The Latest
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Starbucks North America CEO to retire
The coffee giant will not backfill the role, which was created less than six months ago, but is seeking a global chief brand officer.
Updated Sept. 17, 2024 -
BurgerFi secures funds to operate through bankruptcy
A court approved $3.5 million in funding from TREW Capital Management, giving the burger brand sufficient cash to operate without closing stores.
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IHOP’s new menu innovates beyond breakfast
With sales soft in recent quarters, the pancake chain is looking to boost visits outside its brunch and breakfast core.
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Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux names third CEO in 2 years
Chris Porcelli, the brand’s CFO, will succeed Chris Dawson, becoming the third man to lead the chain since the start of 2023.
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Chipotle starts in-store testing for avocado, makeline robots
The two pieces of equipment, including the Autocado, were developed in conjunction with firms backed by its venture fund.
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Wendy’s hires US operations lead, chief legal officer as executive shuffle continues
The burger brand remade much of its leadership this year as it looks to return to net unit growth in the U.S.
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Dave & Buster’s prioritizes tech investments on the hunt for better experience
Technology updates and the introduction of on-premise sales managers who tailor consumer experience to specific stores are showing promise.
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Chuck E. Cheese parent sued over workplace sexual harassment
A 17-year-old employee alleges she was inappropriately touched by a manager over a period of months while working at a West Virginia Chuck E. Cheese.
Updated Sept. 13, 2024 -
Mod Pizza will refranchise corporate stores
The pizza chain’s new owner, Elite Restaurant Group, is undertaking a comprehensive refranchising effort at the largely company-operated brand.
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McDonald’s extends $5 meal deal in value push
The Golden Arches is also adding other value promotions as it looks to bounce back from weak comparable sales in Q2 and better compete with rival offerings.
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Pepsi chases pizza deliveries in a sports car to push pairing power
A stunt campaign boosts the brand's partnership with DoorDash that will dole out free pizza from Little Caesars, Papa Johns, Pizza Hut and Marco’s Pizza.
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Smashburger hires chief development officer
Jim Sullivan will work on elevating the brand’s identity as a fast casual player through its development strategy.
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BurgerFi declares bankruptcy
The company has struggled with same-store sales declines and net losses for several quarters, mirroring the problems of recent Chapter 11 filings for Red Lobster and Buca di Beppo.
Updated Sept. 11, 2024 -
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit franchisee files for bankruptcy
The Michigan-based operator blamed the brand’s franchising requirements for the Chapter 11 filing, rather than broader macroeconomic conditions.
Updated Sept. 11, 2024 -
Starbucks CEO’s 4-part strategy hinges on coffeehouse roots
In a letter to workers and consumers, Brian Niccol laid out a multipart strategy for revitalizing the chain’s core business in the U.S.
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TGI Fridays acquisition falls through, bondholders seize assets
Hostmore still wants to sell its restaurants after the U.K. franchisee’s acquisition plan was torpedoed by the casual dining brand's manager termination event.
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Waffle House’s former CEO Walt Ehmer dies
Ehmer led the restaurant brand for more than a decade, before he was succeeded by Joe Rogers III last year. He was 58.
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Puttshack enters Minnesota with planned mini golf center
The eatertainment chain’s expansion could indicate vitality for the sector, which has seen layoffs and disappointing sales at some brands in recent weeks.
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Q&A
Chili’s CMO on brand’s winning value message and evolving data strategy
Swipes at fast food competitors over rising prices, including through a retro video game, helped boost Chili’s same-stores sales by 14%.
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Deep Dive
Brian Niccol was hired to transform Starbucks. Is that possible?
Niccol must contend with the coffee chain’s growing brand identity and consumer perception problems, and balance its “third place” value proposition with efficient digital fulfillment.
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Papa Johns hires ex-Wendy’s CIO as digital chief
Kevin Vasconi joins his old boss, Todd Penegor, in leading the pizza chain as it looks to improve its value proposition and continue franchised growth.
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Thrive Restaurant Group buys Modern Market Eatery
Thrive previously committed to opening 41 units as Modern Market’s largest franchisee, but felt that buying the brand was a natural next step in its growth.
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Court approves Red Lobster’s restructuring, buyout plan
The seafood chain will emerge from bankruptcy with P.F. Chang’s former CEO at the helm and $60 million in new funding.
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Q&A
Applebee’s CMO on how brand’s NFL sponsorship feeds its new campaign
The casual dining chain will leverage its role as the official grill and bar of the NFL in ads and a content series starring league pros.
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The restaurant labor market in 6 key statistics
Turnover has fallen in H1 2024, while unemployment and total jobs in restaurants remained steady, indicating a return to pre-pandemic labor market dynamics.
Updated Sept. 6, 2024