CPK adds virtual brand to menu

The pizza chain plans to fulfill digital orders for Man Vs Fries at 118 locations, with a secret menu for dine-in guests.

Krispy Kreme promotes 4 executives as part of expansion push

The appointments include a new chief operating officer, chief growth officer, president of international and chief product officer.

Starbucks hands Anomaly US creative duties in blow to WPP: report

WPP, which only won the account in October, established a bespoke Team Starbucks unit to support the coffee chain’s turnaround plan.

Qdoba signs another 77 store agreements

The brand is looking to speed up its franchised growth and shrink Chipotle’s lead on the strength of its same-store sales and development incentives.

Bloomin’ appoints EVP, president of Outback Steakhouse

Pat Hafner, president of Carrabba’s, has worked at Bloomin’ Brands in various capacities for nearly 30 years.

How Paris Baguette is bringing back the neighborhood bakery

The chain, which offers fresh-baked goodies, drinks and cakes, signed over 160 franchise deals in 2024 and aims to sign another 200 this year.

Panera Brands CEO resigns

CFO Paul Carbone will serve as interim CEO for the company, which has yet to complete its planned IPO, in the wake of Jose Alberto Dueñas’ resignation.

White Castle names president

Anthony Joseph, current chief administrative officer, takes over the role from Lisa Ingram, who will maintain her other roles of board chair and CEO.

McDonald’s cools on DEI, shifts to ‘global inclusion’

The shift in strategy comes as a result of work done last year, McDonald’s said, including a “comprehensive Civil Rights Audit.”

Taco Bell adds $5 and $9 meal combos

A year after launching its $7 Luxe Cravings Boxes, Taco Bell is building out its value combo offerings with a cheaper choice and a more premium option.

McDonald’s value menu launch gets inspirational boost from John Cena

The actor-wrestler appears in new ads that turn into a oddball spiel about the transformational power of the McValue platform. 

Starbucks’ turnaround plan will be ‘no quick fix,’ analysts say

The chain wants to improve customer experience by making its stores more welcoming and speeding up service. But will the changes come fast enough?

Subway launches sub of the day deal

After the early end of its $6.99 meal, Subway is stepping back into the value wars with a meal deal for every day of the week.

Consumers want deals, convenience from personalization, survey finds

Simple acts of recognition, with or without a human touch, can build long-term customer relationships, Boston Consulting Group’s Mark Abraham said.

Noodles & Company warned of Nasdaq delisting

After third-quarter earnings disappointed and its stock price fell under $1, the company has yet to recover.

Inside Starbucks’ very long, very bad 2024

Traffic declines and labor strife kept the chain mired in trouble despite a CEO switch up and product launches aimed at reviving its fortunes.

Del Taco adds new burritos and value bundles

The chain’s same-store sales shrank considerably last quarter, though its value messaging may be starting to work, company leadership said.

Dunkin’ gets racy with Sabrina Carpenter in ‘Shake That Ess’ campaign

Carpenter’s hit single “Espresso” served as inspiration for a new limited-time beverage that is accompanied by ads punning on profanity.

PAR Technology buys Delaget for $132M

The food service point-of-sale and payments software provider said it bought the data analytics company to better service restaurant operators.

World of Beer emerges from bankruptcy

The company restructured its debt and plans to open upward of 20 units within the next five years. 

Domino’s CMO on how Emergency Pizzas meet consumers where they are

Kate Trumbull and Matt Talbot, co-founder of the brand’s AOR WorkInProgress, explain how last year’s marketing efforts set up the chain for 2025.

Starbucks Workers United launches multi-day strike

Beginning in Los Angeles, Chicago and Seattle, the union will expand limited strikes until Christmas Eve, potentially impacting hundreds of stores.

Darden Restaurants begins POS rollout as it pursues speedier service

The new point-of-sale system will help the company speed up orders and improve its data capabilities at nine restaurant brands, executives said.

From restaurant to retail: How Michelin-starred brands are infiltrating the grocery store

The channel provides establishments such as Momofuku and Carbone with new revenue streams and an opportunity to connect more consumers.

These restaurants closed hundreds of stores in 2024

Red Lobster closed over 100 stores prior to filing for bankruptcy, while other chains like Denny’s, which is closing 150 underperforming units, are using closures to improve system health.