After a chilly start to the year, the Italian casual-dining chain said business has picked up recently, despite signs that consumer sentiment is down. After a chilly winter at Olive Garden, business appears to be warming up again for spring. Same-store sales at the casual-dining chain increased 0.6% during the quarter ended Feb. 23. That… read more
Elon Musk is building a supercharging center with a restaurant and outdoor movie screens. But who is doing the food? Those in the know cannot say. As Tesla’s spaceship-like diner and supercharging center takes shape in Los Angeles, the big question remains: Who’s going to develop the menu? For years, Tesla founder and world’s richest… read more
The two previous installations at restaurants in Stockton and Santa Rosa have resulted in 30%-40% energy coverage A Chick-fil-A restaurant in Oceanside, Calif., has completed a microgrid project in partnership with New York City-based SolMicroGrid, marking the quick-service chain’s third such development. SolMicroGrid leverages solar, on-site battery energy storage, and generators to ensure continuous power… read more
Chick-fil-A has jumped into the top 10 with a 43% increase in brand value, according to valuation consultancy Brand Finance After a challenging 2024 that included four straight quarters of same-store sales declines, Starbucks is no longer the world’s most valuable restaurant brand, according to a new “Restaurants 25 2025” report from valuation consultancy Brand… read more
As a facility owner or operator, your primary responsibility is to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone who enters your building. This includes employees, clients, guests and more. Regular maintenance is a critical component to ensuring a safe facility, and it can be managed cost-effectively without compromising operational integrity. Drawing from my experience as… read more
Canadian companies highlight negative effects of new tariffs on lumber and forest products The possibility of an additional 25% tariff on Canadian forest products, imposed by the United States government, raises concerns in the New Brunswick forest sector. Organizations such as the New Brunswick Lumber Producers, Forest NB and J.D. Irving, Limited warn of negative… read more
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) has been an invaluable tool for differently abled people. It has also become weaponized by those not necessarily focused on improving access for all, but instead by those who are seeking to monetize even minor ADA violations for their own profit. As a result, the filing of frivolous ADA… read more
Pudu Robotics, a global leader in commercial service robotics, is strengthening its presence in North America with its new US headquarters in Santa Clara, California, and a new fulfillment center in Hamilton, New Jersey. This expansion reinforces Pudu’s long-term commitment to the Americas, enabling faster deliveries, localized service, and more support for businesses looking for… read more
We’ve all heard the statistics surrounding restaurant closures, from the 50 percent failure rate in the first five years to watching restaurant store-fronts change over year to year. The landscape is only getting more difficult, as evidenced by name brands like TGI Fridays and Red Lobster closing locations around the country. With the rising costs… read more
The robot can skillfully interact with objects and people in challenging settings. An AI-powered robot that can prepare cups of coffee in a busy kitchen could usher in the next generation of intelligent machines, a study suggests. Using a combination of cutting-edge AI, sensitive sensors and fine-tuned motor skills, the robot can interact with its… read more