Nothing Bundt Cakes appoints Starbucks exec as chief development officer

Chris Tarrant, who previously oversaw U.S. and Canada store development at Starbucks, joins the cake chain during a time of rapid growth.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 27, 2023

Mod tries expanding beyond pizza with wings test

If the pilot is successful, Mod could add wings to its permanent menu, revising its offerings alongside brands like Pizza Hut, Papa Johns and Pie Five.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 26, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

Menu development

Restaurants big and small are experimenting with their menus to align with the preferences of on-the-go diners and mitigate the impact of rising food costs, supply chain disruption and shrinking consumer discretionary funds. 

By Restaurant Dive staff

Church’s Texas Chicken hires procurement VP

The chain tapped Will Cash, who has supply chain experience at Popeyes and Krispy Kreme, to help lead its purchasing efforts.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 25, 2023

Franchise spotlight: Sprinkles bakes up plan to sign 100 franchised units

The cupcake chain opened its first franchised unit at the end of 2022 and is eying extensive domestic and international growth.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 24, 2023

Starbucks marketing exec exits after 14 years

The company will immediately conduct an internal and external search for a successor to Jen Quotson, who leaves the VP of global creative studios post.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 20, 2023

Focus Brands hires 3 execs to optimize development

The company appointed a new chief brand officer at Auntie Anne’s, as well as new SVPs of design and construction and real estate at the parent company.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 19, 2023

McDonald’s franchisee to pay $1.9M to settle claim that teen workers were sexually harassed

The settlement is the latest EEOC agreement targeting alleged pervasive sexual harassment of teen workers in the fast food industry.

By Laurel Kalser • Jan. 18, 2023

Franchise spotlight: Teriyaki Madness to double openings in 2023

The Asian chain is signing leases faster than ever and is on a trajectory to reach 500 units within the next few years.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 18, 2023

Starbucks, DoorDash will take delivery partnership nationwide

The chain is offering delivery through DoorDash in select markets including Northern California, Texas, Georgia and Florida before expanding in March.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 17, 2023

KFC veteran joins southern chicken chain as chief supply chain officer

Carl Mount will join Zaxby's to manage partnerships and optimize solutions, starting Jan. 17.

By Alejandra Salgado • Jan. 13, 2023

Starbucks’ corporate workers must return to office 3 days per week

Interim-CEO Howard Schultz said low rates of office usage pushed the chain to make office work a requirement for employees living within commuting distance of its headquarters and regional offices.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 13, 2023

Wendy’s eliminates chief commercial officer role as part of corporate restructure

The company will shift its focus to more traditional store development and remains committed to building its breakfast daypart, accelerating its digital business and growing its overall footprint.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 13, 2023

Former Applebee’s head becomes CEO of Modern Restaurant Concepts

John Cywinski will lead the company, which operates Qdoba, Modern Market Eatery and Lemonade, effective immediately. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 12, 2023

Franchise spotlight: Toppers Pizza expects to surpass 100 units in 3 years

A tenured executive team, long-term franchisees and a strong support system are helping the 70-unit pizza chain expand in the U.S.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 12, 2023

Shake Shack expects to open up to 70 units in 2023

Of these units, 40 will open in the U.S., including a mix of traditional, drive-thru and non-traditional locations, such as travel centers. 

By Julie Littman • Jan. 11, 2023

Texas Roadhouse promotes exec to president

Gina Tobin, who has worked at the casual chain for nearly 30 years in various roles, will keep her responsibilities as chief learning and culture officer. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 11, 2023

In-N-Out Burger will open Nashville restaurants in 2026

The burger chain will invest $125.5 million to establish an Eastern territory office, which will support its first restaurant openings east of Texas.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 11, 2023

Red Robin unveils comeback plan for sales, brand positioning

The restaurant chain will focus on improving its basic operations, including labor practices and food quality, that have floundered in recent years.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 10, 2023

Five Guys says breach may have compromised applicant data

The fast food chain said in letters to consumers that it first became aware of the breach in September 2022.

By Ryan Golden • Jan. 10, 2023

Denny’s taps CEC Entertainment exec as CMO

Sherri Landry succeeds John Dillon, who was promoted to president of the chain in the fall, and will be tasked with amplifying Denny’s cultural relevance. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 10, 2023

Burger King taps longtime PepsiCo veteran as CMO

Most recently CMO of Mountain Dew, Pat O'Toole will help grow traffic, accelerate sales and support the chain's Reclaim the Flame plan.

By Chris Kelly • Jan. 10, 2023

McDonald’s prepares for corporate restructuring, staff cuts

The chain didn’t disclose how many employees could be impacted by the potential restructuring, which would be part of an initiative called “Accelerating the Organization.”

By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 9, 2023

SEC fines ex-McDonald’s CEO $400K for false statements about his termination

McDonald’s was also charged by the SEC for “shortcomings in its public disclosures related to Steve Easterbrook’s separation agreement,” but does not face financial consequences. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 9, 2023

Why CEC Entertainment is extending Peter Piper brand with fast casual concept

A year after opening its first off-premise-only Express units, the company is opening a fast casual version of the brand in Kansas City, Kansas.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 9, 2023

Texas Roadhouse CFO retires

Tonya Robinson retired earlier this week after a 24-year career at the casual dining chain. Keith Humpich, VP of finance, has been appointed interim CFO.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 6, 2023