Orders up

Drive-thru call centers are changing the quick-service landscape. But will the technology catch on?  

More McDonald's staying open all night

January 28, 2007

MSNBC: In an effort to boost profits, McDonald's Corp. is becoming a 24-hour operation. About 40 percent of the Oak Brook, Ill.-based fast food giant's…

McDonald's inks exclusive drive-thru agreement in China

January 18, 2007

Globe Investor:  McDonald's Corp. has signed an exclusive 20-year agreement with Chinese oil firm Sinopec to build drive-thru restaurants at its petrol…

McDonald's global comps continue to climb

January 16, 2007

OAK BROOK, Ill. — McDonald's Corp. reported solid increases in global and domestic comparable-store sales for December, the fourth quarter and fiscal year…

Restaurants rely on talent to boost sales

January 14, 2007

Nations Restaurant News: Add Sonic Drive-Ins to the list of chain and independent restaurants that are betting on talent contest tie-ins to snag attention…

Carl's Jr. founder to be honored in California

January 11, 2007

CARPINTERIA, Calif. — CKE Restaurants Inc. announced Jan. 11 that Carl's Jr. founder Carl N. Karcher will be honored in Anaheim, Calif., with a star on its…

Trans-fats, lawsuits and E. coli dominate 2006 headlines

For some operators, 2006 was a year to forget.

McDonald's tests dollar menu at breakfast

December 19, 2006

The Associated Press: Cheap breakfasts are becoming fast food's latest battle zone. Seeking to protect its profitable morning daypart turf, McDonald's is…

McDonald's employee steals $2,000 in credit cards

December 17, 2006

The Citizen: A New Hampshire McDonald's employee was arrested for allegedly stealing customers' credit-card numbers. Police said the drive-thru worker…

HME Wireless IQ system boosts drive-thru service at Jack in the Box

November 9, 2006

POWAY, Calif. — Jack in the Box recently completed a technology makeover by replacing older headset systems with new HME Wireless IQ digital communication…

Jack in the Box rolls out Sirloin Steak 'n' Cheddar Ciabatta sandwich

October 1, 2006

SAN DIEGO — Jack in the Box introduced a new Sirloin Steak 'n' Cheddar Ciabatta sandwich. According to a news release, the item features marinated sirloin…

QSRs strive to provide prompt drive-thru service

Improving drive-thru efficiency should be at the top of every operator's to do list. For years, it's been the breadwinner for the quick-service restaurant. But…

Tribute Esther Snyder, In-N-Out co-founder, 86

The late restaurant chain president proved one person can make a difference.

McDonald's comps grow in June, Q2

July 24, 2006

OAK BROOK, Ill. — McDonald's Corp. said system-wide sales rose 8.1 percent in June, or 6.9 percent on a constant-dollar basis. According to a regulatory…

McDonald's pulls Spicy Chicken after bland sales

July 12, 2006

Bland sales have led McDonald's to pull its highly marketed Spicy Chicken Sandwich.   Seizing the moment, Wendy's bragged about the success of its spicy…

Wendy's 'jacks' up spicy chicken choices

July 12, 2006

DUBLIN, Ohio — Wendy's is currently offering customers a chance to spice up their Spicy Chicken sandwich. As part of a limited-time promotion at most Wendy's…

Arby's opens 3,500th store; CEO serves customers

June 29, 2006

ATLANTA — To celebrate the opening of Arby's 3500th restaurant, chief executive Roland Smith served customers through the drive-thru window. Arby's also gave…

Checkers / Rally's wins American Business award for best executive

June 18, 2006

TAMPA, Fla. — Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc. has won a Stevie Award for Best Executive 2006 from the American Business Awards (ABA), a national…

Checkers Drive-In shareholders approve merger; company to go private

June 15, 2006

TAMPA, Fla. — Checkers Drive-In Restaurants Inc. said its shareholders voted in favor of merging with Taxi Holdings Corp., an affiliate of Wellspring Capital…

Yum! Brands ranked in top 40 for diversity

June 12, 2006

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Yum! Brands Inc. has been named one of BLACK ENTERPRISE Magazine's "40 Best Companies for Diversity" for its comprehensive results across…