Corporate Operations

McDonald's stockholders vote for independent civil rights audit

The proposal for an independent civil rights audit — which goes against the company's recommendation — won a 52% to 47% vote.

By Alicia Kelso • May 27, 2022

Subway to shift franchisee focus to multi-unit operators

While Subway has historically worked with single-unit owners, it wants to add well-capitalized, experienced operators to its system to focus on quality over quantity. 

By Julie Littman • May 27, 2022

Wendy's largest shareholder proposes to buy company

Trian Partners and billionaire owner Nelson Peltz told the chain's board of directors Tuesday that Trian would explore an acquisition, merger or other transaction in which it would own the company.

By Julie Littman • May 25, 2022

Starbucks to exit Russia and help its workers find new jobs

While the chain suspended operations at its 130 licensed locations in early March, it said Monday that it would no longer have a presence in Russia. 

By Julie Littman • May 23, 2022

How Wingstop is taking control of its poultry supply chain

The company is considering joint ventures with suppliers, acquiring a poultry complex or building its own plant to secure more predictable food costs.

By Julie Littman • May 18, 2022

Brinker CEO to retire in June

KFC U.S. President and Chief Concept Officer Kevin Hochman will take over for Wyman Roberts, who has been with Brinker for 17 years. 

By Julie Littman • May 17, 2022

McDonald's offloads Russian restaurants to licensee for undisclosed price

Alexander Govor, who operated 25 units in Siberia, will run the locations under a new brand and retain McDonald's employees for at least two years.  

By Emma Liem Beckett • Updated May 19, 2022

Chipotle CFO doesn't rule out more food inflation despite pause

Finance chief Jack Hartung said the chain has raised prices about 10% for the 12 months through Q1 compared to 2% in a typical year.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • May 12, 2022

Reef cuts 5% of workforce amid expansion

The ghost kitchen firm says the layoffs are needed to adapt to disruptions in unspecified sectors, according to an internal memo.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • May 9, 2022

Papa Johns adds ESG incentives to compensation

The chain will tie corporate bonuses to workforce diversity, clean ingredients and environmental impact metrics following similar announcements from Wendy's, McDonald's, Starbucks and Chipotle.

By Alicia Kelso • May 5, 2022

Denny's preps for growth as it hires Kelli Valade as CEO

Red Lobster's former CEO will oversee several initiatives, including an $82.5 million acquisition of a Florida breakfast concept, tech upgrades and expansion of ghost kitchens. 

By Julie Littman • May 4, 2022

McDonald's: Shuttered Ukraine, Russia restaurants cost $127M in Q1

Supply chain inventory "that will likely be disposed of" represents $100 million of that sum, while $27 million went toward continued employee salaries, lease and supplier payments.

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 29, 2022

How Domino's plans to get its US business back on track

After reporting negative same-store sales during the first quarter, the company is looking to boost menu pricing, lean into third-party call centers and offer delivery drivers more flexibility.

By Julie Littman • April 29, 2022

Chipotle CEO: Chain nearly halfway to goal of 7K North American stores

The fast casual chain continues its expansion tear despite labor shortage challenges, construction delays and inflation, and 80% of new units built in 2022 will feature a Chipotlane. 

By Julie Littman • April 27, 2022

Starbucks hires McDonald's alum as CTO

Deb Hall Lefevre joins the coffee chain on May 2, marking Starbucks' third executive change since Howard Schultz became interim CEO on April 4.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • April 26, 2022

White Castle plans takeout-only unit next to its busiest restaurant

The new 1,800-square-foot unit in Orlando, Florida, will only offer pickup and delivery for digital orders as off-premise restaurant demand holds steady.

By Alicia Kelso • April 22, 2022

Papa Johns taps Inspire, Domino's alum as chief restaurant officer

Joe Sieve will oversee the pizza chain's operations for both company-owned and franchised units in North America. 

By Alicia Kelso • April 20, 2022

Denny's CEO to retire amid growing exodus of restaurant chiefs

The casual chain is currently searching for a replacement for John Miller, who will step down later in 2022 after 11 years. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • April 8, 2022

Red Lobster CEO resigns after less than a year

Kelli Valade, who joined the company in August, recruited a new CFO and expanded the executive team with newly created roles of CMO and CIO.

By Julie Littman • April 5, 2022

Hardee's, Carl's Jr. parent names ex-Caribou exec as CFO

CKE is one of the latest QSRs to launch a digital loyalty program, an offering that has emerged as a key area of competition. 

By Kaishi Chhabra • April 1, 2022

Gopuff laying off 3% of its global workforce

The rapidly expanding company is cutting hundreds of positions as it faces funding challenges and a need to realign as a global business.

By Jeff Wells • April 1, 2022

Papa John's refranchises 90 units in Texas with Sun Holdings

The move will give Sun Holdings, which will open 100 new Papa John's units in Texas by 2029, the scale to support new restaurant development.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 31, 2022

Red Lobster snares restaurant exec for CIO role

IT veteran Cijoy Olickal joined the company Monday and will report directly to CEO Kelli Valade.

By Roberto Torres • March 30, 2022

Sbarro will open 100-plus units with c-store focus in 2022

The pizza chain's franchising partnerships will place the brand in Village Pantry, Turkey Hill and KwikShop locations.

By Alicia Kelso • March 25, 2022

Sweetgreen to open first drive-thru in Chicago suburb

The fast casual's first drive-thru for digital pickup orders, dubbed "Sweetlane," is part of its strategy to test new store concepts and bolster online sales.

By Julie Littman • March 24, 2022