Subway to remove free footlong offer from Sub Club

On April 1, the company will allow members to earn a $2 reward for every 400 points accumulated.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 20, 2026

NRA: Tariffs, immigration and swipe fees will define restaurant politics in 2026

The National Restaurant Association said restaurants need stable trade policy, protections for immigrant workers and lower swipe fees.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 20, 2026

Explore the 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

Fat Brands sued by lender over cash use during bankruptcy

352 Capital contests Fat’s plan to use management fees and other cash under securitization receivables to fund operations during Chapter 11 proceedings.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 19, 2026

Toast courts fast food restaurants

The company is entering the drive-thru business in a bid to attract more of the quick-service sector to its customer rolls.

By Patrick Cooley • Feb. 19, 2026

How Wingstop plans to weather traffic slides and winter storms

The company expects investments in speed of service and in loyalty systems will reverse a third quarter of comparable sales declines.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 18, 2026

NRA: Over 25% of restaurant operators use AI

Marketing is the top area where automation is being used, followed by administrative tasks, according to a National Restaurant Association report.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 18, 2026

NRA: Restaurant, foodservice to surpass $1.5 trillion in sales

While challenges related to the economy and food and labor costs will persist, the National Restaurant Association said operators are cautiously optimistic.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 17, 2026

What’s blocking your direct orders? 5 guest experience gaps to fix

Maximize margins and guest loyalty by eliminating these five common friction points in direct ordering.

By Ken Marks - VP, Product Management at Olo • Feb. 17, 2026

Wendy’s pulls back on breakfast hours

The chain is allowing franchisees to focus more on lunch and late-night hours as same-store sales logs its steepest decline in roughly six years.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 13, 2026

McDonald’s is adding energy drinks, craft sodas to McCafe line

The beverages, inspired by the chain’s defunct CosMc’s spinoff, were “highly successful” in a 500-store test and will be deployed nationwide this year. 

By Julie Littman • Feb. 13, 2026

Popeyes hopes restaurant-level reliability will turn sales around

The chain, which saw comp sales decline by 4.9% in Q4, has already improved field engagement and targeted support for underperforming restaurants.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 13, 2026

Portillo’s hires Outback Steakhouse vet as CEO

Brett Patterson, who most recently served as CEO of Miller’s Ale House, joins the chain as it slows down its unit growth.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 12, 2026

Restaurant lobby celebrates Illinois court win on swipe fees

A judge ruled the state can prohibit financial firms from charging interchange fees on tips and sales taxes.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 12, 2026

How McDonald’s won back low-income diners

Over a year after it began rolling out various value options, the chain is seeing improved scores on affordability and notched 6.8% comparable sales growth in the fourth quarter.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 12, 2026

‘Personal attack’: Fat Brands cries foul over plan to oust CEO

The Fatburger owner admitted to making a mistake in selling shares of Twin Hospitality without court approval, but argued the call for Andrew Wiederhorn’s removal should be denied.

By Julie Littman • Feb. 10, 2026

Walmart links up with Vietnamese beverage restaurant

The retailer continues to grow its roster of in-store quick-service restaurant offerings with the opening of a drink station inside an Illinois store. 

By Peyton Bigora • Feb. 10, 2026

Toast, Instacart launch just-in-time supply tool

Restaurants will be able to place Instacart Business orders through Toast’s platforms, offering a stopgap option when unexpected supply chain issues hit.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 10, 2026

Limited-service restaurants are losing traffic to grocers and casual chains

QSR and fast casual chains will need to improve holistic value and on-premise experiences to bring people back, Placer.ai’s R.J. Hottovy says.

By Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 9, 2026

Inside TGI Fridays’ ambitious path to 1K units by 2030

CEO Ray Blanchette said the chain has signed 150 agreements within the past six months, and franchisees are excited to grow again. 

By Julie Littman • Feb. 9, 2026

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 Julie Littman • Feb. 5, 2026

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 Julie Littman • Feb. 4, 2026

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 Julie Littman • Feb. 4, 2026

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 Aneurin Canham-Clyne • Feb. 3, 2026

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 Julie Littman • Updated Feb. 3, 2026

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 Julie Littman • Jan. 30, 2026