The Latest
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Chick-fil-A plots major expansion in Michigan
The fast food giant expects to open 25 to 30 franchised units in the Mitten State, adding to its existing 28 units.
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KBP Brands buys 85 Sonic units
KBP first bought into the Inspire Brands system in 2021, when it purchased a number of Arby’s stores.
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First Watch appoints CIO
Rob Conti, who previously served as SVP of information technology, has been instrumental in the company’s rollout of business intelligence, pay-at-table technology and other systems.
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Playa Bowls acquired by Sycamore Partners
Under previous owner Tamarix, the fruit bowl chain added over 150 locations. It expects to speed up growth under its new owner.
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Whataburger CEO to retire, COO will succeed
Debbie Stroud will take the helm of the burger chain at the end of the year, following Ed Nelson’s departure.
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Q&A // Meet the exec
How Taco John’s CEO is developing a people-first culture
Heather Neary, who joined the chain earlier this year, is developing a culture of communication as the restaurant grows beyond its Midwestern roots.
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BJ’s Restaurants hires On the Border CEO as president, chief concept officer
Hiring Lyle Tick, who worked at beverage-heavy concepts like Buffalo Wild Wings, may signal a greater emphasis on BJ’s brewhouse roots.
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QSRs made 2024 the summer of value
Nearly a dozen major QSRs launched limited-time and permanent value offerings to woo guests.
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A look back at August’s frantic restaurant CEO switch-ups
In four weeks, at least eight restaurant companies named new CEOs as sliding sales and declining traffic pushed brands to try turnarounds.
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Investor sues Starbucks, alleging ‘false and misleading statements’
The shareholder claims the company provided false information about its overall performance and growth potential outside of the U.S. Starbucks said the allegations are without merit.
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Chipotle moves up CFO start date
Adam Rymer and Jack Hartung will start in their positions as CFO and president and chief strategy officer, respectively, on Oct. 1.
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BJ’s Restaurants CEO, president Gregory Levin steps down
C. Bradford Richmond, current board director and former Darden CFO, will become interim CEO upon Levin’s departure.
Updated Aug. 28, 2024 -
Yelp files antitrust lawsuit against Google
Google’s massive search market share “starves” competitors of traffic and therefore revenue, the reviews platform alleged in a federal suit.
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Q&A
How Rutter’s keeps innovating its menu
Philip Santini, senior director of advertising and food service, breaks down how the c-store retailer keeps offerings exciting and competes with restaurants.
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KFC names US marketing, development chief to bolster turnaround efforts
Catherine Tan-Gillespie, a company veteran, will hold dual roles related to marketing and development as KFC tries to break out of a slump.
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Black Bear Diner appoints P.F. Chang’s vet as COO
Art Kilmer brings decades of restaurant experience at P.F. Chang’s and Steak and Ale to his new position.
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Fat Brands signals development strategy with new hires
The multi-brand platform hired Ammy Harrison, a Papa Johns alum, to lead non-traditional development and Maiyo Hood, a Subway Greater China vet, to lead its international efforts.
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How Taco Bell is exporting its musical bona fides to grow internationally
International CMO Amy Durini explained how the chain is building its brand and why efforts to engage with consumers around culture aren't “plug and play.”
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Checkers & Rally’s names CEO, president
Chris Tebben, who has worked at Mars, Starbucks, P.F. Chang’s and Pizza Hut, becomes the company’s top executive following Frances Allen’s departure.
Updated Aug. 28, 2024 -
Q&A
How Subway developed its latest snackable menu items
The chain’s latest menu innovations, from Subway Sidekicks to spicy sandwiches, appeal to guest demands for bolder flavors, Chef Paul Fabre said.
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Shake Shack to shutter 9 underperforming units
The company identified locations in California, Ohio and Texas with poor returns, and that in some cases were cannibalizing sales of nearby restaurants.
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Dunkin’ launches $6 fall value meal
The brand’s entry into the 2024 value wars includes a breakfast sandwich with a medium coffee and hashbrowns.
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Buffalo Wild Wings brings Jason Kelce back to football in new ads
The former Eagles center pals around with the brand’s CGI buffalo mascot in an effort that leans into Kelce’s recent retirement and famous brother.
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5th Circuit tosses DOL’s tip credit final rule
The department’s “80/20” guidance for dual job workers is inconsistent with the Fair Labor Standards Act, the court held.
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Uber expands robotic delivery
Beginning this week, Coco will start delivering for Uber Eats in Los Angeles with additional cities forthcoming.