The Latest
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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 -
Photo courtesy of Salted Melon
Sponsored by ToastInside a 90-minute, 200-order lunch rush
At Salted Melon, a smooth lunch rush starts hours before the first ticket prints. Here’s what it takes to make it happen.
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David Ryder via Getty Images
Starbucks to cut 300 jobs, close 4 support centers
Despite improved sales and the impending opening of a secondary headquarters in Nashville, the coffee chain is undertaking its third round of layoffs under CEO Brian Niccol.
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Brandon Bell via Getty Images
How Krispy Kreme is making its US operations more profitable
With its shift to third-party logistics complete, the company is focusing on improving operations, growing digital sales and making better doughnuts.
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Permission granted by Wetzel's Pretzels/Cold Stone Creamery
Wetzel’s Pretzels, Cold Stone to open 17 co-branded units
The dual-concept units will provide daypart expansion, additional revenue streams and efficient store models for franchisees.
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Courtesy of Yum Brands/Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut franchisee says AI caused $100M in damages
Chaac Pizza Northeast, which depends on DoorDash to deliver its orders, said the chain’s Dragontail AI system hurt delivery times and damaged operations.
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Courtesy of Chicken Salad Chick
Chicken Salad Chick signs 25-store deal in New York
The development agreement is the chain’s first in the state, and its largest in terms of unit count, marking a major step in its national expansion plan.
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Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Lance Tucker out as Jack in the Box CEO
Tucker held the CEO post for just over 13 months, coinciding with continued sales declines and a tough fight with activist investors. Mark King will succeed him on an interim basis.
Updated May 13, 2026 -
Courtesy of Dunkin'
Dunkin’ is coming back to Canada after 8 years away
Foodtastic, a major Canadian foodservice operator, will help Inspire Brands’ doughnutmaker invade Tim Hortons’ home market.
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Courtesy of Swig
Swig is bringing dirty sodas to Colorado
The chain, known for its indulgent soft drink concoctions, is pushing for national growth as QSRs join the beverage trend and stoke consumer demand.
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Courtesy of Wing
Papa Johns to deliver sandwiches by air in North Carolina
This partnership, which will operate in parts of Charlotte, is the first between the Alphabet-backed Wing and a national QSR brand.
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Thai Phi Le/Restaurant Dive
How refranchising is helping Corner Bakery rise from ‘scorched earth’
After years of focus on hospitality, menu reconstruction and unit economics, the fast casual brand is looking to recruit its next generation of operators.
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Scott Olson via Getty Images
Q&AWhat independent restaurants want out of politics in 2026
Immigration enforcement, high swipe fees, delivery commissions and a lack of market power threaten restaurant margins, said the Independent Restaurant Coalition’s executive director.
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Bruce Bennett via Getty Images
Dunkin’ owner Inspire Brands files for an IPO
The company’s sprawling brand portfolio, ranging from sports bars to breakfast QSRs, could help insulate it from downturns within restaurant subsectors.
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Courtesy of Wendy’s
Wendy’s bets order accuracy and clean stores will revive sales
A 7.8% drop in comparable sales is pressuring the chain to draw consumers back, as Burger King and McDonald’s have seen gains in recent quarters.
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Getty Images
The restaurant labor market in 6 key statistics
Turnover has fluctuated over the last year, while total jobs and wage growth are relatively slow and unemployment has returned to pre-pandemic rates.
Updated May 11, 2026 -
Courtesy of Aurora Innovation
McLane expanding driverless truck runs in Texas
The supplier is automating long-haul transport between Dallas and Houston, with additional routes focused on restaurants to be added later this year.
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Permission granted by Dine Brands
Dine Brands focuses on new unit growth, dual-brand expansion
The company more than doubled its new unit count during the first quarter, driven by dual-branded openings, relocations and single-concept openings at Applebee’s and IHOP.
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Scott Olson via Getty Images
Sweetgreen sales wilt in another punishing quarter
The brand launched wraps to supplement its core bowl and salad business, following its worst quarterly same-store sales performance.
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Courtesy of Papa Johns
Q&APapa Johns’ CMO on driving cultural relevance with a ‘Toy Story’ tie-up
Jenna Bromberg digs into recent moves around marketing co-ops and agency partners and how the chain is working with Google Cloud on AI.
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Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
CEC Entertainment adds Texas Roadhouse vet as CFO
Chris Monroe will oversee the finance and real estate teams for Chuck E. Cheese’s parent company as it looks to expand.
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Neal McNeil via Getty Images
McDonald’s value, menu innovation drive positive Q1 comparable sales
Traffic could build in the U.S. with the second-quarter launch of an Under $3 Menu and beverage expansion.
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Permission granted by Papa Johns
Papa Johns suffers major 6.4% comp sales drop
The chain hopes new menu items, operational improvements and local advertising cooperatives can fend off Domino’s value offensive.
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Permission granted by Dutch Bros
How Dutch Bros doubled its brand awareness in 18 months
Mobile ordering, loyalty upgrades, a new breakfast menu and increased density in key markets accelerated sales growth for the brand.
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Courtesy of Shake Shack
Shake Shack appoints former Portillo’s CFO as it finance chief
Michelle Hook will oversee financial operations at the fast casual chain as it works toward reaching 1,500 units.
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Courtesy of Subway
Subway closed at least 729 stores in 2025
This marks the beleaguered chain’s steepest decline since 2021, driven by oversaturation and a low average unit volume.
