Jalapeños served at Qdoba, Chipotle tied to Salmonella outbreak

Both chains stopped  serving potentially contaminated peppers after hundreds of consumers across 27 states fell ill.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 7, 2026

Starbucks targets 24-hour inventory replenishment

The effort comes after the coffeehouse chain pulled the plug on an AI-powered inventory management tool after nine months.

By Kelly Stroh • Aug. 7, 2026

Portillo’s cuts 18% of corporate workforce

The July 31 reduction was meant to simplify its corporate structure to allow for better focus, nimbler operations and improved restaurant-level support.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 7, 2026

Wendy’s CEO moving with ‘urgency’ to revamp brand

Robert Wright, who rejoined the chain in May, is already drafting a strategy that will focus on menu, marketing, digital, operations and restaurants to improve the chain’s sales and traffic.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 7, 2026

Taco Bell, Taylor Farms Cyclospora case count hits 6K

The vast majority of the individuals sickened in the outbreak fell ill before Taco Bell and Taylor Farms removed potentially contaminated lettuce.

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

What led to Salad and Go’s downfall

The fast casual chain faced significant expenses following an aggressive expansion. It also suffered from wilting demand and was unable to sell itself prior to filing for Chapter 11.

By Julie Littman • Aug. 6, 2026

Chipotle pulls some jalapeños over Salmonella concerns

The brand, which has a long history of food safety scares, said its ingredient tracking system identified a batch of peppers that may have been affected.  

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Aug. 5, 2026

Dave & Buster’s hires another CEO

Darin Harper has moved into the top executive position from CFO, succeeding Tarun Lal, who retired effective Aug. 3.

By Julie Littman • Updated Aug. 4, 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

Why do so many restaurants insist on employee gimmicks?

Canned phrases, scripted songs and choreographed dance routines aim to boost brand consistency and memorability but risk alienating customers and employees, experts say.

By Michael Brady • 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

Panera to relocate HQ to Massachusetts

The fast casual chain said the move to Weston is part of its Panera RISE strategy and will help foster more collaboration and decision-making.

By Julie Littman • July 31, 2026

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