The 10 Biggest Fast-Food Stories of 2019
What this year’s biggest headlines mean for the future of the limited-service industry.
Kevin Hardy
In Race for Convenience, Fast Casuals Embrace the Drive Thru
The Pie Five drive-thru experience was never meant to fully emulate the ultra-quick speed found at blue-chip quick-service chains, which have labored for decades to perfect the science of moving ca
Panera Bread Wants to Be Everywhere
In recent months, Panera Bread has announced several new initiatives aimed at expanding its reach—efforts that will continue to unfold as Panera works to get into more locations and serve more cust
An Upstart Tech Platform Helps Restaurants Give Back
In today’s hyper-competitive environment, Sara Polon feels like restaurant operators are forced to pair up with outside technology partners to provide everything from third-party delivery to office
Crafting the Modern Franchise Portfolio
At least once a week, Chris Phillips hears from one of three main brokers who mediate quick-service restaurant sales from franchisees looking to retire or to exit the business.
Restaurants Walk the Fine Line with Tech
Jon Alexis went back and forth before deciding to put self-service kiosks in his Malibu Poke restaurants.
Are There Too Many Fast-Casual Restaurants?
A decade ago, fast-casual concepts were still novel enough that their very entry into a market could draw long lines and buzz.
Why the Smoothie Segment is Primed to Erupt
Same-store sales at Tropical Smoothie Cafe increased 6.5 percent in 2018 as the Atlanta-based chain opened 110 new stores and inked 191 new franchise agreements.
Why Constant Menu Innovation is Key
Grant Morgan views the taco more as a vehicle than a destination.