Whataburger adds premium drinks to beverage lineup

Whatafreshers and lemonade are the latest additions to the chain’s growing drink menu, which includes hot and iced coffee and shakes.

Former general manager can proceed with age bias case after Chili’s failed to retain documents, 6th Circuit rules

A former restaurant general manager raised trial questions over whether he was fired because Chili’s wanted a more youthful culture, the appeals court held.

Uber Eats, Serve Robotics roll into Atlanta

The robotics firm will offer delivery to about 50,000 Atlanta residents as it continues expanding its partnership with Uber Eats.

Taco Bell doubles down on beverages

The chain launched a new drinks lineup nationwide and plans to expand its Live Mas Café concept to 30 additional locations.

DoorDash drone delivery takes off in Texas

Flytrex will provide the service within the Dallas-Fort Worth area from dozens of restaurants, including Papa Johns.

Starbucks standardizes pricing for flavor customizations

The changes, which include a flat 80-cent fee for any added sauces or syrups, are part of the chain’s work to improve customer experience. 

Bloomin’ Brands drafts industry vet for CIO role

Rafael Sanchez will lead tech operations for Outback Steakhouse’s parent company, effective June 30.

Panera Bread hires transformation expert in newly created role

Nikka Copeland will oversee the execution of the chain’s three-year growth plan as senior vice president of the Office of Transformation & Strategy.

Bojangles debuts new support center in North Carolina

The headquarters in Charlotte brings all of its corporate employees under one roof and will include a full-scale test kitchen.

Updated June 25, 2025

Jack in the Box brings back COO position

Shannon McKinney returns to the chain to oversee operations less than a year after it eliminated the position as part of a corporate restructuring.

It’s the summer of chicken for QSRs

Chains including Culver’s, McDonald’s and Taco Bell hope to attract customers with new poultry lineups this season.

Krispy Kreme, McDonald’s end partnership

Effective July 2, the two chains will stop selling doughnuts in McDonald’s restaurants, with Krispy Kreme citing profitability issues.

How one grocer is succeeding with in-store restaurants

While many retailers have struggled to make money with on-site eateries, Town & Country Market’s integrated approach is lifting sales throughout the store.

Why Rego Restaurant’s CEO is bullish on modular construction, franchisee growth

Neel Patel said Rego’s Qube model significantly cuts the cost of construction for the Quiznos brand and allows for an acceleration of new units.

Olive Garden president to retire, sparking C-suite shuffle

Dan Kiernan will retire after over 30 years at Darden, including seven as Olive Garden president. John Wilkerson, current Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen president, will step into the role.

Updated June 21, 2025

How will hotel F&B fare against tariffs? CEOs weigh in.

Food and beverage costs are slated to increase as dining and bar patron levels drop, experts, the head of the National Restaurant Association and other experts noted.

How Olive Garden’s delivery channel is impacting sales growth

Analyst BTIG expects delivery could add hundreds of millions of dollars to the chain’s sales, with every $100 million resulting in a 2% same-store sales impact.

Darden considering sale of Bahama Breeze

CEO Rick Cardenas said the chain, which closed 15 units in May, doesn’t fit within its current portfolio.

How DoorDash is evolving its retail media arm as ad revenue grows

The ads division just acquired ad-tech startup Symbiosys for $175 million and is introducing new artificial intelligence tools for restaurant brands. 

McDonald’s appoints US CIO

Valerie Ashbaugh is set to switch positions with long-time tech chief Whitney McGinnis, who will now be senior vice president, commercial products and platforms.

Panera operator in Florida sued by DOL over child labor

The suit alleges that a 29-store franchisee subjected 240 minors to “oppressive” and illegal working conditions. 

Walmart is leveling up in foodservice. How can grocers compete?

As the retailer adds hot bars, grab-and-go items and in-store QSRs, supermarkets can tap their workers and deep knowledge of their customer base as valuable differentiators, sources said.

Yum Brands appoints Chris Turner CEO

Turner, current chief financial and franchise officer, will succeed David Gibbs on Oct. 1. Gibbs will serve the chain in an advisory role through 2026.

Updated June 17, 2025

Portillo’s expands breakfast test

The chain, which began testing the morning daypart in April, added five more restaurants and a new menu item to the Chicagoland pilot.

Chick-fil-A leads in customer satisfaction for 11th straight year

The ACSI 2025 report found challenger brands on the march, sector leaders on the defensive, and Starbucks showing surprising strength.