The Latest
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Spencer Platt via Getty Images
Tracking the same-store sales of 21 major restaurant chains
Very few chains — not even Chipotle and Domino’s — were immune from same-store sales slides reported in Q1 2025 as consumers spend less.
Updated May 21, 2025 -
Smallhands Creative
Sponsored by ToastRewriting the playbook: How a new generation of restaurateurs is beating rising costs
With costs soaring, the old strategies have hit a wall. Hear from restaurateurs rewriting the rules.
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Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
Jack in the Box brings back COO position
Shannon McKinney returns to the chain to oversee operations less than a year after it eliminated the position as part of a corporate restructuring.
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Permission granted by Taco Bell
It’s the summer of chicken for QSRs
Chains including Culver’s, McDonald’s and Taco Bell hope to attract customers with new poultry lineups this season.
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Permission granted by McDonald's/Krispy Kreme
Krispy Kreme, McDonald’s end partnership
Effective July 2, the two chains will stop selling doughnuts in McDonald’s restaurants, with Krispy Kreme citing profitability issues.
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Courtesy of Town & Country Markets
How one grocer is succeeding with in-store restaurants
While many retailers have struggled to make money with on-site eateries, Town & Country Market’s integrated approach is lifting sales throughout the store.
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Permission granted by Quiznos
Q&AWhy Rego Restaurant’s CEO is bullish on modular construction, franchisee growth
Neel Patel said Rego’s Qube model significantly cuts the cost of construction for the Quiznos brand and allows for an acceleration of new units.
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Courtesy of Darden
Olive Garden president to retire, sparking C-suite shuffle
Dan Kiernan will retire after over 30 years at Darden, including seven as Olive Garden president. John Wilkerson, current Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen president, will step into the role.
Updated June 21, 2025 -
NoSystem images via Getty Images
How will hotel F&B fare against tariffs? CEOs weigh in.
Food and beverage costs are slated to increase as dining and bar patron levels drop, experts, the head of the National Restaurant Association and other experts noted.
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Courtesy of Olive Garden
How Olive Garden’s delivery channel is impacting sales growth
Analyst BTIG expects delivery could add hundreds of millions of dollars to the chain’s sales, with every $100 million resulting in a 2% same-store sales impact.
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Darden considering sale of Bahama Breeze
CEO Rick Cardenas said the chain, which closed 15 units in May, doesn’t fit within its current portfolio.
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Michael M. Santiago via Getty Images
How DoorDash is evolving its retail media arm as ad revenue grows
The ads division just acquired ad-tech startup Symbiosys for $175 million and is introducing new artificial intelligence tools for restaurant brands.
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Mario Tama via Getty Images
McDonald’s appoints US CIO
Valerie Ashbaugh is set to switch positions with long-time tech chief Whitney McGinnis, who will now be senior vice president, commercial products and platforms.
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Courtesy of Panera
Panera operator in Florida sued by DOL over child labor
The suit alleges that a 29-store franchisee subjected 240 minors to “oppressive” and illegal working conditions.
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Sam Silverstein/Restaurant Dive
Walmart is leveling up in foodservice. How can grocers compete?
As the retailer adds hot bars, grab-and-go items and in-store QSRs, supermarkets can tap their workers and deep knowledge of their customer base as valuable differentiators, sources said.
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Courtesy of Yum Brands
Yum Brands appoints Chris Turner CEO
Turner, current chief financial and franchise officer, will succeed David Gibbs on Oct. 1. Gibbs will serve the chain in an advisory role through 2026.
Updated June 17, 2025 -
Permission granted by Portillo's
Portillo’s expands breakfast test
The chain, which began testing the morning daypart in April, added five more restaurants and a new menu item to the Chicagoland pilot.
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Brandon Bell via Getty Images
Chick-fil-A leads in customer satisfaction for 11th straight year
The ACSI 2025 report found challenger brands on the march, sector leaders on the defensive, and Starbucks showing surprising strength.
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Permission granted by Golden Corral
Why Golden Corral rebranded its fast casual concept
Homeward Kitchen required too many resources to raise brand awareness, so the chain reopened it using the Golden Corral logo.
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Courtesy of Portillo's
Portillo’s appoints Gene Lee to board
The fast casual chain made the former Darden CEO a director as part of its agreement with Engaged Capital.
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Mark Davis via Getty Images
Dave & Buster’s dials back some of its ‘confusing’ experience changes
The company is reversing course on proposed changes, like flexible game pricing, with an eye toward simplification, according to CEO Kevin Sheehan.
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Permission granted by Fuzzy's Taco Shop
Fuzzy’s to open first full-service restaurant
Fuzzy’s Tacos and Margs will offer tableside service, a taco-focused menu and a new slate of beverages in Sugar Land, Texas, next week.
Updated June 13, 2025 -
Permission granted by Ascent Hospitality Management
Ascent Hospitality appoints technology chief
Brian Wallunas has more than 20 years of experience in hospitality and technology. He has overseen digital transformations at brands such as Domino’s and Arby’s.
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Scott Olson via Getty Images
Restaurants develop a taste for AI as economic outlook sours
BJ’s Restaurants, Cracker Barrel and Bloomin’ Brands pursue efficiency and productivity gains with AI initiatives.
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Courtesy of 7 Brew
7 Brew hires first supply chain chief
Christopher Held, who worked at Inspire Brands for six years, will help scale operations, optimize supply chain and ensure product consistency at the fast-growing coffee chain.
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Scott Olson via Getty Images
Starbucks deploys virtual assistant to improve workflows
Green Dot Assist will help staff look up various ingredients for drinks, troubleshoot equipment and help managers staff last-minute callouts.
