Corporate Operations
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McDonald’s USA appoints Skye Anderson to president
Anderson will oversee the chain’s NEXT strategy in its largest market and succeeds Joe Erlinger, who is leaving the company after 20 years.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 4, 2026 -
Krispy Kreme creates chief commercial officer role
Suk Nicholas, a 15-year company veteran, will oversee the chain’s fresh delivery business globally and in the U.S.
By Julie Littman • Aug. 4, 2026 -
Explore the Trendline➔
Courtesy of SevenRooms
TrendlineHow AI is shaping the restaurant industry
Automated technology can transform restaurant systems and relieve pressure from rising operating costs, opening up new opportunities for chains looking to sharpen their value proposition.
By Restaurant Dive staff -
McDonald’s CEO blames US traffic drop on execution problems
The Golden Arches is acting with urgency to correct value issues and operational inefficiencies in the U.S. after a sales miss, executives said.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 4, 2026 -
Domino’s pays diners to beta test its relaunched app, website
The pizza chain’s new campaign encourages consumers to leave feedback about its updated digital ordering experience.
By Chris Kelly • Aug. 3, 2026 -
BJ’s posts strongest traffic gains in 4 years
The chain’s turnaround — aided by value plays, menu innovation and marketing spend — is nearing an inflection point as it prepares to expand.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 3, 2026 -
Yum bids Pizza Hut farewell, overhauls KFC
Yum Brands is ushering in a new era for KFC through a global brand transformation, while Pizza Hut is shifting to new ownership.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 31, 2026 -
Panera to relocate HQ to Massachusetts
The fast casual chain said the move to Weston is part of its Panera RISE strategy and will help foster more collaboration and decision-making.
By Julie Littman • July 31, 2026 -
Why Taco Bell predicts a swift recovery from Cyclospora
Loyalty, value offers and swift removal of lettuce have mitigated the sales impact of the ongoing outbreak of the foodborne parasitic illness.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 30, 2026 -
Starbucks remodels, service tweaks are paying off
The coffee giant gained same-store sales momentum in the U.S. market with its third consecutive quarter of comps growth.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 30, 2026 -
Whataburger hires Taco Bell vet as CFO
Ryan Moore also brings experience from Torchy’s Tacos to the burger chain, which is growing extensively beyond its home base of Texas.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 29, 2026 -
Judge approves Fat Brands liquidation
After a complicated bankruptcy process that included a CEO ouster effort, Fat’s liquidation can proceed with court approval.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 28, 2026 -
Gong cha inks 50-store franchise deal in Texas
The agreement will significantly expand the bubble tea chain’s U.S. footprint, and comes after it bought 170 stores from its master franchisee in March.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 28, 2026 -
Church’s Texas Chicken CEO says new funding will boost remodels, expansion
An equity investment from Golub Capital will help the chicken chain convert its brand turnaround into renewed U.S. store growth.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 28, 2026 -
Taco Bell tied to Cyclospora outbreaks in 4 more states
While the chain removed potentially contaminated lettuce by July 17, the long incubation period of the parasite — upwards of two weeks — means new cases may continue into early August.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 27, 2026 -
Cracker Barrel taps former Bloomin’ chief as CEO
David Deno will succeed Julie Masino, who is leaving less than a year after surviving an ouster attempt triggered by rebranding backlash.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Updated July 27, 2026 -
How 4 QSR chains sped up franchised growth in H1
From chicken chains to frozen custard joints, growing restaurant concepts are working to accelerate their store development in 2026.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 24, 2026 -
Fogo de Chão appoints successor to long-tenured CFO
Daniel Duran succeeded Tony Laday, who retired after helping the chain through an IPO, a global pandemic and multiple acquisitions over 12 years.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 24, 2026 -
Taco Bell flooded with lawsuits over diarrhea outbreak
The fast food giant, supplier Taylor Farms and at least one franchisee face legal action from consumers in multiple states over alleged deceptive marketing and illness tied to lettuce.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 23, 2026 -
Wienerschnitzel opens first military base location
The restaurant at Naval Base San Diego is a major step forward for the chain’s push to tap into pre-existing consumer pools with nontraditional units.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 22, 2026 -
Taylor Farms lettuce didn’t contain parasite behind diarrhea outbreak, FDA says
The agency said a previous finding was “a false positive,” but the supplier to companies such as Walmart and Taco Bell remains at the heart of an ongoing investigation.
By Phil Neuffer • July 22, 2026 -
What 10 leading restaurant companies pay their CEOs — and their hourly workers
Median hourly compensation hovers near, and sometimes below, the poverty line, while leading restaurant CEOs earn tens of millions.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 22, 2026 -
Yum appoints chief people officer
Nai De Leon, who joined the company from Bain Capital in 2025, will succeed Tracy Skeans in November.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 22, 2026 -
Cracker Barrel sells Maple Street Biscuit Company
The chain will close 16 of its subsidiary biscuit brand locations after selling 35 to Biscuit Belly as part of a move to improve profitability.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 21, 2026 -
Burger King reworks manager role to support guest experience
The chain is redefining its restaurant manager role with a new, more distinct uniform and new responsibilities to better address guest concerns.
By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 20, 2026 -
Craveworthy Brands to open first multi-concept restaurant
With seven brands in one location, Crave Kitchen will offer multiple food options to students and faculty at Georgia Tech when it debuts in August.
By Julie Littman • July 17, 2026