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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 -
Kikkoman Sales USA / Canva
Sponsored by Kikkoman Sales USA, Inc.Grilling trends: How restaurants are mastering direct heat and bold glazes
Bold KBBQ flavor meets fast-fire heat. Free Kikkoman® samples coming Sept 2026!
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Toast aims to drive AI into dining
Most restaurants don’t have time to leverage AI tools, Toast executives say, anticipating profit from helping operators reap efficiencies.
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Thai Phi Le/Restaurant Dive
Some Wendy’s franchisees cut breakfast, and it’s hurting traffic
The brand is trying to improve the daypart, which now represents roughly 5% of sales compared to 8% in Q2 2020, as part of a broader menu review.
Updated Aug. 10, 2026 -
Courtesy of QDOBA
Jalapeños served at Qdoba, Chipotle tied to Salmonella outbreak
Both chains stopped serving potentially contaminated peppers after hundreds of consumers across 27 states fell ill.
Updated Aug. 10, 2026 -
Brandon Bell via Getty Images
Wendy’s CEO moving with ‘urgency’ to revamp brand
Robert Wright, who rejoined the chain in May, is already drafting a strategy that will focus on menu, marketing, digital, operations and restaurants to improve the chain’s sales and traffic.
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David Ryder via Getty Images
Starbucks targets 24-hour inventory replenishment
The effort comes after the coffeehouse chain pulled the plug on an AI-powered inventory management tool after nine months.
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Courtesy of Sweetgreen
Sweetgreen says turnaround is working, despite soft sales
Improvements in value perception, transactions and throughput were derailed by worries about Cyclospora, though the brand doesn’t serve iceberg lettuce.
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Courtesy of Portillo's
Portillo’s cuts 18% of corporate workforce
The July 31 reduction was meant to simplify its corporate structure to allow for better focus, nimbler operations and improved restaurant-level support.
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Permission granted by Salad and Go
What led to Salad and Go’s downfall
The fast casual chain faced significant expenses following an aggressive expansion. It also suffered from wilting demand and was unable to sell itself prior to filing for Chapter 11.
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Duane Prokop via Getty Images
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.
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Permission granted by Salad and Go
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.
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Courtesy of Papa Johns
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.
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Kelly Stroh/Restaurant Dive
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 -
Courtesy of 7 Brew
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.
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Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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.
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Permission granted by Salad and Go
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.
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Spencer Platt via Getty Images
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.
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Courtesy of Portillo's
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.
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Brandon Bell / Staff via Getty Images
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 -
Courtesy of McDonald's
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.
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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.
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Courtesy of McDonald's
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.
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Brandon Bell via Getty Images
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.
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Courtesy of Domino's Pizza
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.
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Courtesy of BJ's Restaurants
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.
