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Your quick morning dose of the restaurant news you need, every weekday, from the editors of Restaurant Business.
Wendy’s is looking to the former CEO of Taco Bell for turnaround help. McDonald’s Snack Wrap drove a lot of traffic. And here’s how to get your restaurant to show up on AI search.
After nearly 30 years in business, Iron Hill has filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy liquidation. Domino’s has unveiled its first brand refresh in 13 years. And Chipotle founder Steve Ells wants to reinvent the fast casual segment again - This time, with sandwiches.
ChatGPT is adding food delivery options. Long John Silver’s is trying to lure younger diners. And the grocery store is becoming a growing restaurant competitor.
Round Table Pizza franchisees are taking issue with their parent company’s ad spending. Long John Silver’s wants to be known as more than a seafood chain. And does political affiliation impact restaurant spending?
Cracker Barrel has ended its relationship with the consultancy that oversaw its brand refresh initiatives. Bruegger’s Bagels locations in Cincinnati are being rebranded. And Taco Bell is launching its biggest Taco Tuesday promotion.
Restaurant hiring is slowing. A chain that just filed for bankruptcy is blaming discounting by its competitors for some of its woes. And 93-year-old Krystal is finally introducing a loyalty program.
The Starbucks union has won negotiations for baristas affected by last week’s closures. Big Chicken is working out some post-acquisition challenges. And Habit Burger is extending its meal deal.
DoorDash wants to do more for restaurants than just deliver. There’s a new chicken tender player in town. And Yum Brands CEO David Gibbs retires this week.
Bots played a big role in the Cracker Barrel logo backlash. A Chinese restaurant tech giant is looking to make inroads in the U.S. And Burger King is really leaning into Halloween.
We tried some of McDonald’s new CosMc’s-inspired beverages. Five restaurants are among the most magnetic brands in America. And Starbucks’ traffic remains a challenge.
Starbucks is planning dozens of store closures and hundreds of layoffs as it looks to reverse sliding sales. A brewery chain has suddenly closed all of its locations. And Popeyes is accusing a former franchisee of trademark violations.
It remains to be seen if Portillo’s will continue to expand outside Chicago. Dine Brands uses one simple criterion to prioritize tech investments. And Panera is welcoming fall with two Gilmore Girls stars.
Portillo’s has ousted its CEO. Subway franchisees are fighting back against store remodels. And Bojangles’ largest franchisee has been acquired by private equity.
Yum Brands has acquired 13 PDQ restaurant leases in a quest for expansion. Starbucks is bringing back apple crisp after all. And Chick-fil-A has opened a delivery-only kitchen in Boston.
Cracker Barrel foresees a long road to recovery from its logo debacle. Chain restaurant sales are expected to cool even more than previously anticipated. And BJ’s is facing a union push in California.
Olive Garden is seeing whether diners enjoy smaller portions. Uber is testing drone delivery. And Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant is shrinking.
A potential merger would form the nation's largest broadline food distributor. A drive-thru chain is closing more than 40 locations. And a value item at Pizza Hut has evolved into a platform for innovation.
There’s activist investor interest in Denny’s. McDonald’s is adding more muscle to its global impact team. And here are some of the big takeaways from the FSTEC technology conference.
McDonald’s is investing in regenerative agriculture. Popeyes is turning up the heat with a new partnership. And IHOP is doubling down on value.
There’s a new publicly traded restaurant chain for the first time in three years. Can Portillo’s get its groove back? And speed wins, when it comes to delivery.
The value wars are being fought on third-party delivery apps, restaurant chains might want to focus marketing on younger consumers, and menu pricing at full-service restaurants ticked up to its highest level in two years.
Potbelly was sold to a big name in the convenience store sector. Portillo’s has ended its test of breakfast, and Outback is hopping on the appetizer trio trend.
Cracker Barrel is walking back even more of its planned brand revamp. A food-and-games chain has filed for bankruptcy protection. And Taco Bell’s parent company is shaking up its leadership ranks.
Freddy’s is going global. Red Lobster is poking fun at its own bankruptcy. And Waffle House is jumping fully into delivery.
Freddy’s officially has a new owner. McDonald’s is pushing back on the tip credit. And it was a very slow jobs report for August.
Noodles & Company is pondering a sale that would likely take the fast-casual chain private. Raising Cane’s is bringing chicken fingers to London. And CAVA is bringing Chicken Shawarma to its system for a limited time.
Starbucks has a new AI assistant for inventory tracking. Andy Wiederhorn is back at the helm of Fat Brands. And a casual-dining Mexican chain declared bankruptcy.
It was a big Pumpkin Spice Latte debut for Starbucks. Black Rock Coffee is looking for a big IPO. And one BBQ chain continues to close stores
Restaurant profitability has worsened since before the pandemic. White Castle is defending its turf as a longtime leader in late-night. And one market-research firm has Logan’s Roadhouse as the top casual-dining chain for customer experience.
Taco Bell continues to win with marketing. The Crunchwrap is the latest source of menu innovation. And a new law in Texas will make it easier on restaurant operators there.
Cracker Barrel is scrapping its new logo. A Bloomin’ Brands director is taking the lead on addressing mental health in the industry. And restaurant brands are ready to celebrate the engagement of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.
Donald Trump is weighing in on Cracker Barrel’s new logo. Chili’s shook up the casual-dining curve last quarter. And one smoothie chain is adding food for the first time.
\Concerned guests can now scoop their own Chipotle protein. Pumpkin Spice is back at Starbucks. And there’s an underrated element to casual-dining’s comeback.
Chili’s corporate workers are getting some big bonuses after a big year. What will McDonald’s freshly discounted bundles mean for the bottom line? And diners aren’t drinking like they used to.
Cracker Barrel has drawn the ire of conservatives, a lot of cars are adding their own drive-thrus to restaurants and here comes Zipotle.
McDonald’s is discounting its combo meals. A coffee company took a key step toward becoming public. And restaurants aren’t all that profitable.
Another casual-dining company has filed for bankruptcy. Starbucks is giving out some modest raises. And sweetgreen is bringing in baby goats.
Taylor Swift is inspiring creative restaurant marketing ploys. Operators are encouraging franchisee growth with cash incentives. And Applebee’s is launching an appetizer value ploy.
Texas Roadhouse appears ready to gear up for even more growth. An AI drive-thru firm has a new hire from Wendy’s. And Blue Apron’s new owner is shaking up meal kits.
Chili’s had another eye-popping quarter. That’s in stark contrast to the broader restaurant industry, which is struggling. And a federal labor judge has ruled against Starbucks.
Cava and Chipotle are joining forces to support automated makeline technology. You may have noticed, but consumers are pulling back on their restaurant spending. And everybody wants to sell chicken right now. But can they?
Sweetgreen mulls the return of frozen yogurt. The co-owner of a Trump-themed burger concept is facing deportation. And value meals are working well for IHOP.
The Frosty couldn’t save Wendy’s last quarter. There were layoffs at Sweetgreen. And Texas Roadhouse is ramping up development of its smaller concepts.
Dutch Bros keeps growing and growing. Burger King is speeding up its refranchising plans. And Jack in the Box reported its weakest performance in 15 years.
McDonald’s turned positive once again in Q2. Applebee’s might be making a comeback. Lip service was big in July restaurant marketing.
Portillo’s had a rough quarter. McDonald’s is leaning into nostalgia. And third-party delivery gave First Watch a boost.
Domino’s is going after McDonald’s. A Texas-based Panera franchisee has filed for bankruptcy. And another restaurant chain is under pressure over DEI.
The Pizookie continues to be a big traffic driver for BJ’s. El Pollo Loco is focusing on value. And expect to see a lot more delivery robots on the sidewalk.
Wendy’s is trying to get executives to stick around. Dubai chocolate shakes and $1 sodas are goosing traffic trends at Shake Shack. And Fat Brands keeps growing even though its financials say otherwise.
Cold foam sales have been a bright spot for Starbucks. Wingstop is struggling as consumers pull back. And a coffee chain appears to be making plans to go public.
Full-service restaurants are making a comeback. Wraps have skyrocketed in popularity. And Washington D.C. is restoring the tip credit.
Shipley Do-Nuts has a new owner. The 24-hour Tesla Diner has arrived. And an office catering company is seeing an uptick in business.
McDonald’s underestimated early sales projections on its Snack Wrap by 70%. Pumpkin Spice is back… yes, already. And there was a lot of beverage innovation among chains this week.
Chipotle is looking to make consumers think it’s a better value. McDonald’s is testing some creative new drinks. And a legacy POS provider wants to act like the new kid on the block.
The gap in restaurant performance is widening. Smalls Sliders’ former CEO has landed at another emerging chain. And Cracker Barrel is under pressure for its DEI policies.
The owner of Friendly’s has been sold. Taco Bell makes a fan-centric update to its app. And Starbucks teases its pumpkin spice latte launch.
Subway has named a new permanent leader. Domino’s seems to be living by “better late than never.” And In-N-Out is officially consolidating at its new headquarters.
Chicago is looking for a buyer. Red Robin is making some corporate job cuts. And one of the owners of a pizza chain will receive nearly $50 million following a legal dispute.
Taco Bell is doubling down on its strengths. Domino’s DoorDash partnership appears to be doing just fine. And Biggby wants to make sure it stands out in a crowded coffee category.
McDonald’s Snack Wrap is back in a big way. Big Chicken is undergoing some big changes. And a wine-focused casual-dining brand is spinning off a pizza concept.
Dave & Buster’s has named a new CEO Menu prices continue to climb. And Red Robin has a new strategy.
Jack in the Box caught the attention of a well-known activist investor. Starbucks’ secret menu isn’t so secret anymore. And Bojangles is getting into EV charging.
McDonald’s launched its long-awaited Snack Wrap and Taco Bell offered a competing deal. Still, chicken sandwiches remain dominant on menus. And &pizza wants consumers to know the chain is serious about lowering prices.
President Trump is blaming high egg prices on California. Panera has settled the last of its Charged Lemonade lawsuits, and Smoothie King has a new minority investor.
Is Starbucks’ China division for sale? Bankruptcies took a big bite out of the full-service segment last year. And the burger chain Hot ‘n Now is making a comeback.
Wendy’s is on the hunt for a new CEO. Pizza chains are leaning heavily on discounting. And how will upcoming tip-tax changes impact restaurants?
Here’s how California’s fast-food wage is impacting prices. Restaurants are stepping up with relief efforts in the wake of catastrophic Texas flooding. And Honeygrow has some super-charged growth plans
Starbucks is incentivizing executives to deploy its turnaround plans. Olo is being sold. And restaurant employment moderated last month
Restaurant stocks are all over the place so far this year. A well-known activist investor may be looking to put some pressure on Jack in the Box. And is it finally time to say goodbye to egg surcharges?
The elimination of taxes on tips is closer to becoming reality. McDonald's launched the first of what could be many new desserts to come. And Americans are cutting back on spending - way back.
McDonald’s is dropping a new burger later this month. Red Lobster has a new tech partner. And Whataburger is entering the increasingly crowded craft beverage segment.
Starbucks added the former CEO of Yahoo to its board. A fast-casual brand has reverted back to its original name. And Subway has a new movie partnership.
Noodles is threatened with delisting again. McDonald’s is taking its Daily Double burger nationwide. And Sweetgreen is trying to shake off its pricy salad reputation.
A nationwide boycott of McDonald's is underway. Starbucks is simplifying its charges. And Applebee's updated its all-you-can-eat menu.
McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme are breaking up. A new study reveals how restaurants are using AI. And In-N-Out is taking a YouTuber to court for trademark violations.
July 1 will bring another step up in the minimum wage for many. Taco Bell and Crumbl have new celebrity partnerships. And Dubai Chocolate is coming to more restaurant chains.
It was a big quarter for Olive Garden. Restaurant customers aren’t too bothered by tariffs. Yet. And night owls now have more chances to score White Castle sliders.
Bubbakoo’s has a new owner. Could Hulk Hogan become the new owner of Hooters? And McDonald’s is shaking up its tech leadership.
Yum Brands has a new CEO. Portillo’s is expanding its breakfast test. And Starbucks is rolling out an AI chatbot.
ICE is pausing immigration raids on restaurants, for now. Fast-food prices are slowing, but consumers haven’t caught on. And a former Darden CEO has joined the board of Portillo’s.
A long-running discrimination suit against McDonald’s has been settled. Here’s how restaurants are getting Gen Z to drink more wine. And Keke’s Breakfast Cafe is in growth mode.
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop wants to create a new category. Hawkers street food has a new major investor. And restaurant loyalty is becoming increasingly more important, according to new data.
Krispy Kreme has sold the rest of its stake in Insomnia Cookies. Restaurant menu prices are starting to moderate. And DoorDash has made yet another acquisition.
Starbucks is slashing prices. In China. There’s a restaurant tech mega-merger in the works. And Texas Roadhouse is on the hunt for a new CFO.
Chipotle and Chick-fil-A both have menu updates. The creators of Equinox fitness centers are entering the eatertainment space. And White Castle wants to join the Avengers.
You likely wouldn’t be able to guess the restaurant chain with the industry’s highest AUVs. Figuring out China is key for Burger King right now. And BJ’s Restaurants has a new CEO.
Hooters has closed more restaurants. Starbucks is shuffling its organization again. And Cracker Barrel gave an update on its approach to tariffs.
There’s one state where Chili’s is cheaper than McDonald’s. BJ’s Restaurants is going back to basics. And there’s a new generation of frequent restaurant visitors.
The Snack Wrap is officially coming back. CloudKitchens is in more legal trouble. And Jamaican patties may be the next fast food sensation.
Dave’s Hot Chicken has a new owner, while El Pollo Loco could get one soon. Plus, is a chicken wrap battle brewing?
Red Lobster gave an update about what it’s been up to since filing for bankruptcy. Red Robin had a surprisingly good quarter. And Burger King is targeting a surprising demographic.
Yum Brands, with tens of thousands of restaurants, sees itself as a growth company. Shake Shack is getting into the loyalty game. And get ready for a fast-food value war this summer.
Fast-food chains will spend their summer pushing more value. Pizza Hut is launching the first-ever Book It Mobile app. Chick-fil-A has enhanced its Play app with an audio series.
Summer hiring in the restaurant industry still has not bounced back to pre-pandemic levels. Why is a big Hardee’s franchisee closing its restaurants at 2 p.m. And food-and-games chains are pulling out all the stops to entice families to stop in this summer.
McDonald’s is planning to close its CosMc’s units. Industry executives are expressing concern over the labor situation. Florida is cracking down on the black market for restaurant reservations.
Sam’s Club is now delivering pizzas. DoorDash is no longer in the AI voice business. And hotel workers in Los Angeles could soon be paid at least $30 an hour.
Hardee’s is in a dispute with one of its largest franchisees. Get ready for midnight Big Macs. And if you’ve ever wished for a dragon flame-grilled Whopper, now is your chance.
Krispy Kreme shareholders are not pleased about the delay in the chain’s McDonald’s partnership. The 2025 National Restaurant Show wraps up. And here’s how social media is changing the restaurant industry.
Consumers still want free WiFi, even if they’re getting takeout more often. Partnerships are key to retail success stories. And to succeed at franchising, you need a deeper “why.”
The MenuMasters gala awards ceremony recognized industry trailblazers. Uncertainty was a key theme for attendees during Day One of the National Restaurant Show. And THC-infused beverages are a hot topic at this year’s Show.
The owner of Twin Peaks has a new CEO. Consumers’ favorite restaurant brand might come as a surprise. Jack in the Box believes it can find a buyer for Del Taco.
Burger King built its new prototype in a new testing facility. Popeyes is running more restaurants to show franchisees how to do it. And 32 chains in the Top 500 experienced double-digit sales declines in 2024 versus 2023.
One food-and-games chain is testing value offers. A plant-based chain has filed for bankruptcy. And In-N-Out is phasing out some food colorings.
Restaurant chains are getting creative when it comes to generating traffic. McDonald’s has plans to hire a lot of people this summer. And Luckin Coffee is making its debut in the U.S.
Here’s yet another indication that 2025 is shaping up to be a brutal year for restaurants. Texas Roadhouse, though, says it is bouncing back from earlier struggles. But Burger King’s parent is feeling the consumer uncertainty.
Krispy Kreme is pausing its McDonald’s rollout. Burger King is changing out franchisees to improve operations. And Papa Johns’ focus on pizza is paying off.
Two casual-dining chains are rethinking their value messages. Burger King is facing some scrutiny over the size of its Whoppers. And Caribou Coffee is hoping a new celebrity chef partnership will drive traffic.
Portillo’s is deciding whether to expand breakfast. Denny’s has pulled the trigger on an aggressive value deal. And Nothing Bundt Cakes is going all-in in San Diego.
KFC and McDonald’s are duking it out in the latest iteration of the chicken wars. McDonald’s is hoping the third time’s a charm when it comes to chicken tenders. And Washington, D.C.’s mayor is calling for the return of the tip credit.
Chili’s success may benefit Applebee’s. Wendy’s is making changes to resist consumer pressure. And the long battle over New York City’s delivery fee cap is over.
Someone wants to buy Olo. McDonald’s sales took a hit. And get ready for Shake Shack combo meals. Welcome to Restaurant Daily, a look at the most important restaurant news of the day from the editors of Restaurant Business and Nation’s Restaurant News. I’m Jonathan Maze, editor in chief of RB.
Panera is getting out of the fresh-dough business. Wingstop is seeing a sales slowdown. But Chili’s continues its upward trajectory.
Subway closed more restaurants last year. Portillo’s is making nice with its activist investor. And Sweetgreen has a new COO.
There’s yet another new CEO in the chain restaurant universe. Dessert chain Crumbl is being sued over the music it uses in social media. And Domino’s Pizza is feeling the squeeze of declining consumer confidence.
Chipotle blamed its sales decline on consumers slowing their spending. Bertucci’s has filed for bankruptcy for a third time. And the legal battle between Uber and DoorDash is heating up.
There’s big CEO news at two restaurant brands. Chipotle did something it hasn’t done since the pandemic. And McDonald’s is adding a new menu item.
Consumers are expected to cut back on restaurant spending this summer. North Italia has reinvented its brunch and happy hour menus. And the fast-casual Currito chain is accelerating its growth.
Maggiano’s is leaning into luxury. With value-focused pricing. Salad and Go has a new CEO. And pizza chains are feeling the pinch from third-party delivery.
McDonald’s is giving thanks for Minecraft. Chipotle is heading to Mexico. And did the potential restaurant industry tech disruptors actually disrupt anything?
Cookie chain Crumbl had a solid 2024. There’s new energy at IHOP. And here’s the inside story of the rise, fall and possible rebirth of Hooters.
Taco Bell is bringing back its popular crispy chicken nuggets. About 75% of all restaurant traffic is off-premises. And Jollibee is seeing huge growth.
Big restaurant chains struggled last year. Another Burger King franchisee files for bankruptcy. And uncertainty is the word of the moment.
There’s a new Restaurant Leader of the Year. A big Burger King franchisee declared bankruptcy. And Scooter’s Coffee has a new rewards program.
Burger King has a new CMO. Starbucks is modifying its dress code. And consumer confidence fell off a cliff last month.
A new survey sheds light on the favorite restaurant brands of teens. Portillo’s is offering up more details on its upcoming breakfast test. Hint: There will be doughnuts. And this year’s Pacesetter Award goes to fast-growing Dave’s Hot Chicken.
Data firm Technomic offers a gloomy picture of restaurant sales projections for the year. Giant franchise group Sizzling Platter appears to have a buyer. And March inflation slowed more than expected.
Most, but not all, of President Trump’s “reciprocal” tariffs have been paused. Subway has a new chief marketing officer. And McDonald’s has made an upgrade to its lemonade.
Steak n Shake’s owner has his eyes on a chicken chain. Dave & Buster’s is airing some recent mistakes. And Smalls Sliders has a new CEO.
IHOP is shifting its focus to simplicity. First-party ordering is gaining momentum. And a caffeine safety law has been introduced to Congress.
It is a rough time for restaurant stocks. Hooters is planning some big changes. And restaurant hiring is on the upswing.
Papa Johns announced an expanded partnership with Google Cloud’s AI platform. Casual dining has a new king. And President Trump announced sweeping new tariffs this week.
Domino’s and Waffle House shaking up delivery. Chick-fil-A’s sales are slowing. And P.F. Chang’s has a new CEO.
Hooters has filed for bankruptcy. Jack in the Box has a new CEO. And Chuck E. Cheese’s parent company is having problems on the bond market.
Two longtime restaurant CEOs are leaving their posts. Dutch Bros sees an expanded runway for growth. And Jersey Mike’s has a deal with the NFL.
Ray Blanchette has plans for TGI Fridays. Tesla has found a chef for its LA diner. And will Hooters be saved from bankruptcy?
Another casual-dining chain has filed for bankruptcy. Quiznos and Taco del Mar have a new CEO. And California Pizza Kitchen unveiled a fake rebrand this week.
Brio and Bravo have a new CEO. And so does Panera Brands. And the fast-casual concept Nature’s Table has a new owner.
McDonald’s McValue platform may be yielding mixed results. The brand has also joined a new sustainability project. And Panera Bread is closing two more of its fresh dough facilities.
Restaurants have more time to comply with food traceability rules. The Canadian Odd Burger concept has put U.S. expansion on hold. And Elon Musk’s planned restaurant in LA is already controversial.
Chick-fil-A has expanded its microgrid test to a third restaurant in California. It’s also updating a historic restaurant in Sherman Oaks. And The Cheesecake Factory’s famously large menu has gotten bigger.
Olive Garden had a rough winter. GoTo Foods says the future is in cobranding. And &pizza is doing something it has never done before.
McDonald’s Canada is giving meatless burgers another try. Pizza Hut is launching Yum Brands’ first-ever AI chatbot. And Maggiano’s is taking a page from sister brand Chili’s playbook.
Taco Bell has a high profile new high-tech partner. Is beef the next inflation victim? And AI is the new employee recruitment and retention tool.
Limited-time offers set a record in 2024. CAVA has entered another new state. And the March Madness promos are taking over.
The restaurant industry has changed significantly in the five years since the pandemic began. Consumers are not feeling very optimistic right now. And traffic to fast-food restaurants fell again last month.
Dine Brands is planning a lot more co-branded restaurants. Restaurant stocks have been hit hard so far this year. And Sweetgreen is touting the benefits of return-to-work policies.
Yet more changes are coming to Starbucks. And big changes have hit the menu at Noodles and Company. Plus, a high-tech food hall slash delivery company is getting into the entertainment business.
