Independent restaurants urge Congress to exempt service charges from taxes, not just tips

The “No Tax on Tips” provision in a proposed budget reconciliation package only benefits customer-facing staff, not dishwashers or other back-of-house workers, the IRC said.

LTOs and value are key to solving restaurant traffic downturn: Technomic

With consumers bracing for tariff impacts, limited-time offerings will likely grow in importance alongside budget-focused menu items.

Chili’s CMO on how ‘culture pops’ supercharge the chain’s sales

The casual dining chain’s executives have cited marketing as a key factor behind two straight quarters of same-store sales growth of more than 31%.

Analysts at NRA Show: Tariffs could make H2 gloomier for restaurants

As costs rise, fast food chains are losing pricing advantages relative to fast casual and even full-service chains.

Krispy Kreme sued by investors over McDonald’s rollout pause

The lawsuit claims the chain failed to disclose profitability issues it was having with the QSR partnership, which subsequently led to a steep decline in stock prices after Q1 2025 earnings.

Cava has big plans for its loyalty program

Loyalty is bringing consumers into the restaurant’s ecosystem, while its emphasis on hospitality builds relationships, according to CEO Brett Schulman.

SeoulSpice heads to Chicago, plots national expansion

With trouble brewing in its home market, the Korean fast casual chain plants its first flag outside of Washington, D.C.

How Cava beat traffic gravity in Q1

The brand’s 10.8% comparable sales growth outperformed rival fast casuals, with Chipotle and Sweetgreen posting flat-to-negative sales.

Kent Companies rolling out food-focused c-store format

Locations feature a made-to-order kitchen, a drive-thru, a beer and ice cave, two-bay car washes and a dog wash.

Chuck E. Cheese sued by West Virginia workers over sexual harassment, retaliation

 A manager at the family eatertainment brand allegedly retaliated against an assistant manager for reporting sexual harassment of women employees.

Jack in the Box deploys kiosks at 1,500 restaurants

The chain, which posted negative same-store sales for the quarter, boasted a 18% digital sales mix, just shy of its 20% goal.

Twin Hospitality Group hires CPK vet as CEO

Kim Boerema, who has over 30 years of restaurant experience, succeeds Joe Hummel, who resigned in April after Fat Brands spun off Twin Hospitality in a January IPO.

Updated May 15, 2025

DoorDash, Wing bring drone delivery to Charlotte

Panera is among a handful of restaurants now offering drone delivery from a shopping center in the North Carolina city.

Uber Eats, OpenTable reservation integration will launch this fall

Users will be able to book a reservation from the Uber Eats app through a “Dine Out” tab, which will feature various local dine-in restaurants.

Tariffs, immigration policy put US restaurants at ‘significant risk’: Fitch

High consumer price sensitivity leaves brands with little room to offset the costs of tariffs and labor market disruptions.

Starbucks union workers strike over dress code changes

Baristas at more than 50 cafes have walked off the job over new clothing policies, which they say deviate from agreements made at the bargaining table.

Vegan full-service chain Planta goes bankrupt

Rising costs, falling consumer demand and structural changes in the restaurant industry left the brand with insufficient cash flow.

Why Mountain Mike’s doesn’t want to be like every other pizza chain

Unlike rival brands that are shrinking footprints to focus on off-premise service, the California-based chain leans on its dining rooms, salad bar and arcade games to stay competitive.

Brinker promotes Aaron White to COO

White will maintain her role as chief people officer in addition to overseeing operational improvements that bolster the employee and guest experience.

Applebee’s perks up its loyalty program with an emphasis on exclusivity

Dine Brands wants to use memorable loyalty opportunities and speedy service to help Applebee’s and IHOP grow.

How Potbelly harnessed transformational growth

After undertaking a turnaround strategy, the company has grown comparable sales, accelerated franchise development and added popular menu items.

Arko begins building food-focused stores, will debut new foodservice program

The convenience retailer is investing between $700,000 and $1.1 million into each new location and intends to finish all seven pilot sites by the end of 2025.

Sweetgreen’s same-store sales slip for first time as public company

The salad brand attributed its sales shortfall to consumer pullback, and is looking to loyalty and LTOs to offset the trouble.

Shake Shack to open new support center, flagship restaurant in Atlanta

The new support center and flagship location, equipped with a full bar, represent an evolution for the brand and could signal an increased reliance on menu innovation and LTOs as growth drivers.

How restaurants can tap into the beverage craze

Young, health-conscious consumers are seeking out innovative non-alcoholic drinks, and well-positioned restaurants can capture that new demand.