Restaurants
NYC sues Starbucks for coffee chain’s firing of union organizer
A cup of Starbucks coffee sits on a table in a cafe. Joel Boh | Reuters New York City is suing Starbucks over allegations that the company wrongfully terminated a barista and union organizer. The city’s Department of Consumer and Worker Protection said the case marks its first lawsuit for a violation of New York […]
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Starbucks CEO transition plan gets muted reaction from Wall Street
“As we create more premium beverages, it becomes more difficult for customers to replicate it at home and we think that helps with the concept of trade down,” Starbucks CFO Rachel Ruggeri told CNBC’s “Squawk Box” on Aug. 3. Gary Hershorn / Contributor / Getty Images Wall Street’s reaction to Starbucks’ new CEO was muted […]
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No, McDonald’s all-day breakfast isn’t returning in October
A McDonald’s “Big Breakfast” and Egg McMuffin are displayed at a McDonald’s restaurant in Fairfield, California. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images No, McDonald’s isn’t bringing back its popular all-day breakfast next month. The fast-food giant ended the offering during the early days of pandemic lockdowns as part of a broader scheme to simplify service. Bloated […]
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Starbucks names Laxman Narasimhan as new CEO, starting in April
Starbucks on Thursday named Laxman Narasimhan as its next chief executive officer. Narasimhan most recently served as CEO of health and hygiene company Reckitt, which owns brands such as Lysol, Durex and Mucinex. He announced earlier Thursday he was stepping down from that role. He’ll join Starbucks in October, learning about the company and its […]
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Americans have ‘tip fatigue’ — post-pandemic, diners are less inclined to tip generously for takeout
At the Sweetly Bakery & Cafe in Battle Ground, Washington, near Portland, Oregon, customers seem to be feeling a little less generous lately. With inflation near record highs and consumers increasingly cash-strapped, a gratuity isn’t what it used to be. “Since everything got more expensive, we’ve seen a decline in tipping,” said Sweetly’s owner, Irina […]
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Gatorade adds caffeine to its lineup with energy drink Fast Twitch
Fast Twitch, from the makers of Gatorade Source: PepsiCo Gatorade is entering the energy drink category with a caffeinated spin-off called Fast Twitch. It represents yet another example of beverage companies blurring the lines between drink categories, seeking to leverage existing brand loyalty while entering fast-growing categories. Gatorade’s parent company, PepsiCo, has already expanded Mountain […]
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McDonald’s U.S. head says California fast-food bill unfairly targets big chains
A sign is posted in front of a McDonald’s restaurant on April 28, 2022 in San Leandro, California. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images The head of McDonald’s U.S. on Wednesday publicly criticized a landmark California bill that would give the state more control over pay for fast-food workers, saying it unfairly targets big chains. The […]
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Chipotle Mexican Grill tests spicy chicken al pastor in two markets
Chipotle Mexican Grill is testing Chicken Al Pastor Source: Chipotle Mexican Grill Chipotle Mexican Grill is cranking up the heat on its grilled chicken. The restaurant chain said Tuesday it’s testing a new chicken al pastor menu item in 94 restaurants across the Denver and Indianapolis regions. The al pastor option is spicier than Chipotle’s […]
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Panera Bread tests artificial intelligence technology in drive-thru lanes
A Panera Bread location in Spring Hill, Florida. Jeff Greenberg | Universal Images Group | Getty Images Starting Monday, drive-thru customers at two Panera Bread locations in upstate New York will have their orders taken by a computer in a test of artificial intelligence technology’s accuracy and ability to decrease service times. The sandwich chain […]
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Breakfast sales hold steady as people heading back to offices cut back elsewhere
Consumers may be dining out less, but breakfast sales are holding steady as people return to offices and grab a quick bite or iced coffee on the way to work. Overall traffic to restaurants fell 2% in the second quarter from a year ago as inflation drove menu prices up, according to market research firm […]
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