The Latest
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Spencer Platt via Getty Images
Tracking the same-store sales of 21 major restaurant chains
Major publicly traded restaurant chains had a strange Q2 for comps growth, from Chili’s 23% jump to Sweetgreen’s 7.6% shortfall.
Updated Aug. 18, 2025 -
Permission granted by Restaurant Technologies
Sponsored by Restaurant TechnologiesDenny’s franchisee boosts savings and food quality with kitchen automation
Learn how Denny’s franchisee cuts costs and elevates food quality with kitchen automation.
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Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Denny’s targeted by activist investor
JCP Investment Management previously targeted Red Robin and The Cheesecake Factory and wants to boost shareholder value at the chain, which suffers from declining same-store sales.
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Permission granted by 7 Brew
Major 7 Brew franchisee bought by Franchise Equity Partners
7 Crew, a 50-store operator with plans to open another 200 locations, will grow primarily in Texas, Florida, Oklahoma and New Mexico with FEP’s backing.
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Permission granted by Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams plans national growth through franchising
Jeni’s has an AUV of about $1 million, higher than more established brands like Baskin-Robbins and Häagen-Dazs, which could speed up expansion.
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Courtesy of Yum Brands
How Yum’s AI factory supercharges marketing at Taco Bell and beyond
Execs at the fast food giant detail an approach to artificial intelligence that is already powering transformation throughout its digitally focused brands.
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Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Chuck E. Cheese heads to the UK
The eatertainment chain joins the likes of Raising Cane’s, Dave’s Hot Chicken and Chick-fil-A by expanding into Europe amid strong consumer demand for U.S. restaurant chains.
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Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images
McDonald’s launches $200M grassland conservation initiative
The sustainability project doubles as a long-term investment in U.S. beef supply chains, as tariffs on major beef producers loom.
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Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
KFC hires Wingstop marketer as CMO to fire up comeback plan
Melissa Cash takes over at the Yum chain for Catherine Tan-Gillespie, who was promoted from CMO to president in April.
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JazzIRT via Getty Images
The restaurant labor market in 6 key statistics
After a year of relatively stability, turnover and unemployment are on the rise again, while total jobs and wage growth are nearly flat.
Updated Sept. 16, 2025 -
Retrieved from Black Rock Coffee Bar on September 12, 2025
Black Rock Coffee raises nearly $300M in IPO
The 158-unit chain is the first major coffee brand to go public since Dutch Bros debuted on the stock exchange in 2021.
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Courtesy of IHOP
IHOP offers $6 value menu daily
The breakfast chain could be looking to replicate sister brand Applebee’s success in using expanded value offerings to drive traffic.
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Permission granted by McDonald's
Value menu traffic rose 1% in Q2: Circana
Foodservice traffic otherwise fell by 1% during the quarter, revealing how various deals and offers are helping bring customers back.
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Courtesy of Chipotle
Chipotle is cheaper than competitors, but consumers haven’t noticed: BTIG
The Mexican fast casual brand has a significant pricing advantage over competitors like Sweetgreen, but it is still facing value-perception problems.
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Joe Raedle via Getty Images
How Shake Shack removes friction between web traffic and app downloads
As it begins to invest in paid media at scale, the fast casual chain teamed with Google to drive more app conversions and return on ad spend.
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Courtesy of Chipotle
Chipotle is coming to Asia in 2026
The brand has signed an agreement with operator SPC Group to open stores in South Korea and Singapore starting next year.
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Courtesy of RaceTrac
RaceTrac fills a key gap with Potbelly acquisition
The fast-growing regional chain isn’t known as a foodservice destination. That could all change quickly with this latest deal, experts said.
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Permission granted by Portillo's
Portillo’s cuts projected openings, breakfast pilot
The fast casual chain will focus on core markets and simplify operations as pricing and promotional problems weigh on same-store sales.
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Permission granted by Subway
Subway resurrects Fresh Fit menu
The latest iteration of the health-focused menu, which debuted in 2007, combines protein-rich options and vegetables to create low-calorie meals.
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Permission granted by Potbelly
Potbelly sold to RaceTrac for $566M
The sandwich shop said its acquisition by the c-store retailer will help it reach its 2,000-unit goal.
Updated Sept. 10, 2025 -
Permission granted by Togo's Sandwiches
Togo’s Sandwiches former CEO retakes the helm
Glenn Lunde, who was at the brand for five years before joining Yoshinoya’s, will reprise his role with a focus on digital channels and franchised growth.
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Courtesy of Cracker Barrel
Cracker Barrel halts remodels after logo backlash, lackluster test
The chain only remodeled four stores before deciding to discontinue its reimage efforts, which drew the ire of loyal customers.
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Courtesy of Pinstripes
Pinstripes goes bankrupt
The eatertainment chain, whose founder dreamed of reaching 150 units, is now down to eight after traffic and spending declines pressured liquidity.
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Courtesy of Einstein Bros. Bagels
Einstein Bros. Bagels elevates store template
The bagel chain is the latest restaurant brand to prioritize warmth and a separation between digital pickup and in-store channels in its store design.
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Permission granted by Starbucks
By the numbers: Starbucks’ first year under CEO Brian Niccol
What’s changed 12 months after the chain’s dramatic restaurant leadership shakeup? The numbers reveal a mix of store growth, declining comp sales and continued labor strife.
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Courtesy of Taco Bell
Yum prepares for CEO swap with more exec changes
As Chris Turner prepares to take over Yum, Taco Bell’s parent company promoted three leaders, including a CFO, and will add a chief scale officer role.