McDonald’s is going after specialist concepts. Greg Flynn has more Pizza Huts. And Steak ’n Shake is in some hot water.
A Big Boy battle is brewing. Tech supplier Lunchbox hired a restaurant veteran as its CEO. And a barbecue chain has filed for bankruptcy protection.
Taco Bell’s menu may be the key to its success. Restaurants are suddenly cutting jobs. And Pinstripes’ time on the public market is coming to an end.
Yet another casual-dining chain has filed for bankruptcy protection. Expect to see a lot more Wendy’s restaurants. And the parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s has a new CEO.
Applebee’s is getting back into operating restaurants. A customer is accusing Shake Shack of deceptive advertising. And, has Pizza Hut perfected the art of diss marketing?
Another Starbucks exec is making an exit. Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken is joining Craveworthy Brands. And fries have arrived at Sweetgreen.
Starbucks’ spring lineup is colored in pastels. The owner of Pollo Tropical has acquired another chain. And an activist investor at Portillo’s is gearing up for a proxy fight.
A couple of restaurant chains are closing units. Grubhub is laying off hundreds of workers. And Subway franchisees are not fans of the chain’s latest deal.
Papa Johns is getting more customers to use its loyalty program. Red Robin could close up to 70 stores. And Sweetgreen is rolling out its long-awaited fries.
A fast-growing fast-casual chain may have a buyer. A couple of big chains are making significant menu cuts. And Cava had a very good 2024.
Wall Street isn’t pleased with Krispy Kreme. Golden Corral has a fast-casual spinoff. And Portillo’s is launching an app-less loyalty program.
Starbucks is laying off a significant number of corporate workers. Denny’s is adding an egg surcharge. And this fast-casual salad chain just got a big cash infusion
Another casual-dining chain is reportedly considering bankruptcy. It’s been a slow start to 2025 for Texas Roadhouse. And Church’s Texas Chicken has a new CEO.
Outback Steakhouse laid off dozens of corporate workers. Shake Shack is plotting an innovation kitchen. And a fast-casual growth brand is performing very well for The Cheesecake Factory.
Torchy’s Tacos has a new CEO. Chipotle is looking to boost its labor pool. And Sweetgreen seems to be doing away with its subscription program.
A fast-food chain long connected to Kentucky is moving out of the state. Burger King’s parent company is buying the brand’s China business. And a well-known restaurant chain collector is hunting for more.
A takeover for Papa Johns? More layoffs at Panera Bread. And consumers appear to be skipping breakfast.
KFC has a new U.S. president. Wendy’s reported weak sales. But Dutch Bros, meanwhile, said loyal customers gave it a big sales boost.
Another restaurant brand is reportedly for sale. In-N-Out is making some big changes. And Burger King’s remodeling program continues.
The fast-food industry is starting 2025 off on the wrong foot. Tariffs are back on steel and aluminum. And Patrick Doyle shares his thoughts on franchising.
McDonald’s is still struggling a bit after last fall’s E. coli outbreak. Chick-fil-A is testing a new environmentally friendly drink solution. And does greater restaurant tech lead to profitability?
Restaurants cut jobs in January. KFC’s struggles continue, but the company is bullish on Saucy. And a dispute is brewing at one of Twin Peaks’ most successful franchisees.
The National Restaurant Association expects 2025 to be a big year for the industry. Yum Brands has formed a new tech platform. And one of the country’s most notable independent restaurants is in the midst of a major shakeup.
Starbucks is revving up its marketing with free coffee for everybody the day after the Super Bowl. Franchising growth is outpacing the broader economy. And Chipotle says it’s prepared, even if the price of Mexican avocados shoots up.
McDonald’s is bringing back a character who disappeared in the ’80s. Waffle House has added an egg surcharge. And another chain has gone seed-oil free. Welcome to Restaurant Daily, a quick look at the industry’s top stories from the editors of Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Business. I’m NRN Managing Editor Leigh Anne Zinsmeister.
How will proposed tariffs impact the restaurant industry? Here’s how one Pizza Hut franchisee lost his 142-store empire. And Applebee’s is laying off some of its corporate staff.
77 Pizza Hut restaurants have been bought out of bankruptcy. Menu price inflation may be normalizing. And Starbucks and its union are going to mediation.
TGI Fridays continues to dwindle. Twin Peaks is now a publicly traded restaurant company. And Chuck E. Cheese is undergoing a rebirth.
An unlikely turnaround at Chili’s is now complete. Who is Alyssa Buetikofer (BUTTE-i-cougher), McDonald’s U.S.’s new CMO? And the Trump administration has frozen - and unfrozen - federal grants and loans that don’t align with the new president’s priorities.
Starbucks’ executive ranks are getting pretty Taco Bell heavy. McDonald’s is also making some leadership moves. And Pizza Hut is launching a new app.
Starbucks is paying the two men who served as CEO last year a lot of money. Red Robin is starting to hit its stride. And a doughnut-chain CEO has resigned amid layoffs at headquarters.
Taco Bell has a new leader for its North America division. Dutch Bros is outperforming Starbucks. And Qdoba is gunning to reach a big milestone.
A combination of factors will likely lead to higher costs for restaurants this year. Denny’s hit the reset button and is preparing for growth. And a traditionally Japanese menu style is finding its way into all sorts of concepts.
A clearer picture of how consumers are feeling in the new year is starting to emerge. One of the country’s largest multi-concept restaurant groups has a new CEO. And McDonald’s is going all-in on Pokemon.
Layoffs may be coming to Starbucks. Hy-Vee is closing 79 Wahlburgers units. And Charles Phan, the chef and restaurateur behind San Francisco’s Slanted Door, has died.
Panera is going through a major transformative period. P.F. Chang’s has big plans for its fast-casual spinoff. And Dutch Bros is targeting a surprising daypart.
ICR Conference attendees report they’re cautiously optimistic about their businesses after a rocky year. Restaurant sales ended the year down, according to new Census data. And Steak ‘n Shake is making a meaty change to its fries.
Papa Johns’ CEO is hoping to course correct the company. The price gap between groceries and restaurants continues to narrow. And Portillo’s outlined a robust plan to bolster traffic, margins, and returns.
If you want to use the Starbucks bathroom, you’re going to have to buy some coffee. McDonald’s has a significant economic impact in the U.S. And Dave & Buster’s has some significant problems to solve.
Shake Shack wants to quadruple its domestic unit count. Papa Johns is adding new restaurants itself, despite slowing sales. And fast-food restaurants had a good fourth quarter… if you don’t count December.
McDonald’s is making some big changes to its beverage-focused concept. Hiring at restaurants and bars is surging. And Portillo’s has added a surprising name to its board.
Fires continue to rage across Los Angeles as operators and workers continue to lose homes and jobs. Outback Steakhouse has a new leader. And more changes are coming to Panera.
Fires are raging in Los Angeles, with some iconic restaurants among the devastation. KFC is working on a transformation plan. And Uber Eats has a new, high-flying partnership.
Panera’s CEO has stepped down. The McValue menu is officially here. And Taco Bell refuses to be outdone.
McDonald’s is changing its diversity and inclusion strategy. New York City restaurants are fretting over congestion pricing. And a 20-unit casual-dining concept has been acquired.
Welcome to a very special edition of Restaurant Daily, as we round up some of our favorite gaffes of 2024. The podcast is taking a holiday break but will return with a new (blooper-free) episode on Jan. 7. Happy holidays and thank you for listening.
Chefs are getting creative when it comes to work-life balance. Olive Garden got a boost from all-you-can-eat pasta. Plus, it’s been a big year for Jersey Mike’s.
Traffic finally turned positive for QSRs this fall. The union drive has come home to Starbucks. And why are so many legacy brands spinning off new concepts?
KFC is launching a new restaurant concept. Grubhub owes millions of dollars to settle a lawsuit brought by the FTC. And Boston Market is expanding again. Just not in the U.S.
Starbucks is increasing parental leave for baristas. Insurers could be liable for lost pandemic sales after all. And Buffalo Wild Wings is celebrating the Heisman Trophy winner.
McDonald’s is debuting a new store format. Raising Cane’s is flexing its marketing mojo. And workers at LAX are getting a big pay bump.
Papa Johns is laying out its growth mindset. Might one well-known restaurateur become the next ambassador to Italy? Plus, Domino’s is making a big move.
Dave & Buster’s is looking for a new CEO. Krispy Kreme was hit with a cyberattack. And restaurant menu inflation is normalizing.
Starbucks China is looking to grow. SPB sold a group of brewery concept. And a meal-deal battle is brewing at casual-dining chains.
Another small restaurant chain has declared bankruptcy. Taco Bell’s flashy menu preview is returning. And full-service restaurant pay has increased. A lot.
Restaurant hiring accelerated in November. TGI Fridays’ former CEO wants to buy some of the chain’s bankrupt restaurants. And Taco Bell is testing a new beverage concept.
Here’s a sneak peek at next year’s Top 500 list. Chipotle is raising prices for the first time in a year. And McDonald’s is bringing back a customer favorite.
More Canadians means more Tim Hortons. Cherry Bounce Hospitality picked up a hot chicken concept on the rebound. And a tiny chain is suing Smashburger over trademark issues.
The investigation into the recent McDonald’s E. coli outbreak is now closed. Pizza Hut’s new design looks like a fast-food concept. And one long-dead Mexican chain appears to be prepping for a return. Welcome to Restaurant Daily, a quick look at the industry’s top stories from the editors of Nation’s Restaurant News and Restaurant Business. I’m RB Managing Editor Heather Lalley.
BurgerFi has sold all its assets. Some cucumbers may be contaminated with salmonella. And Pinstripes’ losses have deepened.
Subway is looking for a new CEO. Starbucks workers are struggling to track their hours this week. And should restaurants expect a Thanksgiving boost?
The recent E. coli outbreak caused McDonald’s traffic to plunge. Tom’s Watch Bar has new leadership. And dipping is taking over menus.
McDonald’s adds a new value platform while Subway scraps its meal deal. A look at recent independent restaurant openings. And a northern California burger chain is heading south.
Ground beef is being recalled because of contamination fears. Jack in the Box sales are improving. And Starbucks is still considering its China options.
Frisch’s Big Boy found a new owner at the last minute. The tale of Baja Fresh is an object lesson for emerging chains. And California voters opted not to raise the state’s minimum wage.
Jersey Mike’s has a new majority owner. McDonald’s has a problem with its espresso machines. And Wendy’s continues to shake up its C-suite.
The top 100 independent restaurant list is out. The overtime rule is overturned. And the CEO of Salad & Go is stepping down.
McDonald’s is making a big investment in marketing after its e. Coli incident. The industry is making strides toward more affordable childcare. And you can add another fast-casual pizza chain to the roster of those that have filed for bankruptcy this year.
Franchisee Greg Flynn still believes in the power of casual dining. Here’s how much California’s boosted fast-food wage is impacting traffic. And things are looking up for Cracker Barrel.
Virtual food hall company Wonder plans to acquire Grubhub. The NLRB ruled on so-called captive-audience sessions. And CAVA’s momentum continues.
Subway has a new high-tech prototype. Restaurant M&A has a brighter future next year. And Starbucks is adding delivery options to its app.
Chipotle officially has a new permanent CEO. KFC is suing another chicken chain. And Red Lobster is overhauling its menu.
Sweetgreen is testing a surprising side dish. Bloomin’ Brands is refranchising its Brazilian Outback Steakhouse units. And a company that makes avocado-peeling robots has a new owner.
Papa Johns sales took a hit last quarter. Dutch Bros is apparently not hurting for traffic. And Red Robin is turning to discounts after two years of resisting them.
What will the results of Tuesday’s election mean for the restaurant industry? RBI sees opportunity in Tim Hortons. And Applebee’s and IHOP had a rough quarter.
Fast-food chain same-store sales have been weak this year, with one exception. Burger King has terminated its master franchisee in China. And the finger-pointing has begun following TGI Fridays’ bankruptcy filing.
A casual-dining mainstay has filed for bankruptcy. Twin Peaks is getting closer to becoming a publicly traded company. And Red Lobster continues rebuilding its c-suite.
Restaurant job growth has slowed. Starbucks will bring back more rigorous product testing. And BJ’s is stepping back from discounts and promotions.
Wendy’s says closing 140 locations will help it grow. Starbucks wants to return to its coffee-shop roots. And another Applebee’s franchisee has filed for bankruptcy.
Chipotle reported its first earnings recap since Brian Niccol left. That company has its sights set on a bigger global footprint. And The Cheesecake Factory isn’t planning to sell its smaller restaurant brands.
McDonald’s sales were on the upswing in October, until the E. coli outbreak. Starbucks is ditching its olive oil-infused beverages. And Smoothie King launched a menu geared toward those taking Ozempic and other weight-loss drugs.
Beef was not the cause of McDonald’s E. Coli outbreak. Franchisees should have an easier time getting their infamous ice cream machines fixed. And TGI Fridays closed about 50 more restaurants.
The E. coli outbreak connected to McDonald’s Quarter Pounders continues to expand. Texas Roadhouse is defying industry trends. And 7-Eleven has big plans to compete with restaurants.
An onion supplier has issued a recall. Wingstop and the NBA are partnering up. And nostalgia continues at Taco Bell.
An E. coli outbreak has been linked to McDonald’s, and it isn’t the only situation McDonald’s has had to navigate so far this week. It’s less than two weeks until Election Day: Do you know what you’re voting for? And the quick-service segment has been battling a loss of traffic for over a year now, but high prices may not be the only culprit.
Family-dining mainstays Denny’s and Shari’s are closing dozens of units. Cheesecake Factory joins the list of chains with an activist investor. And Mo’ Bettahs has a new owner.
Potbelly is the latest restaurant chain to feel some heat from activist investors. Chick-fil-A is deepening its footprint in the family entertainment space. And McDonald’s has been thrust into the political limelight.
A pension fund is suing Burger King’s parent over its deal with Carrols Restaurant Group. Starbucks' new CEO is poaching his former colleagues. And independent restaurants are struggling to make rent.
Chick-fil-A plans to plant its flag in Asia next year. A Domino’s executive got a big promotion. And restaurant sales accelerated in September.
Burger King’s parent company is being sued. Help for hurricane-hit restaurants might be delayed. And Subway has a new bread.
Togo’s Sandwiches has promoted CFO Matt Dowling to the CEO role, only he also gets to keep the CFO job. Chipotle is investing in a potential Cava competitor. And Velvet Taco has some big growth plans overseas.
Starbucks is 86-ing discounts. KFC is challenging its rivals, with the introduction of chicken tenders. And restaurants in the southeast are grappling with the after effects of two hurricanes.
TGI Fridays continues to struggle. Hurricane Helene was particularly devastating to restaurants. And Chili’s dress code should be fairly easy to follow.
Cautious consumers remain a problem for Domino’s Pizza. The Chicken Big Mac is here. And here are teens’ favorite restaurant brands.
How to get money from investors. The future of convenience store food. And Noodles & Company is upgrading its menu.
Restaurants with clear value are winning. The CREATE conference kicks off in Nashville. And Perkins has a new fast-casual model.
TGI Fridays’ UK franchisee closed 36 restaurants and sold the rest. McDonald’s is accusing beef suppliers of collusion. And another Chapter 11 bankruptcy has hit the restaurant industry.
Restaurants and bars were apparently very busy hiring new employees last month. Consumers don’t think Starbucks is as affordable as its competitors. And Moe’s Southwest Grill is shaking up its menu.
The Chicken Big Mac is coming to the U.S. Ex-Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz is in trouble with the NLRB. And some Subway locations had to close due to lack of product.
Panera is carrying out its second round of corporate layoffs in less than a year. Consumers say casual-dining chains offer a better value than fast food. And Chipotle is planting its flag in a new country.
Time to brace for another disruption to the supply chain. Subway is expanding internationally again. And Chuy’s is working to quiet shareholder complaints about its planned acquisition.
The devastation from Hurricane Helene extends to hundreds of restaurants across six southeastern states. Grocery stores are ramping up their competition with restaurants. And Arby’s has named a restaurant chain veteran its new president.
Chick-fil-A has an uphill battle ahead internationally. Where do U.S. presidential candidates stand on key issues for operators? And Taco Bell wants to help consumers with their budgets.
Starbucks appears to be phasing out its once-beloved baked goods brand. IHOP’s president is retiring. And Raising Cane’s is revealing some ambitious growth goals.
Starbucks’ new CEO addresses the workers’ union. A Pizza Hut franchisee is selling all of its stores. And Jose Andres is opening a luxury hotel.
A court dismissed Boston Market’s appeal of the U.S. Foods lawsuit against the struggling chain. An activist investor is backing off some of his demands against Cracker Barrel.
MOD Pizza is making plans for a comeback. Denny’s is bringing a former exec. back to the job. And Informa’s FSTEC conference just wrapped up with a ton of interesting tech insights.
One restaurant tech supplier is undertaking a second round of layoffs. Gas prices are coming down. What does that mean for restaurants? And Taco John’s is jumping into catering
Olive Garden is getting into the delivery game. Cracker Barrel says its transformation is underway. And Taco Bell is bringing back a big menu favorite.
TGI Fridays’ problems in the U.K. appear to be getting worse. Consumers are bullish on third-party delivery. And the Federal Reserve is cutting interest rates.
Red Lobster has exited bankruptcy. Starbucks is shaking up its leadership structure. And BurgerFi has secured emergency funding.
There are several more restaurant bankruptcies. Kamala Harris pledges to do away with the tip credit. And Chipotle is cozying up to robotic kitchen helpers.
Whataburger’s outgoing and incoming CEOs shared their thoughts. The new owner of MOD Pizza revealed part of its plan. And traffic growth returned to Olive Garden this summer.
A vegan fast-food chain owned, in part, by actor-comedian Kevin Hart has shut down. McDonald’s is extending its popular value meal. And a small franchisee of Dickey’s is blaming the chain for its recent bankruptcy filing.
Another restaurant company has filed for bankruptcy. Dave & Buster’s is doing great, as long as you don’t look at its sales. And menu inflation is continuing its stubborn streak.
Starbucks’ new CEO wants the coffee chain to return to its standing as a community hub. Some Subway franchisees have a beef with the company’s new beverage contract. And Raising Cane’s is having an excellent year.
TGI Fridays’ sale is off. Wendy’s has a new chairman for the first time in 17 years. And changes are happening in the fast-casual space.
TGI Fridays is facing a major financial crisis. Red Lobster’s bankruptcy process is nearing its conclusion. And Sweetgreen is backing away from its fully automated future.
Red Lobster has been approved to emerge from bankruptcy. Topgolf is being spun off. And Pinstripes is struggling as well.
Whataburger has a new CEO. Restaurants are seeing continued M&A activity. And McDonald’s latest marketing efforts appear to be paying off.
More changes are coming to BJ’s. Many of the restaurant industry bankruptcy cases will be bearing fruit this fall. And breaking news, people think restaurants are expensive.
Starbucks is being sued. Shari’s Restaurants has some issues. And it’s good to be a top Chipotle executive.
Another casual-dining chain is facing a CEO change. China continues to be a problem for Tim Hortons. And KFC U.S. is undergoing another executive shakeup.
Shack Shack is closing some restaurants. Hooters is in hot water over a sponsorship deal. And two fast-food chains have a new CEO.
Recent CEO changes indicate industry volatility. Some Outback and Carrabba’s units have been sold. And Chipotle is testing a new swicy protein option.
Red Lobster, which is closing nearly two dozen more locations, has a new CEO. Starbucks’ new CEO will have a high-flying commute. And Bloomin’ Brands has hired its new CEO away from Delta Air Lines.
Guillermo Perales is taking advantage of the buyer’s market. It’s good to be a chicken chain. And Hooters and Black Angus are on bankruptcy watch.
Taco Bell franchisees will be able to opt out of offering breakfast. Burger King is offering discounts to Walmart shoppers. And Cava had a pretty great second quarter.
Chick-fil-A will open its new fancy drive-thru today. The industry has a smaller workforce than originally thought. And eight KFC restaurants have abruptly closed.
One well-known fast-casual chain is suing another well-known fast-casual chain. McDonald’s is working on a growth spree. And Subway continues to close restaurants.
Guillermo Perales has another restaurant chain. Circle K’s owner wants to own 7-Eleven, too. And is another restaurant bankruptcy imminent?
Is Brian Niccol up to the challenge that is Starbucks? Subway is cooking up a new value offering. And here’s how California’s minimum wage boost at QSRs appears to be impacting restaurants there.
Starbucks offered incoming CEO Brian Niccol a hefty pay package. Chick-fil-A has a new president. And The FTC wants to end bogus online restaurant evaluations.
Chili’s is finding success by thinking a bit like a fast-food chain. The world’s largest franchise group is getting a bit bigger. And Taco Bell is turning back the clock.
Starbucks is getting a new CEO - can he save the coffee chain? Chipotle is looking for a new leader now as well. And, we take a look at the country’s biggest multiconcept operators.
Topgolf may be spun off from its relatively new owner. The two presidential candidates appear to be aligned on the topic of taxing tips. And Seattle is mourning the loss of yet another respected chef.
It has been a challenging earning season for many restaurant chains. Dutch Bros, though, reports strong sales in California. And Sweetgreen is seeing success with a move away from its signature salads.
Papa Johns sales took a hit in the second quarter. Noodles could close up to 20 restaurants. And Dutch Bros did good, but not good enough for Wall Street.
McDonald’s is embracing nostalgia. Portillo’s is leaning into a technology trend. And KFC is getting saucy once again.
Cantina Chicken performed well for Taco Bell last quarter. Buca di Beppo blames the pandemic for its bankruptcy. And First Watch reported sluggish traffic.
Two more restaurant companies have filed for bankruptcy. Cities continue to look for outdoor-dining solutions. And happy hour will remain illegal in Massachusetts, at least for now.
Friday’s jobs report sent stocks plunging. Is there an easy fix for Starbucks? And a trade group is taking up the flight on junk fees.
Papa Johns has a new CEO, and he may seem familiar. Rubio’s has been sold to its lender. And Shake Shack is on a roll.
Wingstop had a huge quarter. Starbucks did not. And the owner of Logan’s Roadhouse has purchased two more concepts.
Higher prices appear to be driving away fast-food consumers in California. Taco Bell sees the future in its international markets. And a casual-dining Italian chain is closing a significant portion of its locations.
McDonald’s took its first sales hit in several years. The parent company to Newk’s is shopping for a new brand. And IHOP is launching all-you-can-eat pancakes at a new time of year.
