Operations

New restaurant equipment and back-of-the-house technology

They come for the kitsch. They stay for the chicken dinner

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 10, 2023

Two restaurants in tiny Frankenmuth, Mich., are among the top-performing independent restaurants in the country. It's all about family, nostalgia and abundance.

Operations

Red Lobster goes overboard with endless shrimp deal

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 09, 2023

Owner Thai Union Group said the all-you-can eat shrimp was priced too low, resulting in better traffic but significant losses.

Operations

The end is near for New Mexico's In-N-Out drought

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 09, 2023

The beloved burger chain is planning to open in The Land of Enchantment for the first time, but not until 2027.

Operations

What to learn from two brands dubbed 'the next Chipotle'

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 08, 2023

Cava, the newly public fast-casual chain called "the next Chipotle" by investors, and Noodles & Co., which held that title a decade ago, just reported two very different quarters that are a study in contrasts—and offer a warning for Cava.

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One Fair Wage's alternative to ServSafe draws fire

By Peter Romeo on Nov. 08, 2023

A beta version of the $5 food-safety training program needs to get rid of some bugs, says an expert on the topic. But its producers say the issue is politics, not a dispute over best practices.

Operations

Steak and Ale to make long-awaited return in April

By Joe Guszkowski on Nov. 08, 2023

After succumbing to bankruptcy in 2008, the casual-dining pioneer will open in Burnsville, Minn., next year.

Operations

Restaurant chains paint rosier picture of labor and staffing

By Lisa Jennings on Nov. 06, 2023

Midway through 3Q earnings, it appears wage inflation is still a challenge, but restaurants are fully staffed, turnover is low and efforts to optimize efficiency are paying off.

Operations

Starbucks plans to give its workers another raise

By Jonathan Maze on Nov. 06, 2023

The coffee giant is giving all its workers at least 3% pay raises next year and will let hourly workers accrue vacation time sooner. Also: barista championships.

Operations