The Latest
-
Getty Images
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 -
Artist Representation LLC / Andrea D’Agosto
Sponsored by Lamb WestonField to fry: What sustainability actually looks like in the potato supply chain
90% of consumers say sustainability matters. One supplier is showing what that means in practice.
-
Courtesy of GoTo Foods
GoTo Foods appoints chief digital and development officers
Tatiana Lambert, a former Wendy’s executive, will oversee “disciplined” franchise growth, and Biplav Misra will lead digital strategy.
-
Courtesy of Chicken Salad Chick
Chicken Salad Chick hires Popeyes exec to lead franchised growth
Brian Lindley joins the chain as it continues franchised expansion, particularly with younger operators, while reducing the operating costs of its stores.
-
Courtesy of Chipotle
Chipotle overhauls rewards system
More free items, greater redemption flexibility and an in-store campaign to boost enrollment could help the fast casual giant grow its rewards base.
-
jetcityimage via Getty Images
Church’s Texas Chicken plots 600-unit expansion in China
The company’s international brand, Texas Chicken, will open its first unit in Shanghai this summer as it continues developing globally.
-
Courtesy of Starbucks
How Starbucks, Target, Dave & Buster’s invest in employees to boost CX
Financial incentives, better training and unified company culture are among the tools companies are using to enhance the employee experience.
-
Courtesy of Starbucks
Starbucks hires Chipotle’s chief development officer
Stephen Piacentini will help the coffee chain execute its ambitious renovation and development plans as part of the Back to Starbucks initiative.
-
Permission granted by Panera Bread
How Panera developed its Salad Stuffers
Creating its Italian Stuffed Roll took 20 iterations to ensure that it had the right crunch, softness and could properly hold a salad.
-
Getty Images
Popmenu: 35% of diners are cutting back on restaurant tips
Tipping fatigue and consumer price sensitivity driven by inflation may be lowering both the frequency and size of tips given to workers.
-
slobo via Getty Images
Carl’s Jr franchisee says California’s $20 minimum wage led to bankruptcy
Friendly Franchisees Corp.’s subsidiary Sun Gir said the pay increase led to significant expenses, while sales declines exacerbated financial woes.
-
Permission granted by Panera Bread
Panera turns salads into handhelds
The fast casual chain said the Salad Stuffer platform, which can transform any salad into a sandwich, performed well during testing.
-
Courtesy of Five Guys
Five Guys serves up largest integrated brand campaign to date
Created by indie agency Chemistry, “Your Burger Guy” positions the chain as a “sure bet” in the highly competitive fast food space.
-
Courtesy of Burger King
Burger King tests sliders in Oregon and Ohio
After updating the Whopper, the brand is innovating in a new burger category, with a national rollout possible depending on test market performance.
Updated April 9, 2026 -
Permission granted by Firebirds Wood Fired Grill
Firebirds Wood Fired Grill appoints Kura Sushi exec as CFO
Jeff Uttz will join the roughly 70-unit full-service chain on May 18 after four years at the sushi chain, which is in the process of finding his replacement.
-
Courtesy of Starbucks
Why points-based loyalty programs aren’t cutting it anymore
Segment leaders like Starbucks are instead using AI-targeted messaging, aspirational experiences and gamification to nudge consumers from one-time visitors to lifetime fans, Paytronix says.
-
Joe Raedle via Getty Images
Waffle House not liable for worker stabbing customer in face, 11th Circuit says
The plaintiff failed to show that the chain could have reasonably foreseen that such an incident would take place, according to the court.
-
Courtesy of Pepsi
KFC’s Saucy adds premium Pepsi Drips products
The chicken chain’s tender-focused spinoff is getting four new beverages that combine soda with premium ingredients like blue raspberry boba.
-
Courtesy of Mixue
How international restaurant brands are reshaping the US market
Luckin Coffee, Mixue and other chains are winning over consumers with digital-first operations and experiential dining experiences.
-
Walter Cicchetti via Getty Images
Major Carl’s Jr franchisee in California files for bankruptcy
A 65-unit operator filed for Chapter 11 protections under various subsidiaries after owning the sites for more than two decades.
Updated April 7, 2026 -
Courtesy of Starbucks
Starbucks launches highly-caffeinated refreshers
With an extra 75 milligrams of caffeine compared to the regular versions of its refreshers, Starbucks’ new drinks widen the brand’s range of beverages.
-
Walter Cicchetti via Getty Images
Popeyes dodges lawsuit over fingerprint scans, but court leaves door open for redo
The chain allegedly violated Illinois’ Biometric Information Privacy Act, a law that has led to several high-profile settlements.
-
Maddie Meyer via Getty Images
The Cheesecake Factory, Chick-fil-A leads AUVs among major restaurant chains
Pizza brands, sandwich chains and beverage concepts tended to have weaker average unit volumes than casual dining brands and chicken QSRs in 2025, according to Circana’s data.
-
Courtesy of 7-Eleven
Frozen drinks and fresh flavors emerge as c-store retailers prep for spring
Pilot also added two new food programs, Stinker rolled out pizza rolls and Love’s debuted pesto-forward items as part of a rotating menu.
-
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Burger King to hire 60K workers as part of turnaround
Investment in menu items, marketing and renovations have helped the chain bring in customers. Now it needs the workers to serve them.
-
Getty Images
The restaurant labor market in 6 key statistics
Employment has returned to pre-pandemic levels, while job and wage growth remained relatively slow over the past year.
Updated April 3, 2026
