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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 -
Sponsored by Tubi
How free streaming became the new dining room table
Free streaming and QSR converged into one ritual. The couch is now the highest-intent dining moment.
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Courtesy of Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores
Why Whataburger is betting on c-stores for growth
While it has operated in c-stores for 26 years, the Texas-based QSR chain is now ramping up its convenience retail presence as part of a broader growth strategy.
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Spencer Platt via Getty Images
Shallow restaurant labor pool could drive up summer wages
With 300,000 fewer young workers in the labor force than in 2025, restaurants in seasonal markets could have a tough time finding workers, the National Restaurant Association said.
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Full-service restaurants are winning the customer satisfaction battle
Full-service and casual chains were clustered at the upper end of ACSI’s score range, with Texas Roadhouse and LongHorn Steakhouse tied for the top spot.
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Courtesy of Freddy's
Freddy’s adds dirty sodas with custard cream
The fast casual burger chain is tapping into consumer desire for premium cold beverages with a new lineup, as dirty sodas take over restaurant menus.
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Courtesy of Starbucks
Starbucks pilots TikTok program for boosting employee-generated content
With Gen Z frequently learning about new products from employee-generated content, Starbucks is leaning in with help from the social media platform.
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Courtesy of Love's Travel Stops & Country Stores
How to open a restaurant in a c-store
Built-in traffic and low build-out costs make c-stores an attractive growth opportunity, but brand fit and executional discipline are essential, experts say.
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Brandon Bell via Getty Images
Wendy’s hires former Potbelly exec as CFO
Steve Cirulis, who served alongside Wendy’s CEO Bob Wright at the sandwich chain, joins the troubled fast food brand in the midst of a turnaround.
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On the Border files for Ch. 7 liquidation
The Tex-Mex chain closed all but five of its stores earlier this month, and has filed for bankruptcy for the second time in two years.
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Courtesy of Domino's
Domino’s CEO to retire, COO Joe Jordan to succeed
Russell Weiner will retire in October after serving as top executive since 2022 and recently committing to double the chain’s market share.
Updated June 22, 2026 -
Brandon Bell via Getty Images
Pizza Hut’s future is uncertain despite $2.7B sale
Private ownership may enable a more drastic brand intervention for the struggling pizza chain.
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Jersey Mike’s is the new king of QSR satisfaction
Consumer satisfaction with key fast food performance indicators remained static from 2025 to 2026, but the industry is still facing major headwinds.
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Scott Olson via Getty Images
Sweetgreen’s turnaround hinges on hospitality. Can it balance the human and digital sides?
The company wants to offer customers a great experience through machine and in-person ordering. Figuring out that balance will be vital to its long-term business success.
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Courtesy of McDonald's
QSRs are gaining ground in dispensed beverages
While c-stores are still leading innovators in the segment, restaurant chains like McDonald’s and Whataburger have stepped up their new releases of refreshers, craft-style drinks and more.
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Courtesy of Taco Bell
Taco Bell teases fajita future with LTO
Grilled onions and peppers will grace Taco Bell chalupas and nacho fries for a limited time, as the brand tests a QSR version of sizzling fajitas.
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Franchising requires strong finances, good real estate and a vibrant brand
Restaurants need to consider their concept type, fee structures, operational procedures and financials when deciding whether to franchise, experts say.
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OpinionRestaurant software was built by people who never worked a Friday night close
Owners need technology that gives them back time and not something that just offers more dashboards to look at, writes Orbis AI’s Temo Benidze.
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Courtesy of Smoothie King
Smoothie King launches flatbread menu category
The smoothie concept is expanding its food options in hopes of appealing to health-conscious snackers.
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Joe Raedle via Getty Images
Panera adds Market Bowls in summer menu update
In addition to $9.99 bowls, the chain debuted breakfast frittatas, new cold beverages and seasonal salads with premium ingredients such as shrimp.
Updated June 17, 2026 -
Courtesy of Starbucks
Starbucks CFO delegates principal accounting role
The coffee giant’s finance chief Cathy Smith is transferring the PAO role to Val Bauduin, who will continue to report to Smith.
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Retrieved from Pizza Hut.
Yum Brands sells Pizza Hut for $2.7B
The company will sell the chain to LongRange Capital and Yum China Holdings in two separate transactions following a review of strategic alternatives.
Updated June 16, 2026 -
Permission granted by Marco's Pizza
Marco’s Pizza invests $1M in secondary Florida HQ
The pizza chain is planning significant openings this year, and a new operations center will bring its training and support closer to key growth markets.
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Brett_Hondow via Getty Images
Red Robin refranchises 86 units for $72.5M
Since May, the brand has entered three agreements to offload over 100 restaurants to franchisees as it works to raise capital to pay down debt.
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Permission granted by Twin Peaks
Twin Peaks franchisees take over management of brand
Summit Acquisitions, a firm made up of tenured operators, will oversee operations and growth strategy as the brand emerges from bankruptcy.
Updated June 16, 2026 -
Courtesy of Blaze Pizza
Blaze Pizza hires GoTo Foods alum as CFO
The chain has struggled with a declining store base in recent years, despite menu changes and a loyalty overhaul.
