More than 110,000 restaurants have closed permanently or for a long period of time throughout the U.S. as the industry is contending with the coronavirus pandemic, says the National Restaurant Association. The total, which represents …
As COVID-19 continues to dampen sales at restaurants, some are trying a new strategy by opening in retail stores, which have profited from the pandemic. Hy-Vee Inc. is preparing to open its 20th Wahlburgers at …
Weak gift card sales could be an obstacle to full recovery for restaurant chains, reported The Wall Street Journal (Dec. 1). As COVID-19 cases rise, more restrictions are being placed on restaurants and less people …
The year 2020 has been like no other in recent memory. The pandemic has left Americans with many new government-enacted laws which were instituted in order to keep people as safe as possible and they …
Across the nation, mayors of cities and governors of states are restricting hours for businesses in an effort to tamp down on a rising trend of COVID-19 infections. The legislation was not unwarranted. With the …
DoorDashfiled for its IPO on Nov. 13, reported The Wall Street Journal (Nov. 13). The filing revealed the company’s rapid growth during the pandemic, as revenue for the September quarter more than tripled from the …
Aphria, a Canadian cannabis company, plans to acquire Atlanta’s Sweetwater Brewing Co., which is known for its “420” beer. The $300 million deal is the latest hook-up between the alcoholic beverage and pot industries, and …
Wendy’s posted its highest same-store sales growth performance in more than 15 years in its third quarter, reported Nation’s Restaurant News (Nov. 4). The chain was buoyed by breakfast sales, a daypart that’s been a …
DoorDash is investing in a restaurant for the first time, reported The Verge (Oct. 24). It will work alongside CA-based Burma Superstar for a brick-and-mortar store called Burma Bites. It will be designed for delivery and …
State and local officials around the world are reinstating lockdown orders as coronavirus cases rise. Newark, NJ, is reversing course on reopening as cases increase across the city, reported CBS News (Oct. 27). Many of …
Dunkin’ Brands is in talks to sell itself to private equity-backed Inspire Brands, reported The New York Times (Oct. 25). The deal would take Dunkin’ Brands private at a price of $106.50 a share, according …
Restaurant openings are returning to normal levels, but many are doing so with new formats, according to data from Yelp. Pandemic-friendly restaurants are opening, debuting eateries with features such as large patios, spaced out tables, …
Many restaurants may be waiting until COVID-19 uncertainty fades to declare bankruptcy as there is a lack of interest in turning some chains around in the current business climate, reported Forbes (Oct. 20). There were …
In wake of the pandemic, foodservice is continuing to adapt in unique ways to survive. UK-based Pret A Manger has struggled during the pandemic without the commuter crowd. In August, weekly sales in Britain were …
National chains are growing while locally owned restaurants suffer in the pandemic, reported The Wall Street Journal (Oct. 12). Large chains have more flexibility both when it comes to moving money and locations around and …
Some restaurants are enforcing time limits to keep the numbers of visitors up during COVID-19 restrictions, reported The Wall Street Journal (Oct. 5). Two hours or 90 minutes are the preferred time limits. The idea …
After six months, indoor dining reopened in New York City at 25% capacity, despite concerns about both spread of the virus and severe operating margins, reported The New York Times (Oct. 1). “It’s crucial, of …
While restaurants continue to feel the weight of the pandemic, retailers are still benefiting. Nearly one in six restaurants, representing 100,000 foodservice establishments, have closed permanently or long-term in the six months following the first shutdown orders …
Dining out raises the risk of contracting COVID-19 more than other activities, according to a report published by CDC. The new report comes at a time when more restaurants are reopening indoor dining. Relaxation of …
Restaurants in cities are particularly struggling with attracting diners during COVID, even with outdoor dining options available. Even New York City’s Michelin-starred restaurants are having trouble, reported The Wall Street Journal (Sept. 2). Daniel Boulud, …
Friday and Saturday night takeout is emerging as a lasting trend during the pandemic, according to Technomic. Research found that off-premise meals on Friday and Saturday nights accounted for 24% of overall sales in the …
Restaurants across the U.S. are resuming operations in accordance with guidelines to ensure health and safety and patrons and employees. However, states, cities, and counties have different requirements for operating during the pandemic. In New …
Food Institute Focus – How COVID-19 is Impacting Eating
Food Institute Focus – What Delivery Foods are Trending with Consumers?
The “ghost food hall” concept could be a lifeline for restaurant owners to help carry them through the health crisis, reported The Washington Post (July 20). The concept combines the ghost kitchen model, which serves meals exclusively …
The COVID-19 pandemic changed the foodservice industry drastically during the first half of 2020. Several chains were forced into bankruptcy, while others relied on delivery or pivoted their business models. Eating and drinking places registered …
Food Institute Focus – States Scrap Indoor Dining as COVID-19 Cases Rise
Food Institute Focus – Pandemic Concern Remains High
Food Institute Focus – Can Independent Restaurants Be Saved?
Food Institute Focus – Restaurants Get Creative as Safety Measures Limit Reopenings
Food Institute Focus – Will Retail and Dining be Changed Forever?
Food Institute Focus – Larger Orders Rise, But Many Chains Still at Risk
During the coronavirus pandemic, drive-thrus have become a crucial element for restaurants. In March, drive-thrus generated $8.3 billion across the fast food industry, an increase from $8 billion in sales over the same period in …
Food Institute Focus – As Restaurant Spending Improves, Companies Look Towards Safety Measures
As lockdown requirements around the country loosen, foodservice establishments are adopting best practices for dine-in service in a post-COVID-19 world—thanks to the guidelines put forth by both government agencies and restaurant industry organizations. Federal Recommendations …
Food Institute Focus – Restaurants-as-Markets Model Not a Passing Fad
