Restaurants
Popeyes overtakes KFC as No. 2 chicken chain, but Chick-fil-A stays on top
A Popeyes restaurant is seen in Washington, D.C. Eric Baradat | AFP | Getty Images Popeyes has overtaken KFC as the No. 2 chicken chain in the U.S., a decade after Chick-fil-A first unseated KFC from the top spot. Chicken chains’ battle for stomachs — and dollars — has become more aggressive in recent years. […]
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Krispy Kreme puts Insomnia Cookies brand up for sale as it doubles down on donuts
In this photo illustration, a Krispy Kreme glazed doughnut is shown on May 12, 2022 in Daly City, California. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images Krispy Kreme is exploring strategic alternatives, including an all-cash sale, of its majority stake in Insomnia Cookies, the company said Tuesday. The decision is part of an effort to focus more […]
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Chipotle tests automation for burrito bowls and salads
A finished burrito bowl assembled by Chipotle and Hyphen’s automation technology. Source: Chipotle Mexican Grill Chipotle Mexican Grill is testing whether automation can make customers’ burrito bowls and salads. It’s the second time the burrito chain has publicly announced testing automation at its innovation center. Chippy, Chipotle’s first foray into automation, is a robot that […]
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Fast-food drive-thru lanes speed up as fewer drivers wait in line
Chick-fil-A had the slowest average drive-thru experience in 2022, but the highest customer satisfaction. Jeff Greenberg | Universal Images Group | Getty Images Fast-food drive-thru lanes are speeding up as fewer customers choose to order their meals and milkshakes sitting in their car, according to an annual study by Intouch Insight released Monday. The average […]
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Blue Apron to be acquired by Wonder Group for $103 million, capping tumultuous post-IPO ride
Scott Eisen | Getty Images News | Getty Images Meal kit business Blue Apron announced Friday it has agreed to sell itself to food and restaurant company Wonder Group, founded by entrepreneur Marc Lore, for $103 million. The deal, at $13 per share, represents a significant premium from Blue Apron’s per-share price at Thursday’s close […]
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McDonald’s to raise royalty fees for new franchised restaurants for first time in nearly 30 years
A McDonald’s golden arches logo is seen at a franchise restaurant owned by Rippon Family Restaurants. Paul Weaver | Lightrocket | Getty Images McDonald’s franchisees who add new restaurants will soon have to pay higher royalty fees. The fast-food giant is raising those fees from 4% to 5%, starting Jan. 1. It’s the first time […]
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Olive Garden parent Darden Restaurants beats earnings estimates, despite weak fine-dining sales
A customer carries an Olive Garden shopping bag in Pittsburg, California, US, on Friday, Dec. 9, 2022. David Paul Morris | Bloomberg | Getty Images Darden Restaurants on Thursday reported earnings and revenue that topped analysts’ expectations in its first quarter as the owner of Ruth’s Chris Steak House. But same-store sales of Darden’s fine-dining segment […]
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McDonald’s franchisee group says new California fast food bill will cause ‘devastating financial blow’
After California lawmakers passed a landmark fast food bill, an independent advocacy group of McDonald’s owners is pushing back against what it says will be a “devastating financial blow” to its franchisees in the state, according to a memo to its membership viewed by CNBC. The new legislation, AB 1228, was voted into law late […]
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A fight between fast-food chains and unions in California is over, for now – what to know
Flags are flown at a car caravan and rally of fast food workers and supporters for passage of AB 257, a fast-food worker health and safety bill, on April 16, 2021 in the Boyle Heights neighborhood of Los Angeles, California. Mario Tama | Getty Images Fast-food workers in California are set to receive pay hikes […]
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Sweetgreen sued by workers at 7 New York restaurants for alleged racial discrimination
Workers prepare apples and avocados inside a Sweetgreen Inc. restaurant. Adam Glanzman | Bloomberg | Getty Images Ten Sweetgreen employees are suing the salad chain, alleging racial discrimination at seven of its New York City restaurants. The lawsuit, filed Thursday in New York Supreme Court in the Bronx, alleges that the plaintiffs’ co-workers and managers […]
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