fine dining

OpenTable will require restaurants to make it their primary reservations system

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 24, 2026

The company says the move is necessary to protect booking data from “bad actors.” But operators say it limits their flexibility. “It’s extremely disappointing.”

Financing

Some struggling Kona Grill locations to be rebranded

By Joe Guszkowski on Mar. 13, 2026

After years of steep same-store sales declines at the upscale Asian chain, parent company The One Group will convert five of them into Benihana or STK.

Food

AI vs. sommeliers: Guests at Cru Uncorked compare and rate wine pairings

By Patricia Cobe on Sep. 26, 2025

The showdown between human and machine took place at a tasting dinner held at the wine-focused fine-dining restaurant located in the Cleveland area.

Operations

The story behind Bûcheron, the James Beard Award winner for best new restaurant

By Jonathan Maze on Jul. 28, 2025

Adam Ritter and Jeanie Janas Ritter took a big bet on themselves. The result is one of the best restaurants in the country, the Minneapolis French-inspired Bûcheron.

Leadership

The late chef Michael Chiarello's estate files lawsuit to prevent alleged hostile takeover of assets by investors

By Lisa Jennings on Jul. 17, 2025

The famed restaurateur died suddenly in 2023. Now his estate is in a messy battle with minority stakeholders who say they are acting to carry forward Chiarello's visions.

Leadership

José Andrés receives the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom

By Peter Romeo on Jan. 06, 2025

The nation's top civilian honor was awarded to the chef in recognition of his efforts to feed individuals in crisis situations—and for introducing tapas to the American mainstream.

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Operations

Steal this idea: Summer weekends off

By Lisa Jennings on Oct. 16, 2024

Canlis restaurant in Seattle tried it and loved it. The cost was a small price to pay for the staff and community goodwill it generated, owners say.

Leadership

The Alinea Group's new co-owner is named its first-ever CEO

By Lisa Jennings on Oct. 16, 2024

Former co-owner Nick Kokonas sold his stake to a group of investors led by tech entrepreneur Jason Weingarten. Now as CEO, Weingarten plans to lead the fine-dining restaurant and bar brands into uncharted territory.

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Emerging Brands