McDonald’s announced that it would phase out its self-service machines by the end of 2032. More restaurants may follow suit.

The rise of online ordering drives restaurant chains to build more drive-thrus, but traffic and walkability concerns have led to bans.

“There’s a lot of science and a little bit of art” involved in finding the perfect place, a Chipotle executive says.

“About 37% of teens worked last year,” says Abha Bhattarai of The Washington Post. “These teens are really excited,” employers tell her.

Fast food workers’ wages are up as much as 30% since 2020. That has had real costs for businesses, but real benefits for society.

Franchisees get help with marketing and branding, but the corporate parent can’t do much about high interest rates and labor costs.

They create both chaos and money-making opportunities for businesses.

Many have higher expenses and are raising prices, but more consumers now have a taste for their relatively inexpensive meals.

The approach is rare in the U.S., but common in other industrialized countries.

The pandemic accelerated automation purchases, according to an industry group, especially in agriculture, construction and fast food.