The Latest
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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 -
Smallhands Creative
Sponsored by ToastChoosing a POS system: What restaurant operators prioritize in 2026
A practical guide to how restaurants evaluate POS systems in 2026, including real operator insights.
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Permission granted by IHOP
IHOP expands value platform, launches proprietary coffee
The menu updates are part of the chain’s strategy to drive traffic with wallet-friendly offers and boost check averages with premium items.
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Courtesy of Nestle
How c-stores are capitalizing on Americans’ caffeine obsession
Convenience stores are uniquely set up to meet consumers’ increasing appetite for the stimulant, from deeper beverage selections to snacks and energy shots, experts say.
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Permission granted by First Watch
First Watch cuts its COO
As part of an operations leadership restructure, the company let Dan Jones go on Friday after he served four years in that position.
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Courtesy of Papa Johns
Papa Johns launches toasted sandwich lineup
Under pressure from Domino’s growing market share, Papa Johns launched a new menu category that could expand its reach across consumer cohorts.
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Courtesy of Zaxbys
Zaxbys appoints GoTo Foods exec as CFO
Michael Dixon will oversee the chain’s financial strategy, planning and analytics and accounting and treasury as it continues to expand beyond 1,000 units.
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Courtesy of Wendy's
Wendy’s upgrades chicken sandwich lineup
The brand said enhancements like new breading, buns and reformulated mayo makes the items juicier and better than the competition.
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Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Jack in the Box names CMO to strengthen product innovation, loyalty
Katelyn Zborowski previously spent over a decade at Yum Brands, where she helped develop more than 40 limited-time offerings for Taco Bell.
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Courtesy of Wingstop
Circana: Value and flavor propel Chili’s and Wingstop’s growth
The two brands rose fastest in Circana’s 2026 Definitive U.S. Ranking as macroeconomic uncertainty pushed consumers towards holistic value.
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Permission granted by Golden Corral
Golden Corral appoints Nestlé vet as CFO
Trona Balkissoon will oversee the buffet chain’s financial strategy, including franchised- and corporate-unit health, and ensure the chain grows responsibly.
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Courtesy of Chipotle
How 10 major restaurant chains are overhauling their strategies
From Wendy’s to Outback, heavyweight brands are investing in new menu items and operational improvements — often accompanied by closures and renovations — to get back on track.
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Retrieved from Town Pump.
Town Pump to place standalone coffee kiosks in its parking lots
The 400-square-foot sites will be branded as Stonehouse Coffee Shots, after the retailer’s coffee program, and will feature pickup and drive-thru windows.
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Permission granted by Nothing Bundt Cakes
Roark reportedly sells Nothing Bundt Cakes to KKR for $2B
The brand’s fast growth and four-wall EBITDA likely made the 700-unit chain an appealing acquisition target.
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Courtesy of OpenTable
How OpenTable’s updated client agreements will impact restaurants
Effective April 16, the reservation platform said it will require its partner operators to agree that it is the primary table management system to ensure accuracy and guest data protections.
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Getty Images
Why consumers love, and sometimes hate, tiered loyalty programs
Tiers add flexibility and exclusivity, but when done wrong they can feel frustratingly slow or complex.
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M. Suhail via Getty Images
53-unit Applebee’s franchisee files for bankruptcy
Neighborhood Restaurant Partners Florida has faced financial pressures since sales began to soften in 2015 and will now sell its restaurants to Applebee’s.
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Brandon Bell via Getty Images
Krispy Kreme closes $90M refranchising transaction with joint venture
The deal with WKS Restaurant Group, which included the sale of 23 company-owned units, is part of the chain’s shift to a capital-light portfolio.
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Brycia James via Getty Images
Starbucks tests new ordering channels for licensed stores
Kiosks and scheduled orders could be coming to Starbucks cafes in airports, as the chain looks to speed up operations at high-traffic licensed stores.
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Permission granted by Popeyes
Popeyes hires US COO from Burger King
Chris Padoan's appointment signals a greater investment in Popeyes’ store-level execution, as the chain lags its chicken competitors in operations.
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Courtesy of Domino's
Domino’s uses AI to improve Tracker pickup and delivery times
The tracking engine combines inputs from team members with machine learning to offer more accurate time estimates.
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Bruce Bennett via Getty Images
Why Chick-fil-A is spending millions to build its own distribution network
A $50 million Lubbock, Texas, facility will open in 2027, while the company builds at least four other distribution centers to serve hundreds of units.
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Courtesy of Grubhub
Wonder hires CFO ahead of potential 2027 IPO
Marc Lore has built a vertically integrated food delivery network including food halls, a makeline manufacturer and Grubhub. Now, he wants to take it public.
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Courtesy of Chicken Salad Chick
Why Chicken Salad Chick is driving interest from millennial, Gen Z franchisees
The brand said a surge of interest from younger entrepreneurs, who want both independence and stability, has helped it fill a 300-unit development pipeline.
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JP Yim via Getty Images
Panda Express taps tech, distribution network to keep menu fresh
The restaurant chain has only six months to lock in suppliers that can scale to demand for new menu items, Chief Supply Chain Officer Roland Ornelas said.
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Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Starbucks challenged by labor-friendly activist investors
Starbucks and Workers United may resume bargaining within weeks, despite an ongoing proxy battle over labor relations.
