Panera pilots points-based rewards program

The fast casual chain will test its latest iteration of MyPanera at 216 cafes across various markets, with a plan for a nationwide rollout later this year.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 23, 2026

Mr. Gatti’s sold to franchisee

OneRyan Global, an investment firm that operates two Mr. Gatti’s units, will lead the company into its next phase of growth, including new units in Walmart and c-stores.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 22, 2026

Peet’s Coffee is closing several stores this month

This reduction comes amid a plan for parent company JDE Peet’s to merge with Keurig DrPepper, and is part of a business alignment focused on long-term growth and current market conditions.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 21, 2026

Large Popeyes franchisee files for Chapter 11

Sailormen, which operates 136 units across Florida and Georgia, faced growing losses and sales declines within the past 12 months amid high inflation and increased borrowing rates.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 16, 2026

Inside Fat Brands’ ‘complicated’ debt situation

The Twin Peaks owner continues to negotiate with lenders, but with five loans and various creditors, CEO Andy Wiederhorn said it has been difficult to refinance and restructure.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 14, 2026

Restaurant winners and losers in 2025

Chili’s, coffee brands and Taco Bell did well, while fast casual chains struggled and Sweetgreen saw its worst year as a public firm.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 12, 2026

Presto raises $10M in funding

The drive-thru voice AI company, which spun off its tabletop business in 2024, will put the cash toward expansion, deployments and further innovation.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 8, 2026

6 restaurant trends to watch in 2026

Restaurants may face cost savings challenges and sales declines amid  continued supply chain disruptions, but can leverage consumer demand for cheaper menu items and experiential meals to stand out.

By Emma Liem Beckett , Aneurin Canham-Clyne , Julie Littman • Jan. 8, 2026

Salad and Go ceases operations in Texas, Oklahoma

The drive-thru salad chain will close 32 restaurants just months after 41 units closed and will focus on its home state of Arizona, as well as Nevada.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 8, 2026

Denny’s shareholders sue over pending buyout

Investors claim the casual dining chain’s proxy statement regarding its $620 million sale was “false and misleading” and did not contain pertinent information. Denny’s denied these claims.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 7, 2026

DC’s Compass Coffee files for Chapter 11

The chain faced shortfalls in foot traffic due to significant changes to the workforce and consumption patterns in the Washington, D.C., metro area.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Jan. 7, 2026

Sprinkles Cupcakes shutters all company-owned bakeries

Company founder Candace Nelson, who sold the chain in 2012 to private equity, shared in an Instagram video that these locations closed on Dec. 31.

By Julie Littman • Updated Jan. 1, 2026

Why Krispy Kreme’s Japan sale deal is key to its turnaround plan

The $65 million transaction is the latest in a series of asset sales by the doughnut brand meant to shave down over $900 million in long-term debt.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Dec. 22, 2025

Dickey’s discounting strategy is burning profits, franchisees say

Marketing tactics like free sandwich cards, frequent loyalty perks and catering discounts made the brand the Bed Bath & Beyond of barbecue, operators say.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Dec. 11, 2025

Pieology files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after turnaround fails

The fast casual pizza chain said it had a plan to revive dozens of underperforming stores, but investors backed out.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Dec. 10, 2025

Cracker Barrel’s traffic slides 7%

The chain is working to return traffic to positive territory after its rebranding controversy by focusing on food quality, operational efficiencies and connecting better with guests.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 10, 2025

Fat Brands’ bank turns up the heat

The company’s bank declared another $169 million in debt issued by a subsidiary to be payable in full and immediately, escalating its debt problems.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Dec. 3, 2025

Activist investor takes stake in Noodles & Company

Galloway Capital Partners acquired a 6% stake in the beleaguered chain, which is seeking strategic alternatives including selling part, or all, of its business.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 3, 2025

Fat Brands risks bankruptcy as lenders demand payment on $1.3B debt

The restaurant company defaulted on its obligations earlier this year and lacks the cash to pay its creditors up front, according to an SEC filing.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 24, 2025

Why private equity is buying restaurant franchisees

Improved conditions for financing, driven largely by lower interest rates, are fueling acquisitions.

By Michael Brady • Nov. 19, 2025

MTY Food Group considering full, partial sale

Cold Stone’s parent said it is reviewing various alternatives, but may continue to operate as normal, and made no assurances that a transaction would occur.

By Julie Littman • Nov. 18, 2025

Freddy’s operator declares bankruptcy

M&M Custard filed for Chapter 11 after expanding into the Chicago market, where stores struggled to gain traction.

By Julie Littman • Updated Nov. 17, 2025

Will restaurants see more M&A and IPO activity in 2026?

Next year may be marked by a high volume of deals for both high-performing growth concepts and distressed assets, as challenger brands look for capital and ailing systems seek turnarounds.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 14, 2025

Sweetgreen opens first drive-thru location with automated makeline

The Costa Mesa, California, store features an automated Infinite Kitchen makeline and a digital pickup Sweetlane, combining two of its major technology pushes.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 13, 2025

Bloomin’ to invest $50M in Outback Steakhouse overhaul in 2026

The turnaround will touch everything from steak quality to marketing, and the cost will be partly offset by productivity investments.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Nov. 6, 2025