Firehouse Subs CEO retires

After over 13 years leading the sandwich chain, Don Fox handed leadership over to the company’s COO Mike Hancock. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne , Julie Littman • March 31, 2023

Burger King franchisee bankruptcies may signal more QSR trouble

The bankruptcy of two major Burger King operators laid bare the problems facing franchisees. But at Burger King, the worst may be over.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 31, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

Restaurant Dive Outlook for 2023

Restaurants across categories are hungry for growth this year, with many embracing franchising. However, confidence in the ghost kitchen model is waning.

By Restaurant Dive staff

Panera’s latest innovation uses Alexa ordering capabilities

MyPanera rewards members can order pickup or delivery with voice or touch on Echo Show devices.

By Julie Littman • March 29, 2023

IHOP to serve biggest menu revision to date

The new items, which will be added on Monday, span across breakfast, lunch and dinner and are part of the company’s ongoing menu innovation strategy. 

By Julie Littman • March 29, 2023

Jinya Ramen Bar to grow from 52 units to 200-plus in 10 years

The Asian food chain opened eight restaurants last year and aims to add 25 locations annually.

By Julie Littman • March 29, 2023

Who’s who: Meet the newest CEOs of the restaurant industry

Chains like Starbucks, Restaurant Brands International, CKE Restaurants and True Food Kitchen gained new leadership during Q1.

By Julie Littman • March 29, 2023

QSRs expect 51% of tasks will be automated by 2025

Operators said they will invest more in technology to support digital order fulfillment, operational efficiency in the kitchen and faster checkout times, per an Incisiv report. 

By Julie Littman • March 29, 2023

Fogo de Chão says plant-based fare, cocktail lounges attract young diners

By offering a richer menu than just fire-roasted meats, the Brazilian restaurant has gained strong awareness among younger consumers, which has helped it open new restaurants.

By Julie Littman • March 24, 2023

Luckin Coffee’s ‘revenue reckoning’ takeaways

The Beijing-based chain was initially viewed as a kind of David poised to take on the Goliath of the coffee world — Starbucks — in China.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • March 23, 2023

How breakfast brands are reinventing morning menus

Restaurants like First Watch, Snooze and Another Broken Egg Cafe have been adding twists to classic menu items as the segment emphasizes affordable brunch options.

By Julie Littman • March 23, 2023

True Food Kitchen appoints Lazy Dog exec as CEO

John Williams joins the 43-unit, wellness-focused chain as it looks to grow and open a new fast casual concept to reach new customers. 

By Julie Littman • March 23, 2023

Breakfast eateries embrace delivery, technology

Chains have adapted front- and back-of-house operations to accommodate more off-premise sales and technology to improve the dine-in experience.

By Julie Littman • March 22, 2023

Papa Johns CFO resigns

Ann Gugino, who has been at the pizza chain since 2020, is leaving effective May 31. Papa Johns has begun a search for a permanent CFO. 

By Julie Littman • March 22, 2023

Pretzelmaker opens first drive-thru

The Mason City, Iowa unit will include the chain’s Fresh Twist brand menu, which launched in 2018 to meet demand for breakfast and late-night options. 

By Julie Littman • March 21, 2023

Survey: 66% of franchisees feel optimistic about business

Changing consumer preferences may push franchisees to invest in store remodels and digital ordering and delivery systems, TD Bank found in a survey.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 21, 2023

Rise and shine: Why breakfast chains are booming

Early bird foot traffic from remote and hybrid workers is boosting same-store sales growth at A.M. eateries, fueling sizable expansion pipelines.

By Julie Littman • March 21, 2023

Chick-fil-A to roll out updates to rewards program in April

Chick-fil-A One, which has over 50 million members, will offer new items and increased points for redemption on some items starting April 4.

By Julie Littman • March 17, 2023

CKE names former Papa Johns COO as CEO

Max Wetzel joins the parent company of Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s after working at Papa Johns for over three years in various executive positions. 

By Julie Littman • March 17, 2023

Steele Brands’ 250-unit pipeline will take it nationwide

After consumer interest in health food boomed following the COVID-19 pandemic, the holding company accelerated franchising of its Crisp & Green concept, which will soon operate in 25 states.

By Julie Littman • March 17, 2023

Subway brings back Footlong Pass subscription

The chain, which sold out 10,000 subscriptions in August in under six hours, is now offering 250,000 passes to rewards members for April redemption. 

By Julie Littman • March 17, 2023

Krispy Kreme exiting CPG snack business, cutting 102 jobs

The sweets maker said the segment underperformed on the market. Instead, the company is focusing on delivering fresh-baked doughnuts to stores.

By Megan Poinski • March 17, 2023

Nextbite, IHOP launch TenderFix virtual brand

Nextbite’s chicken-centric brand, which was developed with the help of actor Noah Schnapp, marks the third partnership between the host kitchen and IHOP.

By Julie Littman • March 16, 2023

Sweetgreen teams with Zipline for drone delivery

Zipline’s new home delivery platform would use 97% less energy than deliveries fulfilled by car, the company claims. 

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • March 16, 2023

Denny’s serves up AR experience with new menu overhaul

Guests can take a virtual tour of Denny’s new menu and get exclusive deals, as part of a brand update that includes new kitchen equipment and food offerings. 

By Julie Littman • March 15, 2023

Hawaiian Bros signs first multi-unit franchise deal for 75 units

The roughly 30-unit fast casual chain will more than double its unit count in a deal with Stine Enterprises to open restaurants in Arizona and North Texas.

By Julie Littman • Updated March 15, 2023