The Latest

  • An image of a man leaving a Chipotle. He is holding a brown bag.
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    Getty Images
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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
  • A black and purple restaurant exterior.
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    Duane Prokop via Getty Images
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    Taco Bell, Taylor Farms Cyclospora case count hits 6K

    The vast majority of the individuals sickened in the outbreak fell ill before Taco Bell and Taylor Farms removed potentially contaminated lettuce.

  • A car at a window picking up an order from a restaurant
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    Permission granted by Salad and Go
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    Dutch Bros buys 65 former Salad and Go units

    The coffee chain will convert units in Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma and Texas as part of its strategy to reach 2,029 units in 2029.

  • Papa Johns
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    Courtesy of Papa Johns
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    Papa Johns changes CMOs, ramps up mass marketing amid struggles

    CMO Jenna Bromberg will depart as the chain appoints a global marketer and plans to rebalance its media mix and continue to invest in marketing co-ops.

  • A Gong cha store with the open sign and drink menu displayed on the storefront's windows.
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    Kelly Stroh/Restaurant Dive
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    Bain Capital buys Gong cha bubble tea chain

    The private equity firm will assume control of a 2,200-unit global chain, with at least 240 stores in the U.S.  

    Updated Aug. 5, 2026
    M&A
  • a drive-thru coffee shop with 7 Brew branding at dusk.
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    Courtesy of 7 Brew
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    7 Brew debuts app, overhauls loyalty system

    The new app could aid the coffee brand’s growth by driving sales and raising the quality and volume of consumer data it collects.

  • A picture of Burger King signs.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Burger King sales surge, but Popeyes faces uphill battle

    While Burger King’s revival has gained momentum in recent months, Popeyes has continued to struggle despite its turnaround efforts — but RBI has hope for the chicken chain’s sluggish sales.

  • A car at a window picking up an order from a restaurant
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    Permission granted by Salad and Go
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    Salad and Go files for Ch. 11, closes 70 stores

    The salad chain said it faced ongoing pressure on consumer demand, including an indirect impact from the Cyclospora outbreak.

  • A sign on a Chipotle restaurant.
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    Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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    Chipotle pulls some jalapeños over Salmonella concerns

    The brand, which has a long history of food safety scares, said its ingredient tracking system identified a batch of peppers that may have been affected.  

  • A person smiles at a camera in front of a gray background.
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    Courtesy of Portillo's
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    Portillo’s hires Olive Garden finance exec as CFO

    Kevin Kalicak, who has spent nearly 30 years at Darden, will join the fast casual chain on Sept. 7, succeeding Michelle Hook.

  • The exterior of a Dave & Buster's restaurant.
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    Brandon Bell / Staff via Getty Images
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    Dave & Buster’s hires another CEO

    Darin Harper has moved into the top executive position from CFO, succeeding Tarun Lal, who retired effective Aug. 3.

    Updated Aug. 4, 2026
  • Six drinks, all colorful, comprising the vanguard of McDonald's post-CosMc's premium drinks lineup.
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    Courtesy of McDonald's
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    McDonald’s CEO blames US traffic drop on execution problems

    The Golden Arches is acting with urgency to correct value issues and operational inefficiencies in the U.S. after a sales miss, executives said.

  • An image of a small restaurant with a red facade that has a white logo saying Checkers. There is a woman waiting at a pickup window and a blue car at a drive-thru window.
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    The image by Pokemonprime is licensed under CC BY 4.0
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    Checkers & Rally’s hires development chief to return to growth

    Peter Busse, an alumnus of Torchy’s Tacos and Yum Brands, will help the burger brands plot a turnaround after years of shrinking store counts.

  • A person with a green blazer sits in front of a window looking out to a blurred cityscape.
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    Courtesy of McDonald's
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    McDonald’s USA appoints Skye Anderson to president

    Anderson will oversee the chain’s NEXT strategy in its largest market and succeeds Joe Erlinger, who is leaving the company after 20 years.

  • A biege building with signage in red and green that says Krispy Kreme Doughnuts
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    Brandon Bell via Getty Images
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    Krispy Kreme creates chief commercial officer role

    Suk Nicholas, a 15-year company veteran, will oversee the chain’s fresh delivery business globally and in the U.S.

  • Domino's app
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    Courtesy of Domino's Pizza
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    Domino’s pays diners to beta test its relaunched app, website

    The pizza chain’s new campaign encourages consumers to leave feedback about its updated digital ordering experience.

  • BJ's Restaurants' new chicken sandwiches
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    Courtesy of BJ's Restaurants
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    BJ’s posts strongest traffic gains in 4 years

    The chain’s turnaround — aided by value plays, menu innovation and marketing spend — is nearing an inflection point as it prepares to expand.

  • An image of a Johnny Rockets counter.
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    Permission granted by Fat Brands
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    Why do so many restaurants insist on employee gimmicks?

    Canned phrases, scripted songs and choreographed dance routines aim to boost brand consistency and memorability but risk alienating customers and employees, experts say.

  • Popeyes signage
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    Courtesy of Popeyes
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    Popeyes spices up agency roster to deliver better brand consistency

    Anomaly, which the chain credited for its “audacious, resonant work,” is taking over U.S. creative duties from McKinney.

  • A close up image of a person holding up a slice of Mexican Pizza from Taco Bell
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    Courtesy of Taco Bell
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    Why Taco Bell predicts a swift recovery from Cyclospora

    Loyalty, value offers and swift removal of lettuce have mitigated the sales impact of the ongoing outbreak of the foodborne parasitic illness.

  • A photograph of a building that with white signage that says Panera Bread. There is an empty parking lot out front and an outdoor patio on the right.
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    bgwalker via Getty Images
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    Panera to relocate HQ to Massachusetts

    The fast casual chain said the move to Weston is part of its Panera RISE strategy and will help foster more collaboration and decision-making.

  • A rendering of a KFC next-generation restaurant that includes pink neon lights and black facade.
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    Permission granted by KFC
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    Yum bids Pizza Hut farewell, overhauls KFC

    Yum Brands is ushering in a new era for KFC through a global brand transformation, while Pizza Hut is shifting to new ownership.

  • People walk past a Chipotle storefront.
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    Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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    Chipotle’s efforts to engage customers with rewards in-restaurant pay off

    “While food quality and generous portions bring guests through our doors, it's the experience we deliver that keeps them coming back,” CEO Scott Boatwright said.

  • A photograph of a brown sign with white lettering that says Starbucks Center.
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    David Ryder via Getty Images
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    Starbucks’ experience refinements are ‘turning engagement into rituals,’ CEO says

    According to CEO Brian Niccol, better customer service and a revamped loyalty program are building trust with customers and making the brand more visible.

  • A smiling worker hands someone a ceramic mug of coffee.
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    Courtesy of Starbucks
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    Starbucks remodels, service tweaks are paying off

    The coffee giant gained same-store sales momentum in the U.S. market with its third consecutive quarter of comps growth.