Operations

  • A photograph of a gray sign with a red box inside with white letters that says "Jack" under the box it says "in the box."
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Jack in the Box goes on defense in Biglari proxy battle

    The fast food chain is urging shareholders to reject an attempt from the activist investor to unseat the board chair.

    By • Feb. 5, 2026
  • Several Chipotle items with the brand's version of chicken al pastor.
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    Courtesy of Chipotle
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    Chipotle adopts new growth plan as sales slide

    The chain will increase the cadence of LTOs, boost menu innovation, relaunch its rewards program and accelerate unit growth.

    By • Feb. 4, 2026
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    Getty Images
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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
  • An image of a person wearing a black blazer and holding a phone up.
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    Courtesy of Fogo de Chao
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    Fogo de Chão deploys AI phone system

    The full-service chain has been leaning heavily on artificial intelligence to manage various elements of its operations to enhance the guest experience.

    By • Feb. 4, 2026
  • A night image of a sign that says Bahama Breeze
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    The image by Krista is licensed under CC BY 2.0
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    Darden to wind down Bahama Breeze

    After considering strategic alternatives, Darden has decided to shutter 14 Bahama Breeze stores and convert another 14 to different brands.

    By • Feb. 3, 2026
  • An image of a person in a suit standing in front of blurred arcade games.
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    Courtesy of CEC Entertainment
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    CEC Entertainment names CEO amid expansion push

    CFO Scott Drake will become CEO and president of the eatertainment giant beginning Feb. 13, succeeding David McKillips, who has served in the post since 2020.

    By • Updated Feb. 3, 2026
  • 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
  • Protestors confront ICE officers in Minneapolis, Minnesota
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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
  • 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