Cracker Barrel’s business recovered. The marketing story never did.

CEO Julie Masino’s exit following a rebrand blunder provides an important lesson: don’t assume good results will overwrite a bad narrative on their own, writes marketing executive Steve Schonberg.

By Steve Schonberg • Aug. 17, 2026

Panera Bread hires CMO from Cava as transformation work continues

Andrew Rebhun will lead all aspects of marketing at the fast-casual chain. He previously was the chief marketer at Cava and El Pollo Loco.

By Chris Kelly • Aug. 13, 2026

How Cava outperforms in fast casual despite frugal marketing budget

The chain is in the process of bringing on a new CMO. Previous marketing exec Andrew Rebhun joined Panera as CMO last week.

By Chris Kelly • Aug. 12, 2026

Inside First Watch’s ‘spend more to earn more’ strategy

Despite increased marketing, food and development costs, the chain is seeing an uptick in sales, revenue and opportunities to reach new customers. 

By Julie Littman • Aug. 10, 2026

7 Brew debuts app, overhauls loyalty system

The new app could aid the coffee brand’s growth by driving sales and raising the quality and volume of consumer data it collects.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 6, 2026

Burger King sales surge, but Popeyes faces uphill battle

While Burger King’s revival has gained momentum in recent months, Popeyes has continued to struggle despite its turnaround efforts — but RBI has hope for the chicken chain’s sluggish sales.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 6, 2026

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

Popeyes spices up agency roster to deliver better brand consistency

Anomaly, which the chain credited for its “audacious, resonant work,” is taking over U.S. creative duties from McKinney.

By Peter Adams • Aug. 3, 2026

The next competitive advantage for QSRs may be the company they keep

Brand partnerships are evolving from awareness campaigns into measurable growth engines.

By Rob Murphy • Aug. 3, 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

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

Pizza Hut serves up nostalgia with latest rewards program push

The latest iteration of “Hut Originals” includes a value menu, a streetwear collection inspired by the brand’s classic uniforms and a mobile experience.

By Sara Karlovitch • July 14, 2026

Chipotle drives rewards program with ‘PGA Tour 2K25’ integration

The partnership is part of a larger golf strategy by the brand, which became an official sponsor of PGA Tour through a multiyear deal announced in January.

By Sara Karlovitch • July 10, 2026

OpenTable adds table reservation perk for frequent diners

Gold status members can book tables set aside for them, making access to coveted restaurants easier.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 8, 2026

World Cup kicks US restaurant traffic up a notch

Transactions in host cities jumped by as much as 28% during the group stage of the soccer tournament, per Square data.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 1, 2026

Buffalo Wild Wings hires marketing chief from Tatte

Scott Nelson will lead the sports bar’s culinary and marketing efforts as it looks to build on its sports-forward brand reputation.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • June 30, 2026

Taco Bell gives away emotional-support tacos as World Cup nerves run high

“Loss Or Celebration Outcome Support,” or “L.O.C.O.S.,” will activate globally and comes as the brand looks to expand its loyalty program.

By Sara Karlovitch • June 29, 2026

Starbucks pilots TikTok program for boosting employee-generated content

With Gen Z frequently learning about new products from employee-generated content, Starbucks is leaning in with help from the social media platform.

By Sara Karlovitch • June 23, 2026

Why LTOs matter more than ever in foodservice

Learn how limited-time offers can boost your traffic, test menu ideas, build brand buzz and drive revenue in foodservice.

June 22, 2026

How free streaming became the new dining room table

Free streaming and QSR converged into one ritual. The couch is now the highest-intent dining moment.

June 22, 2026

Chipotle nods to NBA milestones to dole out 53K free entrees

The chain will post a text-to-win code on X as part of an effort inspired by separate achievements from the New York Knicks and San Antonio Spurs.

By Jessica Hammers • June 5, 2026

How McDonald’s is serving up culture as part of its new strategic plan

Activations around a Nike sneaker release and box office smash “Backrooms” demonstrate how the fast-food giant uses social media marketing.

By Chris Kelly • June 4, 2026

Little Caesars offers $5 pizza deal through Amazon Prime

The limited-time value play could help the chain reach consumers through a new channel at a moment when QSR pizza is generally stagnant.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • June 3, 2026