Denny’s shareholders sue over pending buyout

Investors claim the casual dining chain’s proxy statement regarding its $620 million sale was “false and misleading” and did not contain pertinent information. Denny’s denied these claims.

Litigants end McDonald’s no-poach agreement saga after almost a decade

Multiple fast food chains have since ceased using the restrictive hiring agreements at issue.

Blaze Pizza names McDonald’s, Subway alum as CEO

John Owen is tasked with improving the shrinking chain’s menu and operations to insulate it from the fast casual pizza sector struggles.

Huddle House hires brand president

Bob Campbell, who helped grow Georgia-based Taco Mac to 30 units, will oversee the chain’s next phase of growth.

Why Jollibee is planning a US IPO for its international business

The company will maintain its Philippine operations and stock listing, but will create a separate public company to oversee its global footprint.

Dutch Bros hires Taco Bell, Cava vet as chief shops officer

Jennifer Somers will oversee the company’s field organization and shop operations as it works toward opening 1,000 more units by 2029.

Chick-fil-A adds floats, frosted sodas to permanent menu

Mixing the brand’s soft serve with sodas gives Chick-fil-A an easy way to add new beverage platforms without increased complexity or equipment costs.

Dave’s Hot Chicken promotes COO to CEO

Jim Bitticks succeeds Bill Phelps, who helmed the brand since 2019, and will continue to grow the chain that has nearly doubled its unit count since 2024. 

Starbucks links with MrBeast to fuel Prime Video competition series

The coffee chain will appear in season two of “Beast Games” and offer a limited-edition drink in a bid to the popular creator’s younger fan base.

Twin Hospitality Group appoints Andy Wiederhorn as CEO

The company terminated Kim Boerema as CEO in late December after over six months in the position.

Sprinkles Cupcakes shutters all company-owned bakeries

Company founder Candace Nelson, who sold the chain in 2012 to private equity, shared in an Instagram video that these locations closed on Dec. 31.

Updated Jan. 1, 2026

Why IHOP flipped a fantasy football punishment into bottomless pancakes

President Lawrence Kim explains why the breakfast chain tapped into fantasy football culture as part of its latest value-focused play.

Why Krispy Kreme’s Japan sale deal is key to its turnaround plan

The $65 million transaction is the latest in a series of asset sales by the doughnut brand meant to shave down over $900 million in long-term debt.

How restaurants are navigating tariff-related costs this holiday season

Operators are getting creative when crafting menus, setting prices, scheduling staff, and finding new revenue amid surging expenses exacerbated by tariffs.

Bolla Market opens first of several Firehouse Subs

The sandwich shop debuted on Nov. 15 at a Bolla Market in Hicksville, New York. Another in Farmingdale is expected for the end of January.

Potbelly focuses on growth under RaceTrac

Putting a Potbelly in every RaceTrac location isn’t on the agenda, but c-store adjacent locations could become part of the sandwich chain’s expansion plans.

Starbucks hires technology chief from Amazon

Anand Varadarajan brings nearly two decades of retail technology experience to the coffee giant, which is working to implement customer-centric solutions.

4 restaurant menu strategy fails in 2025

From french fries that clogged up core operations to unprofitable doughnuts, national chains tried and abandoned a wide range of menu tactics to woo diners in 2025.

China’s popular Mixue boba shop launches in US

The brand, which offers low-priced boba tea drinks, opened its first U.S. location in Los Angeles and plans to open more in New York shortly.

Olive Garden drives sales growth with delivery, smaller portions

The Italian chain will accelerate the rollout of a lower-priced menu, which features seven existing items in reduced sizes, after receiving positive consumer feedback over affordability.

Chipotle adds protein snack cups

The fast casual giant framed the new items, which offer four-ounce portions of meat for about $4, as both a health and value play.

7 Brew hires RBI exec as CFO

Matthew Dunnigan will help the rapidly growing drive-thru coffee chain during its next phase of growth now that it has surpassed 500 units.

Sweetgreen cofounder exits beleaguered brand

Nathaniel Ru, Sweetgreen’s chief brand officer, is retiring after a bruising year for the fast casual chain.

Updated Dec. 17, 2025

Top M&A restaurant deals of 2025

From Potbelly and Denny’s going private to franchisees buying Del Taco and Uncle Julio’s, restaurant consolidation increased this year and could continue into 2026.

DoorDash tests AI-powered restaurant discovery app

The delivery giant’s technology chief said Zesty, now in testing in New York City and the San Francisco Bay Area, improves local restaurant visibility.