Learn how to write a HACCP plan for your restaurant by identifying food safety hazards, establishing critical controls, monitoring procedures, and maintaining documentation.

AI helps restaurants optimize workforce management through smarter scheduling, labor forecasting, employee productivity improvements, cost control, and data-driven staffing decisions.

AES Restaurant Group's Knoxville deal makes it Arby's largest franchisee with 362 locations, as parent Inspire Brands eyes an IPO.

Sam Fox departs Fox Restaurant Concepts to launch Author & Edit, a hospitality venture blending hotels and restaurants with star investors.

What's happening in the restaurant industry this week? From new food delivery technology and a $201.5 million restaurant investment fund to marketing leadership changes, employee recognition, and smarter expansion strategies, major restaurant brands are making moves worth watching! In this week's American Restaurant Association News Update, we're covering five important industry stories and what they could mean for restaurant owners, operators, and entrepreneurs. HERE'S WHAT'S MAKING HEADLINES: 1. Olo Takes on the Food Delivery Giants Olo launches its first consumer ordering app, introducing a model designed to let participating restaurants retain their order revenue while consumers pay a 5% service fee. With approximately 40 million guest accounts already supported by its technology network, could Olo offer restaurants a new way to reach delivery customers while protecting their margins and customer relationships? 2. Savory Fund Raises $201.5 Million for Restaurant Growth Savory Fund closes its third investment fund at $201.5 million, exceeding its original $200 million target. With investments in South Block, Bonrue Bakery, Hawkers Asian Street Food, and Zao Asian Grill, the firm is combining investment capital with operational expertise to help emerging restaurant brands expand. 3. Arby's Appoints Jenna Bromberg as Chief Marketing Officer Arby's welcomes Jenna Bromberg as its new CMO, effective November 2. With experience at Papa Johns, Hilton, Carter's, and Yum! Brands, Bromberg will focus on brand storytelling, innovation, customer engagement, and personalized digital experiences. Meanwhile, Jeff Baker moves into a new role focused on category management and culinary innovation. 4. Five Guys Brings Its Employee Competition to Prime Video Five Guys turns its global employee competition into a five-episode documentary series, On The Line: The World Burger Games. The series highlights the skills of frontline restaurant employees, with this year's champion, Jonathan Martinez, taking home a $100,000 prize. Beyond the competition, the story shows how employee recognition can strengthen restaurant culture and brand identity. 5. Freddy's Reaches 600 Restaurants With a Smarter Expansion Strategy Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers celebrates its 600th restaurant while exploring smaller, more efficient store formats. Its newest Beaufort, South Carolina, location is approximately 2,300 square feet and operates without a drive thru. According to the company, improvements in construction methods and equipment procurement have also reduced building costs by approximately $200,000 to $300,000. WHAT RESTAURANT OWNERS CAN LEARN These five stories highlight important opportunities across the restaurant industry: • Finding smarter ways to manage delivery costs and customer relationships • Building profitable and scalable restaurant businesses • Connecting marketing strategies with menu innovation and guest experience • Recognizing employees and strengthening workplace culture • Exploring more efficient and affordable restaurant expansion models WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Which of these five stories do you think will have the biggest impact on the restaurant industry? Share your thoughts in the comments! SUBSCRIBE FOR MORE RESTAURANT INDUSTRY NEWS! Stay informed about restaurant trends, business strategies, industry developments, and the brands shaping the future of foodservice. Watch more Restaurant Association videos: https://www.youtube.com/@RestaurantAssociation/videos Read more restaurant industry news: https://restaurantassociation.com/news/ Explore restaurant business resources and membership opportunities: https://restaurantassociation.com/ Stay informed. Stay ahead. Stay connected to the restaurant industry. #restaurantassociation #restaurantnews #restaurantindustry #restaurantbusiness #restaurantowners #hospitalityindustry

Amazon has ended its Grubhub+ Prime benefit, replacing it with Uber Eats, giving members fee-free delivery and new savings in nearly 10,000 cities.