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Papa Johns to deliver sandwiches by air in North Carolina

This partnership, which will operate in parts of Charlotte, is the first between the Alphabet-backed Wing and a national QSR brand.

How refranchising is helping Corner Bakery rise from ‘scorched earth’

After years of focus on hospitality, menu reconstruction and unit economics, the fast casual brand is looking to recruit its next generation of operators.

What independent restaurants want out of politics in 2026

Immigration enforcement, high swipe fees, delivery commissions and a lack of market power threaten restaurant margins, said the Independent Restaurant Coalition’s executive director.

Dunkin’ owner Inspire Brands files for an IPO

The company’s sprawling brand portfolio, ranging from sports bars to breakfast QSRs, could help insulate it from downturns within restaurant subsectors.

Wendy’s bets order accuracy and clean stores will revive sales

A 7.8% drop in comparable sales is pressuring the chain to draw consumers back, as Burger King and McDonald’s have seen gains in recent quarters.

The restaurant labor market in 6 key statistics

Turnover has fluctuated over the last year, while total jobs and wage growth are relatively slow and unemployment has returned to pre-pandemic rates.

Updated May 11, 2026

McLane expanding driverless truck runs in Texas

The supplier is automating long-haul transport between Dallas and Houston, with additional routes focused on restaurants to be added later this year.

Dine Brands focuses on new unit growth, dual-brand expansion

The company more than doubled its new unit count during the first quarter, driven by dual-branded openings, relocations and single-concept openings at Applebee’s and IHOP.

Sweetgreen sales wilt in another punishing quarter

The brand launched wraps to supplement its core bowl and salad business, following its worst quarterly same-store sales performance.

CEC Entertainment adds Texas Roadhouse vet as CFO

Chris Monroe will oversee the finance and real estate teams for Chuck E. Cheese’s parent company as it looks to expand.

McDonald’s value, menu innovation drive positive Q1 comparable sales

Traffic could build in the U.S. with the second-quarter launch of an Under $3 Menu and beverage expansion.

Papa Johns suffers major 6.4% comp sales drop

The chain hopes new menu items, operational improvements and local advertising cooperatives can fend off Domino’s value offensive.

How Dutch Bros doubled its brand awareness in 18 months

Mobile ordering, loyalty upgrades, a new breakfast menu and increased density in key markets accelerated sales growth for the brand.

Shake Shack appoints former Portillo’s CFO as it finance chief

Michelle Hook will oversee financial operations at the fast casual chain as it works toward reaching 1,500 units.

Subway closed at least 729 stores in 2025

This marks the beleaguered chain’s steepest decline since 2021, driven by oversaturation and a low average unit volume.

Refuel to open its first Whataburger

The South Carolina-based retailer will debut the burger QSR adjacent to an upcoming c-store in Kenedy, Texas, later this year.

Burger King’s sales jumped, Popeyes slumped in Q1

Years of investment in the burger brand’s operations and menu have won consumers back, but a loss of focus on service and the core menu hurt the chicken chain.

Portillo’s CFO departs

Michelle Hook will pursue another opportunity after serving in her position for five years and playing an important role in Portillo’s 2021 IPO.

KFC expands $10 bucket deal across weekdays

The brand is positioning the bucket deals as a value-oriented solution for weekday dinners, which could help it drive traffic.

Taco Bell grows loyalty and digital sales

The brand’s loyalty program is resonating with consumers and driving them to engage with the brand more frequently, Yum Brands CEO said.

Popeyes wraps join core menu

This move strengthens the chain’s snacking offerings and could help it capture more occasions as it struggles to improve sluggish sales.

Huey Magoo’s cuts drive-thru build costs by 40%

The regional chicken tender chain is looking to increase the flexibility of its real estate development strategy.

McDonald’s updates McCafé branding ahead of beverage expansion

The chain updated the font style and coloring on its McCafé cups to better showcase its forthcoming crafted sodas, refreshers and energy drinks.

Shake Shack’s tech chief forges a practical AI strategy

CITO Justin Mennen is prioritizing efficiency with a mix of enterprise-built and custom AI products.

Culver’s to add computer vision to 1K restaurants

Through a partnership with Berry AI, the fast food chain will use the technology to measure service execution, vehicle flow and throughput to improve accuracy and speed of service.