The Latest
-
Getty Images
Tracking the same-store sales of 24 major restaurant chains
Q3 2025 saw more evidence of a casual dining resurgence, as fast casual sales continued to slow and QSRs posted divergent results.
Updated Dec. 1, 2025 -
Permission granted by Square
Sponsored by SquareFrom TikTok to the table: What I learned from opening Salt Hank’s
I had a day to decide if I was ready to turn my restaurant dream into reality. Here's what happened.
-
Courtesy of Subway
A large Subway operator declares bankruptcy
MTF Enterprises, which operates 43 units, alleges that Merchant Cash Advance lenders improperly interfered with its revenue, leading it to file for Chapter 11.
-
Courtesy of Just Salad
Just Salad launches ‘instant gratification’ rewards system
While many restaurant chains are shifting to points-based programs, the salad brand is leaning into gamified mystery rewards on every order above $12.
-
Courtesy of Starbucks
3 takeaways from Starbucks’ Investor Day
From whitespace for 5,000 more stores to a chatbot that designs customized drinks, Starbucks has big plans now that it has returned to growth.
-
Permission granted by Square
What’s the restaurant industry outlook for 2026?
After a bruising year, restaurants face another spell of serious uncertainty. But there are bright spots in beverage innovation and casual dining, and diner spending may improve.
-
Scott Olson via Getty Images
P.F. Chang’s names new CMO following brand platform launch
Holly Smith replaces Sonika Patel, who lasted less than a year in the role but oversaw the launch of a “Light the Fire” campaign around the holidays.
-
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Chili’s hones remodel strategy, plots unit growth
The chain expects to complete eight to 10 redesigns this fiscal year with another 60 to 80 planned for fiscal 2027.
-
Stephen Maturen via Getty Images
Deep Dive‘Fear’ and ‘chaos’ threaten employers’ 2026 immigration plans
Even the attorneys to whom HR departments look for guidance are vexed by the Trump administration’s enforcement plan — which is expected to escalate.
-
Courtesy of Starbucks
Starbucks Rewards moves to a tiered structure
The chain is not changing the core points-for-dollar mechanism behind its Rewards system, but some consumers will earn points more quickly.
Updated Jan. 29, 2026 -
Courtesy of Fogo de Chao
Deep DiveCasual chains need to prioritize experience to win in 2026
Restaurant brands that offer affordability alongside a positive guest experience will thrive this year, and customers will keep coming back, experts say.
-
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
How Chili’s menu innovation is growing its same-store sales
Brinker CEO Kevin Hochman said upgraded dishes like Skillet Quesos and nachos are driving higher sales than previous iterations.
-
Getty Images
Torchy’s Tacos will close handful of locations
The closures signal that restaurant chains are pulling back in once-popular regions, like the South and Southeast, that have become overbuilt.
-
Courtesy of Starbucks
Starbucks’ sales spike on traffic, show turnaround is working
The coffee giant saw transactions increase among rewards members and non-members, the first time both cohorts saw traffic growth in nearly four years.
-
anderm via Getty Images
3 reasons Fat Brands filed for Chapter 11
Beyond its complicated debt situation, economic challenges and ongoing litigation worsened Fat’s financial stability.
-
Permission granted by Papa Johns
Papa Johns debuts Pan Pizza
The new menu category took years of research and development to perfect and could help the pizza chain compete against segment leader Domino’s.
-
Bruce Bennett via Getty Images
How Applebee’s Date Night Pass builds on the chain’s marketing-led success
CMO Michelle Chin details the return of the fan-favorite offer and the lessons she’s learned in her first few months at the Dine Brands chain.
-
Wirestock via Getty Images
Fat Brands files for Chapter 11
This move comes months after creditors pushed for it to pay $1.3 billion in debt, and marks the first major restaurant franchisor bankruptcy of 2026.
Updated Jan. 27, 2026 -
Courtesy of Chipotle
Chipotle bets Chicken al Pastor will bring consumers back
The fast casual giant is increasing the frequency of its protein LTOs in a bid to drive trial, relevance and traffic.
-
Courtesy of Chipotle/Photograph by Media Wisdom Photography Ltd
Chipotle’s new CMO on how the brand’s latest ad meets consumer trends
“Choices” contrasts daily prep at the fast casual Mexican chain with images of nuggets in fryer baskets and frozen burger patties on a conveyor belt.
-
Getty Images
GLP-1 users are still dining out
Companies like Krispy Kreme, Darden and Fogo de Chao have seen little change in frequency from these guests, and Circana data shows just a 1% dip in orders per trip.
-
Permission granted by Wahlburgers
Wahlburgers plots expansion at Home Depot, Bass Pro Shops
The burger chain is building units in airports, retailers and hotels this year, which will help it rebound after Hy-Vee ended its partnership last year.
Updated Jan. 27, 2026 -
Permission granted by Potbelly
Deep DiveWas RaceTrac’s Potbelly deal an anomaly or the start of a new M&A trend?
C-store operators looking to acquire a QSR brand face several potential risks, experts say. But the upside could be tremendous.
-
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Denny’s CEO Kelli Valade departs
Valade will leave the chain, which was just sold to a group of private investors, after five years to become the CEO of nonprofit WFF in February.
Updated Jan. 23, 2026 -
Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Panera pilots points-based rewards program
The fast casual chain will test its latest iteration of MyPanera at 216 cafes across various markets, with a plan for a nationwide rollout later this year.
-
Courtesy of Dave's Hot Chicken
Q&ADave’s Hot Chicken CMO on building on organic growth as brand levels up
Brandon Rhoten spent years leading creative and social strategy at Wendy’s at a time when the chain rewrote the rules for fast-food advertising.