It was another big quarter for Texas Roadhouse. A significant change might be coming to foodservice at New York City’s hotels. And Chipotle said it’s getting harder to predict consumer demand.
Chipotle released astounding sales and traffic numbers following consumer complaints about portion sizes. Wingstop is launching its first Paris restaurant as a popup. And California has new rules to protect workers from the heat.
Major changes to federal food safety oversight could be on the way. Bojangles is finding success with drive-thru AI. And Starbucks is expanding its solar energy efforts.
Red Lobster will soon have a new owner. MOD Pizza has seen some executive departures amid its recent sale. And McDonald’s is extending the run of its popular value meal.
Krispy Kreme has sold Insomnia Cookies to private equity firms. Panera is also apparently trying to offload secondary concepts. And the NLRB is backing down on the joint-employer fight.
Domino’s loyalty program is proving to be a major traffic booster. A massive tech outage is hindering some restaurant operations. And one regional coffee chain’s union activity is being put on hold.
Darden is pursuing another big casual-dining acquisition. Domino’s earnings were good, but Wall Street’s reaction was bad. And another small restaurant company has filed for bankruptcy.
Steak is apparently a cash cow for restaurants. Pricing continues to have an impact on traffic. And Smoothie King had a busy second quarter.
We have an update on restaurant traffic trends, including some good news. A long-defunct chain returns with a new Minnesota location. And the community is mourning the loss of a beloved chef.
Might the FTC be preparing to increase its franchising regulations? Here’s what we know about MOD Pizza’s new owner. And gamification is making new inroads in restaurant tech.
The FTC is putting an end to franchise junk fees. New York City says its wage hike for delivery drivers has been a success. And here’s how one growing coffee chain is innovating with matcha.
MOD Pizza has been sold. The wave of restaurant discounts appears to be working. And Chili’s gets sued by the Beastie Boys.
It’s a strange moment for restaurant mergers and acquisitions. Chipotle’s CFO is retiring. And Burger King is heating up its menu.
Customers found a loophole in McDonald’s $5 meal deal. Fast-food restaurants in a California city are switching to reusable cups. And two big AI suppliers are joining forces.
A fast-growing pizza chain is expected to file for bankruptcy protection. Panera’s overhauled menu appears to be a hit. And Dave’s Hot Chicken is expanding to a new country.
MOD Pizza is reportedly considering a bankruptcy filing. Fast-food restaurants in LA are facing more labor regulations. And menu innovation is defying the dog days of summer.
How is California’s new fast-food minimum wage impacting restaurant traffic? Boston Market’s creditors are finding there’s not much in the bank. And the president is cracking down on heat safety for workers.
Restaurant Brands International is buying back its China business. Craveworthy Brands opened a food hall. And Chipotle taps Olympic athletes for its latest promotion.
The summer of the value meal is upon us. Kura Sushi says business slowed in California. And which chains saw the most organic growth last year?
California restaurants get a reprieve from a service fee ban. Americans still love sub sandwiches. And what’s behind the recent wave of restaurant bankruptcies?
An Arby’s operator declared bankruptcy. Panera Bread confirms it was hit with a cyberattack. And consumers are finding less value at Chick-fil-A.
Starbucks is serving its customers an added jolt. Perkins is undergoing an extreme makeover. And Grubhub is taking a big plunge into grocery delivery.
Hooters closes some struggling restaurants. A Subway franchisee files for bankruptcy. And see the brands that are doing the best at satisfying their customers.
Uncle Julio’s apparently has a potential buyer in the wings. American Express bought reservations platform Tock. And, if you’ve noticed a lot of steak on fast-casual menus, you may be onto something.
McDonald’s much anticipated $5 summer value meal has arrived. Lower-income consumers remain a problem for Olive Garden. And WOWorks is on the hunt for more brands.
A number of small restaurant chains have filed for bankruptcy recently. Pizza Hut is trying to terminate one of its largest franchisees. And another bankrupt chain gets hit with an employee lawsuit.
Accomplished chef James Kent has died. Fast-casual pizza chain Blaze overhauled its brand. And Asian concepts were among the winners in casual dining last year.
McDonald’s is ending its AI drive-thru test. Former Red Lobster employees are suing the chain. And a TGI Fridays operator files for bankruptcy.
The Supreme Court delivers a win for Starbucks. The economy comes for Dave & Buster’s. And yet another chain launches a meal bundle.
Alamo Drafthouse has been sold. There’s good and bad news on the menu price inflation front. And Starbucks is joining the value wars.
The impact of the $20 fast-food wage in California is still revealing itself. Noodles and Company appears to be popular with activist investors. And a respected restaurant founder, investor and advisor has died.
Restaurant industry sales may be worse than originally expected this year. Applebee’s debuts a new chicken sandwich. And Tijuana Flats gets a new CEO.
Service fees may be sticking around in California. An Alamo Drafthouse franchise shuttered its six locations. And what are the up-and-coming restaurant concepts in this year’s Top 500 report?
Starbucks is making a big change to its app. An Alamo Drafthouse operator goes under. And viral food trends are turning into actual menu items.
Another restaurant chain has declared bankruptcy. US operators appear to be struggling in China. And Burger King is expanding its flame-grilled offerings.
Technomic’s Top 500 Chain Restaurant Report is out. Social media is a blessing and a curse for restaurant chains. And Condado Tacos has a new CEO.
Rubio’s Coastal Grill is closing nearly 50 locations. Red Lobster could close more than 100 more of its restaurants. And Portillo’s will now be open earlier.
The fast-food industry is changing. RB’s Top 500 ranking of the biggest chains is out. And BurgerFi is weighing its options.
McDonald’s less-frequent guests are at the heart of its value perception problem. Cracker Barrel is pumping the brakes on Maple Street Biscuit Co. And Red Robin’s turnaround campaign is beginning to bear fruit.
McDonald’s is going on the defensive over menu prices. There’s good news for folks who work up an appetite while online shopping. And Subway is setting a financial record.
Fast food is now a luxury for most Americans. A new protein is coming to Cava. And KFC’s new menu item was cooked up with Gen Z in mind.
There’s apparently an epidemic of restaurant industry misinformation. There’s a new Minnesota law regulating restaurant pricing standards. And a documentary filmmaker who was influential in fast food has died.
Red Lobster says it has a plan to improve its operations. Sysco says consumers, particularly fast-food ones, are struggling. And Fuzzy’s Taco Shop says it’s opening a bunch of new restaurants.
What role did private equity play in Red Lobster’s bankruptcy? A bunch of KFC locations get a new owner. And a look at some of the biggest tech trends to emerge from the National Restaurant Association Show.
Where did Red Lobster get the shrimp for its endless shrimp promotion? Beverages are hot right now. And IHOP is getting an assist from AI.
Red Lobster, as expected, has declared bankruptcy. Dynamic pricing has been a hot topic at the restaurant show. And Greg Flynn is expanding his restaurant empire.
Cannabis beverages, protecting margins and AI have been some of the top themes at the National Restaurant Show. Cracker Barrel is doing a $700 million makeover. And Buffalo Wild Wings is tempting fate with its latest promotion.
Restaurants may be losing business to Walmart. McDonald’s new dessert was inspired by grandmas. And has Chipotle changed its portion sizes?
Red Lobster is said to be filing for bankruptcy protection very soon. Expect to be able to order a $5 McDonald’s value meal next month. And restaurant inflation continues to outpace grocery stores.
Red Lobster closes dozens of locations. Twin Peaks is preparing to go public. And Pizza Hut puts its spin on a cheeseburger.
A prominent McDonald’s franchisee is suing the chain. A revered New England chef has died. And technology will be a key focus of this year’s National Restaurant Association Show, which kicks off this weekend.
Fat Brands’ Chairman Andy Wiederhorn is in trouble with the SEC. McDonald’s is planning a new $5 value meal. And why Sweetgreen’s stock is skyrocketing.
McDonald’s is readying a big investment in digital marketing. Red Lobster, meanwhile, is getting closer to being sold. And sales have been slow at Papa Johns, despite a marketing boost.
Dutch Bros gets a sales boost from boba. A cookie concept raises some money. And can $1 margaritas save Applebee’s?
Bloomin’ Brands’ CEO is retiring. Did social media pressure hurt Starbucks’ sales? And Panera Bread is axing a controversial menu item.
Howard Schultz weighs in on Starbucks’ tough quarter. Burgerville gets some growth-minded new investors. And Pizza Hut has a new president in the U.S. Welcome to RB Daily, a quick look at the industry’s top stories from the editors of Restaurant Business. I’m Joe Guszkowski, senior editor at RB.
The president has vetoed a bill that would end the NLRB’s expanded joint employer effort. Clean Juice is struggling as it prepares to be sold. And Texas Roadhouse is bucking casual-dining trends with a very successful first quarter.
Wendy’s profits are improving. Bad weather hurt Shake Shack last quarter. And the owner of Panda Express was hit with a cyberattack.
Traffic is way down at Starbucks and KFC. But business is booming at Wingstop. Plus, Denny’s sees opportunity in an unexpected menu addition.
McDonald’s has lost ground on value, but it plans to change that. Roark Capital officially owns Subway. And Burger King is doing more remodels
Chili’s is lobbing another grenade at fast-food chains. Subway continues to shrink. And Domino’s had a big first quarter.
Clean Juice is sold. Full-service shows some signs of life. And Restaurant Business wins some awards.
Chipotle stays red hot. Another chain declares bankruptcy. And Domino’s will pay you to tip your delivery driver.
Tropical Smoothie Cafe is reportedly getting a new owner. Cava is ready for its Midwest expansion. And a once buzzed-about restaurant concept that went bankrupt is ready for its second act.
Restaurants are losing traffic to retailers. A growing retail-restaurant hybrid suddenly closes its doors. And if you’re like me and think Crumbl’s cookies are too damn big, you’re in luck.
There appears to be some movement in the case of Starbucks and its employees’ union. Tijuana Flats is filing for bankruptcy and closing many restaurants. And mega-franchisee Greg Flynn is deepening his relationship with Applebee’s
Chipotle and Panera are no longer neck and neck. Inside TGI Fridays’ potential merger with its UK franchisee. And what will a move to national marketing do for Papa Johns?
Red Lobster is falling behind on its bills. The Oberweis ice cream chain files for bankruptcy. And Starbucks makes a change to its cups.
California operators are still optimistic about the future. That at least is based on a panel at the Restaurant Leadership Conference on Wednesday. Struggling seafood chain Red Lobster is considering filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection to restructure its debt. And Martha Stewart on her first restaurant, The Bedford by Martha Stewart.
Chain restaurants are growing – but that growth might not be coming from the most-desireable sources. Is Jersey Mike’s on the market? And TGI Friday’s largest franchisee has plans to buy the company.
Restaurant Leadership Conference is off and running with a pair of industry leaders winning some hardware. Full-service restaurants commiserated on challenges for the sector. And Momofuku backs down on its chili-crunch offensive
Fast-food traffic suffered in Q1. A look at what makes a great loyalty program. And drum roll please: Restaurant Business revealed the winners of two annual industry awards.
There’s a surprising development in joint employer regulations. Crumbl cookie’s sales appear to be crumbling a bit. And Buffalo Wild Wings is quietly growing its spinoff concept. Welcome to RB Daily, a quick look at the industry’s top stories from the editors of Restaurant Business. I’m Heather Lalley, RB’s managing editor
Menu price inflation is starting to slow down. Papa Johns has a deal for more locations. And I Heart Mac and Cheese is in hot water once again.
One fast-casual pizza chain has shuttered more than two dozen locations. There’s lots of activity in tech provider funding. A controversial Florida bill that could change restaurant operations there awaits the governor’s signature.
Restaurants both large and small are rolling out new menus with one thing in common: Value. Also, Panera Bread’s tech outage appears to have been a cyberattack, and Shake Shack pokes some fun at Chick-fil-A.
Reports indicate that Jersey Mike’s may be for sale. Business at Chick-fil-A is booming. And a new chicken battle is brewing.
Avian flu hits the nation’s biggest egg supplier. McDonald’s is buying out its franchisee in Israel. And the CEO is out at a big QSR chain.
McDonald’s CEO got a pay boost. How has Red Lobster unraveled in recent years? And Dave & Buster’s is ready to focus on the food part of its food and games offering.
Seven members of Jose Andres’ aid group are killed in Gaza. A big Wendy’s franchisee buys more Wendy’s. And BurgerFi is having some financial problems.
Wall Street is smiling at fast-casual concepts. A fast-growing drinks chain is looking for a new leader. And Dave & Buster’s is heading overseas.
What ever happened to Punch Bowl Social? A mac and cheese franchise is hit with a fine in California. And a look at Gen Z’s restaurant tech preferences.
Bob Evans is apparently for sale. McDonald’s price increases are not created equally. And what CEO Denise Nelsen plans to do at Smashburger.
Credit card swipe fees are going down, so why are restaurants so unhappy? Benihana is sold for $365 million. And a group of baseball players are accused of illegally trading Del Taco stock.
McDonald’s and Krispy Kreme are expanding their partnership. Danny Meyer is offering his hospitality expertise to non-restaurant businesses. And a look at some of the biggest marketing flops in restaurant history.
Panera Bread is dealing with a digital outage. Full-service restaurants in D.C. are slashing jobs. And the pizza business has fallen on hard times.
Restaurant sales are slowing. Red Lobster has a new CEO. And how Shake Shack lured Rob Lynch away from Papa Johns.
Lower-income diners aren’t going to Olive Garden as often as they used to. California’s fast-food wage-setting process seems to be getting more and more complicated. And Shake Shack just named the second CEO in its history.
Chipotle makes New York Stock Exchange history. Why Subway’s switch to Pepsi is such a big deal. And can AI make artisanal bread?
McDonald’s CEO is adding a new title to his job description. Subway is switching soda suppliers. And Wonder lands another nine-figure funding round.
It looks like Panera Bread is not, in fact, exempt from California’s fast-food wage hike. Get to know unified commerce, the latest tech buzzword. And Virtual Dining Concepts continues to collect concepts.
Corner Bakery is bouncing back from bankruptcy. Subway franchisees just hired a high-powered attorney. And former employees of the struggling Boston Market say they’re having problems filing their taxes.
The new concept from Chipotle’s founder is looking to reimagine fast-casual dining. Digital restaurant group C3 has made another acquisition. And &Pizza has a new-ish CEO.
Get ready for bigger burgers at McDonald’s (again). Five Iron Golf gets a high-profile endorsement. And Pizza Hut tries the bagel business.
Restaurant menu prices are easing. There’s a new partnership between two delivery-focused fast casuals. And what is the Keith Lee effect?
Boston Market appears to be down to just a couple dozen locations. Is the supermarket the next restaurant bastion? And here’s how to tell if restaurant employees are looking to unionize.
Starbucks passes Subway on the list of biggest restaurant chains. Noodles has a new CEO and a new menu strategy. And Potbelly is seeing good results from a revamped loyalty program.
Bojangles franchisees are taking their franchisor to court over marketing. Will Panera Bread ever go public? And Florida lawmakers are changing the way restaurants can communicate with delivery customers.
A Taco Bell operator is facing sexual harassment claims. Many restaurants want more from their loyalty programs. And First Watch co-founder Ken Pendery dies at 70.
The activists lobbying for seats on Starbucks board have withdrawn their nominations. First Watch opened a significant number of new stores during its fourth quarter. And DoorDash said New York City’s wage boost for couriers is hurting its sales.
The members of California’s Fast Food Council have been named. Whole Foods has a scaled-down new store design. And a look at a salad concept that grows all of its lettuce on site.
Sweetgreen is going all in on its digital kitchens. Starbucks received some key endorsements in its board fight with a union-backed group. And expect to see a lot more from Papa Johns.
Delivery apps are beating Papa Johns at its own game. Red Robin wants you to know about its free refills. And Subway pressures franchisees on remodels.
Wendy’s isn’t testing dynamic pricing after all. Panera Bread is revamping its menu. And Applebee’s and IHOP could soon co-brand in the U.S.
Wendy’s recent mention of a surge-pricing test is going viral. A buffet chain is in the midst of a data breach. And Cava had an impressive first year as a public company.
Emergency pizza has been a hit for Domino’s. Here’s the inside scoop on the latest Jack in the Box burger. And Walmart has a new delivery-focused food hall.
Bloomin’ Brands is doing some pruning of its older restaurants. Starbucks’ board is getting some attention from labor activists. And reports of the restaurant industry’s demise are, apparently, greatly exaggerated.
Jack in the Box is cooking up a bigger burger. No news is good news at The Cheesecake Factory. And an update on the federal case against the founder of Burgerim.
Wingstop is seeing double-digit same-store sales growth, but investors aren’t impressed. Some McDonald’s franchisees want to get in on the CosMc’s action. And yet another QSR is putting energy drinks on the menu.
Focus Brands is rebranding. Andy Wiederhorn is facing charges from the SEC. And a record number of Starbucks stores filed to form unions.
Another restaurant tech supplier is in the midst of a major restructuring. Bad weather had a bad effect on the earnings of at least one casual-dining chain. And Texas Roadhouse appears to be grabbing customers from some of its competitors.
Inspire Brands is reportedly considering an IPO. Wendy’s is planning big investments in digital and marketing. And 7 Brew coffee has a high-profile new investor.
McDonald’s franchisees are lobbying for the return of a popular snack item. A look inside the current state of restaurant labor. An
Restaurant prices keep rising. BJs Restaurants is facing pressure from an activist investor. And Burger King franchisees are having a big year.
Taco Bell just divulged its marketing plan for the year. Boston Market’s owner is filing for bankruptcy yet again. And there’s an emerging taco chain that’s worth watching.
The world’s largest restaurant franchisee might be for sale. California fast-food workers get a union ahead of a big wage hike. And a look at how restaurants in the state plan to handle that 25% raise.
TikTok is wielding an influence on restaurant menus. Yum Brands is making a major growth push. And Whataburger is popping up in some unexpected locations.
Chipotle bucks industry traffic trends with a monster quarter. Taco Bell is winning with lower-income guests. And some restaurants are embracing the darker side of Valentine’s Day.
Diners appear to be cutting back on fast-food spending. McDonald’s has reached a big sustainability goal. And KFC has a new rewards program.
Grocery stores are hurting McDonald’s sales. Burger King is letting customers create its next burger. And find out which brand dominated the conversation on Reddit last year.
Restaurants are going all in on AI. The original lifestyle influencer will be the keynote speaker at RLC this spring. And restaurants didn’t add any jobs last month, though consumer confidence continues to grow. Welcome to RB Daily, a quick look at the industry’s top stories from the editors of Restaurant Business. I’m Heather Lalley, RB managing editor.
Footlong cookies and other treats are helping sales at Subway. The shuttered Sweet Tomatoes concept is making a comeback. And news tidbits from Starbucks recent earnings.
Starbucks is having some traffic troubles. Chili’s customers are tightening their belts. And the Savory Fund is now the private-equity owner of better-for-you concept.
Boston Market will have to pay US Foods $12 million. Olo agreed to settle a shareholder lawsuit. And McDonald’s revamped burgers are going national.
Domino’s Pizza is apparently the latest chain to experience backlash over violence in the Middle East. A little-known sushi chain has plans to go public. And, are food costs actually, finally, going down?
Is this the end of the Bagger Dave’s chain? Two members of the family behind a cheesesteak concept are in hot water with the feds. And restaurants appear to be missing that boost that could come from EV charging stations
Digital coupons are causing headaches for some California Subway franchisees. Starbucks’ sales appeared to have slowed late last year. And Jersey Mike’s is getting a high-tech assist with answering its phones.
Potbelly’s franchise acceleration efforts are working. Dave & Buster’s is sporting a new prototype. And Chipotle is boosting its benefits again.
People eating less lunch at fast-food restaurants. Burger King is suddenly a big restaurant operator. And ezCater is spotlighting underrepresented groups.
Craveworthy Brands is buying a dessert concept. In-N-Out Burger is making an unusual move. And Subway’s new snack line has some interesting partners.
Boston Market is facing yet another censure. Subway’s new slicers aren’t quite cutting it, franchisees say. And newly public eatertainment chain Pinstripes said it hopes to grow significantly.
Peet’s is taking over coffee roasting for Caribou Coffee. A big Applebee’s franchisee is expanding. And Craveworthy Brands has a packed 2024 agenda.
Inside Wetzel’s Pretzels new franchise program. Jersey Mike’s is heading north. And Jimmy John’s is going global.
Red Lobster is for sale again. Burger King makes a big acquisition and Subway franchisees in California are joining forces to face a frightening labor landscape ahead.
7-Eleven is going to become the owner of a 600-unit taco chain. Restaurants appear to have scored a victory on the joint-employer standard. And Shipley Do-Nuts has sugar-fueled growth plans.
Struggling Boston Market is waiving traditional franchising rules, allowing just about anyone to operate under its brand. Veggie Grill has a new owner. And Chipotle’s founder is germinating a new concept.
Flippy the burger-flipping robot is ready for the big time, its CEO says. Might Qdoba go public? And here’s how Famous Toastery whipped up a college bowl title sponsorship in just a few weeks.
First Watch is buying up more franchised locations. One small coffee chain is opting out of its union. And BurgerFi’s turnaround is on the horizon, its CEO says.
MOD Pizza gets a new CEO. Dutch Bros adds three c-level executives. Papa John’s wants to spend more on marketing amid an expansion push. And a Las Vegas operator discovers how tough Uncle Sam can be when you try to cheat on your taxes.
Kura Sushi had a solid quarter. A Boston restaurateur is closing several restaurants and selling others. And the National Restaurant Association has a new chairman.
War in the Middle East is apparently impacting sales at McDonald’s. There’s a new drive-thru salad concept worth watching. And Boston Market keeps shrinking.
TGI Friday’s is shrinking. More new restaurants are opening. And Bloomin’ Brands gets an interesting new director.
Is pizza self-delivery going the way of the dinosaurs? Tropical Smoothie Cafe is apparently up for sale. And a Brazilian acai concept has big U.S. expansion plans.
A look at the best stories of the year in Restaurant Business. FSC Franchising Co. has acquired the Newk's fast casual brand. And on-the-job deaths of restaurant workers rose 22% last year.
Same-store sales softened in the third quarter. McDonald’s launches Squishmallows Happy Meals. And the Seattle restaurant JuneBaby is scheduled to close permanently.
Chuck E. Cheese is for sale. McDonald’s is surveying its franchisees about child labor law violations. And NRD Capital is getting into the pickleball entertainment business.
