Zaxbys’ latest LTO emphasizes late-night dining

The fried chicken chain joins brands like Pizza Hut, Wendy’s and Portillo’s in making late-night occasions a strategic priority.

Walmart to bring Wienerschnitzel restaurants to 6 stores

The retailer has partnered with the hot dog chain, marking its latest move to grow its roster of in-store quick-service restaurant partners.

Saladworks to expand in North Carolina with 10-unit deal

The chain, which once leaned on alternative growth vehicles like ghost kitchens and automated saladbots, will open the first of these traditional units in 2026.

No taxes on tips may happen soon. Here’s what it could look like for hospitality workers.

Congress could pass legislation that includes eliminating taxes on tips as soon as this month. But what the legislation will look like — and its effects — are still up for debate.

Dave’s Hot Chicken sells majority stake to Roark

The long-rumored deal will help the chain hit its ambitious unit growth targets as it looks to become the leading fast casual chicken brand.

How tariffs could impact 11 major restaurant companies

While a bulk of chains, including Sweetgreen and Chipotle, expect minimal impact to food costs because of domestic supply chains, the cost of new equipment could rise.

Freddy’s to open first Canadian restaurant

The Winnipeg unit is the first outside the U.S. for the growing burger chain, which is building out a significant store pipeline.

Mooyah Burgers Fries & Shakes appoints Papa Johns vet as president

Michael Meche, who spent almost 30 years at the pizza chain, joins the burger brand as it prepares for accelerated growth.

Red Robin ‘far from claiming victory’ despite comps growth

The casual chain’s turnaround efforts are paying off in terms of comparable sales and profits, but executives say a repeat performance is unlikely in Q2.

Jack in the Box promotes permanent CFO

Dawn Hooper, who has served as interim finance head for months, takes the role as the company faces sales trouble and the pending sale of Del Taco.

Full-service restaurant uncertainty: Why diners are trading up and down

Customers are pulling back on spending in full-service dining — except when they aren’t. Both fine dining establishments and massive casual brands must adapt to mixed signals.

US court blocks Trump’s sweeping tariffs

The Court of International Trade said the president overstepped his authority, halting various duties. After an appeal, the ruling has been paused.

Updated May 29, 2025

Yoshinoya America hires Better Buzz Coffee exec as president

Paul Nishiyama, former COO of the coffee chain, will join the chain as it looks to resume growth after several years of stagnant unit count.

Chicken Salad Chick hits 300 restaurants

As fast casual restaurants outperform the rest of the industry, the chain signed a record number of franchising agreements in Q1 and its AUV is growing.

Reporter’s notebook: 3 unanswered questions from the NRA Show

Can a robot really replace a worker? Will tariffs trigger a recession? Can you charge $14 for a mocktail?

Donatos Pizza to open automated restaurant in airport

The pizza chain, which has worked toward operating robotic pizzerias since 2023, said an airport environment is ideal for the concept.

How restaurant chains are updating their marketing menus in tough economy

Marketers at QSR and fast casual brands are taking big swings with creative campaigns, evolving loyalty strategies and digital technology investments.

McDonald’s will wind down CosMc’s, test drinks

 The Golden Arches will start shuttering its beverage innovation spinoff’s units in late June, just 18 months after its first location opened. 

Darden closes one-third of Bahama Breeze restaurants

The company closed 15 Bahama Breeze locations across eight states in May, as part of a push for its smaller brands to focus on high-performing units. 

BP Pulse is bringing EV chargers to Waffle House

Chosen sites in the Southeast and the Sunbelt will get six electric vehicle charging bays, with the first locations coming online next year.

The restaurant industry’s Q1 2025 winners and losers

Consumer price sensitivity led to declines at Chipotle, McDonald’s and other QSRs, while Chili’s and Cava were among a handful of companies to see traffic and sales gains.

Why dashboard dining and weekend restaurant visits are on the rise

Consumer trends are contradictory, according to a Technomic presentation at the National Restaurant Association Show. Both on-premise group dining and solo car dining are growing.

Smoothie King appoints CFO as president

In his expanded role, Gavin Felder will oversee day-to-day management and retain his financial responsibilities at the fast-growing smoothie chain.

Why El Pollo Loco’s rebrand invites diners to ‘Get Loco’

CMO Jill Adams shares how a new tagline serves as a “call to action” and a play to engage with consumers around their passions.

Shake Shack bets on 10 casino locations with PENN Entertainment

The fast casual chain, which already operates in three casinos, will open its first restaurants with the entertainment company in 2026.