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

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