Darden Restaurants has not seen much trading down by customers. Restaurant visits for breakfast are up 4% this year. And Sweetgreen opened its second location of its Infinite Kitchen concept.
Wingstop has a new CIO. Restaurant sales keep going up. And US Foods accused Boston Market of delay tactics.
A look at why McDonald’s wants a piece of the specialty beverage market. Chipotle’s venture fund has made two more investments in planet-friendly technology. And TGI Fridays names new executives.
2023 was the year of delivery ordering “for the vibes.” The owner of Boston Market has filed personal bankruptcy. And restaurant chains are buying some international units from franchisees.
Randy Garutti is retiring as CEO of Shake Shack. Wendy’s is testing AI voice ordering, And Boston Market is accusing US Foods of overcharging the chain for its food.
McDonald’s new drive-thru beverage concept had a soft open this week. Chipotle is partnering with digital business loan marketplace Bridge. And Rock N Roll Sushi names new executives.
As the cost of labor rises, automation seems to make more sense. Restaurant brands are going big into development. And Pizza Hut gives free pizza to delivery drivers.
McDonald’s reveals plans for CosMc’s, a drive-thru beverage concept. Nearly two-thirds of consumers plan on dining out for the holidays. And Carrabba's Italian Grill launches Carrabba’s Sandwich Bistro.
Popeyes wants to make its restaurants more efficient. Restaurant franchises are focused a lot more on smaller franchisees. And DoorDash said it will raise its delivery fees.
Domino’s is helping plow streets. Wendy’s could get an activist investor. And Taco Bell is helping college students get through final exams.
Panera Brands is getting closer to its planned IPO. Maggiano’s Little Italy has a new president. And restaurant chains are promoting Christmas specials
Modern Market Eatery has opened its first drive-thru unit. Subway’s footlong cookie is becoming a permanent menu offering. And McDonald’s launches a new adult happy meal.
A look at what restaurants are most concentrated in California. Shake Shack is marketing a value message. And Chipotle launches a new line of merch.
Jack in the Box gets a warm welcome in new markets. Crumbl Cookies is pulling a Dunkin. And Kitchen United closes its Kroger locations.
Restaurants are gearing up for the holiday party season. IHOP launched a Willy Wonka themed menu. Jack in the Box is expecting some problems from California.
Retailers are buckling up for a tougher economy. But restaurants have a lot to be thankful for this year. Plus, a look at some notable new openings.
Brian Wheeler has launched Big Taco in Florida. McDonald’s is buying back a big chunk of its China business. And some lenders and financiers expect an M&A comeback in 2024.
Wage inflation remains the industry’s No. 1 challenge. Hybrid work could be the new normal. And what consumers are doing for Thanksgiving this year.
A look at the most craveable tacos. Taco Bell debuts Breakfast Tater Tots as an LTO. And consumers are concerned about fast food prices.
A Wendy’s franchisee declares bankruptcy. Consumers are getting tired of tipping. And the big theme at this week’s Restaurant Finance and Development Conference? Uncertainty.
Fast-food prices keep rising. Patrick Doyle thinks Burger King struggled because it had too much risk. And McDonald’s teams up with Crocs on its latest merchandise line.
Joe & the Juice has a new owner. Hotel breakfast is perking up. And Bartaco’s CEO will pull double duty at another Mexican chain.
Noodles CEO is out. A pair of new mobile apps are taking on Yelp. And a look at the biggest winners and losers from restaurants’ third quarter.
Peppermint is taking over beverage menus. Krispy Kreme and McDonald’s may expand their partnership. And stronger sales do wonders for franchisees margins.
Another Burger King operator goes bankrupt. Steak and Ale will be back by April. And Mellow Mushroom gets a new look.
Which restaurant chain sells the most tequila? Many restaurant chains report declining traffic. And a Wingstop franchise group has won a growth investment.
Restaurants’ labor pains appear to be easing. Starbucks workers are getting a raise. And a look at the tech making an impact at restaurants.
Sweetgreen wants to open at least seven more automated restaurants next year. Larry Roberts is stepping down as president and CEO of El Pollo Loco. And Wendy’s is convincing franchisees to build new units.
Today on RB Daily, it’s an earnings bonanza, with results from Starbucks, Papa Johns, Portillo’s and more. Also, Panera laid off some corporate staff. And marketing departments turn to the holidays.
Consumers apparently crave Wingstop’s chicken sandwiches in tough economic times. Chicken also performed well for Chili’s in its first fiscal quarter. And Savory Fund is getting into hot chicken.
TGI Fridays has its second new CEO in as many months. A small Florida chain files for bankruptcy. And why ratings agencies aren’t exactly thrilled with Raising Cane’s.
Potbelly has signed an agreement with Royal Restaurant Group to develop 36 units in Ohio and Florida. Digital and price hikes helped McDonald’s last quarter. And McDonald’s executives believe the brand can grow in California.
The economy is sending mixed signals. Texas Roadhouse wants to grow its to-go business. And a new federal bill calls for much harsher penalties for child labor violations.
Got student loans? You’re eligible for free Domino’s. Restaurants are rolling out more spooky promos. And how the blockchain could improve loyalty programs.
The Taco Tuesday wars are over. Mrs. Fields has a new owner. And David Chang’s Momofuku Ko is set to close.
Sweetgreen wants to do more dinner business. QSRs continue to dominate restaurant traffic. But eatertainment has also been a big winner.
PF Chang’s names Eduardo Luz CEO and president. Madison Square Garden taps new restaurant partners for the 2023-24 season. And Fat Brands is looking for strategic purchases.
Starbucks’ union accused the chain of stoking a boycott of its own stores. TGI Fridays is ready to take some risks. And a new restaurant from the founder of Whole Foods has closed.
Starboard Value has big plans for Outback Steakhouse. Chili’s is celebrating Nicki Minaj fans with its second Barbz Day. And Chipotle and other brands are making a push for late-night business.
The FTC wants to crack down on fake reviews. BurgerFi’s new CEO is making some changes. And the owner of Moonbowls raises some money.
Could Ozempic really hurt restaurant demand? The industry had a surprisingly strong September. And restaurants respond to the conflict between Israel and Palestine.
Chick-fil-A has published a cookbook. Pizza Hut said thousands of its locations have extended their hours until 2 a.m. And TGI Friday’s is adding sushi to the menu.
Domino’s Pepperoni Stuffed Cheesy Bread could mark a new era of menu innovation for the chain. The best-performing malls have this restaurant brand in common. And what to look for this coming earnings season.
Taco Bell adds a surprising new menu item. Chipotle and Sweetgreen play rock em sock em robots. And there’s a roughly 12% chance you - yes you - worked at McDonald’s at some point.
Consumers are becoming a lot more demanding. Dutch Bros is the most “shorted” restaurant stock right now. And you can now use Uber Eats to order from two restaurants at once.
Teens love chicken. Post Malone designs another Raising Cane’s. And the tale of El Pollo Loco shows how tough the M&A market has been
A c-store chain stakes its claim to pizza dominance. Domino’s launches an aggressive giveaway offer. And why Olive Garden could be America’s best melting pot.
Chicago kills the tip credit. Restaurants hit a key employment milestone. And Burger King has a new prototype designed to speed up operations.
Restaurant stocks have taken a hit. Chipotle is moving its test of Farmesa to the next stage. And a look at how restaurant chains are celebrating Halloween.
White Castle has some unusual new burgers. A high-tech loyalty startup raises money. And a look at the fast-growing coffee chain 7 Brew.
Restaurant chains test out automated makelines. Insomnia Cookies is on the market. And Domino’s and Microsoft are collaborating on AI strategies.
McDonald’s and Wendy’s win a lawsuit over their burger advertisements. A court orders 14 Bay Area Subway stores to close. And BurgerFi loses a high-profile board member.
A look at five big restaurant chain trends. Higher-end consumers may be cutting back on spending. And how coffee chains celebrated National Coffee Day
California’s landmark fast-food wage hike is on the books. Third-party couriers in New York City are also in line for a big raise. And Taco Bell tries vegan cheese.
Burger King buys a bunch of bankrupt Burger Kings. Subway is requiring all franchisees to start accepting digital coupons. And Sweetgreen tweaks its loyalty program.
Fat Brands has acquired Smokey Bones. Panera Bread is launching a new “Roman Empire” menu. And loyalty programs are becoming more cost effective for restaurants.
McDonald’s operators speak out against the chain’s service fee hike. Krispy Kreme is getting a new CEO. And KFC adds another bowl to its menu.
McDonald’s is increasing its franchise charges. Red Lobster named a new CEO. And Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza says goodbye to its AI phone ordering system.
Olive Garden customers are getting more selective. A group of restaurant veterans has a new taco concept. And these chains serve some of consumers’ favorite wings.
Portillo’s wants to grow to 800 locations. Consumers are showing more price sensitivity. And Uber Eats is adding an AI chatbot that can help diners decide what to order for dinner.
Restaurants show interest in dynamic pricing. California’s Marijuana dispensaries may soon be able to sell food and beverages. And Taco Bell is testing out Baja Blast flavored energy drinks.
California’s Fast Act may be dead, but its replacement will still have a big impact on restaurants. Kitchen United is preparing for a new chapter under a new CEO. And KFC and Popeyes are duking it out again, this time over wings.
Franchisees want to know what the return on investment is for new tech. A look at why sauce matters so much. And Papa Johns and other chains name new executives.
Can tech and hospitality coexist? Dunkin’ teams up with Ice Spice and Ben Affleck. And pickleball concepts are proliferating.
Sweetgreen passes a key margin benchmark. Howard Schultz is stepping down as Starbucks director. And what’s going on at Boston Market?
Noodles and Company is bringing Chicken Parmesan to the menu. Dominos changes up its loyalty program. And McDonalds is getting rid of its self-serve drink station.
We’ll discuss the chaotic world of the owner of Boston Market. About 40% of Clean Juice franchisees want out of the system. And the average price of a burger in the U.S. is nearly $16.
Elk and venison are back on the menu at Arby’s. An outage at Square creates headaches for restaurants. And a look at Wonder, a new restaurant concept from entrepreneur Marc Lore.
Subway introduces a new loyalty program. Whataburger is opening a digital kitchen. And Dave & Busters has a plan to boost sales.
Chick-fil-A is adding hundreds of new mobile ordering lanes. Wendy’s gets in on the pumpkin spice action. And the owner of Carl’s and Hardee’s names two new execs.
Consumers can’t get enough of Starbucks’ pumpkin spice products. Toast’s CEO is stepping down. And Popeyes Sweet & Spicy Wings has been its most popular product introduction in four years.
The price to buy a McDonald’s is going down. Subway closures have been good for other sandwich chains. And a look at the many ways restaurants are using AI.
Chipotle is on track to add 7,000 new jobs this year. Pokeworks has a new CEO. And Baja Blast flavored gelato, anyone?
TGI Fridays has a new CEO. A look at the chains with the most closures last year. And what tennis fans can find on the menu at this year’s US Open.
Krystal is planning a strategic refranchising program. Dog Haus has a new CEO. And DoorDash is developing an AI voicebot that can take phone orders.
Roark Capital is buying Subway. You’ll soon find bone-in wings on the menu at Walk-On’s. And Fatz Cafe has closed all of its locations.
Panera Bread is testing a smaller menu. A pickleball concept raises a courtload of money. And the tiny salad chain Green District files for bankruptcy.
Subway’s online reputation could use some help. O’Charley’s closed 18 stores in a single day. And a Chicago-area restaurant hosts a “sensory-friendly” dining hour.
Los Angeles-based chain Lemonade has been sold to Elite Restaurant Group. Veggie Grill has closed 12 restaurants. And the Subway sale might be the third largest valuation ever paid for a restaurant chain.
Subway is reportedly close to a sale. You can now get wings from Popeyes. And Sweetgreen hires two former Chipotle execs.
Starboard Value is eyeing the owner of Outback Steakhouse. The founders of another classic steakhouse are getting another chance in the business. And get ready for higher pork prices.
Restaurants are rallying to support those affected by the Hawaii wildfire. Red Robin says its turnaround efforts are seeing returns. And Shake Shack is looking for a chief avocado officer.
New Jersey orders 27 Boston Markets to close. Subway shakes up its leadership ranks. And Cava comes out swinging with its first quarterly earnings report.
Looks like Fogo de Chao won’t be going public after all. Wendy’s develops a faster kitchen. And Taco Bell puts more chicken on the meu.
Restaurant sales slowed in Q2 -- here’s why that might be. McDonald’s changes its franchisee inspection policy. And KFC launches a pizza alternative.
Fast food brands are thriving at late night. Taco Bell is giving out free tacos in honor of Taco Tuesday. And McDonald’s Krispy Kreme deal has been a success so far.
Carrols Restaurant Group had the best performing restaurant stock this year. Value promotions are on the rise. And is it pumpkin spice time already?
Fast-food chains love them some kiosks. Permitting problems perplex Wendy’s. And we sure hope you like yourself some queso.
Dutch Bros is getting a new CEO. Fast-food chains are going after snackers. And the industry’s busiest daypart may surprise you.
Pollo Tropical is being sold. The battle over MrBeast Burger takes another turn. And why birria didn’t work as well the second time for El Pollo Loco.
Subway wants customers to legally change their name to Subway. Shake Shack saw a dip in delivery last quarter. And Portillo’s is coping with higher labor costs.
Starbucks hit record sales, so why are investors so down? Chicken sandwiches are winning at Wingstop. And there’s a fight brewing over the fate of MrBeast Burger.
Sbarro is on the comeback trail. MrBeast filed a lawsuit against Virtual Dining Concepts. And we’ll discuss the LTO’s trending on menus this week.
P.F. Chang’s CEO steps down. DoorDash opens another virtual food hall. And a look at McDonald’s potential expansion strategy.
BJ’s Restaurants plans to invest in more remodels. Bloomin’ Brands has promoted Sheilina Henry to president of Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse. And Wild Wing Cafe has filed for bankruptcy
McDonald’s basks in the glow of Grimace, and unveils a new concept. Chick-fil-A plans a mega drive-thru. And Chipotle is beefing up staffing on its makeline.
Boston Market appears to be in the midst of a financial collapse. Shake Shack’s latest promotion features its new Veggie Shack burger. And Instacart Business is helping restaurants get supplies in a pinch.
Boston Market is facing multiple lawsuits. Subway had another good quarter. And are French restaurants making a comeback?
Etta Collective is helping some employees buy homes. Domino’s delivery sales have plunged, but the company has a plan to get them back. And we’ll take a look at what executive changes took place last week.
Restaurant tech sets its sights on sustainability. Casa Bonita employees want tips. And why barbecue chains tend to struggle.
Wawa and Casey’s are upping their investment in pizza. Burger King is launching new iterations on its signature chicken fries. And Pizza Hut is facing a lawsuit from its drivers.
Toast’s controversial processing fee is dead. The founder of Potbelly is opening 27 of them. And why Taco John’s gave up the fight over Taco Tuesday.
P.F. Chang’s is celebrating its 30th birthday with a new happy hour menu. Chipotle announced its first ever international franchise agreement. And Taco John’s is giving up its Taco Tuesday trademark.
81 bankrupt Hardee’s locations have a buyer. Legal Sea Foods is headed west for the first time. And hot honey arrives at Pizza Hut.
Vebu, a Los Angeles-based tech company, is the mastermind behind the new avocado-peeling machine being tested by Chipotle. Donatos Pizza is launching a pizza vending machine. And McDonald’s Grimace Birthday promotion was a big deal for the burger giant.
The bidding process for Subway has been extended after more potential buyers emerged. Menu price inflation appears to be easing. And more consumers are taking advantage of happy hour.
Chipotle is testing the Autocado, a robot that can cut, peel and core avocados. Red Robin plans to stop using MrBeast Burger. And Elizabeth McGee has been promoted to CEO of Ruby Slipper Restaurant Group.
Subway is expected to announce a buyer sometime this month. ChatGPT assisted Velvet Taco in the R&D for its next weekly taco feature. And a judge paused a NYC law that would have given food delivery workers a big raise.
Restaurant brands flock to a new social media app. McDonald’s circles the wagons on California’s joint-employer law. And the National Restaurant Association wants to standardize restaurant job descriptions.
Yum Brands wants to collect more data on its customers. Pizzeria Locale is closing down its final two locations. And KFC is launching a merch shop.
Subway is adding meat slicers to its restaurants. McDonald’s operators confirm their opposition to California’s joint employer bill. And IHOP comes up with a new way to use its pancakes.
Taco Bell names a new CEO. A Texas restaurant gives employees 4 weeks off. And can Chicken Salad Chick survive outside the South?
Subway just signed another international development agreement. Where are restaurants at in their post-COVID recovery? And Smokey Bones wants to improve quality and execution.
Gen Korean BBQ pops on its IPO. DoorDash makes sweeping changes to its app. And a Panera Bread operator buys more restaurants.
cRaising Canes opened its global flagship location in Times Square. Taco Bell wants to be as big as McDonald’s. And Nextbite is being sued over its mass layoffs.
Technomic’s ranking of the Top 500 biggest restaurant chains is here. Taco Bell is turning back the clock to the early 2000s. And will the restaurant M&A market stay hot?
The industry gets yet another IPO. Why Gen Korean BBQ could be the next Kura Sushi. And a California fish and chips shop starts franchising.
Casa Bonita is almost ready to reopen to the public. Firehouse Subs’ international expansion has begun. And Darden Restaurants could see fewer transactions this year.
The owner of Krystal has a new CEO. A survey finds strong restaurant support for New York City’s delivery fee cap. And a Boston restaurateur is sued for allegedly misusing COVID relief funds.
Checkers has a new owner. MrBeast may walk away from MrBeast Burger. And Walk-On’s has a new CEO for the second time this year.
Soon, you’ll be able to order Domino’s from just about anywhere. Meat and potatoes dominated the top 10 LTO’s this spring. And, Cava’s stock price increased 99% on Thursday.
Cava Group makes a splash with its IPO. Burger King is pressuring a bankrupt operator to sell restaurants. And Darden completes it’s deal for Ruth’s Chris.
Olo is laying off 11% of its workforce. Taco Bell is collaborating with a Brooklyn artist to launch streetwear inspired uniforms. And TGI Fridays’ new menu is all about customization.
Restaurant prices just keep going up. Sam Nazarian buys Nextbite. And two California restaurants are in hot water after they brought in a fake priest to get employees to confess to stealing.
Grubhub is laying off 15% of its workforce. NYC is setting a minimum wage of nearly $18 an hour for drivers from delivery apps. And we’ll discuss the trend of taking alcohol to-go.
Fast-casual taco chains are taking off. Chili’s is revamping its margaritas and chicken tenders. And Fuku launches a special sandwich for Pride Month.
Chick-fil-A is testing a Maple Pepper Bacon Sandwich. Smaller cities and suburbs are booming while big city downtowns are quieter than they used to be. And Restaurant executives are confident about their ability to withstand an economic downturn.
Taco Bell tries a vegan Crunchwrap. Pizza Hut tries a pickle pizza. And some news tidbits from Sweetgreen and Portillo’s.
McDonald’s is bringing back Grimace this summer. Winners of the annual James Beard Awards for chefs and restaurants were announced Monday night. And Taco John’s is looking for a new CEO.
Cava kicks off its IPO. Papa Johns takes a new tack in the UK. And Red Robin sells nine restaurants to an investor.
The highest paid restaurant exec is not a CEO. Corner Bakery has a buyer. And restaurants just keep adding jobs.
IHOP is shutting down its fast casual spinoff, Flip’d.The California Assembly has passed a bill that redefines fast-food franchisors as joint employers of their California franchisees’ staffs. And we’ll discuss how some bars and pubs have found ways to build traffic and sales.
You’ll never guess the latest restaurant to file for an IPO. Panera is doing more with its drive-thru. And the surprising source of a big portion of foodborne illness outbreaks.
Burger King is testing a new breakfast sandwich.Carl Bachmann will take over as CEO of BurgerFi in July. And, soon, you may spot more UberEats delivery robots wandering the sidewalk.
Restaurants are adding more cooks to their kitchens. The founder of Chipotle is working on a new robotic restaurant concept. And what we liked and didn’t like at this year’s National Restaurant Association Show.
Get ready for a lot more Restaurant IPO’s. We’ll take a look at how many chicken sandwiches Chick-fil-A sold last year. And In the burger business, higher-end fast-food chains are winning the day.
Panera and Bonchon have new CEOs. Corner Bakery could have a buyer. And a look at the hottest tech trend at this year’s National Restaurant Association Show.
Panda Express enters the chicken sandwich wars. Lebron James joins the fight over Taco Tuesday. And a look at some of the tech that caught our eye at the National Restauant Association Show.
Are we heading into a recession? Cava’s parent company filed publicly for an IPO. And One Fair Wage has accused the National Restaurant Association of lobbying for looser child-labor laws.
Winsight, Restaurant Business’ parent company, has been sold to Informa. We’ll discuss Shake Shack’s Veggie Shack Burger. And Grubhub is sharing more data with restaurants.
Wendy’s orders may soon be traveling underground. Some bankrupt Hardee’s restaurants have a potential buyer. And according to Jack in the Box staying open longer hours helps generate sales.
Shake Shack makes a deal with an activist investor. Taco Bell and Taco John’s go to war over Taco Tuesday. And the CEO of Wetzel’s Pretzels is stepping down.
Restaurant Business has named its GM of the Year winners. Restaurants are adding summer food and drinks to the menu. And robots and humans coexist at Sweetgreen’s new automated restaurant.
A fast-growing chicken sandwich concept has a new owner. Casual-dining is back. Sort of. And Chick-fil-A’s salad dressing is coming to grocery stores.
Burger King might be back. Wendy’s has its eyes on late night. And a big Chicago restaurant group splits with a famous chef.
Menu price inflation isn’t slowing down. Sweetgreen opens its first robotic restaurant. And sales and profits are up at Wendy’s.
Wendy’s is the latest fast-food chain to test out AI in its drive-thrus. BurgerFI CEO Ian Baines plans to retire in June. And we’ll discuss whether 7-Eleven would be better off on its own.
Restaurant sales are increasingly coming from the biggest chains. The co-founder of Whole Foods opened a restaurant. And people still love bacon.
Summit Restaurant Holdings filed for bankruptcy. Many fast-food chains are focusing on operations right now. And in the past few years, McDonald’s has made massive changes to its relationship with its franchisees
Papa Johns is helping franchisees open more stores. Chick-fil-A adds geofences. And why Darden bought another fine-dining brand.
