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 • July 17, 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 ulimited 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

Some Michigan Taco Bells have stopped serving lettuce, cilantro amid parasite outbreak

The Great Lakes State has reported over 2,000 cases of cyclosporiasis, a parasitic foodborne illness, but it’s not clear if the outbreak is tied to Taco Bell.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 13, 2026

The true cost of bargain fries

Lower-priced fries can reduce yield, increase oil use and hurt consistency. Learn why premium fries deliver value.

By Simplot • July 13, 2026

MTY Group will close up to 50 Papa Murphy’s

This move is part of a performance review of the parent company’s owned portfolio that identified 68 underperforming locations across multiple brands.

By Julie Littman • July 10, 2026

Wonder plans another $600M funding round

The food hall company has raised over $2.8 billion since 2021 and could file for an initial public offering as early as next year.

By Julie Littman • July 10, 2026

Jersey Mike’s IPO reflects growing investor appetite for restaurants

Investors are anticipating strong valuations from the sandwich chain, especially after Black Rock Coffee’s successful 2025 debut.

By Julie Littman • Updated July 9, 2026

Hot Dog on a Stick plots growth under new ownership

Amazing Brands believes the restaurant chain is ready for strategic growth, particularly in flagship locations like Las Vegas and other high-profile markets.

By Julie Littman • July 9, 2026

OpenTable adds table reservation perk for frequent diners

Gold status members can book tables set aside for them, making access to coveted restaurants easier.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • July 8, 2026

Fresh ideas: How restaurants can overcome the challenge of seasonal produce

Chili peppers, tomatoes and other fruits and vegetables vary by time of year, geography and growing conditions, so brands must manage the inconsistencies without losing customer trust.

By Michael Brady • July 8, 2026

Denny’s appoints COO as it focuses on turnaround

Aaron Howard will play a critical role in Project Grand Slam, which aims to improve restaurant experiences, speed of service, traffic and execution.

By Julie Littman • July 8, 2026

Freddy’s plans to reach 600 restaurants in 2026

The chain expects to open 60 units this year and will refocus on in-line and endcap real estate to create more flexibility for its franchisees.

By Julie Littman • July 7, 2026

Taco Bell revs up drive-thru AI deployment

Through a partnership with Omilia, which has brought voice AI to nearly 900 U.S. restaurants, the Mexican chain will continue to add the tech across its domestic system.

By Julie Littman • Updated July 7, 2026

Restaurants have never known more about their guests. So why are they losing them?

The answer to repeat customer visits isn’t more loyalty tiers or programs, but deploying guest data to enhance experiences and remember preferences, writes Guestologie’s Ryan Volberg.

By Ryan Volberg • July 6, 2026