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Tracking the same-store sales of 23 major restaurant chains
Q1 2026 saw more evidence of a casual dining resurgence, as fast casual sales continued to slow and QSRs posted mixed results.
Updated May 26, 2026 -
Courtesy of GoToFoods
How Moe’s Southwest Grill is using music to shape its experience abroad
No matter where Moe’s opens a location, “music is one of the most important things not only to the brand, but to how we bring the brand to life in our stores,” GoToFoods’ Brittany Metcalfe said.
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Cracker Barrel taps former Bloomin’ chief as CEO
David Deno will succeed Julie Masino, who is leaving less than a year after surviving an ouster attempt triggered by rebranding backlash.
Updated July 27, 2026 -
Courtesy of Jollibee
How 4 QSR chains sped up franchised growth in H1
From chicken chains to frozen custard joints, growing restaurant concepts are working to accelerate their store development in 2026.
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Retrieved from SingleThread Restaurant & Inn on July 16, 2026
Travelers are booking lodging based on hotel restaurants
This summer, 60% of travelers have booked a hotel specifically because of its restaurant, while hotel restaurant dining is up year over year, per OpenTable.
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Courtesy of Fogo de Chão
Fogo de Chão appoints successor to long-tenured CFO
Daniel Duran succeeded Tony Laday, who retired after helping the chain through an IPO, a global pandemic and multiple acquisitions over 12 years.
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Courtesy of Taco Bell
Taco Bell flooded with lawsuits over diarrhea outbreak
The fast food giant, supplier Taylor Farms and at least one franchisee face legal action from consumers in multiple states over alleged deceptive marketing and illness tied to lettuce.
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Permission granted by Ziggi's Coffee
Ziggi’s Coffee taps Noodles vet as growth chief
Stacey Pool will oversee the chain’s next phase of growth, including a pipeline of at least 200 units, which would nearly triple the chain’s current store count.
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Permission granted by KFC
KFC Global appoints COO
Maria Cacciapuoti has worked at the chain since 2015 and will partner with franchisees to modernize the guest and team experience.
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Courtesy of Starbucks
What 10 leading restaurant companies pay their CEOs — and their hourly workers
Median hourly compensation hovers near, and sometimes below, the poverty line, while leading restaurant CEOs earn tens of millions.
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Courtesy of Wienerschnitzel
Wienerschnitzel opens first military base location
The restaurant at Naval Base San Diego is a major step forward for the chain’s push to tap into pre-existing consumer pools with nontraditional units.
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Courtesy of Dutch Bros
Gas price moderation won’t end restaurant consumer woes
Falling gas prices may not mean a return to consumer health, as wages fall and savings deplete, worsening the gap between restaurant winners and losers.
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Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Yum appoints chief people officer
Nai De Leon, who joined the company from Bain Capital in 2025, will succeed Tracy Skeans in November.
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Benjamin Fanjoy via Getty Images
Taylor Farms lettuce didn’t contain parasite behind diarrhea outbreak, FDA says
The agency said a previous finding was “a false positive,” but the supplier to companies such as Walmart and Taco Bell remains at the heart of an ongoing investigation.
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marcnorman via Getty Images
Cracker Barrel sells Maple Street Biscuit Company
The chain will close 16 of its subsidiary biscuit brand locations after selling 35 to Biscuit Belly as part of a move to improve profitability.
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Mario Tama via Getty Images
Taco Bell, QSR and fast casual traffic plunges after Cyclospora lettuce recall
Visits at the Mexican chain slid by 30% on July 17 after shredded lettuce in at least five states was tied to the outbreak.
Updated July 23, 2026 -
Joe Raedle via Getty Images
Domino’s says order counts are up thanks to third-party delivery
Partnerships with Uber Eats and DoorDash are bringing in more new customers than the chain would have gained otherwise.
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Courtesy of Burger King
Burger King reworks manager role to support guest experience
The chain is redefining its restaurant manager role with a new, more distinct uniform and new responsibilities to better address guest concerns.
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jetcityimage via Getty Images
Jersey Mike’s IPO could raise over $1B
The chain could secure the restaurant industry's largest public offering of the past 20 years, far outpricing Krispy Kreme’s $500 million debut in 2021.
Updated July 21, 2026 -
Courtesy of Taim Mediterranean Kitchen
Craveworthy Brands to open first multi-concept restaurant
With seven brands in one location, Crave Kitchen will offer multiple food options to students and faculty at Georgia Tech when it debuts in August.
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Mario Tama via Getty Images
Taco Bell traffic declines following diarrhea outbreak
The outbreak also resulted in a drop in visits at other chains that serve salad, such as Sweetgreen, Chopt and Panera, according to Placer.ai data.
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Taco Bell lettuce supplier linked to diarrhea outbreak
Upwards of 1,600 people who contracted cyclosporiasis reported eating at the chain beforehand, the CDC and FDA said.
Updated July 20, 2026 -
gsheldon via Getty Images
Hardee’s franchisee says old stores, high costs led to bankruptcy
Superior Star said it absorbed significant, unexpected deferred maintenance expenses following its 2023 acquisition of scores of Hardee’s restaurants.
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Inappropriate touching, unwanted spanking costs Las Vegas restaurant group $2M
The court documents allege that Bouchon and the greater restaurant group failed to take appropriate action to prevent the harassment, even after receiving complaints.
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Courtesy of Wonder
Wonder tops $9B valuation, raises $650M
The food hall company will use the latest funding round to support its ongoing expansion, marketplace growth and technology investments.
