Many sit-down chains struggled. There were bankruptcies, closures and plenty of soul-searching. But there were some clear winners, too. Bankruptcies. Mass closures. Activist investors. These were a few of the unfortunate trends that defined the full-service restaurant sector in 2024 as operators battled shifting consumer habits and pandemic aftershocks. Three large full-service chains—Red Lobster, TGI… read more

You can improve your customer experience by making your digital content accessible. Quick-service restaurants (QSRs) are known for their fast and convenient service. For blind and low-vision customers, however, accessibility challenges can turn convenience into frustration. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires restaurants and other public-facing businesses to provide accessible environments for people with… read more

Everyone has a conviction about what’s ahead for the industry in the New Year. But it’s the uncertainties—the what-ifs—that should be top of mind. If every prediction for the restaurant business brought a dollar to the trade, operators could shut down Jan. 1 and still declare 2025 a gangbuster year. Apparently, anyone who so much… read more

The chain has said that its food, beverage and packaging costs have all increased. Chipotle is raising its U.S. prices to offset inflation and to compensate for a promise to increase portion sizes. Chipotle’s chief corporate affairs officer, Laurie Schalow, confirmed Friday that the Mexican restaurant chain was implementing a 2% price increase nationally. Schalow… read more

Thompson joined Nestlé as a part of its 2018 acquisition of Starbucks brand products. Nestlé USA on Thursday announced the appointment of Martin Thompson as chief executive officer and U.S. market head, effective Jan. 1. Thompson will report to Steve Presley, Nestlé CEO Zone Americas, and will join the Zone Americas leadership team. Thompson joined… read more

Eating and drinking places added 28,900 jobs, compared with 3,000 positions the prior year, according to new federal data. Restaurants accelerated their hiring in November, adding nearly 10 times as many employees during the month as they did in October, according to new figures from the federal government. The latest data from the U.S. Bureau… read more

The eatertainment company acknowledged that it’d been searching for a replacement for months. Chairman Kevin Sheehan is serving in the top job until a permanent successor is hired. Chris Morris has resigned as CEO of Dave & Buster’s Entertainment, operator of the Dave & Buster’s and Main Event eatertainment chains. The company said Morris had… read more

Around 2.1 million immigrants work within the U.S. food supply chain. Donald Trump’s campaign pledge to launch “the largest deportation program in American history” could have a disastrous effect on the U.S. food chain, an industry that relies heavily on immigrant labor. Serving a crucial role in feeding America, around 2.1 million immigrants work within… read more

Prices at restaurants and bars grew at a slower rate than they did at grocers, continuing a trend toward a more normalized rate of inflation. Restaurant prices have normalized in recent months, just as prices at retail outlets like grocers appear to be accelerating. Food away from home prices increased 0.3% in November, continuing a… read more

Maximizing “FOMO” to attract younger audiences. In an era where most consumers, especially younger audiences, are constantly connected to screens, restaurants have a powerful opportunity to capture their attention. Reaching this audience through digital channels isn’t just beneficial for restaurants, it’s essential for growth. For Hoppin’ Brands, a vibrant self-pour taproom and cocktail bar, marketing… read more