Krispy Kreme will serve doughnuts in 2K McDonald’s by year’s end

To support this rapid expansion, Krispy Kreme will boost production at its existing facilities and may work with third-party logistics firms.

Campaign Trail: Taco Bell takes on ‘Big Chicken’ through family debates

Fans of the chain’s Cantina Chicken menu are pitted against “trachickenalists” in ads that pitch the QSR as a chicken destination like KFC and Chick-fil-A.

How QSR pizza chains are competing on value

Domino’s focus on promotions and discounts helped increase sales, while Papa Johns and Pizza Hut struggled with similar offerings.

Serve Robotics buys Autocado maker Vebu

The acquisition of the Chipotle-backed equipment developer signals Serve’s interests are growing from the sidewalk to the kitchen.

Papa Johns names new CMO to elevate data-driven creativity

Jenna Bromberg, previously director of core marketing at Pizza Hut, joins Papa Johns as it works to improve perceptions around value and loyalty experiences.

Here’s what restaurants need to consider when crafting a value menu

Companies have to stay competitive and drive traffic with value-priced items. But they have to be careful not to go too low, experts say.

Cracker Barrel’s new CMO on reconnecting a heritage brand to culture

Sarah Moore discussed changing Cracker Barrel’s approach to partnerships and prioritizing apps like TikTok to keep a finger on the consumer pulse.

Walk-On’s to open first corporate stores since 2016

The chain will open multiple corporate-owned locations next year that feature a new interior and exterior in addition to updated kitchen equipment.

Dine Brands wants to open a dozen IHOP-Applebee’s units in the US next year

While the eye-catching new units promise greater profits, they can’t solve the sales pressure that both brands currently face.

Buca di Beppo to be sold to stalking horse bidder for $27M

Main Street Capital Corporation originally provided the chain a loan of $47 million in 2015 and will buy it out of bankruptcy. 

Popeyes didn’t focus on value in Q3 and paid for it

The chain lacked enough compelling promotions to attract price-sensitive customers during the summer, contributing to negative comparable sales.

Taco Bell is a winner and KFC a loser in Yum Brands’ Q3

KFC’s value meal did not turn its same-store sales declines around, but Taco Bell’s mix of menu innovation and value messaging drove growth for the company.

Burger King’s LTOs met with stiff competition in Q3

The chain’s summer promotions, including its Fiery menu, had trouble cutting through QSR value messages, resulting in softer than expected sales in Q3.

Why TGI Fridays filed for bankruptcy

The casual chain’s fortunes soured this year as scores of stores shut and bondholders took control of its assets, ending a proposed merger.

Tropical Smoothie Cafe appoints new CEO

Max Wetzel, who previously served as CEO at CKE Restaurants for over a year, joins the smoothie chain months after it was acquired by Blackstone.

Red Lobster hires Brinker exec as COO

Larry Konecny joins the seafood chain, which recently emerged from Chapter 11, after a 17-year tenure at Maggiano’s Little Italy.

El Pollo Loco ramps up remodel efforts with low-cost design

A new prototype, which includes furniture upgrades and energy-efficient hoods and HVAC, will help reduce buildout costs from $2.2 million to $1.8 million.

EEOC alleges Culver’s operators fired a transgender worker who complained about deadnaming

Four workers, including the transgender worker who was the subject of the harassment, were fired a day after reporting the behavior to the general manager, EEOC alleged.

How Starbucks plans to get back to being a coffeehouse

The coffee giant thinks ceramic mugs, a coffee condiments bar and comfy chairs are a good start toward improving its in-store vibe.

The restaurant labor market in 6 key statistics

Turnover has fallen in H1 2024, while unemployment and total jobs in restaurants remained steady, indicating a return to pre-pandemic labor market dynamics.

Updated Nov. 4, 2024

Paytronix acquired by The Access Group

The deal will expand the offerings available through Paytronix’s platform and help accelerate its growth, executives said.

7-Eleven crashes the $5 value meal party

Customers can get two of the chain’s “new, bigger” pizza slices and a 20-ounce Coke or Sprite in the latest cost-conscious c-store deal.

McDonald’s E. coli outbreak now tied to 90 illnesses

The CDC said Wednesday that it’s likely that slivered onions from Taylor Farms used on Quarter Pounders caused the outbreak.

Wendy’s to close 140 poor-performing restaurants in Q4

To boost the health of the overall system, the chain will close outdated restaurants that have operating margins below average and unit volumes of about $1.1 million.

Starbucks to eliminate non-dairy milk upcharge, hold prices steady

The coffee giant will move towards greater price transparency on customized drinks while cutting back on ineffective discounts, CEO Brian Niccol said.