Trending: CDC expands definition of ‘close contact’ with COVID-19

Dunkin’ Brands in talks to be bought by Inspire Brands

The owner of Arby's, Sonic Drive-In, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jimmy John's Sandwiches and Rusty Taco said it could announce the purchase of the Dunkin' and Baskin-Robbins brands soon.

Sweetgreen restructuring, cuts 20% of corporate workforce

The fast-casual chain has been hurt by a lack of office workers in core urban areas like New York City.

CDC expands definition of ‘close contact’ with an individual infected with COVID-19

Drazen Zigic / iStock / Getty Images Plus

The new information is based on a study at a Vermont prison and will impact those who work in close proximity, such as restaurant workers.

Rubio’s files prepackaged Chapter 11 bankruptcy

The fast-casual brand reached an agreement on restructuring with Mill Road Capital and lenders

Up to 100 underperforming IHOP units may close in next six months, says parent Dine Brands Global

Fifteen Applebee’s are also expected to close permanently in the fourth quarter as the chain rolls out its virtual Neighborhood Wings brand systemwide.

Salata president Michelle Bythewood says ghost kitchens can act as a low cost way to ‘seed’ new markets for brick and mortar growth

The fast-casual chain’s digital investments ‘saved our lives’ during the pandemic, Bythewood said in NRN’s latest Extra Serving podcast.

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Burger King parent Restaurant Brands International is modernizing drive-thrus

New digital boards offer predictive selling, loyalty and contactless payments.

DoorDash launches program to revive closed restaurants using ghost kitchens

Krazy Hog BBQ

Krazy Hog BBQ in Chicago, closed since March, rebooted under DoorDash’s Reopen for Delivery initiative; the delivery operator is matching shuttered restaurants with ghost-kitchen operators.

California restaurants battered by indoor dining restrictions demand fee and permit refunds

Stag Bar

Restaurants filed refund claims in Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Sacramento and Monterey counties; they maintain that they should not be paying fees in full when the state is restricting restaurant operations.

BJ’s tests beer subscriptions, ways to boost seating and off-premise sales

The casual-dining brand’s CEO Greg Trojan says the “road to post-COVID normalcy will not be a straight line.”