Restaurants news
Read verified news on BetaVoices covering Restaurants, with reporting, context, and related developments.
Automation at the order window
AI chatbots move into fast-food drive-thrus as chains test the next order taker
U.S. restaurants are expanding voice AI at drive-thru lanes, with vendors eyeing Canada next and labour advocates warning about entry-level job losses
Fast food
KFC bets on boneless chicken and new drinks to claw back share
The Yum Brands chain is rolling out revamped tenders, more sauces, a Kwench drink line and new store designs as chicken competition intensifies
Hospitality pressure
Top UK chefs urge 10% VAT rate for pubs and restaurants
Tom Kerridge, Yotam Ottolenghi, Ravneet Gill and Simon Rogan told BBC Newsnight the current tax burden is squeezing operators already hit by higher costs and weaker consumer spending
Restaurant hiring
Tim Hortons pledges 10,000 local hires as it adds 80 Canadian stores
The chain says it is reducing reliance on temporary foreign workers as youth unemployment rises and Dunkin prepares to re-enter Canada
Coffee chains
Dunkin’ plans Canadian comeback, but Tim Hortons remains a tall order
Foodtastic says the U.S. chain will return with locations in Toronto and Montreal, while industry observers say habit, nostalgia and convenience favor Tim Hortons
Earnings
Starbucks lifts outlook after stronger traffic, sales growth
The coffee chain reported a second straight quarter of traffic gains and said higher gas prices have not yet changed customer behavior