Operations

  • An image of a restaurant that has a white sign with "Chili's" on the front and side.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Chili’s hones remodel strategy, plots unit growth

    The chain expects to complete eight to 10 redesigns this fiscal year with another 60 to 80 planned for fiscal 2027.

    By • Jan. 30, 2026
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    Stephen Maturen via Getty Images
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    Deep Dive

    ‘Fear’ and ‘chaos’ threaten employers’ 2026 immigration plans

    Even the attorneys to whom HR departments look for guidance are vexed by the Trump administration’s enforcement plan — which is expected to escalate.

    By Ryan Golden • Jan. 30, 2026
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    Trendline

    Back-of-house Technology

    From AI-enhanced inventory management systems and analytics to robot-powered kitchen equipment, restaurants are investing in technology solutions to optimize kitchen operations and reduce employee turnover. 

    By Restaurant Dive staff
  • Two people working in the restaurant My 2 Cents.
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    Permission granted by Square
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    What’s the restaurant industry outlook for 2026?

    After a bruising year, restaurants face another spell of serious uncertainty. But there are bright spots in beverage innovation and casual dining, and diner spending may improve.

    By • Jan. 30, 2026
  • An aerial view of a building with white "Chili'"s sign alongside a red pepper.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    How Chili’s menu innovation is growing its same-store sales

    Brinker CEO Kevin Hochman said upgraded dishes like Skillet Quesos and nachos are driving higher sales than previous iterations.

    By • Jan. 29, 2026
  • A person in a white shirt hold up a stick of meat while a person at a table takes a portion of meat off the stick. Another person is taking a photograph with a smartphone
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    Courtesy of Fogo de Chao
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    Deep Dive

    Casual chains need to prioritize experience to win in 2026

    Restaurant brands that offer affordability alongside a positive guest experience will thrive this year, and customers will keep coming back, experts say.

    By • Jan. 29, 2026
  • A nighttime image of a beige building with a sign that says Fatburger open 24 hours.
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    anderm via Getty Images
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    3 reasons Fat Brands filed for Chapter 11

    Beyond its complicated debt situation, economic challenges and ongoing litigation worsened Fat’s financial stability.

    By • Jan. 28, 2026
  • An empty Starbucks redesigned with lots of green and open space.
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    Courtesy of Starbucks
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    Starbucks’ sales spike on traffic, show turnaround is working

    The coffee giant saw transactions increase among rewards members and non-members, the first time both cohorts saw traffic growth in nearly four years.

    By • Jan. 28, 2026
  • A Torchy's Tacos sign shot from a low angle.
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    Getty Images
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    Torchy’s Tacos will close handful of locations

    The closures signal that restaurant chains are pulling back in once-popular regions, like the South and Southeast, that have become overbuilt.

    By • Jan. 28, 2026
  • An image of a green trailer in front of a Home Depot building. The trailer says "Walhburgers" as well as "burgers, breakfast burritos, shakes ... and more"
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    Permission granted by Wahlburgers
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    Wahlburgers plots expansion at Home Depot, Bass Pro Shops

    The burger chain is building units in airports, retailers and hotels this year, which will help it rebound after Hy-Vee ended its partnership last year.

    By • Updated Jan. 27, 2026
  • A photograph of a yellow sign with Denny's in red.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Denny’s CEO Kelli Valade departs

    Valade will leave the chain, which was just sold to a group of private investors, after five years to become the CEO of nonprofit WFF in February.

    By • Updated Jan. 23, 2026
  • A beige building with a green sign and white lettering that says "Panera Bread."
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Panera pilots points-based rewards program

    The fast casual chain will test its latest iteration of MyPanera at 216 cafes across various markets, with a plan for a nationwide rollout later this year.

    By • Jan. 23, 2026
  • An image of a corner building with black signage that says Peet's Coffee.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Peet’s Coffee is closing several stores this month

    This reduction comes amid a plan for parent company JDE Peet’s to merge with Keurig DrPepper, and is part of a business alignment focused on long-term growth and current market conditions.

    By • Jan. 21, 2026
  • A smiling white man in a blue suit with no tie.
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    Courtesy of Inspire Brands
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    Shake Shack hires former Sonic leader as chief commercial officer

    Jim Taylor is the latest executive to join the chain, which adapted well to the headwinds in fast casual over the last year.

