The Latest
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Tracking the same-store sales of 24 major restaurant chains
Q4 2025 saw more evidence of a casual dining resurgence, as fast casual sales continued to slow and QSRs posted divergent results.
Updated March 10, 2026 -
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Lance Tucker out as Jack in the Box CEO
Tucker held the CEO post for just over 13 months, coinciding with continued sales declines and a tough fight with activist investors. Mark King will succeed him on an interim basis.
Updated May 13, 2026 -
Dunkin’ is coming back to Canada after 8 years away
Foodtastic, a major Canadian foodservice operator, will help Inspire Brands’ doughnutmaker invade Tim Hortons’ home market.
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Swig is bringing dirty sodas to Colorado
The chain, known for its indulgent soft drink concoctions, is pushing for national growth as QSRs join the beverage trend and stoke consumer demand.
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Papa Johns to deliver sandwiches by air in North Carolina
This partnership, which will operate in parts of Charlotte, is the first between the Alphabet-backed Wing and a national QSR brand.
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How refranchising is helping Corner Bakery rise from ‘scorched earth’
After years of focus on hospitality, menu reconstruction and unit economics, the fast casual brand is looking to recruit its next generation of operators.
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Q&A
What independent restaurants want out of politics in 2026
Immigration enforcement, high swipe fees, delivery commissions and a lack of market power threaten restaurant margins, said the Independent Restaurant Coalition’s executive director.
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Dunkin’ owner Inspire Brands files for an IPO
The company’s sprawling brand portfolio, ranging from sports bars to breakfast QSRs, could help insulate it from downturns within restaurant subsectors.
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Wendy’s bets order accuracy and clean stores will revive sales
A 7.8% drop in comparable sales is pressuring the chain to draw consumers back, as Burger King and McDonald’s have seen gains in recent quarters.
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The restaurant labor market in 6 key statistics
Turnover has fluctuated over the last year, while total jobs and wage growth are relatively slow and unemployment has returned to pre-pandemic rates.
Updated May 11, 2026 -
McLane expanding driverless truck runs in Texas
The supplier is automating long-haul transport between Dallas and Houston, with additional routes focused on restaurants to be added later this year.
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Dine Brands focuses on new unit growth, dual-brand expansion
The company more than doubled its new unit count during the first quarter, driven by dual-branded openings, relocations and single-concept openings at Applebee’s and IHOP.
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Sweetgreen sales wilt in another punishing quarter
The brand launched wraps to supplement its core bowl and salad business, following its worst quarterly same-store sales performance.
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Q&A
Papa Johns’ CMO on driving cultural relevance with a ‘Toy Story’ tie-up
Jenna Bromberg digs into recent moves around marketing co-ops and agency partners and how the chain is working with Google Cloud on AI.
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CEC Entertainment adds Texas Roadhouse vet as CFO
Chris Monroe will oversee the finance and real estate teams for Chuck E. Cheese’s parent company as it looks to expand.
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McDonald’s value, menu innovation drive positive Q1 comparable sales
Traffic could build in the U.S. with the second-quarter launch of an Under $3 Menu and beverage expansion.
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Papa Johns suffers major 6.4% comp sales drop
The chain hopes new menu items, operational improvements and local advertising cooperatives can fend off Domino’s value offensive.
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How Dutch Bros doubled its brand awareness in 18 months
Mobile ordering, loyalty upgrades, a new breakfast menu and increased density in key markets accelerated sales growth for the brand.
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Shake Shack appoints former Portillo’s CFO as it finance chief
Michelle Hook will oversee financial operations at the fast casual chain as it works toward reaching 1,500 units.
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Subway closed at least 729 stores in 2025
This marks the beleaguered chain’s steepest decline since 2021, driven by oversaturation and a low average unit volume.
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Refuel to open its first Whataburger
The South Carolina-based retailer will debut the burger QSR adjacent to an upcoming c-store in Kenedy, Texas, later this year.
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Burger King’s sales jumped, Popeyes slumped in Q1
Years of investment in the burger brand’s operations and menu have won consumers back, but a loss of focus on service and the core menu hurt the chicken chain.
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Portillo’s CFO departs
Michelle Hook will pursue another opportunity after serving in her position for five years and playing an important role in Portillo’s 2021 IPO.
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KFC expands $10 bucket deal across weekdays
The brand is positioning the bucket deals as a value-oriented solution for weekday dinners, which could help it drive traffic.
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Taco Bell grows loyalty and digital sales
The brand’s loyalty program is resonating with consumers and driving them to engage with the brand more frequently, Yum Brands CEO said.