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Maggiano’s is just getting started with menu updates, remodels
In his first months as the chain’s VP of innovation and growth, Anthony Amoroso helped create new menu items like Rigatoni al la Vodka and updated the Caesar salad, both of which are already driving sales.
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Starbucks appoints former Mars sustainability exec as CSO
Marika McCauley Sine, who previously served as Mars’ global vice president of sustainability and chief sustainability officer, will oversee the coffee chain’s net-zero transition.
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Jack in the Box sales continue to lag, but unit count grows
Comparable sales headwinds haven’t slowed Jack in the Box’s growth, with the brand opening more stores than it closed for the second year in a row.
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Perkins signs 10-unit agreement for fast casual concept
In its largest deal since the concept was introduced in September, Griddle & Go will open in New Jersey in October 2025.
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Paytronix upgrades its software weeks after being acquired
Additions include an AI tool that answers operators’ questions and a group of features meant to help manage and process online orders.
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Chipotle reaches 1K Chipotlane milestone
The fast casual chain is also on track to open a record number of restaurants this year in the range of 285 to 315 units.
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Deep Dive
How do coffee chains design, market and analyze their seasonal LTOs?
While flexibility is important, many brands plan coffee LTOs more than a year in advance, meaning next year’s holiday drinks are already in the works at places like Peet’s and Dutch Bros.
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Smoothie King hires Red Robin exec as CIO
Jyoti Lynch is tasked with creating a comprehensive technology strategy to enhance the guest experience and improve franchise profitability.
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Jersey Mike’s sells majority stake to Blackstone
The transaction, which is expected to close early next year, will allow the sandwich chain to accelerate its growth and invest further in technology.
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Wendy’s hires Ken Cook to succeed Gunther Plosch as CFO
Cook, a former UPS financial exec, joins the company as it closes some weak stores but sees overall sales strength relative to other QSR burger chains.
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GoTo Foods names former IHOP exec as chief commercial officer
Kieran Donahue will oversee various aspects of the commercial division, including marketing, branding and consumer insights and analytics.
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Craveworthy buys emerging pizza brand
The multi-brand platform has been on an acquisition spree in 2024, buying Sigri Indian BBQ and Untamed Brands, among others.
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Chains struggle to stand out amid ‘noise’ of value wars
Papa Johns, Popeyes and Burger King’s value messages did not break through, while Portillo’s sought to sidestep deep discounting.
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McDonald’s invests $100M to help franchisees recover from E. coli outbreak
About $35 million will go toward marketing programs that will help drive traffic and rebuild consumer trust.
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$35K overtime salary threshold back in effect
A federal judge ruled that the Department of Labor’s 2024 rule exceeded the agency’s authority and is unlawful.
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Huddle House signs its biggest franchise deal yet
The franchising agreement will add a significant number of units to Huddle House’s system, which has seen store counts decline in recent years.
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Bojangles to install ordering kiosks across its system
The chicken chain said its pilot of the Grubbrr technology had high adoption rates and helped increase throughput.
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Chipotle defrauded investors with inconsistent meal sizes, says plaintiff seeking class action
The case is an example of securities lawsuits run amok, a directors and officers liability law specialist says.
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McDonald’s holiday cups entertain with Doodles content, digital collectibles
The fast food giant is collaborating with a Web3-fueled entertainment brand that CMO Tariq Hassan calls “an agent of change in the cultural landscape.”
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How Salata plans to triple its store count
With roughly 100 stores, the salad chain is looking to fill in existing markets, develop its franchisee base and set itself apart from other fast casual brands.
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Jack in the Box hires Lance Tucker as CFO again
Tucker rejoins the brand as it eyes significant franchising growth but faces comparable sales headwinds.
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Cava’s winning comp sales streak continued in Q3
Cava is the clear leader of the Mediterranean fast casual segment, and has had one of the strongest 2024s of any major brand.
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Subway’s newest design focuses on improving the dining room experience
During concept testing, guests said the Fresh Forward 2.0 image, which includes warmer wood tones and improved lighting, increased their chances of eating inside a Subway.
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KFC sues Church’s Texas Chicken over ‘original recipe’ ads
KFC claims Church’s use of the marketing phrase will deceive customers into thinking they are buying items from KFC.
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Red Lobster brings back old favorites, new items in menu remake
The casual chain added seven new dishes and revived classics like hush puppies and popcorn shrimp.