Tracking the same-store sales of 21 major restaurant chains

Major publicly traded restaurant chains had a strange Q2 for comps growth, from Chili’s 23% jump to Sweetgreen’s 7.6% shortfall.

Updated Aug. 18, 2025

Yelp adds AI Host and Receptionist to restaurant toolbox

 The customizable solutions can answer diner questions, ask follow-ups and book reservations, reflecting restaurant interest in voice technology.  

Layne’s Chicken Fingers signs agreements for 68 stores

Layne’s is the latest brand to bet on chicken fever and franchising to catapult it to national status — but the competitive landscape may be shifting.

Pizza Hut operator to close 68 UK stores

DC London Pie has entered administration to manage its debt, but Yum Brands will continue to run 64 of the operator’s locations. 

Inside one c-store chain’s bold and greasy foodservice playbook

As convenience chains ramp up their made-to-order menus, here’s how Pennsylvania chain Rutter’s is winning over customers with indulgent dishes like The Hangover Burger.

4 brands growing in Cava’s shadow

As the Mediterranean fast casual segment grows, franchised chains like Taim and Taziki’s are competing to see who will emerge as Cava’s main challenger.

Philz Coffee launches points-based loyalty program

Fresh off its acquisition by Freeman Spogli, the coffee brand is adding a new system meant to reward frequency and deepen consumer connections.

Cava ties gaming culture to loyalty rewards with Clix collaboration

A partnership with the pro Fortnite player centers on a Cava Pass Challenge that looks to drive more people to the chain’s newly revamped loyalty program.

Panera Bread hires CFO

ABM Industries veteran Earl Ellis brings 30 years of financial leadership experience to the fast casual chain, which is in the midst of a transformation.

Whataburger taps tech chief to guide infrastructure rollout

Rohit Kapoor, formerly EVP and CIO at Claire's, will be tasked with leading an expansion of the company's digital infrastructure in support of its growth plans.

White Castle opens new prototype in Ohio

The new unit takes a page out of Chick-fil-A’s playbook with a drive-thru hospitality door and features new tech like a robotic fry cook, drive-thru voice AI and self-order kiosks.

R&R Brands takes over management of Bravo, Brio restaurants

The multi-concept hospitality company will roll out a support plan spanning operations, management and technology, to improve both Italian brands.

Jack in the Box sells Del Taco to Yadav for $115M

Less than four years after spending $575 million to acquire the chain, Jack in the Box is selling it to a franchisee.

How First Watch’s expansion is outpacing casual dining growth

The breakfast chain recently reached 600 units and anticipates opening nearly 60 restaurants in 2025 — making it one of a handful of casual chains to boast positive unit growth this year.

Starship raises $50M to scale delivery bots

The robotics maker plans to expand its operations from U.S. college campuses to urban markets, as delivery aggregators begin to scale their partnerships with various robotics firms.

El Pollo Loco opens 500th restaurant

The Colorado Springs location is the third in Colorado and shows the chain’s rapid expansion outside of its home state of California.

Fireside Market launches food-focused c-store design

The 9,700-square-foot store in Slinger, Wisconsin, features a drive-thru and will serve as a model for future locations, a spokesperson said.

Panera Bread tests 4 premium drinks

As QSRs eat into beverage occasions with refreshers, menu innovation could become an important defensive move for fast casual and coffee brands.

Domino’s posts biggest US comparable sales growth in 6 quarters

The chain has had two consecutive quarters of growth driven by deal promotions and the popularity of Parmesan Stuffed Crust.

Papa Murphy’s shutters underperforming stores

The take-and-bake pizza chain has faced significant competition from other pizza brands that have invested heavily in aggressive marketing campaigns.

7 Brew hits 500 store mark

The brand has grown its storebase by more than 50% in 2025, and its dramatic expansion could put pressure on legacy chains at the top of the coffee sector.

Instacart, Uber, DoorDash bringing food delivery to ChatGPT

The three e-commerce providers are among several apps set to join the AI-powered chatbot.

Wendy’s to invest at least $20M to boost AUV

After same-store sales dropped two quarters in a row, the burger brand shifted money from development funds to in-store labor and equipment.

Cava adds tiers, status matching to rewards program

Consumers who can prove elite status in some other brands’ loyalty programs will be able to slot into the higher tiers of Cava’s system.

Restaurants battered by inflation, turnover: report

Improving profits and traffic are the main strategic goals for restaurant leaders in 2025, according to a Toast survey.