Customer spending is steady at Dine Brands, despite inflationary pressures. Pizza Hut’s same-store sales rose 8% last quarter. And Starbucks’ new CEO Laxman Narasimhan is looking at ways to make the company more efficient.
Burger King says sales are on the upswing. Fewer customers are ordering delivery at First Watch. And Shake Shack adds more plants to the menu.
Fat Brands named two people to replace Andy Wiederhorn as CEO. Subway slowed its closures last year. And Outback, Portillos, and other chains are ramping up menu introductions this week.
Chipotle is back in Wall Street’s good graces. New York City could raise its minimum wage. And is there going to be a recession or not?
Papa Johns’ is collaborating with Frito-Lays to launch its newest LTO. Krystal is merging with the owner of Logan’s Roadhouse. And Domino’s same-store sales improved in the first quarter.
Chipotle sees strength in lower-income guests. Chick-fil-A may have a hit with its cauliflower sandwich. And why hundreds of D.C. restaurants are adding surcharges.
The McCrispy helped drive sales in the first quarter at McDonald’s. Tracy Kim has been named CEO of Dig. And we’ll discuss Starbird Chicken’s latest LTO--orange chicken.
Sweetgreen launches a loyalty program. McDonald’s franchisees want a meeting with leadership. And California Pizza Kitchen is making a big push into franchising.
McDonald’s is accused of acting like a joint employer, Potbelly ramps up franchising and MOD Pizza is launching a coalition to find jobs for those who face barriers to employment.
Tao Group Hospitality may have a new owner. Tech company Odeko has raised $53 million. And Starbucks is expanding its Greener Store program.
McDonald’s is changing its burger recipe. A cyberattack on POS supplier NCR is causing headaches for restaurants. And find out who won Restaurant Business’ Restaurant Leader of the Year Award.
More consumers are eating frozen pizza because of inflation. Bobby Flay’s quick-service burger concept is coming to Chicago. And Chipotle is seeing success in smaller towns.
Carrols Restaurant Group has a new CEO. Subway’s For Sale sign could be slowing restaurant M&A. And a Post Malone-inspired Raising Cane’s opens in Utah.
A NYC restauranter gets nearly five years in prison for PPP fraud. Wetzel’s Pretzels is bringing its pretzels out of the malls with its new streetside concept. And Claudia San Pedro is stepping down at Sonic.
A bankrupt Burger King franchisee will close some of its restaurants. Chipotle goes electric with its new store prototype. And Taco Bell brings back a popular side.
You can now order a Domino’s pizza from your car. Carvel is opening a new cobranded location in Houston. And women are more likely than men to dine out because they don’t have the energy to cook.
Friday’s jobs report had good news for restaurants. 7-Eleven could be put up for sale. And how Raising Cane’s plans to become one of the 10 biggest restaurant chains.
Sweetgreen has renamed its new burrito bowl to settle a dispute with Chipotle. McDonald’s is closing its US field offices. And Chick-fil-A’s U.S. sales rose 13% last year.
Chipotle is suing Sweetgreen over its new burrito bowl. Duck Donuts has a new prototype. And McDonald’s sparks a debate over virtual layoffs
Tots are inching up on menus. McDonald’s layoffs are expected to be in the thousands. And El Pollo Loco is revamping its loyalty program.
McDonald’s is preparing for corporate layoffs. Noodles & Co. picks up the pace of rewards giveaways. And cookies are the menu item of the moment.
Firehouse Subs is getting a new CEO, the Sweet Tomatoes buffet chain is making a comeback, and Subway leans into the pickleball craze.
Subway has some interested buyers. A bankrupt Burger King operator is nearing a sale. And Yum Brands has a deal to help underrepresented franchisees.
IHOP dropped a new menu. Sweetgreen is offering a Chipotle Chicken Burrito Bowl as an LTO. And another Burger King operator is in trouble.
Arby’s has launched its new King’s Hawaiian Sweet Heat Sandwiches. Presto CEO Rajat Suri is stepping down. And Firebirds Wood Fired Grill has a new owner.
The Starbucks union airs its demands, while the chain’s CEO says he’ll work as a barista once a month. Burger King makes an electric vehicle pledge, and Reef closes more ghost kitchens.
Kentucky Fried Chicken Nuggets are launching nationwide Monday. McDonald’s is adding new geofencing technology to its mobile app. And lower prices have helped grow sales at Olive Garden.
Papa Johns’ CFO is leaving the company. Chipotle’s venture fund makes some more investments. And Illinois gives restaurants another round of pandemic aid.
Dunkin’ is launching breakfast tacos. DoorDash now takes cash for some orders. And soon you may be able to pay with the palm of your hand at Panera Bread.
A McDonald’s franchisee files for bankruptcy. Starbucks’ new CEO starts two weeks early. And Teriyaki Madness gives franchisees a deal.
Restaurants in Illinois will soon need to provide paid time off. Restaurants in D.C. will have to disclose service fees. And a tweet got in the way of Grubhub’s delivery relationship with McDonald’s.
Denny’s is introducing a new baked menu line. We’ll discuss this month’s notable restaurant openings and closings. And a Popeyes franchisee has declared bankruptcy.
The National Restaurant Association hands out awards for kitchen equipment. Chipotle’s chief development officer heads to McDonald’s. And did someone say free lobster?
Restaurant menu prices continued to increase in February. McDonald’s franchisees are expressing fear over surveys. And delivery companies can continue treating their drivers as independent contractors in California
The FTC is taking a closer look at franchising. Chipotle’s chief development officer is leaving. And restaurant tech startups avoid a catastrophe.
Restaurants and bars added nearly 70,000 jobs in February. Looking for a discount? Check your mobile apps. And when it comes to fast-food restaurants, consumers are going back to normal.
Restaurants are focusing more on operations as costs continue to soar. Taco Bell is bringing back more fan favorites. And New York restaurants are divided over delivery fee caps
Another Burger King franchisee declares bankruptcy. First Watch is liking the returns from new restaurants. And if your restaurant isn’t part of DoorDash’s DoubleDash program, it is now.
Andy Wiederhorn is stepping down as CEO of Fat Brands. Subway is giving away footlong chips to celebrate National Potato Chip Day. And travelers and staff at Tampa International airport will soon be able to use Uber Eats to order food.
Subway has some interested buyers. Panera Bread turned to its seat cushions for a new ad campaign. And how First Watch comes up with its LTOs.
Bojangles sees more boneless chicken in its future. Wendy’s might have to buy another brand. And a promising trend for Potbelly.
Portillo’s is optimistic about expansion outside of the Midwest. Farmesa began its soft opening this week. And Danny Meyer invested in a reservations company.
KFC doubles down on an old menu favorite. Wendy’s unveils a new growth plan. And Applebee’s will get smaller again this year.
Fewer discounts are working for Carrols Restaurant Group. Small pizzerias have thrived over the past year. And Noodles & Company is offering restaurant workers a free bowl.
Steak n Shake franchisees closed a lot of locations last year. McDonald’s sounds the alarm about joint employer. And Chipotle’s newest menu item came from TikTok.
Corner Bakery files for bankruptcy. Sweetgreen pumps the brakes. And Domino’s focuses on carryout.
White Castle might have violated Illinois’ biometric identification law. Inflation may be turning consumers away from pizza delivery. And Dutch Bros hopes to take a break from raising prices.
Ever put olive oil in your coffee? Starbucks is giving it a shot. Wingstop is soaring into 2023. And Panera adds another tier to its Unlimited Sip Club.
Subway is courting electric vehicle owners. KFC makes room for more sandwiches. And a robotic chicken concept makes a roost in New York City.
Restaurants are off to a roaring start this year. Joint employer rears its head in California. And who will buy Subway?
Shake Shack saw momentum in the fourth quarter. Norms has named Eric Wyatt as CEO and president. And tech supplier, Toast, is making a major push into the QSR space.
Chipotle revealed more information about its new concept. Danny Meyer and Pinky Cole are headlining the Big Show. And why Patrick Doyle came back to the restaurant business.
Subway is officially for sale. Super Bowl Sunday was a big win for restaurants. And Sunday brunch is coming back to Bonefish Grill.
Chipotle appears to be testing a new concept. McDonald’s unveiled another celebrity-inspired meal. And how consumers plan to spend their Valentine’s Day.
Is direct ordering for delivery the way to go? We’ll take a look at how Papa Johns created the Crisp Parm Pizza. And there’s a new COO at Whataburger.
Chick-fil-A’s newest sandwich will have customers asking: Where’s the chicken? Taco Bell plans to use AI to predict how much food it will need. And Restaurant Business unveils a new award for industry leaders.
Pete Davidson was good for Taco Bell. Pizza Hut is doing just fine, thanks to Melts and third-party delivery. And President Biden pledged support for ending anti-poaching agreements.
Tao Group Hospitality is officially for sale. Heart-shaped products have taken over restaurants menus this week. And McDonalds is changing the way it makes its burgers.
Cava Group takes a step toward an IPO. Domino’s launched a new snack for the Super Bowl. But new research shows Americans may be snacking less.
Starbucks isn’t giving up on China. Restaurant hiring accelerated in January. And why Newk’s Eatery is using robots to answer the phone.
Subway’s sales rose in 2022 and it’s eyeing more restaurants overseas. Red Robin hired a new chef to lead its menu revamp. And Americans say they’re pumping the brakes on delivery.
Chicken wing concepts are preparing for Super Bowl Sunday. Chilli’s Grill & Bar will run its first TV ad in more than 3 years. And Subway is now a charitable organization, sort of.
Those adult happy meals did wonders for McDonald’s. Ruth’s Chris is closing a high-profile location. And a recap of the most notable indie openings and closings in January.
Papa Johns is flipping pizza upside down. A Michigan court has preserved the state’s tip credit. And Casa Bonita is reopening in May.
McDonald’s ups its political involvement. The National Restaurant Association names its chairman for the year. And how Raising Cane’s rewarded its top 10 general managers.
Chipotle wants to hire 15,000 workers nationally. Smashburger is testing a jackfruit-based veggie burger. And Papa John’s has a new international prototype.
McDonald’s is testing a new kind of cup lid. MOD Pizza is testing a new menu item. And why A&W revamped its menu boards.
Checkers has hired an advisor to help it deal with its debt. Three equipment suppliers are teaming up to create a robotic pizza system for restaurants. And workers at a Peet’s Coffee in California have voted in favor of forming a union.
There’s a new most-ordered entree at Chick-fil-A. The battle over ServSafe is headed to court. And Red Lobster closes some restaurants.
Egg prices are flying high, although food inflation in general is slowing down. Slapfish has a new concept. And why a Dallas restaurant added a 3% surcharge.
In-N-Out Burger expects to open for the first time in Idaho late this year. Nextbite is planning on adding more family-style meals. And Notch has raised $10 million.
Starbucks is adding more delivery options. New data shows lots of people order delivery. And inside the strategy of fast-growing Tacombi.
In-N-Out’s eastward expansion could transform the burger industry. Steak and Ale is making a comeback. And an update on the catering business.
Kurt Kane is leaving Wendy’s. Portillos is now doing soft opens. And we’ll discuss why In-N-Out is making a jump to Tennessee.
Subway is for sale. John Cywinski has a new job. And Starbucks orders staff back to the office.
Portillo’s plans to open more restaurants in Southern States. Chicken prices are at a historic low. And we’ll discuss takeaways from the ICR conference in Orlando.
In-N-Out Burger is heading to Tennessee. Darden Restaurants is looking for a full service restaurant to add to its portfolio. And voice bots are coming to the Del Taco drive-thru.
Denny’s has named Sherri Landry as its new CMO. Red Robin is investing in flat-top grills. And Noma announced its plans to close for traditional service.
McDonald’s is restructuring its organization. Texas Roadhouse CFO Tonya Robinson has retired. And we’ll take a glance at college student’s fast food preferences.
Restaurants are predicting another challenging year for their bottom lines. A big Burger King franchisee goes bankrupt. And Tao Group’s restaurant holdings might be for sale.
Fast food chains may be losing business to convenience stores. Blaze Pizza named a new CEO. And Culver's named the first CMO in its history.
The holidays were good to restaurants. 16 Handles is buying a cookie dough concept. And Carrols Restaurant Group CEO Paulo Pena passes away.
Zero-proof cocktails, daytime dining and McDonald’s were hot. Inflation drove menu prices to new heights. And the party’s over for restaurant tech firms.
Fogo de Chao is on fire ahead of its IPO. Sweet Chick is set to debut in Union Square. And six global food trends to keep an eye on next year.
Acquisitions of restaurant chains plummeted in 2022. Birdcall named a new CEO. And we’ll take a look at this month's most notable independent restaurants openings and closings.
Rusty Taco is sold. Freshii is sold. And Everytable is in the middle of a big growth push.
Comfort foods topped Grubhub’s list of most-ordered menu items of 2022. Yum Brands is going big into technology. And the return of the Never Ending Pasta Bowl was a big deal for Olive Garden.
Pizza Hut is going after a younger audience. More layoffs come to restaurant tech. And Taco Bell is launching new items.
Taco Bell believes it can have the same number of US units as McDonalds. Chipotle is going to reveal the recipe for its Chipotle Honey Vinaigrette. And we’ll take a look at tech trend predictions for next year.
Yum Brands is poised for big growth. The Consumer Price Index declined. And complimentary bar snacks are getting more sophisticated.
Portillo’s says it’s found ways to cut costs. Smalls Sliders has a new CEO. And a look at what’s on restaurants’ holiday menus.
McDonald’s is taking another crack at menuing a higher-end burger. It also happens to be on a marketing hot streak. And the CEO of Pollo Tropical is resigning.
Buyers Edge is buying a restaurant accounting company. MTY Group has completed its acquisition of Wetzel’s Pretzels. And the maker of the Bloomin’ Onion is partnering with the movie Glass Onion on a Netflix promotion.
Many consumers plan to let restaurants do the cooking this holiday season. Dave & Buster’s profits improved. And how Sonic Drive-In comes up with its unique LTOs.
Bertucci’s has declared bankruptcy, again. A union-backed group devoted to killing the tip credit is pressuring Applebee's restaurants into halting their use of the tip credit. And Chris Carr is stepping down as COO of Sweetgreen.
Dine Brands is buying a taco chain. California’s Fast Act is on hold, for now. And Chicago restaurants get a $5 million windfall from Uber Eats.
Restaurant chains traded traffic for price last quarter. Restaurant job growth accelerated last quarter. And Jeremiah’s Italian Ice has opened a new prototype.
Subway is offering footlong cookies in honor of national cookie day on Sunday. McDonald’s is testing a fancy drive-thru. And California Pizza Kitchen is revamping its leadership team.
DoorDash is cutting jobs. Delivery is still crazy expensive, and consumers are apparently OK with it. And the National Restaurant Association urges Congress to avert a rail strike.
The union trying to organize Starbucks is now working with staff at two Peet’s locations. PopupBagels has won seed funding from an investor group led by Hollywood producer John Davis. And Restaurant Growth Services has named a new CFO and chief people officer.
The man who made Kentucky Fried Chicken famous has died. US Foods hired the former CEO of its biggest rival. And Tony Roma’s debuts a new fast-casual offshoot.
Low income diners are eating out more often. Barbell pricing is trending in restaurants. And inflation hurt Jack in the Box’s profits last quarter.
We visited Starbucks’ new Reserve location in the Empire State Building. International locations are fueling growth at big chains. And why Restaurant Brands International hired Patrick Doyle.
Taco Bell is offering two new takes on its popular Nacho Fries. Amplify Brands is spinning off Le Pain Quotidien and the Little Beet under a new operating platform. And New York wants to give third-party delivery workers a raise.
Get a sneak peek at next year’s hot menu trends. Chuck E. Cheese has a new virtual brand. And fast-growing Blank Street Coffee will now sell blends online.
This Thanksgiving, it might be cheaper to get your turkey from a restaurant. The Starbucks union unveiled its own holiday cup.
Sweetgreen is opening its first drive-thru location. Subway is trying out smart fridges. And inflation may be causing customers to tip less.
Restaurant prices keep going up. Catering sales have seen a burst. And Restaurants are shifting their tech investments to the back of house.
The CEO of Blaze Pizza is leaving the company, sources say. Taco John’s is ready to grow again. And here comes the peppermint.
Sweetgreen is calling in the robots. D.C. votes to kill the tip credit. And a new breakfast item is helping Wendy’s.
John Elway is investing in Tom’s Watch Bar. Panera Bread opened a new urban format store in New York City. And Chili's opened its first to-go-only location in Dallas.
Sales continue to boom at First Watch. Papa John’s CEO is feeling good about pizza. And Sweetgreen now serves sweets.
Texas is offering restaurants money to help them recover from the pandemic. Delivery continues to defy inflation. And Starbucks is making money from customized drinks.
Shake Shack, Papa John’s and Portillo’s reported earnings Thursday. Fast-food chains say they’re feeling confident ahead of a potential recession. And why more restaurants are sourcing frozen food.
Jack in the box is selling Del Taco restaurants to franchisees. Chili’s new strategy to offer fewer discounts is hurting traffic. And operators are mourning the loss of Sally the Salad robot.
Sysco doesn’t see a recession coming. Red Robin revamped its C-suite. And why McDonald’s is suddenly competing with a pizza chain.
Union activity at Chipotle is heating up again. Pink foods are trending. And Tech supplier TouchBistro has raised $110 million.
Texas Roadhouse could soon be the biggest casual-dining chain in the country. Lower-income diners are trading Chipotle for McDonald’s. And the most efficient chain in the U.S. serves fried chicken -- but it might not be the one you think.
Lettuce prices are skyrocketing. On the Border and Shoney’s have been rolling back prices. And Marketing has been a big help to McDonald’s.
Wingstop is soaring again. PE firms buy a hot chicken chain. And why Cicis is investing in video games.
The White House is urging restaurants and other businesses to protect employees from a possible surge in new COVID Cases. The McRib is coming back. And is Tik Tok the new Yelp?
Smashburger is paying the price for claims it exaggerated the size of its burgers. Swig has a new CEO. And New England Sysco workers are ending their strike.
RoboBurger raised $10 million. McDonald’s adult happy meals were a huge Hit. And Danny Meyer’s is investing in a cookie concept.
Starbucks is selling Seattle’s Best. Applebee’s gets kicked out of Times Square. And Jack in the Box opens a drive-thru-only location.
Krispy Kreme donuts at McDonald’s? Why not. Plus, Pizza Hut and Noodles add new menu items and consumers are raising a stink about prices.
Off-premise growth might be over. Wingstop is giving New Yorkers free chicken sandwiches. And why three KFC execs are leaving the company.
Taco Bell is bringing back a fried favorite. Domino’s development is slowing down. And layoffs hit Beyond Meat.
Restaurant menu price inflation slowed in September. Domino’s carryout sales rose last quarter. And pressure is mounting against delivery companies’ labor model
Subway’s new menu has been good for business. Starbucks and Delta are conjoining their loyalty programs. And wholesale food prices are on the rise once again.
Chipotle is bringing its Halloween Boorito promotion back to restaurants. Fat Brands is ready to dive back into the acquisition market. And Puttshack received a $150 million investment.
Inflation helps McDonald’s, Fat Brands cobrands, and California starts sending out some checks.
A fast-food wage bill like the one passed in California could be coming to a market near you. &pizza’s CEO offers a blunt message on scheduling best practices. And restaurants keep adding jobs.
Plant-based meat sales are flat. Botrista closed a Series B funding round, bringing its total funding to $55 million. And Subway quietly eliminated chicken breast from its menu.
JayZ and SpaceX team up on a pizzabot, consumers apparently have a breaking point on prices, and a pair of hedge funders decide to become franchisees.
The cheese curd burger is coming back to Culver’s. Sysco workers at multiple facilities are going on strike. And a look at California Pizza Kitchen’s first burger.
KFC is testing three new Kentucky fried chicken wraps. Customers are eating breakfast again. And Mcdonald’s has another new director.
Your quick morning dose of the restaurant news you need, every weekday, from the editors of Restaurant Business.
The Never Ending Pasta Bowl is returning to Olive Garden. Crumbl Cookies has named a new COO. And why was the restaurant industry absent from the White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition and Health?
The White House lays the groundwork for a new approach to food and nutrition. The restaurant IPO market has gone cold, although one restaurant supplier went public Wednesday. And Smokey Bones is doubling down on virtual brands.
Chipotle is testing two new, more-advanced technologies designed to speed throughput and improve customer experience, P.F. Chang’s is adding subscriptions and McDonalds is launching adult Happy Meals.
A Guatemalan chicken chain is primed for U.S. growth. Restaurant workers at San Francisco’s airport are going on strike. And what’s next for the Independent Restaurant Coalition now that the RRF is dead?
Restaurants might want to rethink price hikes. The owner of Pizza Inn makes Wall Street happy. And a restaurant known for its chicken claw sandwich is growing.
Concerns about the U.S. economy hit restaurant stocks. Some Olive Garden customers are certainly feeling the pinch. But fast-food chains have done better than others.
Taco Bell is adding plant-based meat to its menu. Eataly is being acquired. And what the latest interest rate hike means for restaurants.
Yum Brands could buy another brand. Restaurants see the drive-thru as ripe for automation. And how climate change is impacting menus.
A fast-casual pioneer gets acquired. MOD Pizza revamps its C-suite. And pumpkin spice makes an impact at coffee chains.
Chili’s is using happy hour deals and televised football to get customers back to the bar, Tech supplier NCR is splitting into two, and the FTC is cracking down on delivery companies and other services that rely on gig workers.
High grocery prices might be helping restaurants. The owner of a small pizza chain files for bankruptcy. And a peek at customers’ favorite LTOs of the summer.
Mcdonalds is moving its innovation center to Chicago, The national restaurant Association has published a how-to guide aimed at helping restaurants respond to natural disasters and We’ll take a glance at how the substance abuse epidemic is impacting restaurants.
Restaurant prices rose in August, Chipotle is rolling out the new Garlic Guajillo Steak on Wednesday, and about 9% of restaurants are laying off staff due to soaring costs and other factors.
Starbucks will help employees manage their student loans, Bikky has raised over $5.25 million and we’ll take a glance at what restaurant chains have on their fall menus.
The founder of Punch Bowl Social is launching a new eatertainment concept, Quiznos is making efforts to improve growth and Burger king is investing $400 million into revitalization efforts.
True Food Kitchen announced a $100 million investment, Panda Express launched a plant-based version of its orange chicken and the Biden Administration has released a digital toolkit to guide restaurants and other employers through the unionization process.
