Dear Reader,
Our weekly newsletter covers noteworthy and curious news from the international hospitality business. Find out what we've discovered about Steak'n'Shake, Luckin Coffee and Restaurant Brands International. Also, take a look at our market research on what customers miss the most about restaurant visits.
Enjoy reading!
Your foodservice Bites team
Market Research
The factor socializingWe asked consumers across six European countries (GB, DE, FR, ES, IT, RU) during the COVID-19 lockdown what it is that they miss most because restaurants are closed. And it turned out very consistently across all countries that our industry is mostly missed as a place for socializing: To spend time with friends or family. The convenience function, i.e. going there when I have no time or don’t want to prepare something by myself or to give me a quick bite in between is not nearly mentioned as much. One country – however – stands out a bit: In Russia, consumers also mention they are craving special products that they cannot cook at home.
www.npdgroup.com Brands
Steak'n'Shake closes 51 locations
The burger chain revealed in its latest earnings report, that half of the temporary closures announced last year have been made permanent.
(Approx. reading time: 3 min.)
www.restaurantbusinessonline.com
Dunkin' completes transformation to paper cups
According to the donut chain, 100% of its global restaurants have now successfully transitioned from polystyrene foam cups to paper cups.
(Approx. reading time: 2 min.)
www.qsrmagazine.com
Starbucks reopens 150 sites acrosss the UK
Starting this week, the global brand will reopen 15% of its UK stores with a focus on Drive-Thru business. I
t will also reopen a handful of takeaway-only stores. (Approx. reading time: 2 min.)
www.the-gazette.co.uk
Management
Luckin Coffee fires its executive board
As part of its internal sales fraud investigation the Chinese coffee chain has fired its CEO and COO.
The changes went into effect on Monday. (Approx. reading time: 2 min.)www.cnbc.com
Restaurant Brand International outlines next steps
The parent company of Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Popeyes reportedly considers designing face masks to go with work uniforms. It also plans to expand its digital capabilities. (
Approx. reading time: 2 min.)
www.nrn.com
Delivery
A cap for delivery feesSeveral cities across the United States have implemented commission caps for delivery fees in an attempt to help restaurants' profits.
(Approx. reading time: 3 min.)
www.uproxx.comUber wants to buy Grubhub
According to several news outlets, the merger between the two delivery services would make Uber the largest delivery platform in the United States.
(Approx. reading time: 3 min.)
www.forbes.com
Home delivery is here to stay
A new study from law firm Linklaters predicts that food delivery providers will expand their offerings and services into broader markets.
(Approx. reading time: 3 min.)
www.foodnavigator.com
By the way
Restaurants lost to the crisisRestaurant Business Online has published a slideshow of famous American independent restaurants that won't be reopening after the coronavirus crisis.
(Approx. reading time: 2 min.)
www.restaurantbusinessonline.com