    By • Jan. 21, 2026
  • A close up photograph of several bowls with food from Roti Modern Mediterranean
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    Courtesy of Roti Modern Mediterranean
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    Why fast casual chain Roti opened a ghost kitchen

    Brands have pulled back the delivery-only model, but Roti sees it as part of a development strategy that includes non-traditional and franchised growth.

    By • Jan. 21, 2026
  • Krispy Kreme doughnuts
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    Getty Images
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    Q&A

    Krispy Kreme’s CEO talks profitability, refranchising strategies

    Joshua Charlesworth said the chain’s decision to end its McDonald’s partnership and to refranchise its Japanese shops are part of creating sustainable revenue streams.

    By • Jan. 20, 2026
  • Several screenshots on a smart phone that illustrate Claim, a restaurant loyalty application.
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    Permission granted by Grubhub/Wonder
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    Grubhub parent acquires restaurant rewards app Claim

    The delivery platform will integrate Claim’s technology, which helps restaurants acquire high-value, long-term customers, within its platform later this year.

    By • Jan. 20, 2026
  • The exterior of a Del Taco during the evening
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    Permission granted by Del Taco
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    Del Taco owner appoints slate of execs amid turnaround

    Yadav Enterprises hired a CMO and a supply chain executive and created a chief transformation role as it prepares to improve Del Taco’s operations.

    By • Jan. 16, 2026
  • A photo of the outside of a Wingstop.
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    Courtesy of Wingstop
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    Wingstop appoints first COO in over 3 years

    Rajneesh Kapoor, who was promoted from president of international, succeeds Michael Skipworth and will oversee franchise and company-owned development.

    By • Jan. 15, 2026
  • A view of a Taco Bell restaurant on February 06, 2025 in Dublin, California.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Taco Bell aims for memorable, not frictionless, experiences

    Fast, easy experiences are part of good CX, but they aren’t the most important ingredient, Taco Bell’s Dane Mathews said at NRF.

    By Bryan Wassel • Jan. 15, 2026
  • A stock image of catered food in chafing dishes.
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    Getty Images
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    QSR catering is big business, but it’s not takeout, experts say

    “With catering customers, you only get one shot,” said Mike Smith, chief brand officer of Moe’s Southwest Grill. “Either you invest in all the things it takes, or you stay out of the business.”

    By Michael Brady • Jan. 14, 2026
  • A person stands in front of a Cava logo with hands crossed.
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    Courtesy of Cava
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    Cava hires Texas Roadhouse vet as COO

    Doug Thompson, who spent over 20 years at the steakhouse chain, will oversee operations and build leadership teams as Cava targets 1,000 units.

    By • Jan. 13, 2026
  • An image of two red boxes. The one on the right has wrapped burgers while the box on the left has various toppings like lettuce, pickes and tommatoes.
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    Permission granted by Five Guys
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    Five Guys expands catering through ezCater

    Employers can order packages from small group bundles to large build-your-own bars from the burger chain across 800 locations nationwide.

    By • Jan. 13, 2026
  • krispy krunchy chicken
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    Retrieved from Krispy Krunchy Chicken.
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    How innovation is fueling the fried chicken wars at c-stores

    There’s huge demand for fried chicken menu items in the U.S. But standing out requires c-stores and QSRs to diversify their menus and make it easier for employees to execute.

    By Danielle McLean • Jan. 13, 2026
  • An image of various burritos and other items from Taco Bell.
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    Permission granted by Taco Bell
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    Taco Bell expands new value menu nationwide

    The brand’s Luxe lineup, which features 10 items priced at $3 or less, contains a mix of classics and new items aimed at budget-conscious consumers. 

    By Christopher Doering • Jan. 13, 2026
  • An image of TGI Fridays signage with red and white stripes
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    Bruce Bennett via Getty Images
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    TGI Fridays targets 1K units, $2B revenue by 2030

    The once-bankrupt chain will focus on global growth, improving franchisee profitability and boosting the guest experience as part of a new strategic vision.

    By • Jan. 12, 2026