Wingstop launched and ran out of Chicken sandwiches, Chipotle is debuting a new television ad and Bar Louie has a new CEO.
California gives fast-food employees a say in their wage rates, Starbucks taps an outsider to be its next CEO and Au Bon Pain tries a new prototype.
New York restaurants are adjusting to new handgun regulations, a glance at Kevin Hart’s new plant-based burger concept and How many restaurants would be affected by the California fast-food wage bill?
McDonald’s is taking a stand against California’s fast food wage bill and the tug of war over the bill continues and Subway launches 10,000 “footlong passes”
Chipotle is testing Chicken Al Pastor, Celebrity chef Maneet Chauhan has shut down her indian street food concept Chaatable and Del Taco has debuted Tortas.
Starbucks is bringing back its Pumpkin Spice Latte, Panera is testing voice ordering and value deals are making a come back.
A Chipotle restaurant has formed a union. Topgolf gets a signal boost from its new owner. And Little Caesars taps a quarterback as its new spokesperson.
Taco Bell is giving away a “metaverse wedding package,” inflation is pinching middle class consumers and the California Restaurant Association is commissioning an instructional video for operators on what to do in an active shooter situation.
Chili’s is making some changes as profits slide -- including pressing pause on its robotic servers. IHOP embraces customization with a new menu. And a eulogy for the 15% tip.
A pair of technology companies raised some money on Tuesday, Restaurant Business has a new executive Editor and Krystal has a new chief marketing officer.
The Chicken Big Mac is coming to the U.S. McDonald’s has three new directors. And this West Coast burger chain was named the best restaurant to work at for the eighth year in a row.
An E. coli contamination has sickened 29 people in Ohio and Michigan, Starbucks has ousted another top executive and Eggs Up is heading to Texas.
Restaurants aren’t feeling so great about the state of the industry. A hit Hulu show has Americans craving Italian beef. And why Buffalo Wild Wings is adding hot dogs and pizza to the menu
Your quick morning dose of the restaurant news you need, every weekday, from the editors of Restaurant Business.
Chipotle has some fun with soda fountain grifters. Jack in the Box is offering perks for operators who open new units. And finally, an ice cream for dogs.
Butterfly Equity has raised $1 billion for food companies, Subway invests in slicers and Chick-Fil-A is adding a new breakfast menu item.
There’s good luck for New England pork lovers; get ready for French Toast Stick wars and urban problems continue to dog some notable fast casual chains.
McDonald’s is reopening some of its Ukraine locations. Dutch Bros’ fast unit growth is hurting sales. And pumpkin on menus? Already
Sweetgreen is cutting 5% of its corporate staff, BBQ holdings is getting a new owner and Wendy’s is scaling back on ghost kitchen development.
The restaurant acquisition market got suddenly hot on Tuesday. Wendy’s added a new item to its breakfast menu for the first time. And First Watch may be recession proof.
Milk Bar has a deal with … Taco Bell? Consumers are hurting, or maybe they aren’t. And Papa John’s ditches the crust.
What's going on with food Delivery? Speedy Eats has found its pizza chef and James Walker is the new CEO of Frisch’s Big boy.
What’s going on with the $180 million left over in the Restaurant Revitalization Fund? Papa John’s, Burger King and more released quarterly earnings. And a Hawaiian donut chain is headed to the mainland.
Only 34 percent of restaurant executives are women according to a national restaurant association survey, Grubhub's value is down and Starbucks’ US same store sales are up.
A big fried chicken chain gets back to its roots. Menu launches are starting to heat up again as summer winds down. And TGI Fridays is expanding its use of virtual brands.
Danny Meyer is stepping down as CEO of union square hospitality group, Mark Hamil is coming to jack in the box and Michigan’s tip credit isn’t going anywhere until at least february.
The worst of food inflation may be behind most restaurants … but not so much for Bloomin’ Brands. Why Texas Roadhouse thinks consumers are getting back to normal. And Little Caesars’ newest pizza has how many pepperonis? Find out on today’s edition of RB Daily
Restaurants in Massachusetts don’t want happy hour promotions legalized, Pizza Hut is expanding its pasta lineup and the Cheesecake factory said covid-19 is still messing with its sales.
The Restaurant Revitalization Fund is not empty after all. McDonald’s CEO defends the chain’s new franchise standards. And why hotel acquisitions are soaring this year.
Mcdonlads same store sales improved, restaurant tech supplier presto has reworked plans to go public and Saigon hustle won a million dollars.
Ampex Brands adds to its collection. Some big-name investors just gave Kitchen United a lot of money. And a peek at Americans’ most craveable ice cream chains.
Restaurants are halting recruitment efforts, cuts to corporate overhead are causing more franchise disputes and the fight between crumbl cookies and a smaller competitor continues on.
A Michigan court killed the state’s tip credit rule. Chipotle invests in robots and fungi. And something unusual happened at Domino’s Pizza last quarter.
McDonald’s investors don’t seem too concerned about its franchisee dispute. San Francisco is making its historic delivery fee cap more flexible. And downtown foot traffic is starting to return … slowly.
Chipotle closed a store in Maine where staff were planning to unionize. Salad and Go breaks its silence on its new CEO. And why a potential recession isn’t as scary as you might think.
McDonald’s franchisees are not terribly happy, Sysco is not terribly happy with beef suppliers and coffee concepts are perfectly thrilled with energy drinks.
Restaurant sales are up. There’s a new crop of breakfast concepts. And inflation is dampening coffee shop sales.
Everybody’s freaking out over a shortage of a popular condiment. Restaurants have reason to worry about the growth of Amazon Fresh. And yet another restaurant tech company is laying off workers.
Restaurant menu prices hit another record high last month. The push for unionizing in restaurants continues to grow. And would you wear perfume that smells like sprinkles?
Safety issues are prompting Starbucks to close more than a dozen stores. Fast-growing Crumbl Cookies is getting litigious. And Snappy Tomato Pizza has a new owner.
Starbucks’ CEO hinted at some changes coming for the chain. McDonald’s is buying a major franchisee. And Sam Fox is ramping up his pizza business.
Say goodbye to Sally the Salad Robot. Cinnabon is doing something it’s never done before. And restaurants continue to add jobs
Subway is getting away from customization. Consumers rank their favorite burgers. And Toast acquires a scheduling app.
Might Amazon become a Grubhub investor? It's been a rough first half of the year for restaurants. And McDonald's Summer Camp promo is causing some unhappy campers.
The Slapfish seafood chain has a new owner. Yum Brands is putting the finishing touches on its exit from Russia. And some restaurants are fighting inflation with discounts.
A California bill giving fast-food workers a say in their wages crept closer to becoming law. The legal feud over Maple & Ash takes a new twist. And nearly 4 in 10 restaurants failed to pay rent last month.
Trouble appears to be brewing between McDonald’s and its franchisees. Dave & Buster’s now owns fellow food-and-games chain Main Event. And US Foods’ new distribution center is very environmentally friendly.
Americans’ favorite restaurant chain is not all that surprising. Black McDonald’s franchisees approved a vote of no confidence against the chain’s CEO. And Cracker Barrel is making big changes to its menu.
McDonald’s is shaking up its C-suite. One fast casual is actually lowering prices. And culinary school is changing.
Companies are paying workers to travel for abortions, lobbyists defend loyalty programs in a data security bill, and where are all the mergers.
Burger King debuted five new burgers, Darden Restaurants reports improved margins, and duck farmers in upstate New York are protesting.
Starbucks gets accused of labor violations; Chick-fil-A is opening a new type of drive-thru and there was a deal for a barbecue concept.
Inflation is hurting restaurant traffic. Krispy Kreme adds ice cream to the menu. And the USDA is investing in supply chain startups.
Concerns about the economy have hurt restaurant stocks this year. Red Robin is courting customers who are watching their wallets. And Starbucks loses a key executive.
There's a rare restaurant winner in a business interruption insurance case, might tariffs be going away to ease inflation, and Subway continues to lose market share.
McDonald’s plant-based burger test isn’t doing so well. Chipotle is trying a new take on cauliflower rice. And Chuck E. Cheese gets a refresh in Florida.
People are dining out more often, rather than ordering in. Chipotle Mexican Grill is steadily growing its Canadian business. And here’s how operators can protect restaurant workers during a heatwave.
Little Caesars hauls in a marketing touchdown. Big chains have recovered from the pandemic. And Jose Andres finally gets a restaurant in a former Trump hotel.
Burgerim’s founder has re-emerged after two years. Del Taco is paying $50 million to settle a wage and hour lawsuit. And your next Subway sandwich might come from a vending machine.
Starbucks is rethinking its restroom policy. Menu prices continue to soar. And Panera Bread opened a to-go only restaurant.
Delays are slowing down Shake Shack’s new store openings. Delivery drivers continue to cause headaches for Domino’s. And what impact will average gas prices over $5 have on restaurant consumers?
Velvet Taco is getting a bigger headquarters. Fast-food dining rooms are continuing to disappear. And Krispy Kreme names a new COO.
Cracker Barrel is looking to draw a younger crowd. Tim Hortons is getting rid of seats. And Dave & Buster’s is still waiting for its events business to recover.
Starbucks is looking outside the company for its next CEO. Sardar Biglari wants Cracker Barrel to replace its chief executive. And fast-casual customers are increasingly using the drive-thru.
CEO pay is climbing, McDonald's is accessing its civil rights record, and job growth continues.
The Starbucks union created a fund to support worker strikes. Jack Harlow is getting his own KFC meal. And in Texas district court, its Carbone’s vs. Carbone.
Taco Bell’s newest prototype is almost ready for prime time. Union Square Hospitality Group is calling for gun reform. And your next bowl of orange chicken from Panda Express might be prepared by a robot.
More than 100 Starbucks stores have voted to unionize. Chick-fil-A is testing delivery robots. And how avocado toast has helped Dunkin’ grow.
McDonald’s won its battle with investor Carl Icahn. Subway is shaking up its franchising strategy. And the James Beard Awards will look different when they return to Chicago next month.
A big Wendy’s shareholder might take the company private. The first National Restaurant Association Show in three years has wrapped up. And how marketers should respond when tragedy strikes.
Starbucks is getting out of Russia. The National Restaurant Association Show wrapped up Tuesday. And is Tesla founder Elon Musk getting into the restaurant business?
Arby's gets into the burger business, Captain D's was acquired by its former owner, and a small salad chain lands a big name investor.
Indies are frustrated by the death of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. Ben’s Friends is offering a safe space for those in the industry addicted to alcohol and drugs. And the National Restaurant Association Show continues through Tuesday.
A refill for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund died in the Senate. A recession is beginning to look likely. And McDonald’s found a buyer for its Russian restaurants.
Restaurant sales keep growing--and it might have groceries to thank. Yet the industry still had a bad day on Wall Street. And the Senate is expected to vote today on re-upping the RRF.
Wingstop might become a chicken producer and not just a wing-seller. Grubhub’s free lunch promo went awry. And McDonald’s is facing bumpy international waters.
Starbucks will pay travel expenses for workers to have abortions. McDonald’s is getting out of Russia for good. And Portillo’s new hot dog is a first for the 60-year-old chain.
There's a mass exodus among McDonald's franchisees, The Lost Cajun has a new owner and burger chains are booming.
WOWorks is buying a pair of fast casual chains, restaurants are asking for relief on soaring swipe fees and Dutch Bros had a rough quarter.
The Senate is poised to vote on a bill that would re-fill the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. Consumers are expecting the worst when it comes to inflation. And Chipotle Mexican Grill is responding to charges of unfair hiring practices.
Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. are getting a makeover. Bakers Square is getting back to unit growth. And Wing Zone takes a step toward fully automating its restaurants.
Starbucks is facing a federal labor complaint, restaurant stocks are taking a beating, and a big Burger King franchise is performing especially poorly.
Subway operators are having trouble sourcing meat for their sandwiches. Ghost kitchen operator Reef is laying off 5% of its workers. And delivery keeps on growing.
Papa John’s is embarking on a unit growth boom. Portillo’s is raising prices. And pickup is becoming king.
Starbucks workers are getting a raise--unless they’re part of a union. Denny’s is shaking things up in a big way. And Wingstop has good news on chicken prices.
More hospitality workers quit in March than the month before. Burger King’s same-store sales dipped last quarter. And Naf Naf Grill is trying to get back into growth mode.
Two big chains are out with notable new menu items. DoorDash opened another ghost kitchen. And Shake Shack is coming to Thailand.
Restaurant operators are continuing to struggle to pay the rent. Outback Steakhouse says it is done shrinking. And restaurant chains are flocking to Times Square.
Domino’s is struggling and looking for solutions. McDonald’s is winning with digital. And Noodles & Company says it needs to charge more for its chicken.
Chipotle has a need for speed. Gas prices are causing Americans to dine closer to home. And Wingstop wants to double its footprint in Indonesia.
Chipotles prices increases can't keep up with inflation, why franchisors should run some restaurants, and Restaurant Business took home some journalism honors.
Taco Bell is hosting a Drag Queen Brunch Tour, Starbucks is sanctioned for firing pro-union employees and Cinco de Mayo comes to menus.
The Humane Society isn’t happy with McDonald’s. Punch Bowl Social is trying to get back in the game. And Philadelphia is ditching its short-lived mask mandate.
A McDonald’s investor continues to bash the chain over its animal welfare policies. A fast-casual franchisor is scooping up two more chains. And tech suppliers are now providing loans to independent operators.
Grubhub appears to be on the market again. What it and Netflix can tell us about changing consumer habits. And why Chick-fil-A and First Watch are onto something with limited hours.
Chipotle is putting its money behind tech innovation. Is inflation impacting restaurant spending? And Chili’s is bringing its multi-functional robot to more restaurants.
Chick-fil-A’s average unit volumes are off the charts. And Panera Bread is making changes to its coffee subscription.
Taco Bell finally brings back its Mexican Pizza. Pizza Ranch has an on again-off again relationship with its buffet. And IHOP is getting into the virtual brands game.
Fast-food menu prices went down last month. Shaq signed on for another term as Papa John’s spokesman. And a look back at what we learned at the Restaurant Leadership Conference this week.
Menu prices keep on rising. 2021 was an up-and-down year for casual-dining chains. And Dutch Bros receives a top industry award. This is RB Daily, your quick look at the industry’s top stories from the editors of Restaurant Business. We’re reporting live today from the second day of the Restaurant Leadership Conference in Phoenix.
Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz pushed back against unionization efforts at his chain on Monday. Philadelphia is bringing back its mask requirement for restaurants. And a big restaurant investment firm just raised $950 million. Coming to you this week from the Restaurant Leadership Conference in Phoenix.
Denny’s CEO becomes the latest high-profile industry departure. McDonald’s and Subway are growing – despite closing hundreds of restaurants. And drive-thrus are causing headaches for city infrastructure.
The Technomic Top 500 is out, and it shows that chain restaurants have largely recovered from the pandemic. The latest effort to replenish the Restaurant Revitalization Fund made it through the House. And baseball’s opening day brought a new lineup of food and drink options to stadiums.
Is there some hope left for the Restaurant Revitalization Fund? Restaurants are still struggling to drive delivery orders through their own channels. And Dave & Buster’s is buying a competing food-and-games chain.
Chipotle is returning to the metaverse with a new promotion. Howard Schultz went against the grain by ending share buybacks at Starbucks. And Federal Donuts got a big investment to fuel its growth.
Howard Schultz is back at Starbucks and already making big decisions. One famed operator of high-end restaurants just scored a multi-million dollar investment. And industry veteran Bill Allen is the new chairman of the board of the parent company of some growth-focused fast casuals
Despite a strong economy, recession concerns are growing. Papa John’s sold 90 locations to a large franchisee. And Teriyaki Madness is making the best of a marketing oops.
Gas prices are hurting restaurant sales and profits. Fine-dining chains had a good year. And why higher interest rates won’t stop the hot market for restaurant acquisitions.
Restaurant workers keep quitting. McDonald’s CEO got a fat paycheck last year. And spring menus are rolling out in full force.
A dispute over how pigs are raised has made its way to the Supreme Court. An Applebee’s franchise exec was fired over his idea for lowering wages. And why restaurants may have more pricing power than it appears as food costs rise.
It was a banner year for Inspire Brands. There appears to be some tension between two major industry lobbying groups, and labor organizers have some advice for the new temporary leader of Starbucks.
Sweetgreen is plotting a drive thru. Outgoing Darden CEO Gene Lee is pontificating on the state of full-service restaurants. And McDonald’s is making progress on its diversity efforts.
First Watch is finally raising prices. Charley’s Philly Steaks is busting out of the mall. And a fondue chain is seeing a post-pandemic boom.
Business and leisure travel could be making a comeback, which is good news for restaurants. A steakhouse chain filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. And why Fat Brands CEO Andy Wiederhorn said he’s not surprised that he’s being investigated by the feds.
McDonald’s and Panera Bread are adding some hot new items to their menus. Historic restaurants could be eligible for $40,000 grants. And the District of Columbia is suing Grubhub over alleged deceptive practices.
Another chain restaurant CEO is retiring. Burger King wants out of Russia. And senators are moving forward with efforts to regulate franchising.
Howard Schultz is back at Starbucks. So how might that affect unionization efforts at the chain, which, by the way, thinks it can double its unit count by 2030.
Starbucks shareholders are weighing in on unionization. Charlie Morrison’s resignation as Wingstop CEO raises more questions than it answers. And high gas prices are forcing third-party delivery providers to pay more.
Russia is threatening restaurant companies that closed locations in the country. The owner of Famous Dave’s is making another acquisition or two. And why some people who quit their restaurant jobs wish they hadn’t.
Red Robin is finally seeing some green shoots. Starbird is getting ready to franchise. And slow progress is being made on a hot-button animal welfare issue.
Restaurant menu prices hit another record high in February, and many consumers say they could start cutting back on dining out. Meanwhile, skyrocketing gas prices could put a pinch on food delivery.
The dire situation in Ukraine continues to have ripple effects on US-based restaurant chains. Bd’s Mongolian Grill is shaking up its menu. And a union-backed group has created a legal advice hotline for servers.
McDonald’s and Yum Brands take action on their restaurants in Russia. A restaurant company is suing Google. And a small Indian fast casual concept lands some funding.
Third-party delivery prices are soaring. And, perhaps unsurprisingly, so are gas prices. Burger King is riffing on its Whopper. And Famous Dave’s is entering the drive-thru arena.
Some restaurants aren’t ready to lift their COVID safety requirements. The industry added more jobs last month. And for Sweetgreen, workers’ return to offices can’t come soon enough.
McDonald’s ice cream machines are giving the chain a headache. Domino’s has hit a rough patch. And Applebee’s is taking a different approach to growth.
President Biden’s State of the Union address included details that should interest restaurants. Wendy’s is targeting markets both big and small as it grows. And Applebee’s and IHOP are undergoing a techy transformation.
Domino’s CEO is retiring as the chain faces multiple challenges. Wendy’s bought nearly 100 restaurants from franchisees. And technology isn’t just for limited-service brands.
Steak n Shake was profitable last year for the first time since 2017. Chipotle is opening a new office in the Buckeye State. And DoorDash is acquiring an ordering startup.
A pro-labor survey says Starbucks customers support unionization. How long will the omicron-fueled delivery boom last? And labor and commodity costs hit a big Burger King franchisee’s earnings.
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine could mean even more inflation for restaurants. Cities are starting to end their vaccine mandates for dining in. And Noodles took a major hit from omicron.
Restaurants are asking the IRS for help. Firehouse Subs is doing something it hasn’t done in more than a decade. And Jack in the Box is still looking toward unit growth.
The CEO of Fat Brands is being investigated by the feds. The union behind organizing efforts at Starbucks steps into the spotlight. And McDonald’s fires back at activist investor Carl Icahn.
Shake Shack remains in rebuilding mode. Business at Carrabba’s Italian Grill is suddenly booming. And the Mountain Mike’s pizza chain is ready to grow.
Restaurants’ recovery appears to be flagging. And now they might run out of avocados. Also, Carl Icahn is threatening to start a pork-related proxy fight with McDonald’s.
Wing prices are finally headed down, Wingstop says. Denny’s needs to get back to 24-7 operations. And Tim Horton’s is on a roll.
The National Restaurant Association named its next CEO. Chipotle marked a big milestone. And the chicken sandwich wars have wounded Popeyes.
McDonald’s franchisees have extra reason to be speedy. An activist group is plotting to kill the tip credit. And DoorDash appears to be taking a close look at robots.
Burgerim’s fast but flawed growth was aided by the SBA. Chipotle is testing some cutting-edge new technology. And fast-food chains are getting more digital orders.
Prices continue to soar. Chipotle keeps looking for more workers. And this labor software company has closed another massive funding round
Chipotle could be coming to a mid-size city near you. Yum Brands opened more restaurants last year than it ever has. And customers seem to be OK with higher menu prices.
The cost of packaging is about to go up for some restaurants. Wingstop just took another step toward becoming 100% digital. And two big restaurant chains have not been shy about raising prices recently.
There’s surprisingly good news on the jobs front. But some potential bad news for delivery. And Papa Johns is reporting some operational difficulties.
Wingstop and Jimmy John’s unveiled futuristic new prototypes. And there should be plenty of chicken wings to go around for the Super Bowl -- but they’ll cost you.
Omicron posed some obstacles for the parent of Chili’s and Maggiano’s. Same goes for Starbucks. And Domino’s is trying to get you to pick up your own pizzas.
Another day, another handful of Starbucks stores pushing to unionize. Why restaurants should continue to be wary of third-party delivery. And some restaurants are shifting their stance on shift drinks.
McDonald’s loyalty program is booming. Starbucks CEO got a major raise. And you can now order at your table at Panera Bread.
McDonald’s plans to start opening new restaurants again. The number of Starbucks stores facing unionization keeps growing. And bread is making a comeback at restaurants.
McDonald’s is riding high, with record sales and profits. Consumers are still all-in on delivery. And California has a new paid leave requirement.
Jersey Mike’s is in the market for a small chain. Reef was accused of stealing employees to help launch airport operations. And full-service restaurants have lost market share.
How big of an impact has omicron had on restaurants? The federal vaccine mandate is officially dead … or is it? And Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is the latest fast casual to get into the drive-thru game.
Half of restaurants say they won’t survive without more federal aid. A dismissed McDonald’s lawsuit is back. And Tony Roma’s is developing a fast-casual spinoff.
What surprising menu item did Burger King once add to its lineup? Krispy Kreme is thinking beyond doughnuts. And Back Yard Burgers is ready for its comeback.
