Cava hires Dr. Squatch marketer as CMO to build on growth

John Ludeke, most recently chief brand officer at the Unilever brand, is tasked with deepening consumer connections to the fast-casual chain.

By Chris Kelly • Sept. 30, 2026

Subway’s CMO on finding room to grow between competitors in QSR

“The challenges are real, which is why we're taking such a big swing now,” Jeff Klein said of the chain’s new brand platform starring Will Arnett.

By Chris Kelly • Sept. 30, 2026

Grubhub tests rewards to boost dine-in traffic in NYC, Chicago

Customers will be able to choose from three personalized weekly rewards to use at partner restaurants and then receive Grubhub credits.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 29, 2026

Dave & Buster’s shakes up agencies amid bid to rebuild brand relevance

Gut and Mediaplus are joining the chain’s roster to develop more distinctive marketing and better connect national scale to local activities.

By Peter Adams • Sept. 29, 2026

How McDonald’s plans to reactivate 150M infrequent loyalty guests

The Golden Arches will add rewards tiers, tie-ups with other major brands and increased personalization to its loyalty system.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 25, 2026

How Chili’s marketing works — and why Mexican QSRs are its next target

CMO George Felix dug into the casual dining chain’s past successes and pathway for future growth at Brinker International’s recent investor day.

By Chris Kelly • Sept. 25, 2026

Inside McDonald’s new marketing model as it enters media network fray

At its first investor day since 2023, the fast food giant announced it is piloting a media network with the goal of building a $1 billion ad business.

By Chris Kelly • Sept. 24, 2026

Subway skewers modern dining landscape with Will Arnett-led creative

The actor serves as the subconscious of consumers sick of everything from unhealthy fast food to chalky protein bars in a new brand platform.

By Peter Adams • Sept. 22, 2026

Tropical Smoothie Cafe unveils rebrand, new logo

The chain’s updated look will also include a redesigned web and app that will offer more seamless browsing, customizations and access to loyalty rewards.

By Julie Littman • Sept. 17, 2026

Jersey Mike’s kicks off NFL campaign as digital marketing spend surges

“Game Day Mike’s Way” is billed as the brand’s most integrated campaign to date and arrives following its debut as a public company in July.

By Sara Karlovitch • Sept. 16, 2026

TGI Fridays joins the casual dining value arms race

Starting at $11.99, the casual chain’s 3 For All menu could help it capitalize on deal-seeking consumers in a volatile pricing environment.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 14, 2026

Why IHOP brought back Stuffed French Toast

The pancake chain hopes to give fans more of what they want — vanilla sweet cream filling — while sticking close to its historic breakfast identity.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 14, 2026

How 7 Brew’s first CMO is marketing the fastest-growing brand in the US

Ex-KFC CMO Nick Chavez is building on existing brand love for the beverage chain with culture-hacking campaigns and a loyalty app that is social by design.

By Chris Kelly • Sept. 11, 2026

4 key numbers shed light on Jersey Mike’s strategy

The sandwich chain is investing in digital marketing and significant unit growth in its first months as a public company.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Sept. 9, 2026

KFC names first global chief brand officer amid identity overhaul

The chain created the post as it refreshes iconic assets, including Colonel Sanders, and recenters its menu on offerings like boneless chicken.

By Peter Adams • Sept. 4, 2026

Chipotle deploys 100 creators for latest ads spotlighting fresh food

This is the first national advertising push from Chief Brand Officer Fernando Machado and Chipotle’s first major work with new agency partner Kids.

By Peter Adams • Sept. 1, 2026

How Domino’s is taking on the Big Mac, Whopper and other fast-food icons

CMO Kate Trumbull explains why the chain and AOR Work In Progress chose a hyperbolic, darkly comedic tone for its latest campaign.

By Chris Kelly • Aug. 31, 2026

Is Starbucks’ Pumpkin Spice Latte ‘basic’? Martha Stewart answers in new ads

Stewart and “Off Campus” actor Belmont Cameli feature in tongue-in-cheek social content that heralds the return of the beloved menu item.

By Peter Adams • Aug. 28, 2026

Pizza Hut ads celebrate quarterbacks as chain drops ‘pizza’ from name

Josh Allen is the latest quarterback to appear in a spot for the brand, which continues to place value at the center of its marketing message.

By Sara Karlovitch • Aug. 25, 2026

El Pollo looks to speed up growth, menu innovation after turnaround

CEO Elizabeth Williams said the chain is doubling its pace of development relative to last year and considering adding more fried chicken. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 24, 2026

Wendy’s hires ex-McDonald’s CMO as chief marketing, customer growth officer

Tariq Hassan will succeed Lindsay Radkoski, U.S. CMO since 2023, as the chain continues to execute a turnaround plan.

By Chris Kelly • Aug. 24, 2026

Why Tropical Smoothie Cafe’s CFO champions CX

Experience improvements encourage “guests to come back more often, spend more often and recommend us to others,” CFO Chris Sasser said.

By Kristen Doerer • Aug. 21, 2026

Jack in the Box names president in CEO succession step

Former Yum Brands executive Taylor Montgomery could bring some of Taco Bell’s marketing magic to the beleaguered burger brand. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 20, 2026

Panera overhauls rewards program

The shift to points-based loyalty with premium tiers offers consumers more consistent value and greater control of redemption.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 19, 2026

Chipotle broadens Gen Alpha marketing with Salish Matter collab

A partnership with the 16-year-old YouTube and TikTok star marks the first time the brand has brought a custom creator order to its Kid’s Meal.

By Peter Adams • Aug. 19, 2026