How 7 fast casual, full-service chains are hiking prices

Applebee’s, Chipotle and Shake Shack have raised prices between 7.5% and 10%, and Noodles & Company will test dynamic pricing as chains contend with inflation. 

By Restaurant Dive Team • March 24, 2023

Fogo de Chão says plant-based fare, cocktail lounges attract young diners

By offering a richer menu than just fire-roasted meats, the Brazilian restaurant has gained strong awareness among younger consumers, which has helped it open new restaurants.

By Julie Littman • March 24, 2023

How 5 QSR giants are tackling menu pricing, strategy

McDonald’s, Starbucks and Wendy’s took price between 6% and 10% in 2022, and experts expect prices to rise further as chains face economic headwinds. 

By Restaurant Dive Team • March 23, 2023

How breakfast brands are reinventing morning menus

Restaurants like First Watch, Snooze and Another Broken Egg Cafe have been adding twists to classic menu items as the segment emphasizes affordable brunch options.

By Julie Littman • March 23, 2023

Subway brings back Footlong Pass subscription

The chain, which sold out 10,000 subscriptions in August in under six hours, is now offering 250,000 passes to rewards members for April redemption. 

By Julie Littman • March 17, 2023

Denny’s serves up AR experience with new menu overhaul

Guests can take a virtual tour of Denny’s new menu and get exclusive deals, as part of a brand update that includes new kitchen equipment and food offerings. 

By Julie Littman • March 15, 2023

How Applebee’s new president plans to revive franchisee development

With high costs hurting potential ROI on new builds, Tony Moralejo wants to save with a new kitchen prototype and franchisee incentives.

By Julie Littman • March 7, 2023

Sweetgreen launches catering as workers return to offices

The fast casual chain slowly grew the channel through a pilot program last year as it expanded into new markets. 

By Julie Littman • March 7, 2023

How Wetzel’s Pretzels built a pipeline to reach 400 units this year

CEO Jennifer Schuler discusses the chain’s strategy of opening units inside c-stores and large retailers like Walmart and Macy’s.

By Julie Littman • March 1, 2023

McDonald’s scales Krispy Kreme pilot to 160 Kentucky units

Months after launching at nine stores, the chain will begin selling Krispy Kreme doughnuts from units in Louisville and Lexington, Kentucky, on March 21.

By Emma Liem Beckett • Feb. 27, 2023

Chipotle adding TikTok viral fajita quesadilla to digital menu

The menu item, which began as a menu hack video on the social media platform, will be available starting Thursday.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 27, 2023

Shake Shack serves up fine dining experience with White Truffle Menu

Ten Shake Shack restaurants are taking reservations for a prix fixe tasting menu that costs $20 per person.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 22, 2023

McDonald’s readies first-ever duo meal with Cardi B and Offset

Timed to Valentine's Day, the effort includes tie-ups with dating apps and a kiss cam billboard in Times Square.

By Chris Kelly , Emma Liem Beckett • Feb. 13, 2023

Chick-fil-A pilots first chicken-free sandwich

The cauliflower sandwich, which is marinated, breaded and pressure cooked simiarly to its chicken sandwich, will be available in Denver; Charleston, South Carolina; and in the Greensboro-Triad region in North Carolina.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 9, 2023

Yum sales boosted by Pizza Hut Melts, Taco Bell Mexican Pizza

Value-heavy menu items were key to driving visits among lower-income diners, Yum CEO David Gibbs said on the company’s Q4 earnings call.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 8, 2023

Domino’s adds loaded tater tots to menu

The menu item, which comes in three varieties as part of the chain’s $6.99 Mix & Match Deal, marks Domino’s first potato product on its national menu.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 6, 2023

Red Robin hires CPK vet as VP of culinary

Brian Sullivan, who spent 34 years at California Pizza Kitchen, will help Red Robin invest in higher food quality and a menu refresh. 

By Julie Littman • Feb. 2, 2023

Dunkin’ doubles down on loyalty with exclusive latte

Months after retooling its rewards program, the chain has added the Brownie Batter Signature Latte, its first beverage available only to loyalty members.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 1, 2023

McDonald’s will lean into chicken, coffee to grow diner frequency

The core menu categories pose significant growth opportunity, McDonald’s executives said Tuesday, as the chain aims to better compete with chicken-only chains and leverage coffee’s high margins. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • Jan. 31, 2023

Chick-fil-A to open second Little Blue Menu location

The chain’s original Nashville, Tennessee, prototype offers items from virtual concepts Outfox Wings and Because, Burger in addition to Chick-fil-A’s menu. 

By Julie Littman • Updated Jan. 30, 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

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

Panera expands sandwich line with toasted baguettes

The fast casual chain’s latest menu addition builds on its “warm and hearty” offerings, which include flatbread pizzas and grain bowls. 

By Julie Littman • Jan. 6, 2023

Chipotle targets Gen Z with wellness Snapchat Lens, menu items

To address how Gen Z and millennials approach wellness, the chain is focused on convenience and mobile gamification.

By Aaron Baar • Jan. 3, 2023

BTIG: Papa Johns’ value menu attracting new base of customers

The Papa Pairings platform, which offers guests $6.99 menu items, is attracting customers earning $60,000 or less annually, according to a BTIG report.

By Julie Littman • Dec. 22, 2022