McDonald’s plant-based burger is popping up in more locations. One family dining chain is getting into the fast-casual business. And Dutch Bros has a focus that’s wider than coffee.
Starbucks canceled its plans to require vaccinations. Taco Bell is starting a business school. And customers are beginning to push back against higher menu prices.
More Starbucks unionization is afoot. Temporary closures are hurting restaurants’ bottom lines. And the Pendulum investment group is looking to widen who has access to restaurant capital.
With Biden’s vaccine mandate blocked, the administration is shifting gears. Many independents are facing bankruptcy. And China has become a chain restaurant hot spot.
The federal vaccine mandate is likely no longer in play. Hopdoddy has acquired a similar better burger chain. And Potbelly is celebrating its 45th birthday by making some changes.
Restaurant menu prices keep on rising. Reef is making some changes after a rash of health violations. And Wingstop is bringing breakfast to soccer fans.
Domino’s is re-thinking value. Starbucks unionization continues. And will omicron undo Shake Shack’s comeback?
Restaurant chains are feeling the pressure of omicron. Checkers is adding automation to its drive-thrus. And Arby’s unveils a spicy superlative.
Papa Johns is embarking on a major international expansion. Restaurants are closing the pre-pandemic workforce gap. And The Lost Cajun is once again looking to grow.
There’s renewed hope for more federal restaurant aid. Taco Bell is offering subscriptions. And the Supreme Court will take a look at Joe Biden’s federal vaccine mandate.
Subway has a craving for larger franchisees. KFC is getting into the plant-based chicken business. And Del Taco is re-thinking value.
The latest COVID surge made it an unhappy holidays for many restaurants. Nearly 7% of hospitality workers quit in November. And Noodles and Company has a new healthy pasta option.
- It was a year that should have brought pandemic recovery to the restaurant industry. Instead, it brought still more challenges and tough questions for operators already struggling to recover from the brutal year before. Labor shortages. Supply chain headaches. Inflationary pressures. Those were just some of the big industry issues covered by Restaurant Business in 2021
COVID booster mandates are gaining some traction (and controversy) in the restaurant industry. And the number of McDonald’s franchisees is shrinking.
Independents across the country are closing temporarily as the omicron variant surges. At the same time, more cities are imposing vaccine mandates for diners.
The federal vaccine mandate is getting pushed back. One social media platform is launching a virtual restaurant brand. And investors aren’t so sweet on Krispy Kreme.
Darden CEO Gene Lee is retiring. Olive Garden hints at an end to its Never-Ending Pasta Bowl. And another food-and-golf concept is teeing off.
McDonald’s is settling lawsuits with a former leader and a franchisee. Chipotle is rolling out a new prototype without a dining room. And Subway’s remodeling plans keep getting way-layed.
The most popular Grubhub order of 2021 is almost impossible to believe. Restaurant sales continued to rise in November. And ezCater is eyeing an IPO.
The push by Starbucks workers to unionize is spreading to a new city. There’s a new (and very big) player in restaurant delivery. And is the McPlant ready for prime time?
Impossible Foods is starting a restaurant. The former owner of Old Country Buffet is in trouble with creditors. And McDonald’s settles a discrimination lawsuit.
Tilman Fertitta is backing out of his go-public deal. Menu prices haven’t been this high since Reagan was president. And one casual dining chain is selling franchises for the first time in its history.
McDonalds is investing millions to make it's franchises more diverse, restaurants recovery from COVID will be uneven, and Freddy's Frozen Custard is recognized for its fast growth.
Jack in the Box is buying up a taco chain. New York City is expanding its vaccine mandate. And Technomic is out with its 2022 food trends.
Raising Cane’s says it will never go public. Restaurant hiring slowed in November. And the parent of Applebee’s doesn’t seem too concerned about the latest COVID variant.
A big restaurateur is trying to back out of a merger. The president wants you to get your employees vaccinated. And diners just might be becoming better tippers.
Burger King wants its drive-thrus to be faster. The NLRB takes a rare step to help unionized restaurant workers. And KFC is poised for growth behind its chicken sandwich.
A quirky taco chain has a new owner. Publicly traded restaurant chains are bouncing back from their 2020 lows. And so is the popularity of restaurant gift cards.
Yet another chain is plotting unionization. Is the new COVID variant scaring off casual dining investors? And, no, Subway isn’t getting sold.
Add yet one more restaurant chain to the long list of IPOs this year. Operators are finding a local answer to meat supply challenges. And which burger chain is eyeing aggressive price hikes?
Customers can order coffee without even taking out their wallet at the latest Starbucks location. But what does that say about the future of the cashier position?
Your quick morning dose of the restaurant news you need, every weekday, from the editors of Restaurant Business.
Your quick morning dose of the restaurant news you need, every weekday, from the editors of Restaurant Business.
Your quick morning dose of the restaurant news you need, every weekday, from the editors of Restaurant Business.
Your quick morning dose of the restaurant news you need, every weekday, from the editors of Restaurant Business.
Your quick morning dose of the restaurant news you need, every weekday, from the editors of Restaurant Business.
A Starbucks unionization vote in Buffalo could have wide-reaching implications for restaurant chains. A lot more restaurant workers quit their jobs in September. And Kura Sushi’s sales are taking off.
In-N-Out is not moving to Florida. A big Taco Bell franchisee is sold. And Carrols Restaurant Group battles skyrocketing costs
Restaurant menu prices are higher than ever because of higher food and labor costs, which have not surprisingly become restaurants’ No. 1 concern
Yet another group of fast casuals is going public. Sweetgreen has set the terms for its IPO. And Sysco is seeing major cost inflation.
Food inflation continues. McDonald’s CEO is apologizing. And growth brand Starbird Chicken just nabbed a big investment.
The CEO of Torchy's is retiring, restaurant hiring improved in October, and more people are eating Papa John's but not necessarily more often.
Protein prices are causing all sorts of problems for restaurants. But Tuesday’s elections might provide better news.
Fat Brands is buying yet another restaurant chain. Bloomin’ Brands is battling high commodity prices. And Chipotle is testing a new chicken recipe.
Restaurants want Joe Biden to punch up his supply chain plan. Burger King is rewarding loyalty members with cryptocurrency. And Sonic Drive-In adds tipping to its app.
Starbucks is investing in its pandemic recovery. Raising Cane’s is raising wages. And robots are getting a higher profile in restaurants.
New York’s vaccine mandate has hurt restaurants. Starbucks is giving workers a raise. And the Department of Labor put new limits on the tip credit.
McDonald’s is selling off its voice-ordering division. A plant-focused fast casual nabbed a major investment. And COVID vaccine requirements could hamper Sweetgreen’s growth plans.
Sweetgreen is big on digital. Grubhub explains why it fell behind. And Tim Hortons is having issues at dinner.
Burger King doesn’t want diners clipping coupons. An activist investor has major qualms about the Just Eat-Grubhub deal. And the EEOC made a surprise vaccine announcement.
Rapid-Fired Pizza was acquired by a franchisee. Papa John’s COO is leaving. And Reef hits a snag in New York City.
Portillo’s is now a publicly traded company. Will Culver’s Curderburger make a comeback? And the source of a widespread salmonella outbreak has been found.
Expect Brinker’s menu prices to rise. In-N-Out is rejecting one city’s vaccine mandate. And communities are warming up to drive-thrus.
A group of buffet concepts is accused of misusing PPP funds. Caribou Coffee wants to go national. And Toppers Pizza sets its sights on growth.
Krystal is getting into artificial intelligence. Hooters is defending its new uniforms. And restaurateur Daniel Boulud remains all-in on fine dining.
Restaurants are adapting to fewer workers. Meanwhile, sales keep surging. And The chain formerly known as Buffalo Wings & Rings is making some changes.
McDonald’s plant-based burger is coming to the U.S. Domino’s sales fell for the first time in a decade. And Freddy’s is shaking things up in the drive-thru.
Food prices continue to soar. Workplace immigration oversight is changing. And Iron Hill Brewery has a new CEO.
Portillo’s has set terms for its IPO. A lot of restaurant workers quit their jobs in August. And BurgerFi explains why it bought a pizza chain.
Restaurant hiring is slowing down. A judge sides with Subway in a fishy tuna lawsuit. And Grubhub’s founder is parting ways with the company.
More than half of hospitality employees plan to quit their jobs. McDonald’s is thanking teachers with free meals. And downtown business districts remain slow coming back.
You’ll likely need to be fully vaccinated to dine at a restaurant in Los Angeles. An acquisition likely means the end of Old Country Buffet and its sister concepts. And Raising Cane’s is going to the extreme to hiring 10,000 workers in the next 50 days
There’s good and bad news on commodity costs. Teenagers still love Chick-fil-A. And Chipotle could settle a lawsuit over overtime pay.
A restaurant-related salmonella outbreak is continuing to spread. Restaurant marketers had to think fast during a social media outage. And Kitchen United acquired a fellow ghost kitchen company.
Lou Malnati’s pizza chain has a new owner. First Watch raised $170 million in its IPO. And ghost kitchen operator All Day Kitchens napped $65 million in its latest funding round.
Independent restaurants could score $1 million for their businesses. Operators are struggling to pay rent. The returning McRib might face some competition.
Restaurants’ labor challenges are hurting sales. The creators of “South Park” saved a beloved Denver restaurant. And Papa John’s is hoping for more big franchise deals.
A franchising investigation is being mounted. Portillo’s has ambitious growth plans. And Papa John’s unveiled a major development deal.
Restaurants are using technology to fudge their taxes. McDonald’s is grappling with how to boost staff vaccinations. And Subway still has too many restaurants.
Reef Kitchens is growing very quickly. Hot chicken chains are super hot right now. And prepare for continued supply chain disruptions.
A major alcohol shortage is causing problems for restaurants and bars. Darden Restaurants is seeing success with efficiencies.
Toast makes a soaring debut on the public markets, First Watch sets terms for its own IPO, and Starbucks plans to build greener stores.
Subway’s brand refresh appears to be working. OSHA is drafting new restaurant safety rules. And Burger King’s owner vowed to cut its emissions in half.
The labor shortage at restaurants persists. Dave’s Hot Chicken just nabbed a big-name investor and Texas Roadhouse is getting serious about growing its fast-casual spinoff.
Chick-fil-A’s CEO is stepping down. Robot delivery could be here sooner than you think. And Seattle will require proof of vaccination from diners.
Unionization is a hot topic right now. Restaurant sales are flat. And Del Taco faced some surprising difficulties creating its quesadilla-taco mashup.
Chick-fil-A unveiled plans for its new virtual brands, Dutch Bros made a splash with its IPO, and DoorDash is suing New York City again.
Yum has no plans to mix its restaurant brands. Food prices continue to skyrocket. And tech giant Toast is significantly boosting its IPO goals.
Taco Bell is testing a taco subscription. Uber Eats is offering tiered pricing. And the FSTEC conference is full of surprises.
How will restaurants navigate the new vaccine mandate? Burger King is turning its attention to operations. And the three big delivery companies are suing New York City.
Supply chain challenges continue to disrupt major chains. The delta variant appears to be slowing restaurant sales. And Chipotle is again leveraging TikTok as part of its innovative digital strategy.
Wall Street is getting an innovation infusion. Sweetgreen’s co-founder and CEO is issuing an apology. And the parent company of FlatTop Grill has a new CEO.
First Watch is joining the IPO crowd. Dutch Bros has revealed its IPO terms. And Shaquille O’Neal-backed Big Chicken has big plans.
McDonald’s ice cream machines are causing some headaches. A look inside the Fat Brands-Twin Peaks deal. And struggling fast casual PizzaRev has been acquired.
Acquisitive operator Fat Brands bought another restaurant chain. Chipotle is shaking up its rewards program again. And restaurants are using technology to help enforce vaccine mandates.
The National Restaurant Association is looking for a new leader. Potbelly is going back to the drawing board. And Chipotle is focusing on farm-fresh peas for its newest menu item.
The delta variant is complicating McDonald’s plans to reopen dining rooms. Wingstop has a new COO. And Bojangles is closing restaurants to give employees a break.
Chicago is suing some major third-party delivery providers. Franchisees burned by Burgerim are finding new opportunities. And a shocking number of restaurant operators couldn’t pay their August rent.
Wendy’s is changing its french fry recipe. New York City makes its delivery fee cap permanent. And independent restaurants have at least a few things going for them.
Jack in the Box is handing out lots of free food. Employees of a 20-unit coffee concept have voted to unionize. And restaurants around the country are getting extra-creative with recruitment and retention initiatives.
Restaurant sales are starting to feel the impact of the delta variant. The industry is again pushing for a new round of Restaurant Revitalization Funding. And Sweetgreen buys a robotic restaurant.
Subway has high hopes for international growth. Taco Bell has a new, high-profile spokesperson. And Wing Zone is investing in its tech and operations to speed up its growth.
Steak, chicken and pizza were winners in Q2. The parent of TGI Fridays is investing in a virtual brand company. And opponents of the tip credit are mounting a new offensive in New York.
A group of New York restaurants are asking the state to overturn the city’s vaccine mandate. Restaurant leaders are wary of the delta variant. And Chipotle is testing plant-based chorizo.
Restaurants are wondering how long the summer sales boom will last as COVID cases rise. Chili’s parent company is launching another virtual brand. And restaurants had another good month in July.
New York unveiled the guidelines for its vaccine mandate. McDonald’s wants to join a class-action lawsuit against chicken suppliers. It’s also serving donuts for a limited time.
Domino’s overtakes Pizza Hut, OSHA says get masked and Famous Dave’s is looking for deals.
Restaurants will need to be checking vaccine cards in New Orleans, in Texas the liquor authority might punish you for checking vaccination status, and online ordering isn't seeing a tip from dine in's return.
The federal infrastructure bill could limit a key restaurant relief program. Greg Flynn adds to his hotel portfolio. And Burger King’s parent invests in a home cooking platform.
Restaurant earnings are rebounding from a year ago. But the delta variant of the coronavirus is looming in the background of that recovery. And Domino’s is making plans to surprise and delight its customers.
Restaurant workers are bearing the brunt of enforcing new COVID restrictions. Seafood prices have more than doubled this summer. And KFC is expanding in big cities. Welcome to RB Daily, a quick look at the top industry news of the day from the editors of Restaurant Business. I’m Joe Guszkowski, senior editor at RB.
Denny’s bounces back. Noodles is raising its prices. And a new shortage is frustrating the industry: Equipment.
New York City diners are going to need their COVID shots. McDonald’s is seeing an uptick in interested workers. And casual dining is in the midst of a rebirth.
New York calls for stricter vaccine requirements in restaurants. McDonald’s is mandating mask-wearing in some locations. And the delta variant could stunt the return of urban concepts.
Popeyes is feeling the chicken sandwich heat. Burger King continues to slump. And BJ’s got dinged for having a surplus of beer.
Danny Meyer’s restaurant group will require vaccinations. Delivery providers are dealt a blow in New York. And the joint employer rule is tightening up again.
The CDC updated its face-mask guidance for restaurants. McDonald’s says staffing problems are improving. And Subway fights back against a lawsuit about tuna.
: Chick-Fil-A’s unit volumes are eye-popping. New York City’s mayor said restaurant customers there may need to show proof of vaccination. And hundreds of bars in San Francisco will require proof of COVID vaccination to enter.
Chicken nuggets make their debut at Popeyes. Two Black McDonald’s franchisees allege more discrimination. And By Chloe is changing its name.
Domino’s is getting slammed by the labor shortage. Even more restaurants are making plans to go public. And franchising is red hot right now.
Domino’s had a good quarter. Bojangles inked a deal with a pair of college quarterbacks. And McDonald’s added to its diversity efforts.
Chipotle needs to find a way to crank out more burritos and bowls. Shake Shack is investing millions in its workers. And ToGo’s is testing out a new assembly-line model.
Is L Catterton going public? Just Salad just got a big cash infusion. And Gopuff is getting into the ghost kitchen game.
Portillos has made formal plans to go public, restaurant stocks are heating up and what the child tax credit means for restaurants.
Restaurant sales have fully recovered from the pandemic. Masks are back in Los Angeles County. And two third-party delivery providers are suing San Francisco over delivery fee caps.
The pandemic didn’t stop Domino’s, or a lot of other brands, from opening new restaurants. Good Times’ latest quarter is a microcosm for the industry right now. And Pressed Juicery gets a rebrand.
It might be time for restaurants to pay attention to traffic again, says The Bottom Line. Starbucks is adding its voice to the push for voting rights. And Panda Express is testing a plant-based take on a classic dish.
Menu prices keep going up. Tony Roma’s was sold. And a virtual wing concept is becoming an actual restaurant.
Popeyes is ready to start selling chicken nuggets. Grubhub is making a money-back guarantee. And a new food-and-golf concept is getting a big investment from a pro golfer.
Noncompete and anti-poaching agreements could be in jeopardy. Papa Murphy’s is the latest chain to launch a new prototype. And a union group wants to help supplement servers’ wages.
Papa John’s workers should expect some bonus cash. Subway’s star has fallen significantly. And Carrols Restaurant Group is back into acquisition mode.
Burger King loses its U.S. president. Some big restaurant names invest in a plant-based meat company. And Colorado bans polystyrene to-go boxes.
There’s been an explosion in restaurant mergers and acquisitions. Restaurants continue their hiring spree. And digital kitchen operator C3 just secured a major investment.
The SBA is pulling the plug on the RRF, Taco Cabana is being sold, and Red Lobster has a new CEO. We’ll recap all the restaurant news you might have missed over the long weekend, and there’s a lot of it.
Panera is selling Au Bon Pain again, DoorDash acknowledges that most customers would rather order directly from a restaurant, and Jack in the Box is reversing its refranchising push of the last 30 years.
A pair of new federal bills would give franchisees more rights. Pandemic-era pizza sales aren’t quite what they appear. And California’s heat wave has become the backdrop for a labor battle.
A noted takeout skeptic is starting to believe. Fat Brands is buying five more restaurants. And consumers still love Chick-fil-A.
The market for restaurant IPOs is red hot. Famous Dave’s bought Bakers Square for the pies. And New York City is considering a permanent cap on food delivery fees.
San Francisco is making its delivery fee cap permanent. Subway’s tuna brouhaha keeps resurfacing. And Papa Murphy’s is showing off its new store design.
Chicken thighs will likely become a permanent part of Wingstop’s menu. McDonald’s long-awaited loyalty program is almost ready for prime time. And Krispy Kreme wants to raise up to $640 million with its IPO.
Sweetgreen’s IPO rumors have come true. The Department of Labor is again tinkering with the tip credit. And Luby’s Cafeteria has been sold.
You’ve heard of Wingstop. How about Thighstop? Subway’s franchise royalties are some of the most expensive in the country. And Lettuce Entertain You turns 50.
Rent problems persist, operators look beyond the pandemic, another chain tries drone delivery, and new data shows not every consumer is smitten with milk substitutes.
Small restaurants in need of a loan may still have a shot with the SBA. Dutch Bros coffee is going public. And a Baltimore restaurant wants to make Juneteenth a big day for dining out.
Some restaurants are losing out on their Restaurant Revitalization Fund grants. The Cheesecake Factory has purchased most of Roark Capital’s equity stake. And some big changes are afoot at Grubhub.
How much does a Chipotle burrito cost? Depends where you are. Also, California restaurants can reopen today, and unemployment benefits are just one reason people aren’t returning to restaurant jobs.
Dave & Buster’s is trying to solve its labor issues with tech. An online ordering provider gets a $65 million cash infusion. And might Starbucks lend its name to a sports stadium?
One of the lawsuits against McDonald’s has been dismissed. Restaurants might need to start keeping track of vaccinated employees. And Subway shows why restaurant chains need succession plans.
Subway is buying out its business developers. Chipotle is raising menu prices. And a New York City restaurant is crying foul over third-party delivery.
One in 10 restaurant and hotel jobs are unfilled, restaurant sales are still surging, and Freddy’s Frozen Custard ditches the dining room.
McDonald’s is facing a tech-related lawsuit. There’s a recent surge in franchising. And did Burger King take a swing at Chick-fil-A?
Subway franchisees detail deep and long-lasting problems with the chain. Restaurants continue to add jobs. And Restaurant Leader of the Year nominees dish on how they succeeded through the pandemic.
Chipotle is plotting expansion in the U.K. and France. Don’t expect robots at McDonald’s in the near future. And a look inside how Krispy Kreme is growing revenue.
McDonald’s CEO predicts improved relationships with franchisees. Mercato Partners has another $100 million to distribute to emerging brands. And Wendy’s is launching its U.K. growth initiative.
Krispy Kreme is ready for its IPO. Cobranded restaurants are having a resurgence. And Shake Shack isn’t worried about cannibalization as it grows.
Yum Brands buys yet another tech company. Sizzler is suing the SBA. And Chili’s is the latest chain with a chicken sandwich.
Subway is insisting its franchisees keep regular hours. This restaurant software company just raised $125 million. And has Red Robin unlocked the staffing secret?
Ground Round is plotting a new concept. Sam Fox is getting into the hotel business. And a group of Black media executives want to talk to McDonald’s about ad spending.
There are a lot of franchising feuds happening right now. Subway is looking at increasing its royalty payments.
New York’s reopening hasn’t changed all that much for restaurants, Panera Bread has a new store design, and why Burger King had no other choice but to develop a chicken sandwich.
Customers aren’t flocking to fast food dining rooms. Chipotle Mexican Grill found a way to get a lot of job applications. And chicken chains did well in 2020.
The restaurant closure tsunami was not as devastating as originally predicted. Restaurant Revitalization Fund applications are closing as money runs out. And Quizno’s is betting big on ghost kitchens.
There’s no end in sight to the chicken sandwich wars. Casual dining bounced back in April. And a Wendy’s franchisee added 44 more restaurants.
Drive-thrus are new to the menu for Auntie Anne’s. Shipley Do-Nuts has a new CEO. And restaurant e-commerce platform Goldbelly just got a major cash infusion.
Restaurants and employees are split on why hiring is so hard right now. The CDC’s new mask guidance raises tough questions for restaurants. And Roark Capital buys Nothing Bundt Cakes.
McDonald’s workers are getting a pay bump. Chick-fil-A has its eye on a virtual concept. And what are the secrets to Sonic’s recent success?
Chick-fil-A is holding tight to its sauce packets. Subway franchisees are demanding lower royalties. And Olo has its eye on virtual brands.
Cosi backtracks on its bankruptcy filing, the cost of building a restaurant is soaring, and the $29 billion in RRF aid is going fast.
