Starbucks’ experience refinements are ‘turning engagement into rituals,’ CEO says

According to CEO Brian Niccol, better customer service and a revamped loyalty program are building trust with customers and making the brand more visible.

By Bryan Wassel • July 30, 2026

Chipotle’s efforts to engage customers with rewards in-restaurant pay off

“While food quality and generous portions bring guests through our doors, it's the experience we deliver that keeps them coming back,” CEO Scott Boatwright said.

By Kristen Doerer • July 30, 2026

Chipotle posts best quarterly same-store sales growth since 2024

The chain’s Recipe for Growth initiative, which launched in February, has already shifted momentum, with same-store sales up 2.2%.

By Julie Littman • July 30, 2026

Wingstop same-store sales drop for 5th straight quarter

CEO Michael Skipworth said the fast casual chain has many price-sensitive guests and will focus more on value and group occasions to boost sales.

By Julie Littman • July 30, 2026

Starbucks remodels, service tweaks are paying off

The coffee giant gained same-store sales momentum in the U.S. market with its third consecutive quarter of comps growth.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 30, 2026

Quality without compromise: What restaurant operators really need in 2026

Consistent commitment to the best ROI can help eateries level up their business despite challenging consumer trends, writes Stacey Kinkaid, VP of product development and innovation at US Foods.

By Stacey Kinkaid • July 29, 2026

10 ways to maximize your fryer oil

Extend fryer oil with these 10 tips that help reduce waste, improve quality and lower frying costs.

July 27, 2026

Gas price moderation won’t end restaurant consumer woes

Falling gas prices may not mean a return to consumer health, as wages fall and savings deplete, worsening the gap between restaurant winners and losers.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 22, 2026

Taylor Farms lettuce didn’t contain parasite behind diarrhea outbreak, FDA says

The agency said a previous finding was “a false positive,” but the supplier to companies such as Walmart and Taco Bell remains at the heart of an ongoing investigation.

By Phil Neuffer • July 22, 2026

Domino’s says order counts are up thanks to third-party delivery

Partnerships with Uber Eats and DoorDash are bringing in more new customers than the chain would have gained otherwise.

By Julie Littman • July 21, 2026

Taco Bell, QSR and fast casual traffic plunges after Cyclospora lettuce recall

Visits at the Mexican chain slid by 30% on July 17 after shredded lettuce in at least five states was tied to the outbreak.

By Julie Littman • Updated July 23, 2026

How much is invisible waste costing your restaurant?

While most operators fret about increasing foot traffic and check size, there may be a surprising factor killing profits. And that’s restaurant waste.

July 20, 2026

Taco Bell traffic declines following diarrhea outbreak

The outbreak also resulted in a drop in visits at other chains that serve salad, such as Sweetgreen, Chopt and Panera, according to Placer.ai data.

By Julie Littman • July 17, 2026

Craveworthy Brands to open first multi-concept restaurant

With seven brands in one location, Crave Kitchen will offer multiple food options to students and faculty at Georgia Tech when it debuts in August.

By Julie Littman • July 17, 2026

Inappropriate touching, unwanted spanking costs Las Vegas restaurant group $2M

The court documents allege that Bouchon and the greater restaurant group failed to take appropriate action to prevent the harassment, even after receiving complaints.

By Caroline Colvin • July 17, 2026

Hardee’s franchisee says old stores, high costs led to bankruptcy

Superior Star said it absorbed significant, unexpected deferred maintenance expenses following its 2023 acquisition of scores of Hardee’s restaurants. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 17, 2026

Taco Bell lettuce supplier linked to diarrhea outbreak

Upwards of 1,600 people who contracted cyclosporiasis reported eating at the chain beforehand, the CDC and FDA said.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Updated July 20, 2026

Wonder tops $9B valuation, raises $650M

The food hall company will use the latest funding round to support its ongoing expansion, marketplace growth and technology investments.

By Julie Littman • July 16, 2026

How Casey’s keeps outperforming its c-store and QSR peers

Executives and analysts credit a restaurant-style approach and steady execution for the retailer’s six years of positive inside same-store sales growth.

By Brett Dworski • July 16, 2026

Suburban mixed-use developments offer more foot traffic, challenges

Complexes with office and residential above retail can bring in guests and energy to restaurants, but the design and space may dictate their success.

By Danielle McLean • July 16, 2026

Taco Bell pulls some ingredients as cyclosporiasis outbreak grows

The brand said its decision was a voluntary precaution and that no specific brand or restaurant has been confirmed as the source of the outbreak.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 16, 2026

Panera adds limits to Sip Club beverage subscription

Beginning Aug. 19, members can redeem 30 drinks per month, instead of an unlimited amount each month. 

By Julie Littman • July 14, 2026

Why restaurant AI setbacks aren’t the whole story

AI tools that have a holistic view of restaurant operations can make operators more efficient, improve margins and even drive same-store sales growth, Par’s head of AI said.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 14, 2026

Starbucks rolls out quarterly bonuses for high-performing workers

The latest perks could help the chain attract and retain workers needed to sustain its turnaround drive. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 13, 2026

Zaxbys debuts in New York

The chicken tender brand’s New York City opening signals its ongoing national expansion, and comes as it emphasizes unit growth in new markets.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 13, 2026