 202403:41
AI, Martha Stewart, restaurant jobs

AI, Martha Stewart, restaurant jobs

Restaurants are going all in on AI. The original lifestyle influencer will be the keynote speaker at RLC this spring. And restaurants didn’t add any jobs last month, though consumer confidence continues to grow. Welcome to RB Daily, a quick look at the industry’s top stories from the editors of Restaurant Business. I’m Heather Lalley, RB managing editor.



Feb 05, 202404:34
Footlong cookies, Sweet Tomatoes, Starbucks

Footlong cookies, Sweet Tomatoes, Starbucks

Footlong cookies and other treats are helping sales at Subway. The shuttered Sweet Tomatoes concept is making a comeback. And news tidbits from Starbucks recent earnings.


Feb 02, 202405:12
Starbucks, Chili’s, Savory Fund

Starbucks, Chili’s, Savory Fund

Starbucks is having some traffic troubles. Chili’s customers are tightening their belts. And the Savory Fund is now the private-equity owner of better-for-you concept.



Feb 01, 202405:34
Boston Market, Olo, McDonald’s new burgers

Boston Market, Olo, McDonald’s new burgers

Boston Market will have to pay US Foods $12 million. Olo agreed to settle a shareholder lawsuit. And McDonald’s revamped burgers are going national.



Jan 31, 202403:51
Domino’s Pizza, Sushi Ginza Onodera, food costs

Domino’s Pizza, Sushi Ginza Onodera, food costs

Domino’s Pizza is apparently the latest chain to experience backlash over violence in the Middle East. A little-known sushi chain has plans to go public. And, are food costs actually, finally, going down?



Jan 30, 202405:18
Bagger Dave’s, Tony Luke’s Cheesesteak, electric vehicles

Bagger Dave’s, Tony Luke’s Cheesesteak, electric vehicles

Is this the end of the Bagger Dave’s chain? Two members of the family behind a cheesesteak concept are in hot water with the feds. And restaurants appear to be missing that boost that could come from EV charging stations



Jan 29, 202404:21
Subway, Starbucks, Jersey Mike’s

Subway, Starbucks, Jersey Mike’s

Digital coupons are causing headaches for some California Subway franchisees. Starbucks’ sales appeared to have slowed late last year.  And Jersey Mike’s is getting a high-tech assist with answering its phones.

Jan 26, 202404:42
Potbelly, Dave & Buster’s, Chipotle

Potbelly, Dave & Buster’s, Chipotle

Potbelly’s franchise acceleration efforts are working. Dave & Buster’s is sporting a new prototype. And Chipotle is boosting its benefits again.

Jan 25, 202405:31
Lunch, Burger King and ezCater

Lunch, Burger King and ezCater

People eating less lunch at fast-food restaurants. Burger King is suddenly a big restaurant operator. And ezCater is spotlighting underrepresented groups.



Jan 24, 202403:55
Craveworthy-Dirty Dough, In-N-Out Burger, Subway snacks

Craveworthy-Dirty Dough, In-N-Out Burger, Subway snacks

Craveworthy Brands is buying a dessert concept. In-N-Out Burger is making an unusual move. And Subway’s new snack line has some interesting partners.



Jan 23, 202404:60
Boston Market, Subway slicers, Pinstripe earnings

Boston Market, Subway slicers, Pinstripe earnings

Boston Market is facing yet another censure. Subway’s new slicers aren’t quite cutting it, franchisees say. And newly public eatertainment chain Pinstripes said it hopes to grow significantly.



Jan 22, 202404:31
Peet’s-Caribou, Applebee’s, Craveworthy Brands

Peet’s-Caribou, Applebee’s, Craveworthy Brands

Peet’s is taking over coffee roasting for Caribou Coffee. A big Applebee’s franchisee is expanding. And Craveworthy Brands has a packed 2024 agenda.



Jan 19, 202404:32
Wetzel’s Pretzels, Jersey Mike’s, Jimmy John’s

Wetzel’s Pretzels, Jersey Mike’s, Jimmy John’s

Inside Wetzel’s Pretzels new franchise program. Jersey Mike’s is heading north. And Jimmy John’s is going global.

Jan 18, 202403:51