Restaurants on diet after years of fattening up US job gains

Washington

US restaurants have been on a hiring binge in recent years, far outpacing the rest of the economy. But their appetite for more employees looks to be waning.

McDonald's and Subway, two of the largest fast-food chains in North America, have cut back on new-store openings and closed some locations. Supermarkets including Kroger are pushing prepared foods, while meal kits are making it cheaper and easier for people to eat at home. Wendy's and McDonald's plan to install hundreds of digital ordering kiosks by year-end to boost sales as labour costs rise.