The Latest
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Spencer Platt via Getty Images
Tracking the same-store sales of 21 major restaurant chains
Very few chains — not even Chipotle and Domino’s — were immune from same-store sales slides reported in Q1 2025 as consumers spend less.
Updated May 21, 2025 -
Courtesy of Olive Garden
How Olive Garden’s delivery channel is impacting sales growth
Analyst BTIG expects delivery could add hundreds of millions of dollars to the chain’s sales, with every $100 million resulting in a 2% same-store sales impact.
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Darden considering sale of Bahama Breeze
CEO Rick Cardenas said the chain, which closed 15 units in May, doesn’t fit within its current portfolio.
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Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images
How DoorDash is evolving its retail media arm as ad revenue grows
The ads division just acquired ad-tech startup Symbiosys for $175 million and is introducing new artificial intelligence tools for restaurant brands.
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Mario Tama via Getty Images
McDonald’s appoints US CIO
Valerie Ashbaugh is set to switch positions with long-time tech chief Whitney McGinnis, who will now be senior vice president, commercial products and platforms.
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Courtesy of Panera
Panera operator in Florida sued by DOL over child labor
The suit alleges that a 29-store franchisee subjected 240 minors to “oppressive” and illegal working conditions.
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Sam Silverstein/Restaurant Dive
Walmart is leveling up in foodservice. How can grocers compete?
As the retailer adds hot bars, grab-and-go items and in-store QSRs, supermarkets can tap their workers and deep knowledge of their customer base as valuable differentiators, sources said.
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Courtesy of Yum Brands
Yum Brands appoints Chris Turner CEO
Turner, current chief financial and franchise officer, will succeed David Gibbs on Oct. 1. Gibbs will serve the chain in an advisory role through 2026.
Updated June 17, 2025 -
Permission granted by Portillo's
Portillo’s expands breakfast test
The chain, which began testing the morning daypart in April, added five more restaurants and a new menu item to the Chicagoland pilot.
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Brandon Bell via Getty Images
Chick-fil-A leads in customer satisfaction for 11th straight year
The ACSI 2025 report found challenger brands on the march, sector leaders on the defensive, and Starbucks showing surprising strength.
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Permission granted by Golden Corral
Why Golden Corral rebranded its fast casual concept
Homeward Kitchen required too many resources to raise brand awareness, so the chain reopened it using the Golden Corral logo.
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Courtesy of Portillo's
Portillo’s appoints Gene Lee to board
The fast casual chain made the former Darden CEO a director as part of its agreement with Engaged Capital.
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Mark Davis via Getty Images
Dave & Buster’s dials back some of its ‘confusing’ experience changes
The company is reversing course on proposed changes, like flexible game pricing, with an eye toward simplification, according to CEO Kevin Sheehan.
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Permission granted by Fuzzy's Taco Shop
Fuzzy’s to open first full-service restaurant
Fuzzy’s Tacos and Margs will offer tableside service, a taco-focused menu and a new slate of beverages in Sugar Land, Texas, next week.
Updated June 13, 2025 -
Permission granted by Ascent Hospitality Management
Ascent Hospitality appoints technology chief
Brian Wallunas has more than 20 years of experience in hospitality and technology. He has overseen digital transformations at brands such as Domino’s and Arby’s.
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Scott Olson via Getty Images
Restaurants develop a taste for AI as economic outlook sours
BJ’s Restaurants, Cracker Barrel and Bloomin’ Brands pursue efficiency and productivity gains with AI initiatives.
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Courtesy of 7 Brew
7 Brew hires first supply chain chief
Christopher Held, who worked at Inspire Brands for six years, will help scale operations, optimize supply chain and ensure product consistency at the fast-growing coffee chain.
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Scott Olson via Getty Images
Starbucks deploys virtual assistant to improve workflows
Green Dot Assist will help staff look up various ingredients for drinks, troubleshoot equipment and help managers staff last-minute callouts.
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Courtesy of Coco Robotics
Coco Robotics raises $80M in funding to fuel expansion
The delivery bot firm will use the funding to enter into additional partnerships, grow its fleet and advance its AI system.
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Courtesy of Starbucks
Starbucks cafes are getting more managers
The cafe chain is launching a full-time assistant manager program, which will be systemwide in 2026, to fill a critical gap in store-level leadership.
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Permission granted by Uber Health
Uber grocery executive named to lead delivery operations
Susan Anderson, who formerly led the company’s grocery and retail operations, is now serving as its global head of delivery.
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Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Krispy Kreme sells remaining stake in Insomnia Cookies Holdings for $75M
The doughnut chain will use the cash net proceeds to pay down debt following the transaction.
Updated June 11, 2025 -
Courtesy of Califorinia Pizza Kitchen
California Pizza Kitchen adds 3 salads to permanent menu
The offerings come months after it partnered with Man Vs Fries to add a virtual menu.
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Northwalker. (2022). Retrieved from Wikimedia Commons.
Texas Roadhouse CFO leaves after 2 years
The Kentucky-based company named Keith Humpich as interim CFO after Chris Monroe left to return to the Lone Star State.
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Courtesy of Culver's
Culver’s revamps chicken sandwiches
The chain will update three chicken sandwiches on June 16, just as rivals Popeyes and McDonald’s launch new items in the popular category.
