Layne’s Chicken Fingers thinks it has what it takes to go national

Cane’s. Dave’s. Now Layne’s? A small Texas chicken chain wants to be the next big thing. Multi-unit operators, a simple menu and a premium product could make it happen.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 11, 2026

Cracker Barrel reports steepest traffic decline since botched rebrand

Despite focusing on menu quality and value, the chain reported a 10% traffic drop nearly six months after it attempted to remove its iconic Uncle Herschel from its branding.

By Julie Littman • March 5, 2026

Red Lobster hires former P.F. Chang’s CEO as CFO

Brad Hill will oversee the chain’s finances and real estate strategy as it focuses on long-term growth.

By Julie Littman • Updated March 3, 2026

Why are leading fast casuals primarily company owned?

Franchising is the primary model for development in fast food, but different market dynamics prevail in fast casual.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 2, 2026

Papa Johns will close 300 restaurants

As part of its transformation, the chain will close units that are over 10 years old with AUVs under $600,000 and has already cut 7% of its corporate staff.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 26, 2026

First Watch CFO to retire

Mel Hope led the breakfast chain’s fiscal operations through a pandemic, an IPO and high inflation. His successor faces a strained consumer environment.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 24, 2026

Domino’s loyalty program fuels carryout growth

“We stated before that our objectives with the loyalty program was definitely to cater much more to the carryout customer and also to attract light users,” CEO Russell Weiner said.

By Bryan Wassel • Feb. 24, 2026

‘This is not personal. It’s business’: Why an expert says the clock is ticking for Fat Brands’ CEO

Andrew Wiederhorn’s days as CEO could be numbered if creditors successfully argue conflict of interests exist, bankruptcy expert Jerrold Bregman said.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 23, 2026

Wendy’s is ‘undervalued’ and could face takeover by Nelson Peltz

The former Wendy’s board chair is considering taking action at the chain, where stock prices have fallen 60% over the past five years.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 19, 2026

Why Jack in the Box bets parking lot paint can cure sales

The chain hopes improvements to product quality and restaurant cosmetics will reverse sliding same-store sales and help prepare for a full remodel program.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 19, 2026

Fat Brands sued by lender over cash use during bankruptcy

352 Capital contests Fat’s plan to use management fees and other cash under securitization receivables to fund operations during Chapter 11 proceedings.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 19, 2026

NRA: Restaurant, foodservice to surpass $1.5 trillion in sales

While challenges related to the economy and food and labor costs will persist, the National Restaurant Association said operators are cautiously optimistic.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 17, 2026

Popeyes hopes restaurant-level reliability will turn sales around

The chain, which saw comp sales decline by 4.9% in Q4, has already improved field engagement and targeted support for underperforming restaurants.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 13, 2026

How McDonald’s won back low-income diners

Over a year after it began rolling out various value options, the chain is seeing improved scores on affordability and notched 6.8% comparable sales growth in the fourth quarter.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 12, 2026

‘Personal attack’: Fat Brands cries foul over plan to oust CEO

The Fatburger owner admitted to making a mistake in selling shares of Twin Hospitality without court approval, but argued the call for Andrew Wiederhorn’s removal should be denied.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 10, 2026

HTeaO appoints Darden vet as CFO

Chris Phillips, who also worked at Popeyes, will oversee finance and strategic planning as the Texas-based drive-thru chain grows past 150 units.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 10, 2026

Fat Brands CEO Andy Wiederhorn faces ouster by lenders

The chief executive’s on-again-off-again tenure at Fat is under threat after a sale of Twin Hospitality stock, which creditors allege was irregular.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 9, 2026

Golden Gate Capital sells Bob Evans Restaurants

Unit count declined over the past six years at the family dining chain, but new owner 4x4 Capital plans to maximize the brand’s long-term growth potential.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 6, 2026

Jack in the Box goes on defense in Biglari proxy battle

The fast food chain is urging shareholders to reject an attempt from the activist investor to unseat the board chair.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 5, 2026

McDonald’s appoints field, finance execs

In addition to the naming Luis Quintiliano as U.S. field president, the Golden Arches is rotating responsibilities between two finance executives.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 5, 2026

Pizza Hut to close 250 stores

About 4% of the chain’s U.S. store system will close during the first half of this year as Yum Brands continues a strategic review of the ailing QSR.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 4, 2026

Fat Brands gets dropped from Nasdaq amid bankruptcy

Stocks will cease trading on Feb. 4, at which time they will begin selling on an over-the-counter market, where sales are typically managed by brokers.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 2, 2026

A large Subway operator declares bankruptcy

MTF Enterprises, which operates 43 units, alleges that Merchant Cash Advance lenders improperly interfered with its revenue, leading it to file for Chapter 11. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 2, 2026

3 reasons Fat Brands filed for Chapter 11

Beyond its complicated debt situation, economic challenges and ongoing litigation worsened Fat’s financial stability.

By Julie Littman • Jan. 28, 2026

Fat Brands files for Chapter 11

This move comes months after creditors pushed for it to pay $1.3 billion in debt, and marks the first major restaurant franchisor bankruptcy of 2026.  

By Julie Littman • Updated Jan. 27, 2026