Chipotle is raising its hourly wages by an average of $2. Dine’s CEO is bullish on virtual concepts. And a federal judge has kept alive a restaurants business interruption insurance lawsuit.
Cryptocurrency might be catching on at restaurants, corn prices are skyrocketing, and Restaurant Business has a membership program.
Freddy’s has a new CEO. Pizza chains are feeling bullish. And Uber Eats is ready to talk about delivery regulation.
A lot of restaurants have already applied for a piece of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. A mini golf concept raised $60 million. And restaurant stocks are surging, which could spell more IPOs.
7-Eleven franchisees are feeling the labor strain. Mother’s Day is shaping up to be a huge day for restaurants. And, have indies fully recovered from the pandemic?
The Restaurant Revitalization Fund could be drained within weeks. New York will soon lift all pandemic restrictions. And White Castle’s newest location is a big hit.
Texas Roadhouse has staffing woes. How Bloomin Brands CEO made a critical staffing decision. And McDonald’s is finding success with a simplified menu.
What President Biden’s plans mean for restaurants, McDonald’s sales soar thanks to chicken sandwiches, and more restaurant earnings news.
Chicken prices are soaring. Tao acquired Hakkasan. And Jose Cil is a restaurant leader of the year nominee.
The application process for $29 billion in federal restaurant aid opens Monday, Cava raises $190 million and the CDC updates its guidance on mask-wearing.
Restaurant Business is naming the industry’s top leaders. How Charlie Morrison steered Wingstop to success during the pandemic. And Domino’s is bringing back its Noid cartoon villain.
The Old Country Buffet bankruptcy has been brewing for more than a decade. Restaurants are turning to tech to help hiring. And Jamba wants to be more than just a smoothie chain.
Chipotle’s operations chief initially wasn’t keen on the quesadilla. Equipment maker Welbilt is being acquired by Middleby. And Chick-fil-A is adding a new salad to the menu.
Subway is officially not for sale, Taco Bell is testing a plant-based taco and why a digital ordering company thinks the next McDonald’s could be a virtual brand.
Subway franchisees are at their wit’s ends. Dave & Buster’s is feeling optimistic. And Famous Dave’s parent is going brand shopping.
McDonald’s has a new celebrity meal combo, and restaurants are getting closer to applying for federal aid—and to settling up with their landlords. This is RB Daily, a daily look at the industry’s top news from the editors of Restaurant Business.
A single sandwich shop is valued at $100 million, delivery drivers face an increased risk of car jackings, and automats are making a comeback.
Restaurant sales are nearly back to pre-pandemic levels. Casual dining took a massive hit in 2020. And Golden Corral still has some tricks up its sleeve.
McDonald’s updates its workplace safety standards, more restaurant bankruptcies could be on the horizon, and Fazoli’s serves wings now.
Stimulus checks are sparking a restaurant sales surge. Duck Donuts has been sold. And Chick-fil-A is experimenting with delivery robots.
Domino’s launches pizza delivery by robot, another Golden Corral franchisee files for bankruptcy and a U.S. senator calls for tighter franchise rules.
What does an Amazon unionization vote mean for restaurants? Details emerge on the Restaurant Revitalization Fund. And chains are abandoning their retail strategies.
McDonald’s CEO took a pay cut in 2020, Wingstop was the nation’s fastest-growing chain and Oregon reinstates some dining restrictions.
Major supply chain problems are afoot. McDonald’s is considering action against inflated chicken prices. And fast-casual chain Roti is closing a third of its restaurants.
California is planning to lift pandemic restrictions in June, Starbucks is testing reusable cups and three more chains jump on the chicken sandwich train.
Chipotle’s CEO earned $38 million last year, Marriot is testing a buffet replacement. And being a restaurant franchisee is risky business.
Consumer advocates are pushing for a new type of menu labeling, restaurants are struggling to find enough staff as sales rebound, and Burger King has lost its marketing maven.
Restaurant sales are surging, ghost kitchens are coming to apartment buildings and Whataburger is rewarding it employees after a difficult year.
The CDC warns of another COVID surge, Pizza Hut is adding drive-thrus and Shake Shack’s CFO has left the company.
Golden Corral jumps into the future, Famous Dave’s recovers and Saladworks is going big into ghost kitchens.
Grubhub is facing a lawsuit, the Senate has extended the PPP deadline and Cicis Pizza is re-imagining its business model.
Chipotle makes a rare deal, restaurants will have to wait for some help, and Olive Garden gives out some raises.
Flynn Restaurant Group adds more than 1,000 locations, Yum Brands buys another tech company and the Labor Department moves forward with plans to ease tip pooling rules.
Jimmy John and Jamie Coulter partner on a coffee chain, McDonald’s has no beef with raising prices, and 7-Eleven is giving a drive-thru a try.
Texas Roadhouse has named a successor to its CEO post, following the death of Kent Taylor. Restaurants should expect third-party delivery business to slow. And Chicago is hoping to encourage outdoor dining.
Olo soars on its first day as a public company, Shake Shack launches in-app delivery and why chicken thighs might make sense on a sandwich.
Cicis Pizzas is no longer bankrupt, White Castle celebrates a big birthday, and restaurants plan to keep up their COVID-safety protocols.
Raising Cane’s says simple is not so simple, Subway is moving and indies are still closing.
More green this St. Patrick’s Day, more business in general this spring, and Walmart launches a ghost kitchen.
Restaurants are feeling optimistic, there’s more help for restaurants in the American Rescue Plan, and here comes joint employer again.
The landmark bill packing $29B in restaurant aid advances, chains hit on a way to boost catering sales, and regional favorite Milio’s Sandwiches is sold.
A bunch of restaurant aid moves forward in Congress, the CDC questions restaurant openings, and Burgerim franchisees shouldn’t expect much.
Wendy’s is casing out banks, independents say they’ll be forced to raise prices, and loyalty programs are getting a big push from fast-food chains.
Red Robin has a turnaround plan, TGI Friday’s learns to text, and Chipotle ties pay to diversity.
Alamo Drafthouse declares bankruptcy, Wendy’s doubles down on breakfast and not all restaurants in Texas are happy that the state lifted COVID restrictions
Is a 4th wave of the pandemic looming? Yum Brands is buying a tech company. And restaurateur Danny Meyer reveals his biggest restaurant industry mistake.
Steak ‘n Shake goes kiosks, fast-food prices soar and the owner of an iconic restaurant vows to rebuild after a fire.
The prospect of a wage hike still looms, Quaker Steak & Lube has been sold, and the industry’s annual convention in Chicago will be suspended again this year.
Golden Corral tests booze, Martha Stewart takes a fast-food job, and pizza chains incur Wall Street’s wrath.
The Burgerim saga continues, consumers’ name their favorite chain-restaurant fries, and Salt & Straw expands.
California is telling Burgerim to pay up. Terrible weather in the South forced Cracker Barrel to close more than 100 restaurants. And Chick-fil-A continues to win the biggest share of the growin chicken sandwich market.
Steak ‘n Shake narrowly avoids bankruptcy, Olo files to go public, and indies get first crack at federal stimulus loans.
Jack in the Box has some ups and downs, virtual restaurant concepts raise some questions about sustainability, and ghost kitchens are heading to college.
McDonald’s is tying executive pay to diversity, Wingstop isn't rushing into the chicken thigh business and consumer permanently changed their takeout habits in 2020.
McDonald’s is hit with another lawsuit, Burger King has a chicken sandwich and Wingstop had a good year.
Popeyes' chicken sandwich was really big, $1.3 billion big. the 80/20 rule gets delayed, and Pokemon cards prove to be popular for McDonald's Happy Meal.
President Biden’s relief plan includes millions for restaurants, Sweetgreen gets in on the fried chicken sandwich trend, and McDonald’s brings back a fan favorite at the fountain.
Chains scored big on Super Bowl Sunday, a new analysis breaks down the $15 minimum wage fight and Chicken Salad Chick is moving its HQ to Atlanta.
Ghost kitchens branch out, Danny Meyer forms a SPAC, and Dutch Bros Coffee’s app takes off.
The $15 minimum wage is delayed, Kitchen United puts a ghost kitchen in a shopping mall, and Chipotle raises prices on delivery.
We’re running out of chicken wings, Dig tries to dig out of a hole, and operators are giving time off for vaccinations.
A new proposal from Congress promises restaurant relief, Zuul scales up by licensing and Tilman Fertitta makes a play for more deals.
Landry’s is going public again, hotels are getting ghost kitchens and New York City is getting dining.
McDonald’s is incentivizing vaccinations. Bloomin’ Brands is expanding its virtual concepts. And Jack in the Box has a new marketing officer.
Business interruption insurance could go to the top court in the land, McDonald’s has a good 2020, and Chipotle does curbside service.
Chili’s and Starbucks are nearing a full recovery, Cici’s new owners are bullish on the brand and a small city plays David to delivery giants’ Goliath.
States keep pushing delivery fee caps, more restaurants are allowed to reopen, and Lettuce Entertain You dusts off old concepts.
The NPC sale gets the go-ahead, Steak ‘n Shake could end up in bankruptcy and Tyson settles is price fixing claims.
Velvet Taco picks up the pace, Boston Market has aggressive expansion plans, and New York is promising restaurants tens of millions in aid.
Subway is shrinking, Friendly’s has a new owner and Long John Silver’s has named a new CEO.
D.C. restaurants deliberate on what to do about the inauguration, industry employers voice uncertainty about how to handle employee vaccinations, and new data shows just how badly 2020 ended.
McDonald’s is pausing its political donations, Taco Bell brings back potatoes, and hotels want to be vaccine centers.
In-N-Out is the best restaurant employer, Burger King has a new chicken sandwich, and our menu editor takes a look at Chipotle’s new cauliflower rice.
The PPP has returned, Shake Shack’s urban restaurants continue to struggle, and Darden’s CEO questions the “stickiness” of takeout business.
Shake Shack has a new chicken sandwich, McDonald’s CEO takes a stand, and Checkers gets some cash.
The Paycheck Protection Program is restarting, restaurants lost 372,000 jobs as dining rooms closed in December, and a new company has been formed by industry veterans to buy potential growth vehicles.
Wendy’s has a deal with Flynn Restaurant Group, Burger King debuted a new logo and there’s a COVID outbreak at two In-N-Out locations in Colorado.
New DoorDash fees pop up in more markets, Inspire Brands hires an international chief and D.C. lays out timeline for vaccinating restaurant workers.
How restaurants can compete for digital business, deals we’d like to see in the new year and bullishness on Doordash.
Another chicken wing chain gets sold, McDonald’s is debuting a chicken sandwich, and restaurant stocks did surprisingly well.
Foodservice workers are recommended to be next in line for the COVID vaccine, more restaurant relief is on the way and McDonald’s franchisees want some control over the chain’s technology.
Darden embraces pop music fandom, Focus names new executives, and Burger King joins forces with Google.
Snooze gets a new investor, Front Burner gets a new CEO, and DoorDash has a popular new restaurant.
McDonald’s franchisees push back, Chili’s slips, and restaurant and delivery companies set some boundaries.
Panera Bread is building corporate culture, DoorDash is taking on delivery fee caps and Starbucks is selling plenty of gift cards.
Worse times for Dave & Buster’s, more shutdowns of restaurant dining rooms, and McDonald’s says it will start giving away food.
Starbucks will soon pay $15 an hour, Wendy’s is at an impasse with NPC and restaurants invest in digital integration.
Subway faces price hikes, DoorDash hits the public market and McDonald’s feels pressure from franchisees.
Restaurants in New York are awaiting new clamp-downs, the third-party delivery market is shrinking, and there’s some skepticism around the DoorDash IPO.
Chick-fil-A sues poultry processors, the National Restaurant Association steps up its pressure on Congress and Sun Capital exits the industry.
A new stimulus package could help restaurants, DoorDash takes aim at self-delivery, and Rick Bayless creates a YouTube channel.
A big industry auction is called off, a big merger is consummated, and restaurants defy new government orders to curtail their operations.
Chipotle introduces a new protein, DoorDash launches its IPO and the McRib is back, with a catch.
Ruby Tuesday gets the OK to be sold, more communities restrict restaurants and BurgerFi comes up with a chicken sandwich.
Torchy’s gets new investors, Bonchon gets a head headquarters and Washington state gets new delivery fee caps.
Wendy’s wants to buy NPC, Zaxby’s just got a cash infusion and tech companies are stepping up their contactless products.
More states add COVID restrictions, KFC unveils a new prototype and more franchisees join a McDonald’s discrimination lawsuit.
Restaurants push back on re-closings, Potbelly risks eviction from corporate headquarters and Chicago proposes a delivery fee cap.
More states and cities shut down dining rooms, more layoffs at Lettuce Entertain You, and more bidders for NPC International.
Go inside Chipotle’s innovative new Digital Kitchen, McDonald’s is doubling down on COVID safety and DoorDash has filed for its IPO.
Ruby Tuesday wants retirement funds, states warn of new rollbacks and DoorDash wants to help restaurants.
More cities crack down on dining, Lyft eyes delivery and Wendy’s grows its breakfast share.
McDonald’s is making over its tech offerings, a Stanford University study calls restaurants superspreader sites and Uber Eats’ acquisition of Postmates has received the green light.
NPC International has a big new bidder, Steak ‘n Shake has fewer locations, and McDonald’s might do plants.
The industry’s largest franchisee is looking to add 1,300 restaurants, Burger King’s largest franchisees is giving up its first shot at units that come up for sale, and Potbelly tempers its closing projection to a quarter of the prior tally.
PF Chang’s has a new takeout concept, Snap Kitchen has fewer snaps, and a look at Fuku’s new chicken sandwich.
Florida votes for a minimum wage hike, Reef Kitchens lands a major investment and a Panera franchisee tests beer and wine.
: McDonald’s faces another lawsuit, Starbucks is closing 100 U.S. stores, and Yum Brands has unloaded its Grubhub stock.
Taco Bell’s breakfast is hurting, Applebee’s chicken wings are soaring, and Dunkin’ restaurants are closing.
Chili’s consider making its virtual brand physical, Panera adds a new menu item and Denny’s wants its restaurants open longer.
Restaurant operators in California want a refund, dine-in service is being shutdown in many parts of Illinois, and Burger King is making over its drive-thrus.
Two chains go bankrupt, another chain lays off employees, and McDonald’s defends itself.
Uncertainty remains about third-party delivery’s profitability; Outback’s new menu is boosting sales and BJ’s Restaurants is eyeing future strategic initiatives.
Chipotle cools on delivery, states update their COVID rules for restaurants, and Wendy’s gives its chicken sandwich a refresh.
Moody’s upgrades the restaurant industry, John Schnatter can't get over Papa John's and secret menus are trending in the digital underground.
An Applebee’s franchisee has filed for bankruptcy, winter is threatening to chill consumer spending, and restaurants urge governments to think hard about new data before they roll back dining room capacities.
A new eatertainment chain, fast-food chains ditch dining rooms, and governors push back on COVID requirements.
A major franchisee just picked up 41 IHOP locations, Famous Dave’s is going whole-hog on ghost kitchens and confusion is muddying PPP loan forgiveness.
PPP forgiveness could carry a tax hit, a chicken supplier pays up for price fixing, and business travel faces a long comeback.
Wisconsin rolls back its rollback, Dave & Buster’s is coming back, and we have a new “potato in chief.”
Top LTOs, Panera’s roaring success with its coffee subscription, and another round in the breakfast wars between McDonald's and Wendy's.
Chains are handing their keys to lenders; customers are changing again, and Cracker Barrel’s investment in Punch Bowl Social gets scrutiny.
Tim Hortons plays hardball, the SBA is easing PPP forgiveness, and Famous Dave’s has another partner.
Indictments are being handed down over chicken prices, McDonald’s sales climbed last month, and grocery giant Kroger is opening ghost kitchens.
Ruby Tuesday goes bankrupt, the SBA starts deciding which PPP loans will be forgiven, and McDonald’s is rolling out a new bakery lineup.
Chick-fil-A wins another popularity contest, enviers of wings concepts are advised to pick another specialty, and Golden Corral’s largest franchisee goes bankrupt.
Some New York City restaurants could close again, Chuck E. Cheese ponders its next act, and McDonald’s has a new collaboration.
The next coronavirus wave could have devastating effects on restaurants, chains are getting the hang of TikTok, and independent restaurants are urging the Senate to help them.
Subway’s bread may or may not be bread, Jason’s Deli closes units and Disney is laying off restaurant workers.
Arby’s invests in a tech company, Pizza Hut and its largest franchisees continue to squabble, and fires in California destroy one of the nation’s top-rated restaurants.
Shake Shack is re-imaging what hospitality means, Papa John’s is seeing robust sales, and Postmates’ revenue rose more than 100% last quarter.
A lot of chains filed for bankruptcy, two industry vets create a new concept, and Chicago opens up its restaurants.
Another state is fully reopening its restaurants, franchise rules could get an overhaul, and some restaurants are having a tough time finding heaters.
Darden has slashed its support staff, Pizza Hut might lose a lot of locations, and 7-Eleven is trying to get in on the pizza delivery game.
McDonald’s All-Day Breakfast could be done for, delivery services are under scrutiny again, and catering gets some relief in Washington.
Crack Shack gets some cash, more companies get into third-party delivery, and Chipotle is bringing back its popular carne asada.
Sizzler goes bankrupt. Crowdfunding gets popular, more restaurants can’t pay rent and restaurant subscription services.
Culver’s CEO retires, San Francisco is set to resume indoor dining by the end of the month and restaurant-goers are getting used to robots.
New York independents can issue surcharges, more NLRB news, CDC report on restaurant risks and another bleak estimate of closures.
McDonald’s Travis Scott partnership is straining its supply chain, Dave & Buster’s lays off 1,300 workers and Chuck E. Cheese wants to destroy 7 billion prize tickets. In other words, just another day in the restaurant industry.
Restaurants out West are now closing patios because of unsafe air from wildfires, Pennsylvania operators are getting a federal reprieve from further shutdowns, Cracker Barrel has thwarted Sardar Biglari’s board appointment and McDonald's debuts a new menu item as it ramps up its marketing efforts.
Restaurant sales are on track to lose $240 Billion in sales, Papa John’s is planning an aggressive expansion strategy and Tony Vallone dies.
Maison Kayser has declared bankruptcy, Burgerim is the target of a lawsuit and the CDC is warning about a COVID-connection to dining out.
One restaurant chain is in bankruptcy, another is out of bankruptcy, and Commander’s Palace is adjusting to the coronavirus.
New York restaurants get a reopening date to resume indoor dining, joint employer rears its ugly head again, and Marriot lays off hundreds at its corporate headquarters.
BOKA restaurant group is laying off hundreds of workers, McDonald’s inks a surprising sponsorship with Travis Scott, and Burger King unveils its new design.
The coronavirus is having all kinds of impacts on the restaurant industry. Some restaurants are adding UV lights to boost safety, while others are trying new ways to improve staff retention. Meanwhile, the pandemic might be causing more people to move out of cities, which is also affecting restaurants.
McDonald’s is facing another racial discrimination lawsuit, customers have a variety of delivery problems, and chains are pushing new menu items.
Red Lobster is acquired by Asian investors, McDonald's continues it's legal battle against Steve Easterbrook and cult-favorite Blue Star Donuts files for bankruptcy.
The franchise business is booming, delivery fee caps are staying, Chipotle's stock is headed for the moon and people are eating a lot of Bruster’s ice cream.
States are devising new COVID rules, consumers have a delivery preference, and Cheesecake Factory is bringing back workers.
More allegations against McDonald's former CEO Steve Easterbrook, plant milk is flowing into menus, and why restaurants’ recovery is shaped like a K.
Papa John’s continues to soar, new products pour out of test kitchens, and a pop quiz on handling guests who refuse to wear masks.
Taco Bell has a lot more drive-thru demand, restaurant chains are developing new concepts and Chipotle is giving away burritos again.
Sardar Biglari keeps trying to up his involvement with Cracker Barrel, independent restaurants support the James Beard Awards cancellation and Ruby Tuesday’s founder launches an acquisition company.
A James Beard award hiatus, another potential outdoor dining ban in New York, and another SPAC targets restaurants.
Wingstop is capitalizing on the chicken wings boom, a Popeyes tweet that changed the industry, NYC operators demand a dine-in reopening plan and federal help in developing managers.
HMS Host lays off thousands, Waitr is thinking consolidation, and breakfast continues to boom for First Watch.
A chicken wing gets a makeover, McDonald’s continues its ongoing legal battle with its former CEO, and Potbelly does an about-face on PPP.
Ghost kitchens are becoming increasingly popular, Restaurant menus and the industry itself is shrinking, and virtual concepts are growing.
Another legacy chain is acquired, a virtual concepts approach the 100,000 mark, and esports fill the void left for restaurants by limited pro-sports broadcasts.
Brinker International is heavily investing in virtual restaurant concepts, Red Robin is speeding up its turnaround initiatives and Ark Restaurants is facing mounting uncertainty.
Delivery app companies settle in, restaurant capacity limits tighten, and Steak ‘N Shake cuts losses, but closes more restaurants.
X-rated evidence on McDonald’s prior CEO, Checkers finds a tailwind in consumers’ reluctance to dine out, and a Chicago landmark suffers more misfortune in its home city of 79 years.
Restaurants and bars are hiring back workers more than any other industry. Democrats and Republicans are divided on dining out and the coronavirus pushes Uber to pivot.
Another fast-food chain is closing restaurants, independent restaurants continue to struggle and Potbelly is back from the brink.
Wendy’s is thankful for breakfast, Il Mulino is filing for bankruptcy protection and Starbucks is shaking up its loyalty program.
More independents close, another chain goes bankrupt, and New York City restaurants can’t pay their rents.
Whataburger has a new CEO, more cities are capping third-party delivery commissions, and Starbucks has a commuter problem.
Shake Shack has a real estate problem, Jack in the Box needs a new CFO, and restaurants are closing locations.
Herman Can dies, California Pizza Kitchen files for bankruptcy and Dunkin’ announced its closing hundreds of locations.
Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Maze and Editor at Large Peter Romeo discuss PPP borrowers potentially getting a shot at a second loan, Wingstop's second quarter growth, hiring issues stymying Denny's operating hours and more.
"RB Daily" is a new daily podcast delivering the latest restaurant industry news and insights hosted by the editors of Restaurant Business Magazine. In the inaugural episode, Editor-in-Chief Jonathan Maze and Editor at Large Peter Romeo discuss McDonald's latest store closures, Chipotle's mask mandate and more.