Applebee’s taps NFL star as undercover server to promote new burger

To promote the menu item, the chain partnered with Team Whistle on an episode of “Undercover Athlete” that features wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk.

McDonald’s brought back bagels. Are CA wages the cause?

Leadership said the Golden State’s $20 wage law could help the chain take share from competitors. The bagel sandwich’s return may be part of that effort.

Noodles & Company bets menu innovation will help drive traffic

As part of a five-point overhaul plan, the chain will use digital capabilities, expanded catering and improved operations to reverse sales declines.

4 ways restaurants can add AI to their operations

The technology can help employees improve customer satisfaction, cook food to a brand’s standards and accurately refill inventory, executives say. 

Wow Bao links restaurant rewards to Roblox in platform-first integration

Metaverse hype may have dissipated, but brands remain interested in leveraging games like Roblox to connect with Gen Z and Gen Alpha.

Dave & Buster’s updates menu with at least 20 items

Management expects food and beverage check to rise in the mid single-digits with the new dishes, which include appetizers, bowls, desserts and sides.

Updated April 12, 2024

Senate kills joint employer rule, setting up veto battle

With a presidential veto likely and federal courts considering the rule, the fate of the National Labor Relations Board’s joint employer standard is tenuous. 

Buffalo Wild Wings opens 100th to-go concept, with 600 more planned

This year, the chain expects to reach 150 Buffalo Wild Wings Go units as it sees ongoing interest from new and existing franchisees.

KFC names new CFO amid push to boost sales

The finance leadership change comes as KFC struggles with dwindling traffic in a dicey economic environment.

Fast food is getting faster, data shows

Limited-service chains maintained an edge in traffic growth relative to casual dining, likely due to continued improvements in throughput, Placer.ai reported.

Brooklyn Dumpling Shop hires former RBI exec as CEO

Jeff Galletly will oversee operations, store development, franchise expansion and menu innovation as the chain expands in new markets.

Dynamic pricing firm Juicer snags $5.3M in funding

Restaurant pricing tools may help operators boost sales in lagging dayparts, but consumer sensitivity about these applications is still powerful.

Papa Johns signs new 50-unit franchise deal with The Bajco Group

The Bajco Group currently operates over 200 Papa Johns locations and plans to eventually reach 500 restaurants. 

4 hot c-store flavor trends for summer

Sweet and spicy pairings, tropical fruits and international influences will see a surge as the weather heats up, experts say.

KFC adds $4.99 meal deal through year’s end

As restaurants across the board face dwindling traffic, the chicken chain is leaning on aggressive discounting to draw customers.

Krispy Krunchy Chicken expands beyond c-stores, targets 700 openings in 2024

The concept is entering new markets and enhancing its menu after growing by nearly 500 units last year, including 14 locations inside Walmart stores. 

Jersey Mike’s reportedly considering a sale

The sandwich chain could reap a sale worth $8 billion, but talks with Blackstone, a potential suitor, have cooled, reports The Wall Street Journal. 

Chipotle levels up gaming efforts with Tekken 8 in-game perks, menu item

As an official partner of the fighting game, Chipotle will also make Tekken 8 the title game for the return of its Challenger Series esports competition. 

How 6 casual dining companies faced falling traffic

From First Watch to Olive Garden, major casual dining restaurants saw inflation-conscious consumers cut back on visits.

Checkers & Rally’s CEO resigns

Frances Allen, who has led the chain since 2020, oversaw the deployment of a modern image redesign and voice artificial intelligence at drive-thrus.

Florida c-store chain to test kitchen robots

Re-Up convenience stores is planning to use AI-driven machines to help fry its food, brew its coffee and squeeze fresh juice.

Bloomin’ promotes Michael Healy to CFO

Healy took the role when Christopher Meyer retired on April 1, as Bloomin’ faces uneven performance across its restaurant chains.

Subway is rolling out a new line of wraps

The addition of lavash flatbreads, just months after the debut of its Sidekick snacks, is the first time in three years the chain has launched a bread option.

Chipotle dishes out $1M in free burritos with Burrito Vault mobile game

Timed to National Burrito Day, the interactive web game tasked consumers to correctly guess two exact order combinations to score a promotional code.

Transgender Chick-fil-A worker’s sexual harassment case may go to trial

The franchise owner unsuccessfully argued the worker couldn’t be subjected to sexual harassment by her co-workers because she is heterosexual.